Google Pixel 8a Leaks Indicate Key Specs, AI Features Ahead of Launch

Pretty much everything about the upcoming Google Pixel 8a, from its design and colour options to its likely price, features, and specifications have been leaked over the past several months. The device is widely expected to be launched officially during the opening keynote at Google’s annual I/O conference, scheduled for May 14 this year. The latest promotional materials spotted by GSMArena point to the Pixel 8a’s AI-enabled features and some specifications. 

Most notably, the materials seem to confirm that the Google Pixel 8a will be based on the company’s own Tensor G3 SoC, which is the same chip that powers the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. It’s unsurprising that Google would choose the same silicon across this generation of devices, and this will help the company differentiate the high-end models in the Pixel 9 series which should feature updated hardware when they are announced later this year. 

The fine print of one of the leaked images confirms that fast charging is supported, but only up to 18W. You’ll need a USB-PD compliant charger, which will not be included in the box with this phone. Google promises “all-day” battery life for the Pixel 8a, based on its own internal testing. The charging spec contradicts an earlier leak claiming to show the Pixel 8a's retail box showing that a 27W charger would be bundled.

More interestingly, the purportedly confirmed AI features line up with what Google has already announced for its premium Pixel phones, as well as what several other partners such as Samsung have already implemented. Circle to Search is a convenient feature that lets you launch a visual search based on things they are looking at, just by highlighting part of the screen like you would crop a screenshot. Google also promises instant summaries of important emails, and intelligent call screening, though this will not be available in all countries and languages.

AI is also leveraged by the camera app to combine multiple exposures into one frame so you can choose the best composition. This feature is purportedly called Best Take, and is implemented through the Google Photos app. Audio Magic Eraser is another AI-powered tool, and as its name suggests, it should be able to reduce or eliminate distracting background noises in vidoes you shoot. The last feature seen in the leaked material is Night Sight, which uses AI to improve low-light portraits and even astrophotography shots.   

Users can look forward to seven years of Android security patches, although curiously the leaks do not specify how long feature updates will be provided for. The phone can be expected to release with Android 14, but will certainly receive an Android 15 upgrade along with its more premium siblings. Beyond that though, Google’s materials do not indicate how many major new Android versions buyers can expect to get. 

As per previous leaks, the Pixel 8a will be available in four colours, the bright and saturated Bay blue and Mint green, along with the more neutral Porcelain and Obsidian. In addition, the Pixel 8a will feature IP67 water and dust resistance. The device is also expected to have a 6.1-inch, full-HD+ 120Hz OLED display with up to 1400nits peak brightness. Leaks seem to indicate a 64-megapixel primary rear camera, 13-megapixel ultra-wide camera, 13-megapixel front camera. Base storage should be 128GB, with prices starting at EUR 569 or US$ 619 (approximately Rs. 51,630). It is also not yet confirmed whether Google will have at least some units of the Pixel 8a manufactured in India.