Google Pixel 8a is official – ‘unbeatable value’ Android phone launches with premium-level features for your photos

GOOGLE has finally announced its new cheapest smartphone, the Pixel 8a, with several premium-level features.

The device has been expected by Android fans for some time after several rumors and leaks.

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This year, the technology giant stood out by including as many top-of-the-line tools as possible in its cheapest device.

In particular, the company has grown into camera AI, introducing features that have been limited to the premium segment of the Pixel lineup until now.

It comes as Google ramps up AI competition against rivals like Samsung, OnePlus and Honor, which have stood out in the technology buzz.

This includes Best Take, which lets you choose the perfect smile for every face in a photo.

And for video lovers, you can remove unwanted sounds using the latest Audio Magic Eraser.

Additionally, there is the Magic Editor that allows users to easily reposition and resize subjects or use presets to highlight the background.

Google is using its own Tensor G3 processor, which is the same chip that powers the flagship Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

The camera uses a 64-megapixel main lens along with a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens.

As for the battery, Google says the 8a should last more than 24 hours – and you can stretch that to around 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver enabled.

One positive for consumers’ wallets is that Google has committed to providing the 8a with seven years of updates.

So not only will you get new features when they arrive, but your phone will also stay secure – meaning you won’t need to spend more money on an upgrade anytime soon.

The Pixel 8a will go on sale from May 14th, starting at £499/$499 for 128GB of storage.

There’s also a 256GB option.

And it will be available in four colors:

• Obsidian
• Porcelain
• Bay
• Aloe vera

The announcements come a week before a major Google event, where the company is expected to reveal news about its next Android update.

With all the fuss surrounding AI this year, experts are also predicting some new details about Google’s own efforts.

Who offers free updates the longest?

The more updates you receive, the longer you can continue using your smartphone safely – with the latest features included for free.

Samsung
While the A55 has four years of operating system and five years of security updates, the Galaxy S24 series has more, with at least seven generations of operating system updates and seven years of security updates.

OnePlus
At the launch of the OnePlus 12, OnePlus committed to at least four years of Android updates and five years of security updates.

Anything
Nada only offers three years of major Android updates and four years of security updates.

Google
Since the Pixel 8, Google has stated that devices will receive at least seven years of support.