Google Pixel 8a Leak Reveals Major Upgrades, Could Launch at I/O 2024

New details have emerged about Google's upcoming Pixel 8a budget smartphone. According to the report published by Android Authority citing a source inside the company, the Pixel 8a is set to receive some major upgrades over its predecessor, the Pixel 7a as rumoured in various leaks and CAD renders previously.

Perhaps the biggest improvements are coming to the display. The Pixel 8a will reportedly retain the same 6.1-inch FHD+ screen size but will upgrade to an OLED panel with a faster 120Hz refresh rate. It will also get a major boost in peak brightness, reaching up to 1400 nits to match the flagship Pixel 8. This is a 40% increase over the Pixel 7a's max brightness.

Under the hood, the Pixel 8a will utilize the same Tensor G3 chip found in the Pixel 8. However, it will employ Samsung's IPoP (Integrated Package on Package) packaging instead of FOPLP (Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging) to help reduce costs. The new chip should deliver a sizable upgrade over the Tensor G2 in areas like CPU, GPU performance, and image processing.

Additionally, the Pixel 8a looks set to reuse the same dual rear camera setup as the 7a, including the 64MP primary and 13MP ultrawide lenses. However, software improvements in the Tensor G3 could yield better image quality. The front camera also remains unchanged at 13MP.

Interestingly, the report confirms that the Pixel 8a will support DisplayPort output over USB-C, just like the flagship Pixel 8 smartphones. However, its functionality will be limited at launch. It hints that Google may expand desktop mode capabilities on future Pixel devices.

Pricing and availability details remain scarce, but the Pixel 8a is rumoured to cost around 569.90EUR/USD 619 for the baseline 128GB model and could launch at Google I/O scheduled on May 14.