Google Pixel 8a officially confirmed
Google has officially announced its long-awaited Pixel 8a smartphone. Pre-orders are now open ahead of the official on-sale date of Tuesday, May 14. Rumors were circulating that the announcement would be made at Google's I/O event next week, and true to speculations, the latest addition to the Pixel smartphone family was unveiled on Google's official store just after 5pm on Tuesday (May 7).
Features of Pixel 8a
The Pixel 8a is equipped with the same G3 Tensor chip found in the Pixel 8 Pro handset. It also includes several Google AI features from the Pixel 8 range. According to a blog post from Google's director of product management Soniya Jobanputra, the Pixel 8a boasts impressive capabilities.
Camera and AI Features
The Pixel 8a flaunts a rear camera with a 64-megapixel main lens and a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens. Additionally, it sports a 13-megapixel front-facing camera. Similar to the Pixel 8, the 8a includes features like the 'Best Take' group shot feature, Magic Editor capabilities, and the Audio Magic Eraser function for enhancing video sound.
The Pixel 8a also introduces Gemini, Google's AI assistant now known as Bard, in countries where the functionality is supported. Users can enjoy a 'Circle to Search' function that allows for seamless text or image searches without app switching.
Additional Features and Security
Other notable features of the Pixel 8a include call assistant functionalities like call screening and audio-enabled emoji. Google's Family Link setup enhances security by managing screen time and privacy settings for younger users. Owners of Pixel 8a can expect software support for up to seven years, including security updates, iOS upgrades, and Google's Feature Drops for new capabilities.
Pricing and Availability
The Pixel 8a will be priced starting at £499 for UK customers, offering a choice between 128GB and 256GB storage options. Colour variants include Obsidian (off-black), Porcelain (off-white), Bay (pale blue), and Aloe (pale green). In addition to the Google store, the Pixel 8a is available for pre-order on Amazon SIM-free.
Major UK retailers like Three, Vodafone, EE, and O2 are offering the Pixel 8a for pre-order on contract.
Trade-in Incentive
Customers ordering the Pixel 8a from select UK retailers may be eligible to claim £150 in trade-in value, in addition to the value of the phone traded in, until June 3. For more information on the trade-in offer, click here, and see the list of participating retailers here.
