Google launches £499 Pixel 8a: budget smartphone is packed with AI tools – and is £300 cheaper than the iPhone 15
The moment Google fans have been waiting for has finally arrived.
The tech giant has launched the Pixel 8a, which it describes as “The Google AI phone at an unbeatable price.”
The Pixel 8a has a host of impressive AI features, including Best Take and Audio Magic Eraser, tools previously seen in the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
However, the Pixel 8a is much more affordable than these flagship devices, with prices starting from just £499.
To put that into perspective, it’s £300 cheaper than the most basic iPhone 15!
Google has launched the Pixel 8a, which it describes as ‘The Google AI phone at an unbeatable price’
Pixel 8a has a host of AI features, including Best Take and Audio Magic Eraser – tools previously seen in the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
The device has rounded edges, a matte back and a polished aluminum frame, making it ‘even better in the hand’ than its predecessors, according to Google.
The screen is also 40 percent brighter than the Pixel 7a, while a faster 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling smoother.
Buyers can choose from four colors, including two neutral options: Obsidian or Porcelain.
If you’re feeling jazzier, you can opt for two new, brighter colors: light green called Aloe, or blue called Bay.
In terms of cameras, the Pixel 8a features a dual rear camera setup with a 64MP main lens and a 13MP ultra-wide lens.
“It also features a 13-megapixel front camera, with a large field of view to fit even more into your photos,” Google added in a blog post.
Budding photographers will be happy to know that there are several AI-powered editing tools on the device.
Best Take lets you create the group photo you want by choosing the best expression for everyone from a range of photos and combining them into one photo.
With ‘Magic Editor’ you can move and resize subjects, or use presets to make the background stand out.
Finally, ‘Audio Magic Eraser’ removes distracting noises from your videos to ensure the audio is crisp and clear.
“Like every Pixel, Pixel 8a includes Real Tone to accurately reflect everyone’s skin tone in photos and now videos,” Google added.
In terms of cameras, the Pixel 8a features a dual rear camera setup with a 64MP main lens and a 13MP ultra-wide lens
Buyers can choose from four colors, including two neutral options: Obsidian (pictured) or Porcelain
In addition to the photography tools, the Pixel 8a also uses AI to make everyday tasks easier.
A ‘Circle to Search’ feature lets you draw a circle around an image, text or video to search for what you’re looking for, while AI-powered Pixel Call Assist is also included on the Pixel 8a.
Pixel 8a will also introduce audio emojis, which Google claims will “make your phone calls more expressive and engaging.”
“With audio emojis, simply tap an emoji to trigger an audio response and a visual effect,” it explained.
‘Try one clapping hands emoji to applaud a job well done or the laughing emoji after telling your best joke.’
Like the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, the Pixel 8a is built with the latest Google Tensor G3 chip, making it the fastest and most secure Pixel A-Series device yet.
“The Pixel 8a will be secure with seven years of software support, including security updates and Android upgrades,” Google added.
The Pixel 8a starts at £499, and pre-orders are open now. It will be available from May 14.