The $699 Google Pixel 8 is the best thing to happen to the Pixel A-series

Google at this time is launching two new smartphones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, each of which bear the corporate’s first value bump since shifting to the digital camera bar design three years in the past. In contrast to earlier generations, the Pixel duo now begins at $699 and $999, up from $599 and $899. However, to Google’s credit score, it is carried out important upgrades in {hardware} and software program to warrant the upcharge.

Additionally: Every product unveiled at the Made by Google event today

For instance, the smaller Pixel 8 has gotten a show increase from a 90Hz refresh charge to 120Hz. Additionally, each fashions are powered by a brand new, AI-optimized Tensor G3 chipset and will likely be eligible for Google’s new seven-year dedication to software program, safety, and have updates. Irrespective of which system you purchase, you may be getting your cash’s price.

Here is the factor: The actual winner on this change, consider it or not, is the unassuming Pixel 7a, a tool that I’ve personally examined and acknowledged as one of many best mid-range phones you should purchase. I additionally famous in my full review that with how carefully priced the A-series Pixel was to final 12 months’s Pixel 7, particularly when the latter was discounted, there was actually no motive to purchase the lower-end mannequin.

With each gadgets fielding the identical Tensor G2 processor, 90Hz show, RAM and storage, and breadth of Google software program options, a carefully priced Pixel 7 with a superior digital camera system and construct high quality made the Pixel 7a laborious to justify.

Overview: Google Pixel 7a: Meet the new best sub-$500 Android phone

Given the brand new value level of Google’s flagship smartphones, there is a a lot clearer distinction between the 2 tiers of handsets, that means shoppers of each side should purchase gadgets with out feeling like they settled or overpaid. 

If a well-rounded software program expertise with a formidable digital camera system is what you are after, save the money and purchase the Pixel A-series. In case you crave extra of the modern options and are keen to pay for them, the usual and Professional Pixel fashions are the way in which to go.