More evidence of impending Pixel 8a launch pops up
The rumored Pixel 8a has shown up on the FCC's website, signaling that Google is preparing for the phone's announcement.
Google's current midrange phone was announced during last year's developer's conference, and the company recently announced that I/O 2024 would begin on May 14, fueling speculations that the Pixel 8a was about to be launched.
The FCC certification is a prerequisite for phone sales in the US and ensures that the phones sold in the country meet a specific set of standards.
As Droid Life, which was the first to spot the listing, notes, four Pixel 8a models were seen on the website: G8HNN, GKV4X, G6GPR, and G576D. The G6GPR variant was leaked in late January when someone posted images of the phone's retail box. The different model numbers signify minor differences between different variants, such as the presence of mmWave connectivity.
The FCC listing seems to confirm that the phone will support wireless charging, contactless payments, and Wi-Fi 6E.
The FCC filing doesn't contain any photos, but leaks tell us that the phone will be taller, narrower, and slimmer than the 7a and it will have prominently curved corners.
This year, Google may introduce a 256GB model as well and the device will come in Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, and Mint.
Apart from the Tensor G3 chip, Google doesn't seem to have any significant upgrades lined up for the phone, but it will likely have many of the same AI features as the Pixel 8 duo.
Retail sources suggest that despite minimal hardware improvements, the phone will cost more than the Pixel 7a, which retails for $499. Whether the second consecutive increase in price will impact its chances of becoming the best affordable phone of 2024 remains to be seen.
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