Google launches £499 Pixel 8a smartphone, packed with AI tools
- Google describes the Pixel 8a as ‘The Google AI phone at an unbeatable value’
- It has a host of impressive AI tools including Best Take and Audio Magic Eraser
The moment that 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 value.’
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 at 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 value’
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
Google Pixel 8a: Key specs
Price: From £499
Colours: Obsidian, Porcelain, Aloe or Bay
Rear camera: 64MP main lens and 13MP ultrawide lens
Front-facing camera: 13MP
AI photography tools: Best Take, Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser
Availability: Pre-orders begin today with availability from May 14
The device features rounded edges, a matte back and a polished aluminium frame, which Google says feels ‘even better in your hands’ than its predecessors.
Its display is also 40 per cent brighter than the Pixel 7a’s, while a faster refresh rate of 120Hz makes scrolling smoother.
Buyers can opt for four colours, including two neutral options, Obsidian or Porcelain.
If you’re feeling more jazzy, you can opt for two new brighter colours – a pale green called Aloe, or a blue called Bay.
In terms of cameras, the Pixel 8a features a dual rear camera with a 64MP main lens alongside a 13MP ultrawide lens.
‘It comes equipped with a 13-megapixel front facing camera as well, with a large field of view to fit even more into your shots,’ Google added in a blog post.
Budding photographers will be happy to hear that there are several AI-powered editing tools including on the device.
‘Best Take’ lets you create the group shot you want, by picking the best expression for everyone from a series of photos and combining them into a single snap.
‘Magic Editor’, meanwhile, lets you reposition and resize subjects or use presets to make the background pop.
Finally, ‘Audio Magic Eraser’ removes distracting sounds from your videos to ensure the audio is crisp and clear.
‘Like every Pixel, Pixel 8a includes Real Tone, to accurately represent everyone’s skin tone in photos and now in videos,’ Google added.
In terms of cameras, the Pixel 8a features a dual rear camera with a 64MP main lens alongside a 13MP ultrawide lens
Buyers can opt for four colours, including two neutral options, Obsidian (pictured) or Porcelain
Beyond the photography tools, the Pixel 8a also uses AI to make everyday tasks easier.
A ‘Circle to Search’ feature allows you to draw a circle around an image, text, or video to search what you’re looking for, while AI-powered Pixel Call Assist is included on the Pixel 8a too.
Pixel 8a will also introduce Audio Emojis, which Google claims will ‘make your phone calls more expressive and engaging.’
‘With Audio Emojis, just tap on an emoji to trigger an audio reaction and visual effect,’ it explained.
‘Try using a hand-clap 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, which makes it the fastest and most secure Pixel A-Series device to date.
‘Pixel 8a will be safe and secure thanks to seven years of software support, including security updates and Android upgrades,’ Google added.
The Pixel 8a starts at £499, with pre-orders now open. It will be available from May 14.
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