Google is reportedly set to retire its Pixel A-Series after the release of the Pixel 7a, according to a recent report. The Pixel A-Series, which began in 2019 with the launch of the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, has been known for its affordable price point and decent specs. However, it seems that Google is now looking to pivot towards selling flagship smartphones exclusively, with regular, Pro, and foldable offerings going forward.
The Pixel 7a is set to bring several firsts to the Pixel A-Series, including a 90 Hz display and wireless charging. It will also rely on the same Google Tensor G2 chipset as the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, bringing it as close as possible to Google's flagship Pixel smartphones. However, the Pixel 7a will feature a nominally worse primary camera and cheaper materials, such as a plastic back.
Despite these compromises, the Pixel 7a is still expected to retail for US$100 less than the Pixel 7, which has occupied the sub-US$500 price bracket for much of this year. It is likely that the Pixel 7a will be a popular choice for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that still offers high-end features.
However, with the potential end of the Pixel A-Series, Google will be shifting its focus towards flagship smartphones. According to Yogesh Brar, Google will likely offer two candybar flagships going forward, as well as a sole foldable offering. This would mark a significant shift for Google, which has previously focused on offering more affordable smartphone options.
Interestingly, Evan Blass recently leaked three official images of the Pixel Fold, which Google is rumored to showcase later this month at I/O 2023 alongside the Pixel 7a. The Pixel Fold would mark Google's entry into the foldable smartphone market, which is currently dominated by Samsung and Huawei.
While the end of the Pixel A-Series is not yet confirmed, it would not be surprising given Google's history of tweaking its smartphone offerings every year. The Pixel A-Series has been a popular option for those looking for an affordable smartphone with decent specs, but Google's pivot towards flagship smartphones could see the company competing more directly with the likes of Samsung and Apple.
Overall, the Pixel 7a looks set to be an impressive addition to the Pixel A-Series, offering high-end features at an affordable price point. However, with the potential end of the Pixel A-Series and the introduction of the Pixel Fold, it seems that Google is looking to compete more directly with other high-end smartphone manufacturers. It will be interesting to see how this shift in focus plays out over the coming years.
