The Pixel 7A sets a new standard for the Pixel 8

Image credit : Digital Trends Google's I/O conference was silent on the Pixel 8, but the firm did introduce the Pixel 7A, a less expensive version of the Pixel 7. The 7A delivers many of the same features as the Pixel 7 for $100 cheaper, including a brilliant camera and the new Tensor G2 CPU. This is fantastic news for Pixel enthusiasts. But it also makes me worry if Google's A-series smartphones are starting to eclipse its premium Pixel models. Google needs to consider its target market for the Pixel 8 more carefully now that the difference between the Pixel 7 and 7A is smaller. Who is the Pixel 7 for, then, if the Pixel 7A is for those who want a basic Pixel experience without sacrificing performance or camera quality and the Pixel 7 Pro is for photography enthusiasts? With the Pixel 8, along with some other standard enhancements to software support and battery life, I'm hopeful Google provides a solution to that issue. [caption id="attachment_155216" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] google-pixel-7a (Image credit : CNET)[/caption]

The Pixel 8 needs to stand out from Google's future flagship Pixel phone

Google needs to do more with the Pixel 8 to differentiate its future flagship Pixel phone. Many of the characteristics that most people look for in a new phone, such a brilliant camera, slick performance, user-friendly software, and a respectable battery life, are already there in the $499 Pixel 7A. The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7A seem to be aimed at the same group of users: Android enthusiasts who desire a versatile phone with an excellent camera and a sizeable display. The bigger screen, additional telescopic camera, and macro photography make the Pixel 7 Pro stand out. In addition, unlike the Pixel 7, it includes a 512GB storage option and a screen with a greater 120Hz refresh rate for even better scrolling. As an illustration, there are several characteristics that set the Pixel 7 Pro apart from the Pixel 7, but fewer that set the Pixel 7 apart from the 7A. There are a couple adjustments Google might do going future to address that. The Pixel 8's display size could perhaps be slightly increased to 6.4 inches from 6.3 inches. If Google maintains the same 6.1-inch display size for subsequent A-series phones, it would increase the space between the Pixel 8's screen and a Pixel 8A. Also read : Google Pixel 7a: Leaked Features, Design, and Blue Color Option Given that the charging speeds of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7A are comparable (up to 18W on the Pixel 7A versus up to 21W on the Pixel 7), Google might also increase the charging speed of the Pixel 8. The case for purchasing the Pixel 8 might be a little stronger if the charging speed was increased to put more distance between it and the Pixel 8A. The Pixel 8 might be further set apart from a potential Pixel 8A if its base storage was increased to 256GB, similar to what Samsung did with the Galaxy S23 Plus, and an additional 512GB storage option was made available.