Each year, Google releases premium Pixel phones as well as more affordable Pixel A series phones. Consumers have always favored the Pixel A series phones due to their superior performance and low prices. However, it was recently reported that Google might release the last Pixel A series phone, the Pixel 7a, this year.
According to whistleblower Yogesh Brar, Google will not release the Pixel 8a as the gap between the Pixel A-series phones and the flagship Pixel phones is shrinking. Based on the features of the currently available Pixel 7a, this claim seems to be true. The Pixel 7a and Pixel 7 have essentially identical specifications, with the exception of screen size and cameras. In terms of price, the Pixel 7a has increased in price by $50 compared to the previous generation Pixel 6a and now costs $499, just $100 less than the Pixel 7. In this scenario, it doesn’t seem to make much sense for Google to offer two phones that are so identical.
Pixel a series seems to be coming to an end. With the spec and price bump on the Pixel 7a, it is certain that there won't be any 8a coming.
Google will likely stick with vanilla and Pro models alongside a foldable going forward. Something similar might happen with Samsung
— Yogesh Brar (@heyitsyogesh) May 1, 2023
Yogesh Brar also stated that Google would replace its Pixel A series of phones with a foldable screen phone. However, this means that consumers will struggle to find a Pixel phone for less than $500.
This is obviously disappointing news for consumers who like the Pixel A line of phones. While there are plenty of other budget options on the market, the Pixel A-series phones always feel solid and offer excellent value for money. If this is their last year, we can only hope that Google will bring us something better.
Despite the Pixel A series’ imminent doom, Google is not abandoning the affordable smartphone market. The business recently announced a collaboration with Jio, an Indian smartphone manufacturer, to build inexpensive 5G devices. This effort attempts to make 5G technology more accessible to users in India, which has one of the world’s largest smartphone markets.
