Google Pixel 8a launched in India, brings Tensor G3 chip and 7-year software support for Rs 52,999

Google Pixel 8a in Aloe, Bay, Obsidian and Porcelain

Google has launched the Pixel 8a today, a bit earlier than expected. While many had speculated that Google would take the wraps off its budget Pixel 8 equivalent at I/O 2024 next week, the company has gone ahead and announced it early (actual sales will start from May 14), perhaps the only surprising element in an otherwise leaked-to-death product launch. The Pixel 8a is launching today is just as the leaks had pictured right from the choice of colours to core display and processor as well as the long-term software support guarantee.

Google Pixel 8a— specs, features

The Google Pixel 8a is powered by the Tensor G3, the same mobile chip that is inside the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Google says the Pixel 8a is equipped with “many of the same AI features” as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro including camera quirks like magic editor, best take and audio magic eraser. The camera setup is the do-over from the Pixel 7a by the way which is to say you still get a dual camera setup on the rear with a 64-megapixel primary and 13-megapixel ultrawide. The front camera, too, remains the same which is 13-megapixel.

The Tensor G3 is also allowing Google to offer up to seven years of software support to its most affordable Pixel smartphone. Google has confirmed that this includes both security updates and Android OS upgrades, same as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

Elsewhere, the Pixel 8a has a 6.1-inch “Actua” OLED display with a 1080p resolution and fast 120Hz refresh rate. The panel can top 2,000 nits (1,400 nits in HDR), Google says, and is protected by Corning Gorilla 3. It will come with 8GB of LPDDR5x RAM and a choice of 128GB/256GB UFS3.1 storage. Battery capacity is 4,492mAh and there is support for Qi wireless charging (wired is capped at 18W).

Google Pixel 8a— India price, availability

The Pixel 8a starts at Rs 52,999 for the 128GB version and goes up to Rs 59,999 for the 256GB variant. It is available for pre-order in India on Flipkart starting today while general availability is pegged for May 14 (6:30pm).