Available for purchase in Google Store now, the Google Pixel 8a represents amazing value, with an updated chip, display, battery and storage capability compared to Pixel 7a. Here are 5 reasons why the Google Pixel 8a is a huge upgrade from its successor, Google Pixel 7a and worth the purchase.

Probably the most significant of the updates is the inclusion of Google Tensor G3 - Pixel's most powerful chip yet, and the same chip used to power its flagship and pro models, compared to Pixel 7a which is powered by Google Tensor G2. Since Google Tensor was introduced with the Pixel 6, its AI capabilities have dramatically increased. The biggest machine learning model on Pixel 8a is 10x more complex than the model on the Pixel 6, so you get even more of the cutting-edge photo and video features that Pixel is known for smarter ways to get things done throughout your day.

Gemini is your helpful AI assistant that helps bring about a more reliable way for you to get personalised help with text, voice, or images. Here’re some AI features that help make more of your time:

Find the answers you need with Circle to Search

• Circle to Search¹: Simply take a picture and circle the content in whatever app you're using, whether it's text, an image or even something in a video, Google AI will find the answers you need.

• Summarise²: Got a backlog of emails to clear after your vacation or a long article that you just don’t have the patience to read through? Ask Gemini, your built-in personal assistant, to summarise an email or Google Doc into key points so you can respond faster.

• Assistant Voice Typing³: Just say ‘Hey Google’ and write messages twice as fast with your voice.

• Live Translate⁴: Send messages in multiple languages using Live Translate, without having to switch in and out of different apps, so you can focus on the interaction.

• Call Assist⁵: Comes with a set of features that helps you with everything from making calls to avoiding spammers. With Manual Call Screen, Google Assistant can answer unknown numbers and find out who’s calling and why before you decide whether to pick up⁵, keeping you uninterrupted during an important meeting. Hate waiting on the line when you’re making those calls to the bank? Use Hold for Me which allows Google Assistant to wait on the line for you and let you know when customer support is ready to talk, and Clear Calling helps reduce even more of your caller’s background noise so you can hear them even in a noisy place.⁶

Fix your pictures with Magic Editor

Another major upgrade for Pixel 8a is its display, where it uses the same “Actua display” as Pixel 8, compared to Pixel 7a which uses “FHD+ display”. With a peak brightness of 2,000 nits and 6.1 inch display size⁷, this means a bigger, brighter display for better viewing outdoors or in direct sunlight. Apart from the photo editing features that Pixel 7a offers like Magic Eraser⁸ and Photo Unblur⁸, Google Pixel 8a has even more photo editing features to create more picture-perfect moments, here’re some new features you can expect:

• Best Take⁸: Thanks to Google AI, you can create perfect group shots with Best Take. If someone blinks or looks away, Best Take can combine similar photos into one fantastic picture where everyone looks their best.

• Magic Editor⁸: Add custom edits and studio-quality enhancements to any photo. Improve lighting and background, move a subject and more with just a few taps - anyone can do it with no complicated photo editing software and skills required.

Detect and reduce background noise with Audio Magic Eraser

Pixel 8a comes with a higher refresh rate⁹ of 120Hz, compared to Pixel 7a at 90Hz. This means a higher number of images being updated per second, creating smoother, cinematic-like videos for your travel videos and more fluid viewing experience for gamers.

In addition to photo editing, Pixel 8a also comes with video editing features. Sounds from cars, wind or construction can ruin even the most precious memories. Audio Magic Eraser uses Google AI to help reduce distracting sounds with a few taps, so you only hear the ones that matter.¹⁰

In combination with the certified Titan M2 security chip, your Pixel 8a has multiple layers of security to help keep your personal info safe. Additionally, it comes with Google Pixel VPN at no extra cost to help protect your online activity no matter what app or web browser you use¹¹, so any sensitive information stored on your phone like passwords, private messages, bank details and more are being protected from online threats. Google Pixel 8a also has a lot of security features. Along with patterns, PINs, and passwords, it also supports facial recognition and fingerprint authentication. Compared to Google Pixel 7a's 5-year security update (from launch), you'll get an extended period of at least 7 years from launch for Google Pixel 8a¹². Lastly, your Pixel gets a boost of helpfulness with automatic Feature Drops, so your Pixel keeps getting better over time.¹³

Pixel 8a vs 7a comparison in a glance