The next phone we expect from Google is the Google Pixel 8a, and although there has been no official news about the next mid-range, we may have the best option, the Android bug tracker that is publicly available online.
In a thread referencing battery stats (via 9to5Google), a Google software engineer says the feature will return to the Pixel 8a phone. It's not the greatest phone launch we've ever seen, but we'll take it as a sure sign that the successor to the Google Pixel 7a is on the way.
The thread about the Android bug tracker was started because a particular screen, which shows additional information about the battery status, was added to the software and then removed. According to the thread, it will return with the Google Pixel 8a.
Presumably, that also means we'll get these stats, including charge cycle counts and battery manufacturing date, on other Pixel phones as well. It may then roll out to all Android devices with the introduction of Android 15 later this year.
Prices and packaging
Our Google Pixel 7a review will refresh your memory about the mid-range phone that Google launched last year. It was announced at Google IO 2023 in May (just like the Pixel 6a the year before), and the Pixel 8a should follow the same release schedule.
As far as price goes, the Pixel 7a was originally priced at $499 / £449 / AU$749. Expect something similar with this year's model, although there have been rumors that the cost could rise again (the Pixel 7a also costs more than the Pixel 6a).
So far we've seen a handful of leaks and rumors about the Pixel 8a – a benchmark spotted in August was quite disappointing in terms of processor performance, although we expect the phone to have been significantly optimized since then.
The phone will apparently come with a 6.1-inch display, matching the Pixel 7a, and we've also taken a look at the Pixel 8a's packaging. The date for Google IO 2024 has not been set yet, but it is possible that this phone will be presented there.
