Is the Pixel 8a starting to take shape? At least that is what information collected by MySmartPrice from the certification body UL Solutions, which reveals a smartphone codenamed GH2MB. While the device’s identity has yet to be confirmed, its appearance on a technical certification page indicates its launch is near; which, if we stick to Google’s usual schedule, gives us hope that it will be the Pixel 8a, a more affordable version of the Pixel 8 series marketed in fall 2023. It should also be noted that the international version of the Pixel 7a had a similar codename, GHL1X.
The certification in question allows us to get an idea of an important point: the efforts made by Google to improve the autonomy of its models. While the Pixel 7a is equipped with a 4385 mAh battery, its probable successor would be equipped with a 4942 mAh battery. Good news, insofar as the 2023 smartphone did not particularly stand out in terms of endurance during our laboratory tests.
This is not the first appearance of the Pixel 8a in the wild, visuals of the device — a stolen photo of its box and concepts published by specialists of the leak — having already shown themselves at the end of 2023. According to them, the Pixel 8a will feature a refined design, with softened angles, and a flat screen, in the wake of the Pixel 8. It would also be equipped with a 6.1-inch Oled screen with a refresh rate of 90 Hz and a double photo module, and would be powered by the Tensor G3 chip developed by Google. If the Mountain View firm sticks to its usual ways, the device will be unveiled by the end of spring, and probably shown at the Google I/O conference which usually takes place in May.