Why Google won’t make a cheap Pixel phone anytime soon
Google has just launched the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro, two flagship phones that boast impressive cameras, AI features, and a new Tensor chipset. But if you’re hoping for a more affordable Pixel phone in the near future, you might be out of luck.
According to Nanda Ramachandran, VP of Google Mobile Business, Google has no plans to make a low-cost Pixel phone that would compete with the likes of the Moto G series or the Nokia 5.4. In an interview with Der Standard, Ramachandran said that making a cheap Pixel phone would involve too many compromises on the hardware and software front.
Google’s mid-range Pixel phones, such as the Pixel 7a, still offer a lot of value for money, as they come with the same Tensor G2 chip as the Pixel 8 Pro, which means they can handle all the advanced photo processing and AI tasks that Google is known for. Ramachandran also said that Google is planning to expand the Pixel brand to more markets in Europe and Asia, to increase its recognition and sales.
The Pixel 7a costs $499 / £449 / AU$749, which is not exactly cheap, but still much lower than the starting price of the Pixel 8 ($699 / £599 / AU$999) or the Pixel 8 Pro ($899 / £799 / AU$1,299). However, as we’ve seen from our list of the best budget phones, you can get a decent smartphone for much less than that.
But don’t expect Google to join the race to the bottom anytime soon. The Pixel 6 series represents a major upgrade from the previous generations, with better design, performance, cameras, and software support. Google is also betting big on its Tensor chipset, which is the first silicon designed by the company itself.
The Tensor chipset may not be as powerful as some of the rivals from Qualcomm or Apple, but it enables Google to optimize its software for its hardware, and vice versa. This gives Google more control over the user experience and the innovation potential of its phones.
So if you’re looking for a cheap Pixel phone, you might have to wait for a long time, or settle for an older model. But if you’re looking for a premium Pixel phone that can take stunning photos and do amazing things with AI, you might want to check out our hands-on review of the Pixel 8 Pro.
