Throwing a refreshing twist to upcoming smartphone launches is the Pixel 8a, which can become your new phone starting May 14. The affordable version of the Pixel phone comes with little in the way of surprises because plenty has leaked about the phone but nobody can deny Google its moment in the sun for offering seven years of software upgrade.

Maintaining the shape and size of its predecessor, this one has a 6.1-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate and the panel gets up to 40 per cent brighter, up to 2,000 nits in peak brightness mode, which is certain to offer stiff competition to the OnePlus 12R.

Being a Google device, expect plenty of generative AI tech, like generative AI photo and video features that made a splash on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. So you will get features like Best Take, Magic Editor, and Audio Magic Eraser. Circle to Search will also be available, and the 8a will be able to run Google’s mobile-optimised on-device AI model, Gemini Nano. Once enabled, Gemini Nano lets you access specific on-device AI features, like summarise in Google’s Recorder app and Smart Reply in Gboard.

There’s more: 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, plus there’s now a 256GB option. On the camera front, you will get a stabilised 64MP main sensor, 13MP ultra-wide, IP67 rating, and battery capacity is a little higher at 4,492mAh compared to 4,385mAh. There is also wireless charging.

Helping the cause of AI is Google Tensor G3 chip.Pixel 8a will also introduce Audio Emoji, making your phone calls more expressive and engaging than before. With Audio Emoji, just tap on an emoji to trigger an audio reaction and visual effect. Try using a hand-clap emoji to applaud a job well done or the laughing emoji after telling your best joke.

An area where Google cut corners is the cover glass, which is Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3. The back is a matte plastic composite, with a matte aluminum frame. Google says the housing and camera bar are made from 100 per cent recycled aluminum, and the rear plastic is 76 per cent recycled plastic.

You must be wondering what the next series of Pixel phones would look like. Rumour has it that Pixel 9 phones are due later this year and the three models are Pixel 9 Pro XL (6.5-inch display), Pixel 9 Pro (6.1-inch display) and Pixel 9 (6.03-inch display).

Of course, at the moment, all focus is on Pixel 8a, which will come in the limited edition Aloe and Bay; also available will be the classic Obsidian and Porcelain options.

If you’re looking at the Pixel 8a for a child, there’s some good news. You’ll be able to set the phone up out of the box for a child, though Google says it still encourages users to log into their own accounts first to set up parental controls.