As a Pixel 7a owner, here's what I expect from the Google Pixel 8a

As a proud Pixel 7a owner, I can confidently say it’s become my daily driver. Yes, I’ve tasted the sleekness of iPhone 13 and the raw power of OnePlus 11, but the Pixel 7a’s charm lies in its unexpected simplicity and Google’s magic touch. But hey, no device is perfect, and after spending enough time with it, a wishlist for its successor, the Pixel 8a, has blossomed in my mind.

Before I get to what I wish to see in the Pixel 8a, I’d first like to mention that my list won’t have the usual stuff like better cameras and a faster processor. For me, the camera system on the Pixel 7a is solid. Of course, I’d take whatever improvements Google brings with the Pixel 8a, but a camera upgrade would be a bonus rather than a much needed change in my books. The phone is most likely going to get the Tensor G3 as well, so I’m not going to write about hoping for a faster processor since it’s highly likely going to have an upgraded processor anyway. So let’s get to the interesting bit now. Google, are you listening?

My Pixel 7a’s greatest strength is its compact, comfortable form factor. But that doesn’t excuse the slightly rough edge due to the gap where the glass meets the frame. It begs for a smoother transition, a tactile delight for fingers that dance across the phone. Yes, this is just me nitpicking, but this is probably the first thing I noticed when I unboxed the shiny new phone. I’ve tried to capture the flaw in a picture as best I could. Check it out below:

Furthermore, the glossy back, while undeniably beautiful, became a fingerprint and smudge magnet within a few seconds. If out of a case, I have to wipe it down very frequently to avoid it looking as though it’s been used by someone who dips their fingers in grease before using the phone. A matte finish on the Pixel 8a would be a game-changer, eliminating the constant need for cleaning and enhancing the phone’s grip.

Current leaks do suggest that Google might indeed be getting rid of the high-gloss back glass or at least launching the Pixel 8a in colors that aren’t as reflective as the ‘Charcoal’ model I have. So I’m excited about this much-needed change.

P.S. If Google figures out a way to redesign the iconic ‘Camera Visor’ to stop it from acting like a shelf collecting dust and lint, that would be a blessing too.

While the 90Hz refresh rate is smooth enough for most tasks, let’s face it, 120Hz is becoming the new standard, especially in my neck of the woods – India. The competition boasts it, and it’s something I miss coming from the OnePlus 11 or my previous daily driver, the Mi 11X. A 120Hz display on the Pixel 8a would crank up the visual fluidity and make every scroll and animation a silky-smooth pleasure. Even my all-time favorite stress buster game – Smash Hit – feels just a tad less smoother when I switch over from playing it on the 120Hz capable OnePlus 11.

Apart from the refresh rate, I have no complaints with the Pixel 7a’s display. I mean, even if the Pixel 8a screen only comes with a refresh rate bump while retaining the rest from the 7a, I’d still be content. The brightness has never been a problem on my end. The display gets dim and when needed, it gets pretty bright too.

Don’t get me wrong, the Pixel 7a’s speakers aren’t terrible, but compared to the iPhone 13 and OnePlus 11, they lack that punch and clarity. So yes, better speakers are definitely going to be part of my Pixel 8a wishlist. I crave depth and crispness, a soundscape that immerses me in music, movies, and games. In fact, I almost always found myself switching to my iPhone 13 or the OnePlus 11 when I wanted to watch videos on YouTube without wearing headphones or grabbing my TWS earphones. Heck, even my Xiaomi Mi 11X that’s now found itself living in my desk’s drawer sounded better in some instances. So Google, throw in some beefier speakers for the Pixel 8a, and you’ll have me dancing to every beat.

The Pixel 7a handles everyday tasks with admirable battery life. But once I unleash the power of 5G and navigation, things tend to get hot and heavy. Battery life takes a dip, leaving me tethered to the charger more often than I’d like. A larger battery or even better optimization could be the answer, ensuring I can stay connected and unplugged on my adventures when I’m not at my desk for work.

I sadly don’t have my hopes high here considering the fact that the battery life on the standard Pixel 8 isn’t much to write home about. Nevertheless, I wish for Google to work its software magic and deliver better battery life than the Pixel 7a. In fact, I hope Google uses the Pixel 8a as a testbed for the new Android 14 feature that is designed to improve battery life.

Okay, now this is one of my biggest gripes with the Pixel 7a. I was looking forward to checking out Google’s AI wizardry when I first booted the device, but was quickly let down. Most features I wanted to test weren’t present because Google still can’t seem to figure out a way to bring these tricks to Pixel users outside the US. Adding salt to my wounds, Google later announced a set of new AI features like Video Boost, Audio Magic eraser and Magic Editor and kept them exclusive for the Pixel 8 series.

In fact, some functions are limited to just the Pixel 8 Pro. So Google needs to throw more of its resources into finding out ways to expand the availability of its AI tools and apps to more regions and even more models. I’d be bummed if Google decides to limit certain AI features to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro while keeping the left overs for the Pixel 8a. While at first it might seem gimmicky, these AI features can be useful. For instance, here’s a quick side-by-side video showing off the difference Video Boost makes:

Leaks and rumors whisper sweet nothings about the Pixel 8a. A Tensor G3 chip for even faster performance? Yes, please! A revamped camera system to push the boundaries of smartphone photography? Sign me up! But at the heart of my desires lies an unwavering appreciation for what the Pixel 7a does best: delivering a clean, bloatware-free Android experience and capturing stunning photos without breaking the bank. Google, refine the rough edges (both figuratively and literally), elevate the experience, and keep the soul of the Pixel series alive.

The Pixel 8a has the potential to be a true successor, not just in name, but in spirit. By addressing these small yet significant improvements, Google can cement the Pixel 8a’s place as the champion of affordable Android excellence. So, Google, are you ready to take the Pixel 8a to the next level by taking this wishlist seriously (pretty please)? I’m eagerly waiting to see what you have in store, ready to embrace the next chapter of Pixel.