Expected to be one of the launches of Google I/O 2024, the Pixel 8a leaked again this Thursday (25) when receiving a series of images that indicate that the device will have seven years of updates, following what is seen in traditional models of the Pixel 8. Apparently part of the official promotional materials, the photos also reveal other aspects of the phone, including processing, construction details and system features.
Photo: Ivo Meneghel Jr/Canaltech / Canaltech
Published by the portal Android Headlines, the material appears to be part of the official Pixel 8a page, detailing the features that the smartphone will offer. The highlight is the presence of seven years of security updates, maintaining the praised model that the search giant launched with the more premium “brothers” in the line.
That said, it is not clear whether system updates are included in this promise — we will have to wait for the launch to clarify this point. Another good news is that the IP67 certification for water and dust resistance will be maintained, despite the drastic visual changes compared to the Pixel 7a.
Additionally, VPN by Google One is present. The function had been closed to subscribers of the company’s storage plan, being maintained only as an exclusive feature for Pixel cell phones. The surprise in this case is the availability for the Pixel a line, focused on cost-benefit.
Leaked materials suggest that the Pixel 8a will follow the more expensive models by having seven years of updates (Image: Android Headlines)
Photo: Canaltech
The processing is also noteworthy, reinforced to be based on the Tensor G3, the same chip that powers the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, as leaked tests showed. It is likely that the component will feature cuts in aspects such as manufacturing technologies to keep costs under control, but at least the user experience must be maintained.
In fact, the images obtained by Android Headlines suggest that almost all the functions advertised with more expensive devices would be present. These include Best Take, which allows you to swap faces in photos to create a final image without closed eyes or other problems, Audio Magic Eraser, to erase unwanted sounds in audio recordings, Call Assist, to manage calls via Google Assistant, and Circle to Search, launched by the Galaxy S24 line, enabling quick searches in any area of the system.
Closing the package, the leak points to the inclusion of AI noise cancellation in calls, and support for 18 W charging, a power well below the 27 W offered by the Pixel 8, but in line with what the Pixel 7a already had.
Google’s cost-benefit model will also inherit AI features, including Single Take and Audio Magic Eraser (Image: Android Headlines)
Photo: Canaltech
Parallel to this, the renowned leaker Evan Blass brought new images of the Pixel 8a, showing the four speculated color options from three different angles, including black, white, blue and green.
As seen in the past, as well as in the material posted by the Android Headlinesthe shape of the device is much more rounded than its predecessor, following the visual changes adopted with the traditional Pixel 8.
The rear panel is curved and appears to have a matte finish, but it is not yet possible to determine whether the new product will maintain the plastic, or whether it will migrate to glass like the more expensive members of the Pixel family.
The sides and camera bar would be made of aluminum, while the edges around the screen would be thick, especially in the lower area, removing part of the premium appeal that the construction could convey. With that in mind, depending on the price charged by Google, the Pixel 8a could again be a very tempting choice compared to the standard Pixel 8 and even other intermediaries.
The last detail indicated in the leaks is the possible premiere date: May 16, two days after what was suggested by the rumors. It is likely that both information is correct — the announcement should take place during the opening of Google I/O 2024, on May 14th, while sales could start on the 16th.
The materials also reinforce the possible debut date of the Pixel 8a: May 16, two days after the opening of Google I/O 2024 (Image: Android Headlines)
Photo: Canaltech
In any case, it shouldn’t be long before we get to know the device, whose price is also a bit of an unknown. Certain rumors point to the same value as the Pixel 7a, set at US$499 (~R$2,570), while others suggest a worrying increase to US$549 (~R$2,820), which would make it difficult to justify its existence compared to the Pixel 8, which can now be found for this value.
Source: Android Headlines
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