The next smartphone coming off the conveyor belt at Google HQ is the Google Pixel 8a, which is expected to launch at Google I/O 2024, which is happening next month. We've seen everything we need to see regarding how the device will look, but there's little on the software side of things.
However, today, we've finally gotten a glimpse into what we should be expecting regarding the software on the budget smartphone. It's obviously going to come running Android 14, but we now know more about the AI features it looks set to support.
The Google Pixel 8a Will Support A Good Number Of Modern AI Features
Google has consistently hit a home run each year with its “a” series of lower-cost devices. They might not come with all the bells and whistles that you see on the mainline Pixels, but they keep things high-end where it matters and that's what people love them for.
The Google Pixel 8a is set to come with the same processor — the Google Tensor G3 — that the other Pixels in the 8 series come with. What that means is that the Pixel 8a will be able to support AI features too, and thanks to a (now-deleted) leaked promo video that MySmartPrice and OnLeaks were able to bring our way, we know some of the AI magic the Pixel 8a will be able to perform.
- Best Take: The Best Take feature is pretty impressive on paper and it is something that anyone who has had to take group photos will agree is very useful. You might have one almost-perfect image but for one person who was blinking in the shot. All you need to do is take multiple pictures and the AI will splice the best faces into a single perfect group photo.
- Circle to Search: Circle to Search went live with the launch of the Galaxy S24 series from Samsung and most people are familiar with what it can do. When you pull up Google Assistant, you'll be able to circle, tap, or scribble on anything on your screen that you'd like to have Google search for you.
- Live Translate: The Live Translate feature is probably one of the more flashy demonstrations of what AI can do for you on the Pixel 8a, but it is certainly very useful under the right circumstances. Live Translate will be able to translate voice calls in real-time and in both directions simultaneously.
- Audio Magic Eraser: The Audio Magic Eraser feature will use AI to identify what counts as background noise in your videos and then remove or reduce the impact of that noise in your videos. It also gives you the ability to manually control the levels of each of the external sound sources that are detected, such as wind, traffic, or conversations.
What Do We Know About The Pixel 8a At This Point?
There have been several leaked renders of the Google Pixel 8a, so we know almost without a doubt what it is going to look like. It'll look like the Pixel 8 did but with more rounded corners. We also know that it is going to come with Android 14 and the Google Tensor G3 chip on the inside.
It is expected to come with 8GB of RAM and two storage configurations — 128GB and 256GB — for the first time for an “a” series Pixel. The screen is expected to be a 6.1-inch 120Hz panel with a peak brightness of 1,400 nits. There is also going to be the same dual-camera setup as last year with a 64MP main lens and a 13MP ultrawide. The battery is rumored to be getting a boost to 5,000 mAh to power things.
Rumors say that the device will be more expensive than the Pixel 7a was, which will certainly be a disappointment if it pans out to be true.
