Google announces a new battery function while inadvertently confirming the Pixel 8a

With a recent Pixel software update, Google may have inadvertently disclosed its plans for the future Pixel 8a while addressing an odd change. The enhanced battery statistics page is exclusive to the Pixel 8a and other upcoming devices, the company revealed. A battery stats feature was part of the Android 14 QPR1. It features battery manufacturing date and charging cycle counts. Reportedly, the feature was absent in the March 2024 Pixel update.

Meanwhile, the company has clarified this on a bug tracker page. According to the company, this feature was not introduced for currently released devices. “We only activate this page on Pixel 8a and beyond, so this is WAI (Working as Intended),” the company states. Well, two important things are confirmed by this statement. First and foremost, it is clear that the Pixel 8a is under development.

Secondly, the future devices from Google will showcase a comprehensive battery health monitoring section under the Phone Settings. However, this feature won’t eb available on older Pixel devices. Still, it appears like Google is trying to provide Pixel owners more information about how long their phone’s battery lasts. We can expect the Pixel 8a to debut within the next few months. It might arrive alongside the Google I/O in May 2024 since this time window aligns with the debut of its predecessors.

Rumored specs of the Google Pixel 8a

According to reports, Google Pixel 8a might be powered by ta toned-down version of the tensor G3 chip that powers the flagship Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. It might be paired with 8GB of RAM. According to CAD renders from October last year, it could feature a 6.1-inch OLED display and measure 152.1 x 72.6 x 8.9mm. The Pixel 8a will support 27W fast charging. There are no further details about the upcoming smartphone.