Google Pixel 8a rumors: Expected release date and what we know so far

Update: May 2, 2024 (04:50 AM ET): We’ve updated our Google Pixel 8a hub with the latest leaks, including leaked screenshots confirming specs, a super-long update policy, and more.

Google launched its first A-series phone in 2019 with the Pixel 3a and 3a XL. At the time, those were some of the best Android phones you could get for the price. Since then, Google has released a new A-series Pixel every year. We are now only a few days away from the expected announcement of the Pixel 8a.

In this post, we will round up all the credible rumors about the Pixel 8a so far!

Pixel 8a: At a glance

• When might it come out? Based on previous A series launches, it is likely to land in May, during Google I/O, which starts on May 14.
• What new features could it have? Tensor G3, a 120Hz display refresh rate, and seven years of software support, although none are confirmed yet.
• How much will it cost? Like its predecessor, the Pixel 8a will likely cost $499.

Will there be a Google Pixel 8a?

The Google Pixel 8a is not officially out yet, but its existence is now undeniable. While Google initially mentioned the phone within an internal tracker (related to battery stats), the floodgates have opened since then. We’ve witnessed everything from real-world leaked images to official-looking renders and even leaked Google promotional videos showcasing the device and its features.

In addition to these compelling visual leaks, benchmark results and an FCC listing further solidified the device’s status as not just real but rapidly approaching release.

At this point, the question isn’t if there will be a Pixel 8a but when it will officially launch.

What is the most likely Google Pixel 8a release date?

• Pixel 3a and 3a XL: May 7, 2019
• Pixel 4a and 4a 5G: August 3, 2020
• Pixel 5a: August 17, 2021
• Pixel 6a: May 11, 2022
• Pixel 7a: May 10, 2023

The list above makes it clear that Google’s preferred launch window for A-series Pixels is in May at its annual I/O developers conference. However, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, Google did launch some A-series phones later in the year. Going forward, though, we assume that Google will stick to launching the A-series Pixel at its Google I/O conference.

Google I/O 2024 is scheduled for May 14 and May 15. The chances are good that we’d see the Pixel 8a launch on May 14 during the opening keynote.

What specs and features could the Google Pixel 8a have?

We have quite a few leaks for the Pixel 8a, giving us a pretty good idea of what to expect. In fact, we even have a video ad that gives away plenty of secrets. Here’s what we think we know so far!

Design

The Pixel 8a should look very similar to the Pixel 8. Early real-life leaked images of the Pixel 8a, shown below, give you an idea of what to expect:

Historically, the Pixel A series has followed the same overall design language as the flagship Pixel family. That seems to be the case for the Pixel 8a as well, as the above images suggest it will take a few design cues from the 7a and Pixel 8, essentially mashing them together. This includes iPhone-like corners, an aluminum camera bar, and a blue “Bay” color that’s somewhat punchier than the Pixel 7a’s Artic Blue and the Pixel 8’s Bay. We can expect other colors as well, which we’ll get into in a second.

Not only do the images appear to support that the device will be slimmer and smaller, but also, the leaked dimensions stay the same at 152.1 x 72.6 x 8.9mm. By comparison, the Pixel 7a’s dimensions are 152.4 x 72.9 x 9.0mm. The leak also says the display comes in at 6.1 inches.

Recently, leaker Arsène Lupin has shared clean renders of all four Pixel 8a colors: Porcelain (beige), Bay (blue), Mint (green), and Obsidian (black). We can see the device from several angles without any watermark and across all four colors.

Moreover, the Pixel 8a also briefly appeared on US Cellular’s website, all but confirming its front panel design. This listing also came shortly after leaker Arsene Lupin posted a clean render of the phone, seen above.

Real-world photos of Pixel 8a units also surfaced online, showcasing its blue and green color options. The image offers a clear look at the seemingly frosted back panels of two Pixel 8a devices and their retail boxes. Additionally, X user @MysteryLupin has shared a separate video showcasing the box contents of those same units and listing the selling price in Moroccan Dirhams. The leaker further added a few high-quality images of the Pixel 8a in all colors, along with its official silicon cases.

More recently, SmartPrix obtained several marketing images of the Pixel 8a, which provide even more confirmation of what we can expect from the Pixel 8a in terms of aesthetics. Unfortunately, this video was removed from YouTube.

We’ve also got a look at the Pixel 8a in several cases thanks to leaker Evan Blass (in addition to images of the phone itself). Check them out below.

Cameras

The Pixel 8’s camera system is almost identical to the Pixel 7’s. The only notable upgrade is a new sensor for the primary snapper and wider apertures all around.

