Google's latest budget-friendly phone is here, with the amazing AI photo features we all wanted – say hello to the Pixel 8a
(Image credit: Google)
Google has just introduced the Pixel 8a, a more affordable version of its flagship Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones from last year. This new phone is now available for pre-order starting and will officially launch on May 14.
Priced at just $499 / £499 / AU$849, the Pixel 8a promises to disrupt our list of top budget phones by incorporating groundbreaking AI features previously found only in the most expensive Pixel models.
Check out the official Pixel 8a launch video:
True to expectations, the Pixel 8a operates on Google’s latest Tensor G3 chip, enhancing the phone's suite of photography editing tools. Among these capabilities is the Best Take feature, enabling users to edit group photos in a way that combines everyone's best expressions – a function previously reserved for premium Pixel models.
Also noteworthy is the inclusion of Google’s standout AI tool, the powerful Magic Editor. This feature enables users to reposition, delete or resize subjects in photos with generative AI seamlessly filling in any gaps. On top of that are all the non-photographic AI embellishments, such as Circle to Search, Clear Calling and Audio Magic Eraser.
Until now, the premium Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro were the sole beneficiaries of Google’s recent AI advancements. Given that much of the AI processing occurs in the cloud, rather than solely on the device, it makes sense for Google to offer these features on a budget-friendly phone – and I can see this becoming very popular!
(Image credit: Google)
In addition to the classic Obsidian and Porcelain colorway options, the Pixel 8a will now come in a wonderful Bay Blue and a limited-edition Aloe Green – this would be my personal pick!
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The 6.1-inch display boasts a 40% increase in peak brightness compared to last year's model and receives an upgrade in refresh rate from 90Hz to 120Hz. The RAM remains unchanged at 8GB, but there's a new 256GB storage capacity option – a first for the a-series Pixel phones.
Camera hardware remains the same as the Pixel 7a, featuring a 64MP main lens, 13MP ultrawide lens and a 13MP front-facing camera. This camera setup has already proven to be high-performing; we consistently rate the Pixel's camera as one of the best in the smartphone market.
For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.
He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing. He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association.
He is familiar with and shows great interest in street, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting Street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.
