Google Pixel 8a Launched in India with Tensor G3 Chip, 120Hz Display, Starting at Rs 52,999

Google has officially revealed the Pixel 8a in India, following months of rumors and speculation. While positioned as an affordable variant of the Pixel 8 series launched last October, the Pixel 8a carries a significantly higher starting price tag compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 7a.

This article dives into the details of the Pixel 8a, including its price, specifications, features, and alternatives in the Indian market.

The Google Pixel 8a starts at Rs 52,999 for the 128GB storage variant. There's also a 256GB option available for Rs 59,999. Pre-orders for the phone have begun on Flipkart, with sales scheduled to commence on May 14th at 6:30 am IST.

The Pixel 8a comes in four color options: Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, and Aloe. It features a matte composite back with a matte aluminum frame and a fingerprint-resistant coating. Google emphasizes the phone's eco-friendly construction, highlighting that at least 24% recycled materials are used, with the housing and camera bar made entirely from recycled aluminum.

The Pixel 8a boasts a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for a responsive user experience. The display offers excellent brightness, reaching 1400 nits for HDR content and 2000 nits peak brightness. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides protection against scratches and minor drops.

At the heart of the Pixel 8a lies the Google Tensor G3 chipset, paired with the Titan M2 security coprocessor for enhanced security. The phone comes with 8GB of LPDDR5x RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.

The camera department is where Google's Pixel phones often shine. The Pixel 8a sports a 64MP wide primary camera with up to 8x Super Res Zoom and both optical and electronic image stabilization. This is accompanied by a 13MP ultra-wide sensor for capturing expansive scenes. For selfies, there's a 13MP ultra-wide camera on the front.

While the camera hardware might seem familiar to Pixel 7a users, Google boasts improved software features like Magic Editor, Best Take, and Audio Magic Eraser. The Pixel 8a also introduces an Ultra HDR mode not found on the 7a.

The Pixel 8a packs a 4,492mAh battery with fast charging support and Qi wireless charging capabilities. Google claims the phone can deliver over 24 hours of battery life, extending to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver mode engaged.

Other noteworthy features include an under-display fingerprint sensor, a USB Type-C port, Wi-Fi 6, ISRO's NavIC GPS for location services, and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.

On the software front, the Pixel 8a runs the latest Android 14 out of the box and is guaranteed to receive updates for the next seven years, including OS updates, security patches, and feature drops. Pixel 8a users will also benefit from free access to VPN by Google One, anti-malware and anti-phishing protection, and support for passkey.

 

While Google positions the Pixel 8a as an affordable option, its price tag might raise eyebrows considering its predecessor's pricing. Here's a look at some potential competitors in the Indian market:

The Google Pixel 8a offers a compelling package with a powerful processor, a smooth 120Hz display, and Google's acclaimed camera software. However, its price hike compared to the Pixel 7a raises concerns. While the Pixel 8a boasts some improvements like the Tensor G3 chip and Ultra HDR mode, potential buyers might find it difficult to justify the significant price jump, especially considering strong competitors in the market.

The iQOO 12 offers similar pricing with a top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, while the Nothing Phone (2) provides a more affordable option with a powerful processor as well. Ultimately, the decision for Indian consumers will depend on their priorities and budget. Those seeking the latest Google Tensor chip, a clean software experience with guaranteed updates, and Google's exceptional camera software may find the Pixel 8a appealing. However, for those prioritizing raw processing power or a more attractive price tag, the competition offers compelling alternatives.

The decision to buy the Pixel 8a boils down to your priorities and budget. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:

However, if raw processing power is your main concern and you're willing to forgo some software perks, competitors like the iQOO 12 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset might be a more compelling option at the same price point.

The Nothing Phone (2) offers an even more attractive price tag with a powerful Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, but you might miss out on some of Google's camera software magic.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Carefully consider your priorities and compare specifications with competitor offerings before making a decision.

We recommend waiting for our full review of the Pixel 8a, which will provide a more in-depth analysis of its performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience. This will help you make a more informed decision about whether the Pixel 8a is the right phone for you.

(Source)