Pixel 8a: Pricing and release

We’re used to hearing about the newest Google smartphone at the company’s annual I/O event, which takes place every May. This year, though, most of the event was dedicated to advancements in Gemini, Google’s homegrown AI, and only featured a few passing references to the Pixel 8a, Google’s newest Android phone, which is now available for sale.

So, what are we supposed to do with Google’s apparent lack of enthusiasm? Are they simply laser-focused on AI? Or does the muted rollout for the Pixel 8a suggest there’s not much to be excited about?

Signs point to the latter, as the Pixel 8a is mostly a mid-range version of its predecessor, the Pixel 8. The Pixel 8a has a slightly smaller display, a smaller battery, and lacks the 8’s Gorilla Glass polished back. Still, all these small distinctions lead to a smaller price tag, at just $679 in Canada. That’s something everyone can get excited about.

Let’s break down some of the other things we learned about the brand-new Pixel 8a.

Pixel 8a release date

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The Pixel 8a is now available from Google and through most Canadian carriers. It was made available for preorder on May 7, 2024 and officially on sale through Google on May 14, 2024. Canadian carriers—including Fido, Freedom Mobile, Videotron, Rogers, and SaskTel—began offering the phone on the same day.

Pixel 8a price

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Google's Pixel 8a is available in Canada for $679. You can also finance the phone through several Canadian carriers, which are offering limited-time promotions. The best deal we’ve seen so far is from Fido, which provides a discount for customers who use the Fido Payment Program and credits for those who trade in eligible devices.

The Pixel 8a release has led to some low prices on earlier Pixels, including hot deals on last year’s mid-range Google phone, the Pixel 7a. Videotron is currently offering the device at an extremely low price when you purchase it in installments through their Simplified Payment program.

Pixel 8a cameras

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The Pixel 8a has two rear cameras: a 64 MP Quad PD wide camera and a 13 MP ultrawide camera. The casual photographer won’t notice much of a difference between the photos on a Pixel 8a and a Pixel 8, though more serious aficionados might notice some quality loss, thanks in part to the Pixel 8a’s lack of auto-focus.

Google’s AI-enhanced photography features, like Best Take and Photo Unblur, made the Pixel 8 one of the best handsets for serious photographers. All but one of the photo features from the Pixel 8 also appear on the Pixel 8a. The only missing feature is Macro Focus, which lets Pixel 8 users take sharp close-ups.

Pixel 8a design and display

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The Pixel 8a comes in four colors: aloe, bay, obsidian, and porcelain. The Pixel 8a’s display is slightly smaller than the 8, at 6.1”, though its design is nearly identical, with a scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass display and a fingerprint-resistant coating to keep your device looking untarnished, even after you’ve taken it through the ups and downs of your daily life. 

The Pixel 8’s encasing was entirely Gorilla Glass, but the Pixel 8a’s back is an aluminum matte. It’ll still look good, though we’re guessing it’ll end up with a few more scuffs than its predecessor.

Pixel 9: What we know

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The Pixel 9 has not yet been announced, though rumours suggest it will be released in October. Leakers say the smartphone will feature a 6.24” display, similar cameras to the Pixel 8, and an advanced Google Tensor G4 processor.