The Pixel “a” line has offered budget-conscious fans of Google’s camera prowess a tempting option. But a recent leak suggests the upcoming Pixel 8a might see a price hike compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 7a.

According to the leak, the Pixel 8a price in Canada will possibly be CAD 709 for the 128GB model, significantly surpassing the Pixel 7a’s launch price in the country of CAD 599. The high-end 256GB variant will be priced at CAD 793. This is about $517 for the base model, which is slightly pricier than the $499 launch price of the Pixel 7a in the US. While Indian market details are still hazy, a cost increase there is also a strong possibility. The Pixel 7a was priced at INR 44,000 in India at launch, and this seems like the likely price of the Pixel 8a when it arrives in the country, if not higher.

For the potential extra expense, the Pixel 8a promises some enticing upgrades. Expect a 6.1-inch FHD+ display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, Google’s zippy Tensor G3 chip, and a dual-camera setup known for its excellent image quality. It’s also likely to inherit some of the beloved AI-powered features found in the premium Pixel 8 series. The Pixel 8a will likely mirror the Pixel 8 design with a matte back and come in four colors: Obsidian (black), Porcelain (white), Bay (blue), and Mint (green).

Is the Pixel 8a still worth the wait?

That depends on how much value you place on the upgrades and if your budget can accommodate the rumored higher price. The Pixel 7a remains a great phone, so it may be worth waiting for official announcements and reviews before deciding if the Pixel 8a is the right upgrade for you.

While the price leak is a strong indicator, official pricing and availability for your region will likely be revealed at Google’s I/O conference in May. Keep an eye out for further updates as we get closer to the launch.

Featured image: Android Headlines

Hillary Keverenge
2100 Posts

Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.