Google's Pixel 8A Is Here with a Greater AI Dose

 Google's Pixel 8A Is Here with a Greater AI Dose

It narrows the difference between Google's entry-level phone and mainstream phones even more by bringing over many features from the more expensive Pixel 8.

Google's Pixel 8A Is Here with a Greater AI Dose

AI will be a recurring theme in 2024's new phone models. This also applies to the recently revealed Pixel 8A, which goes on sale for $499 on May 14. Some important AI features from its more expensive siblings will be carried over to Google's more affordable Pixel phone, including the capacity to run the search engine giant's Gemini Nano model, Audio Magic Eraser, and Best Take—the first time those tools will be accessible on Google's entry-level phone line. 

As demonstrated by the Pixel 8A, Android phone makers are adding more AI-powered features to their models, capitalizing on the success of services like ChatGPT. Although AI has long played a significant role in phones' backend operations, tech companies are now bringing the technology to the public's attention in an attempt to differentiate their products from the competition. 

While none of the AI features on the Pixel 8A are brand-new, the fact that they are available on a less expensive Pixel further implies that Google wants to become the market leader for AI products for consumers. With Audio Magic Eraser, you can cut down on distracting video background noise. Best Take lets you edit facial expressions by combining image data from multiple shots taken simultaneously. The Pixel 8 series introduced both features in the previous year. Additionally, Magic Editor—a feature allowing users to move, edit, or enlarge photo objects—will work with the Pixel 8A. Google had previously revealed that Magic Editor would be available on all Pixel phones. 

The action was taken after Samsung unveiled Galaxy AI, a collection of AI-focused features, on the Galaxy S24 lineup earlier this year. Subsequently, it has integrated those functionalities into additional Samsung devices, including phones from the previous Galaxy S series and foldable phones. At its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, Apple is anticipated to reveal details about its generative AI plans for the iPhone for the first time. 

Google's Pixel 8A Is Here with a Greater AI Dose

The 6.1-inch screen on the Pixel 8A is supposed to be brighter than the one on the Pixel 7A

Other than that, the Pixel 8A shares some noteworthy characteristics with the other Pixel 8 models, including the ability to purchase the phone in black or obsidian color with 256GB of storage, a brighter screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz, and Google's Tensor G3 processor. Google claims that because of more power-efficient software and a marginally bigger battery capacity than the Pixel 7A, there should also be some improvements in battery life. 

With a 64-megapixel primary camera, a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 13-megapixel front camera, the Pixel 8A's camera quality appears to be nearly identical to that of the Pixel 7A from the previous year. Nevertheless, image processing might benefit from an upgrade to Google's more recent Tensor G3 processor. 

Google's Pixel 8A Is Here with a Greater AI Dose

The camera hardware on the Pixel 8A and Pixel 7A is comparable. 

With features like Circle to Search, a visual search tool that lets you draw a circle around an object on screen to find it, and Hold for Me, which waits on hold for you during a phone call, you can also anticipate a software experience that is similar to that of Google's other Pixel phones. The Pixel 8A will also have safety-focused features like Safety Check and auto crash detection. 

The Pixel 8A carries on the A-series legacy of being a reliable substitute for Google's more expensive flagship phone. It is another indication that Google is narrowing the difference between its high-end and low-end phones, which may eventually make it more difficult for its regular Pixel devices to stand out.