As Google’s affordable Pixel 8a inches closer to its planned May launch, new details about the mid-range phone continue to leak, including thanks to new stolen photos.
A few days ago, we were able to discover a first official image of the Pixel 8a shared in a Google advertisement, but the latter only revealed the back of the device. A new leak this time gives us a revealing hands-on look at the real device, including the front of the smartphone.
The new images, shared by TechDroider, reveal the updated design of the device with more rounded corners in previous renders. These are our first clear glimpses of the phone’s screen edges and back panel texture.
The Pixel 8a’s screen won’t be as pretty as its competitors’
On the front, the Pixel 8a appears to have fairly large borders around its 6.1-inch screen, especially on the lower chin. They don’t seem radically larger than those on the Pixel 7a, but they are significantly thicker than many phones in the same segment. The corners also have a tighter curve compared to previous Pixels.
On the back we can see that the Pixel 8a will upgrade to a matte unibody design, seemingly made of plastic, in a black colorway. This represents a departure from the partially glossy finish of last year’s Pixel 7a. Google’s iconic “G” logo is centered under the dual rear camera module which protrudes from the smartphone from the famous horizontal bar.
While these are fairly minor design details, these images might prove concerning if you prefer minimal bezels and prefer phones with a premium glass or metal build. The Pixel 8a’s thick screen edges and matte plastic shell give it a slightly old-fashioned, cheap aesthetic., even if the technical sheet will ultimately prove quite interesting. The screen will notably be 120 Hz, a first for Google’s A series.
Of course, affordability is the Pixel A series’ calling card, so cost-cutting design features were to be expected. What remains to be seen is whether Google prices the Pixel 8a aggressively enough to compensate for its less modern look than some of its competitors. In France, it seems that its price has already leaked in another report, and there too there is more bad news.