3 Reasons to Wait for the Pixel 8a & 5 Reasons Not To

If you’re in the market for a cheap-ish device, and you want a Google Pixel, you might want to hang back and wait for the company’s rumored Pixel 8a.

Last fall, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro replaced the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro as two of the centerpieces in Google’s smartphone lineup. They did so with intriguing upgrades like a new processor, powerful new software features, and many years of software updates.

However, Google’s also upped the price of the Pixel series which may have some shoppers looking for a Pixel 8 alternative. There are plenty.

Of course, not every Pixel 8 alternative is on shelves yet and one in particular might interest those who are determined to buy a device within the Pixel family.

While Google has said it won’t develop an extremely low-cost Pixel phone, the company is more than likely working on a mid-range Pixel device dubbed Pixel 8a.

If true, and at this point we have no reason to believe it’s not, the device would replace the Pixel 7a as a cheaper alternative for the higher-end Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

Pixel 8a rumors have swirled for months and we’ve even got a glimpse at what the next mid-range Pixel might look like. Unsurprisingly, it resembles a mix between the Pixel 7a and Pixel 8 series.

An additional leak out of Vietnam has revealed the Pixel 8a’s potential design, and packaging, leaving very little to the imagination.

In addition to the design, we’ve heard about a new processor, the display size, and we also expect Google to extend its generous software coverage to the next Pixel a.

The Pixel 8a release date is still weeks away, but those in the hunt for a new phone, and a mid-range device in particular, shouldn’t ignore it.

In this guide we’ll take you through the best reasons to wait for the Pixel 8a and we’ll also go over some reasons why you might want to buy a different device before it arrives.

Wait for Performance Upgrades

Google will reportedly upgrade the Pixel 8a’s hardware. In particular, the processor inside of the device.

Google’s Pixel 7a features Google’s custom Tensor G2 chipset, but the Pixel 8a should come with a newer chip inside.

Preliminary Pixel 8a rumors point to the device as having Google’s new Tensor G3 chipset. This is the processor that powers the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

If the company does put a new processor inside the Pixel 8a, you can expect the device to offer improved performance in key areas like speed and battery life.

There’s also chatter about a larger battery. A certification for an upcoming Pixel device, first spotted MySmartPrice, reveals a big 4,942 mAh battery.

Google’s Pixel 7a has a 4,385 mAh battery so this would represent a significant boost. Of course, it’s unclear if the device in question is the Pixel 8a or another unreleased Pixel model.

One feature we haven’t seen thus far is the temperature sensor found on the Pixel 8 Pro and given that the Pixel 8a would be a mid-range device, we don’t expect it to get one.

Wait for Excellent Software Support

One of the best reasons to wait for the Pixel 8a is for Google’s excellent software support. There are two benefits to this.

First, you can expect the Pixel 8a to run Google’s best version of Android 14. Expect it to get some of the features Google’s put on board the Pixel 8’s software.

And second, while you might be tempted to buy an older Pixel device like the Pixel 6a, software support for these devices will end earlier than support for the Pixel 8a. Fewer updates means fewer features, bug fixes, and security patches.

Google has extended seven years of Android updates to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro and we’d expect something similar for the Pixel 8a.

If you plan on keeping your next phone for a long time, you might want to hang around and wait for the Pixel 8a.

Wait for More Information

If you’re truly on the fence about what to do about your next smartphone, and the Pixel 8a’s piqued your interest, you might want to hang back and wait for more information about the device.

While we’ve seen a number of leaks, we still don’t have a full spec list for Google’s rumored mid-ranger. Fortunately, leaks should fill in many of these blanks in the weeks ahead.

Typically, we know just about everything there is to know about Pixel devices before they launch and we expect that trend to continue.

So, if you have the ability to wait, you might want to hold off on buying a new phone until we know more about Google’s plans.

Don’t Wait If You Can’t Until Google I/O

This is one of the biggest pain points when it comes to potentially waiting for the Pixel 8a.

While it would be great if Google released the Pixel 8a tomorrow, that simply won’t be the case. We probably won’t see the Pixel 8a arrive any time soon.

As of right now we expect the Pixel 8a release date to land in May, in and around Google’s annual developer conference.

Google I/O 2024 kicks off on May 14th and we may see the Pixel 8a confirmed during the conference’s keynote.

If you can’t wait until mid-May to buy your next phone, you’ll need to move on.

Don’t Wait If You Want a Ton of Storage

One of the Pixel a series’ biggest drawbacks is the lack of internal storage. That might extend to the Pixel 8a as well.

While Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro both come with a lot of storage, that probably won’t be the case for the Pixel 8a.

Rumors have hinted at two storage options: 128GB and 256GB. While not ideal, it’s a way Google is able to keep the cost of the device down.

Most people will fill up a 128GB model pretty quickly. And while cloud storage can fill the gap, some people may not want to deal with it.

256GB may be enough for a lot of people, but those who play a lot of games and/or download a lot of content/apps may need more.

If that’s you, you may want to skip the Pixel 8a and buy a device with more internal storage.

Don’t Wait for the Best Cameras

We haven’t heard anything about the Pixel 8a’s cameras yet, but it’s reasonable to expect the device to only carry minor improvements.

While there aren’t any definitive rumors out there right now, Google has made it a habit to keep the same sensors for several years, relying on software to deliver upgrades.

In other words, don’t be surprised if the Pixel 8a retains the same 64MP f/1.9 main sensor and Ultra-wide lens that are currently on board the Pixel 7a.

This may not be a huge deal to some of you, but if you want the very best cameras available on the market, you’ll have to look at other, and perhaps more expensive, devices.

Don’t Wait If You Find a Phone You Like

Don’t let Pixel 8a rumors hold you back. If you find a phone you love at a great price, don’t be afraid to make a move.

If you buy a device ahead of the Pixel 8a launch, but you really like what you see from Google’s mid-range Pixel 8, you could always trade your device at a later date.

Before you commit to waiting for the Pixel 8a, make sure you go hands-on with devices you can actually buy right now.

There are a bunch of solid options out there including the Pixel Fold, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8, Pixel 7a, and countless other alternatives.

Dig through as many devices as possible and you might just find a device you really like before the Pixel 8a arrives on shelves.

Don’t Wait for Deals

You don’t have to wait for the Pixel 8a launch to save a bunch of money on a Pixel or another Android device.

As we push deeper into the year, retailers are offering excellent deals on devices like the Pixel 7a, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro.

Google and its partners are also offering solid trade-in deals for the new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro and we may see these devices drop in price before the Pixel 8a arrives.

If you find a great deal on a Pixel or another device, don’t be afraid to make a move. Again, you can always upgrade at a later date if you really want to get your hands on a Pixel 8a.