The Google Pixel 8A is a midrange phone that can go the distance

The Pixel 8A is officially here, and with all the heck it’s been leaking for the past few weeks, there’s very little in the way of surprises — as Google hardware always does. The 8A gets Google’s latest processor and adds new AI features Starting at $499 In America. But the Very good news The 8A adopts the seven-year software support of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, which is unheard of in a midrange phone.

The 8A retains the same general shape and size as its predecessor. But its 6.1-inch screen gets two significant updates: the top refresh rate is now 120Hz, up from 90Hz, and the panel is up to 40 percent brighter, with up to 2,000 nits in peak brightness mode available. Those are important upgrades, especially since the 8A’s main competitor in the US, the OnePlus 12R, comes with a better display.

This is the year of AI on Things and the Pixel 8A is no exception. It also comes with the same creative AI photo and video features that made a splash on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, including Best Tag, Magic Editor, and Audio Magic Eraser. Circle for search is also available, and the 8A can run Gemini Nano, Google’s mobile-optimized device AI model. As with the Pixel 8, this will be a developer option.

Other specifications are unchanged or slightly boosted compared to the last generation. There’s still 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, though there’s now a 256GB option. Camera hardware remains unchanged from the 7A, including a stabilized 64-megapixel main sensor. The 7A has a compatible IP67 rating, and the battery capacity is slightly higher at 4,492mAh compared to 4,385mAh. Wireless charging is available at up to 7.5W via Qi 1.3 — no Qi2 here.

The Pixel 8A is in an odd position this year, with its biggest competition coming from Google itself. As of now, Samsung’s midrange Galaxy A55 5G appears to be skipping the US, leaving an open path for the Pixel 8A. The aforementioned OnePlus 12R is an option, but it’s not sold by major wireless carriers, and that’s how most people in the US buy their phones. That puts it up against the standard Pixel 8, which is mostly on sale. We’ve even seen it match the 8A’s $499 price tag.