Although we’ve already seen new smartphone entries fromSamsungandOnePlusthis year, we’re still waiting on one more Android hardware giant to make its debut in 2024: Google. Thankfully, with I/O likely just a couple of months away — in fact, invites should be out any day now — that’s about to change. We’re expecting thePixel 8ato make an appearance following months of rumors and renders in May, but if you were hoping Google’s upcoming A-series entry would avoid the Pixel lineup’s newfound inflation, you might be out of luck.
According to a new report fromWinFuture, the Pixel 8a is facing down the barrel of another price hike, just one year after the Pixel 7a already debuted at a higher cost than its predecessor (via9to5Google). German retailer data has the Pixel 8a pegged at a starting price of 569.90 euros. In comparison, the Pixel 7a — which sells for $500 in the US — started at 500 euros when it launched throughout Europe last summer. Meanwhile, just 18 months ago, the Pixel 7 launched for $600, just $50 more than this device’s rumored price.
A tricky launch for Google
There’s more competition in the budget space than ever
That’s not great news for what should be abudget entryin a series that’s already ballooned in price over the last few years, especially in the face of increased competition. Even at $500 — up from the $450 Pixel 6a in 2022 — recommending the Pixel 7a was relatively easy, thanks to its clean software experience and solid camera. This year, though, Google will have to fend off theOnePlus 12R, a smartphone that combines exceptional performance with a surprisingly great display, all for that same price point of just $500.
OnePlus 12R review: A real flagship killer for $500
A phone that packs all the power you need for the price you want to pay
At $550 for 128GB — presumably the new US starting price, given this leak — the Pixel 8a will also have to go up against theNothing Phone 2a(at least in markets where it’s available) and the upcoming Galaxy A55. That might be a tough sell if Google can’t increase some of the A-series' weak spots, including poor display quality and slow wireless charging. Of course, at a certain point, if you make enough improvements to the Pixel 8a, it just becomes a Pixel 8 by another name.
In addition to these pricing rumors, WinFuture reports the phone will be available in four colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, and Mint. Those are identical to the colors Google has used throughout the rest of the Pixel 8 series, so no shock there. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8a will also be sold in a 256GB configuration, something never before offered on an A-series phone. This is all in addition to the curvier chassis we’ve seen in leaked renders and hands-on images, bringing the overall design more in line with something you’d see from Apple.
