How to pre

Google Pixel 8a preorders

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128GB model Google Pixel 8a $499 at Google Store (Get $100 credit to the Google Store)

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256GB model Google Pixel 8a $559 at Google Store (Get $100 Google Store credit)

It looks like Google isn't waiting for its I/O conference next week to make all its big announcements.

On May 7, the day of Apple's iPad event, Google swooped in and put the Pixel 8a up for preorder, starting at $499 for the 128GB model. Google has also released a 256GB Pixel 8a for $559, but at the time of writing, it was only available in the Obsidian colorway. Fans have been waiting for the more affordable phone to drop since the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro were released last fall, and once again, it looks like Google has made the budget Android to beat.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro: Every single thing we know so far

When the Google Pixel 7a hit the market in 2023, we thought the rumors that it could be the last of the A-Series Pixels made sense: it was a prettydarn close recreation of the Pixel 7 for about $100 cheaper. We're glad Google didn't decide to throw in the towel, and instead is offering even more of an attractive deal — while the Pixel 8's price increased $100 over its previous generation to $699, the Pixel 8a is available at the same $499 starting price as the Pixel 7a started at. Basically, the Pixel 8a gets you a similar product to the Pixel 8 for $200 less.

Price-wise, that's not the only exciting news. Google is offering $100 of Google Store credit through May 19 when you buy a Pixel 8a. The official release date for the 8a is May 14.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 8a (128GB) $499 at Google Store
Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 8a (256GB) $559 at Google Store

How the Pixel 8a compares to the Pixel 8

Based on its spec sheet, the Pixel 8a shares quite a bit in common with the Pixel 8, including:

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• Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 7a: What are the differences?
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• Tensor G3 chip

• 24+ hour battery life

• Magic Editor and Magic Take camera tools

• 128 and 256GB options for storage

• 8 GB RAM

• Up to 120Hz refresh rate (up from 90Hz on Pixel 7a)

The Pixel 8a will come with a slightly less powerful battery than the Pixel 8, one less microphone, and no spatial audio. It also comes in the same colorways as the Pixel 8 Pro: Obsidian, Bay, and Porcelain, plus one additional color, Aloe (there's less overlap with the Pixel 8, which comes in Obsidian, Rose, Mint, and Hazel).

SEE ALSO: New iPad Air announced — here's everything you need to know

The Pixel 8a is barely smaller than the Pixel 8, with just a 0.1-inch difference in the display size. It also houses the same 64 MP Quad PD wide camera, 13 MP ultrawide rear cameras, and 13 MP front camera that the 7a does. Considering the 7a marked a significant improvement over previous generations, it isn't surprising that Google didn't opt for big changes just one year later.