Google's Pixel 8A is a Midrange Phone That Might Actually Go the Distance (theverge.com) 35
The Pixel 8A is officially here. The 8A gets Google's latest processor, adds a bunch of new AI features, and still starts at $499 in the US. But the very best news is that the 8A adopts the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro's seven years of software support, which is just unheard of in a midrange phone. From a report: The 8A retains the same general shape and size as its predecessor. But its 6.1-inch screen gets a couple of significant updates: the top refresh rate is now 120Hz, up from 90Hz, and the panel gets up to 40 percent brighter, up to 2,000 nits in peak brightness mode. They're important upgrades, especially since the 8A's main competition in the US, the OnePlus 12R, comes with an excellent display.
It comes with the same generative AI photo and video features that made a splash on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, including Best Take, Magic Editor, and Audio Magic Eraser. Circle to Search is also available, and the 8A will be able to run Google's mobile-optimized on-device AI model, Gemini Nano. As on the Pixel 8, it'll be a developer option delivered via feature drop. Other specs are either unchanged or slightly boosted compared to the last generation. There's still 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, though there's now a 256GB option. Camera hardware is unchanged from the 7A, including a stabilized 64-megapixel main sensor. There's an IP67 rating, consistent with the 7A, and battery capacity is a little higher at 4,492mAh compared to 4,385mAh. Wireless charging is available via Qi 1.3 at up to 7.5W -- no Qi2 here.
It comes with the same generative AI photo and video features that made a splash on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, including Best Take, Magic Editor, and Audio Magic Eraser. Circle to Search is also available, and the 8A will be able to run Google's mobile-optimized on-device AI model, Gemini Nano. As on the Pixel 8, it'll be a developer option delivered via feature drop. Other specs are either unchanged or slightly boosted compared to the last generation. There's still 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, though there's now a 256GB option. Camera hardware is unchanged from the 7A, including a stabilized 64-megapixel main sensor. There's an IP67 rating, consistent with the 7A, and battery capacity is a little higher at 4,492mAh compared to 4,385mAh. Wireless charging is available via Qi 1.3 at up to 7.5W -- no Qi2 here.
Ad (Score:2)
7 years of support (Score:1)
Unheard of in Android phones but common for Apple. Pretty sure the iPhone 6S is still getting maintenance updates.
Re:7 years of support (Score:4, Interesting)
I'll believe it when I see it. Chances are Google will cancel the whole thing before the end of this month. I don't trust Google to be there for me for 7 minutes, let alone 7 years.
Re: (Score:2)
no the 6S doesn't get maintenance updates (at least not if you are on the original iOS version). Apple only support current and version or couple previous. You only get maintenance updates if you have moved to newer versions of the iOS. You need to have upgraded to iOS 12 to get support and patches.
The iPhone 7 was released in 2016. That tends to validate the support claim regardless.
WTF phones need local AI?! (Score:2)
"...adds a bunch of new AI features" CLICK [Close]
I'm not walking around with a Creep-O-Bot in my pocket..
Re: (Score:2)
agree. besides ... there's hardly any relevant upgrade here (who needs 120hz on a phone? maybe msmash from the aggressive-expansion dept, who considers it a "very important upgrade"). to their credit, price is roughly on par with pixel 7 (which is actually a very good phone, btw), which makes sense. so, yeah: they just want to get their ai out.
Re: WTF phones need local AI?! (Score:4, Insightful)
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
It's just math. That does some neat tricks with photos. Locally. What is there to object to?
Define “neat” in relation to features I can find today with non “AI” phones. Perhaps that’ll justify a $100+ price premium, and likely a monthly recurring AI license surcharge on top of that (don’t even remotely be surprised).
Re: (Score:1)
Indeed. Having AI reinterpret photos to "clean" them could be a problem, introducing unwanted artifacts when it guesses wrong, and probably shouldn't do it in real time anyhow, but in a later edit stage if and when user wants to tweak them.
No reason to upgrade (Score:3)
It looks like a solid phone offered at a decent price.
I don't need a brighter screen.
I don't need AI on my phone.
I don't need better snapshots.
I got an "insider offer" on it this morning: $200 off plus the (expected) $200 trade-in value on my 7a (that I got last year). That makes it a $100 upgrade.
I still don't need to upgrade. I probably wont for many years.
If your old phone is not meeting your needs, or is busted, this is a solid option at a good price/feature point. If not... meh.
