It’s been just a week since Google unveiled its new Pixel 8 family to the world. This generation, for now, consists of the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro. Of course, we all know that a Pixel 8a will arrive later on.
In collaboration with OnLeaks, the tech news website SmartPrix recently shared several renders of the possible design of Google’s future mid-range smartphone, which the company always releases for those seeking something more affordable.
At first glance, the device appears to be a cross between the standard Pixel 8 and the Pixel 7a, as it features characteristics of both. The Pixel 8a will have the same rounded corners as the other models in the lineup.
However, it will be slightly larger than the main model, with dimensions of 152.1 x 72.6 x 8.9 mm.
And despite its increased size, the screen won’t be bigger. In fact, it will be the opposite. The report reveals thicker bezels around the corners, reducing the screen size to 6.1 inches, compared to the Pixel 8’s 6.2 inches.
A very consistent design: yet another Pixel
Other notable design features include the rear camera module, which will maintain the visor-like appearance for which the series is known. On the front, you will see a small pinhole cutout for the selfie camera.
The power and volume buttons are on the left side, with the SIM tray on the opposite side. At the bottom edge, you’ll find a USB-C charging port between the speakers. The top edge apparently houses “an ultra-wideband antenna,” according to SmartPrix. The device will be available in sky blue and what appears to be peach pink.
The most interesting part is that these images align with another leak from late September. Apparently, industry insider Abhishek Yadav got hold of a prototype and posted pictures of it on Twitter. So, the rounder design might be more plausible than we initially thought.
And in terms of power? Less powerful, obviously
Obviously, being a mid-range device, the Pixel 8a won’t be more powerful than its siblings. The SmartPrix report mentions a benchmark test discovered back in August for the smartphone, referred to by its codename: Google Akita.
The results suggest that the model will feature an “underclocked variant of the Tensor G3 chipset, along with the Mali-G715 GPU.” The amount of memory remains the same, as it “appears with 8 GB of RAM.” Of course, Android 14 will be the operating system.
And a good photography section, as is typical of Google
Returning to the rear camera, we know that the Pixel 8a will have two lenses judging by the images, but we don’t know how many megapixels each one will have. If history repeats itself, the phone’s camera could have more megapixels than the standard model.
This is similar to how the lenses on the Pixel 7a are technically better than those on the Pixel 7. However, keep in mind that more megapixels don’t always mean better photos. Other factors such as the processor come into play. Taking photos on the Pixel 8a might be a less impressive experience, although not necessarily bad.
As always, take this information with a grain of salt. Things can always change at any moment. The leaks didn’t provide a release date.
But again, if history repeats itself, we could see a launch in May 2024, just like we did with the Pixel 7a when it was released in May 2023. Google’s budget-friendly model always comes out midway through the generation.