By the very nature of A series phones, the Pixel 8a could not have an equal camera system to the Pixel 8. As such, we would expect either the same camera system we find on the Pixel 7a or a slight upgrade of that. For the record, the Pixel 7a’s camera included a 64MP primary, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 13MP selfie.

Do note that the software powering the camera on all Pixels is the same. Therefore, the Pixel 8a should be able to do everything the Pixel 8 can unless the included hardware prohibits it.

Evan Blass also posted a ton of screenshots on May 2, confirming several camera-related features in the process. This includes Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser, and the Best Take camera mode.

Specs and features

The Pixel 8a will certainly come with Android 14 out of the box, just like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. That’s pretty much a given.

In 2023, Google changed its upgrade commitment for its flagship Pixels, bringing seven years of upgrades and security patches to the table for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. We were curious if that would trickle down to the Pixel 8a, and it looks like it will: recently leaked ads (see above) appear to confirm the Pixel 8a will get the same seven years of updates.

The ads also appear to confirm several other specs and features:

• Google Tensor G3
• 18W wired charging
• IP67 rating
• Seven years of software support
• Pixel features: Call Assist, Clear Calling
• AI features: Circle to Search, email summaries (coming later this year)
• Photo features: Best Take, Night Sight
• Video features: Audio Magic Eraser

We have also heard that the phone could sport a 120Hz display refresh rate, which is a nice upgrade over the 90Hz rate of the Pixel 7a. There’s also a strong possibility the phone could support DisplayPort output, just like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

We are reasonably sure that RAM and storage options won’t change this year with the Pixel 8. That would mean the same options for the Pixel 8a we saw with the Pixel 7a, which was 8GB of RAM and a minimum of 128GB of storage. A recent Geekbench benchmark leak further backs this up, though these are very easy to fake, so this should be taken with a grain of salt. However, adding more fuel to the fire, a WinFuture leak corroborates the 128GB of storage while adding there could be a 256GB variant. The latest report from SmartPrix also mentions a 256GB variant, so it might actually be happening.

With the Pixel 7a, Google brought slow wireless charging support to the A series for the first time. Since it would be silly to introduce this feature in one generation and then remove it in the next, we can be reasonably assured that wireless charging could be included with the Google Pixel 8a.

That May 2 leak via Evan Blass pointed to a variety of features. This includes seven years of security and OS updates, the Tensor G3 chip, an IP67 rating, Gorilla Glass 3, and wireless charging support. The screenshots even mention six months of Fitbit Premium, three months of the 100GB Google One plan, three months of YouTube Premium, and access to the Google One VPN. Check the leaked screens below.

What could the Google Pixel 8a price be?

• Pixel 3a and 3a XL: $399 and $479
• Pixel 4a and 4a 5G: $349 and $499
• Pixel 5a: $449
• Pixel 6a: $449
• Pixel 7a: $499

Historically, Google has consistently kept A-series Pixels under the $500 barrier. However, some early leaks stirred up the possibility of Google breaking tradition. For example, the previously mentioned report by WinFuture suggested the Pixel 8a’s European pricing starting at €570 (potentially translating to $549 in the US), with a jump to €630 ($599) for the 256GB version.

Thankfully, the latest report from SmartPrix suggests that the Pixel 8a could launch at the familiar $499 for 128GB, with the 256GB version reaching $559. If true, this would be excellent news for consumers, especially considering the rumored upgrades the 8a might bring.

Should you wait for the Google Pixel 8a?

With Google I/O conference just days away, it absolutely makes sense to wait for the Pixel 8a to go official. If the rumors hold true, we could be getting a significant upgrade over last year’s Pixel 7a at the same compelling $499 price point. Google’s A-series is known for its excellent price-to-performance ratio, and the Pixel 8a looks to continue that tradition.

Of course, if you absolutely need a new phone right now, the Pixel 7a ($477 at Amazon) remains a solid contender. It offers essential modern features like wireless charging and a smooth display. However, remember that the Pixel 8a’s launch will likely cause a price drop for the 7a, making it an even more attractive bargain.

Considering that the Pixel 7 ($359.99 at Woot!) is not much more expensive than the Pixel 7a and goes on sale frequently, it’s also worth a look.

If you want the very best Pixel experience, buying a Pixel 8 ($699 at Amazon) or the Pixel 8 Pro ($999 at Amazon) will provide that new car experience you’re craving, albeit at a much higher price. The Pixel 8 itself is a viable option over the Pixel 7a if you’re willing to spend a little more.

If you want something other than Google, other alternatives include the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G ($449.99 at Samsung) and the Galaxy S23 FE ($599.99 at Amazon).