Re: (Score:2)
I could use a brighter screen. I have a pixel 6 and the thing is barely visible in the South Carolina Sun which matters when you're playing Pokémon Go.
From a 3a to a 6a to a ? (Score:2)
Bought a 3a four years ago for $299 (plus tax) and was able to trade it in for $300 off a 6a two years ago.
I will wait until a 9a (if it happens as the 6a is still very good. Previous Samsungs that I have owned has deteriorated more quickly than the Pixels.
Re: (Score:2)
Came here to say the same thing. Also, just as the 3a was losing support for updates it only cost me $149 to upgrade to the 6a with trade-in. Absolute no-brainer move and I really like the 6a! Google still offers a fair chunk of change for a 6a trade-in for the 8a, but the 8a price needs a Thanksgiving price drop still to be an even better deal. Not that I'm actually looking to upgrade seeing as I have many years of support still. The Pixel 'X'a-series have always been a good deal for me, plus there's great
Decent Line (Score:2)
A reasonable approach is to get a Pixel (N)a when a refurb is $200 and Lineage support is complete. Hard to go wrong.
$850 in Australia (Score:2)
Card/Jack (Score:5, Interesting)
Meh. Paid slightly less for my current phone, the Samsung A52 5G. It, too is fast, OLED screen, in-screen fp sensor, multi-sensor camera, similar size. But also has SD card slot and a real headphone jack.
Why can't we have freaking card slots and headphone jacks?? I really do use them. I like syncing/moving my stuff quickly on a card. I actually do use the headphone jack in several cases where I don't want a dongle mess so I can charge with USB AND use wired earphones at the same time. Plus I like using magnetic connectors, much better than wireless charging, and I would have to REMOVE that every single time I want to use wired headphones.
Otherwise, looks like a decent phone that is very similar to what I would want.
Re: (Score:2)
I am hating my 6a's lack of a headphone jack.
I don't want to do bluetooth and deal with charging headphones.
Plus I like the headphones I have (hard to find ones that sit in my ear and don't fall out as well.)
But those USB-C adapters are fucking garbage. Got two Apple ones, both cut out if anyone even LOOKS at the plug.
Got another 'better' one, and still occasionally cuts out. (Basically the socket gets moved slightly, and that signals it to pause the music.)
Was NEVER an issue with a proper 1/8th jack.
About
Re:Card/Jack (Score:5, Informative)
>"About the only way to get me to switch to Bluetooth would be if there's some device I can plug my headphones into that picks up the BT signal - anyone ever see such a thing?"
Of course, it is just a bluetooth receiver. Like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Upgrade... [amazon.com]
But it is still something that has a battery, has to be charged, turned on, paired, carried around, etc. There is no GOOD reason devices are dropping analog headphone jacks. They don't impair water resistance (there are plenty of devices that have waterproof jacks, plus USB is a jack), there is almost no cost, and they don't take up that much space (especially on larger devices). I love bluetooth headphones, but NOT ALWAYS and for ALL occasions.
Re: (Score:2)
Thanks - figured there ought to be something like this out there..
I'm happy with an extra 'thing' if it doesn't cut out, and lets me use the headphones I like. Not ideal, but better than the current situation!
(Water resistance is my next request in this, would often be in my cycling jersey pocket..)
Re: (Score:2)
It's annoying for flights too. You need a Bluetooth transmitter to plug into the in-flight entertainment system, or bring your own stuff to watch.
Why does nobody make wireless earbuds with a headphone jack in the case? Just stick a transmitter in there. And put a socket on the bigger cans too, even if it's only a 2.5mm one.
Re: (Score:2)
>"Why does nobody make wireless earbuds with a headphone jack in the case?"
Hey, that is a great idea. Especially since the better ones already have a BT connection in them (to show connected state and battery level to the phone).
Cool (Score:4, Funny)
Cool but can it make phone calls?
Re: (Score:2)
You jest but it's actually really good for making phone calls. It's one of the few times where the AI features are actually useful.
It has live transcription of the call, and can handle menus for you too by listening to what is said and presenting the options on screen. It also waits on hold for you, and when they pick up the AI asks them to wait a few seconds while it rings again on your end.
Convergence (Score:2)
$500 for Mid-Range (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
I recall when the top Google phone was an LG product which was unreliable and unrepairable trash. The digitizer on my Nexus 4 died and the replacement cost was more than buying a new phone.
Naturally I did not buy another Nexus device. Been buying Moto since. No regerts.
Re: (Score:2)
He's going the distance (Score:2)