It appears that Google may not be offering a budget-friendly Pixel device anytime soon. Nanda Ramachandran, Google’s VP of mobile business, stated in an interview with Der Standard that creating such a device would require too many compromises. While the Pixel 8 series has just been launched, the possibility of a more affordable phone to round out the Pixel lineup seems unlikely.
Ramachandran emphasized that the new Pixel smartphones stand out due to their combination of features, including AI capabilities, robust camera functions, and regular security updates. Maintaining these attributes while keeping a device within a €200 / $211 price range would be extremely challenging, as it would necessitate too many compromises.
Although the Pixel 7a, like other devices in the Pixel A series, strikes a balance between price and performance, offering camera hardware upgrades, a 90Hz display, and the Tensor G2 chip at a starting retail price of $499 / £449 / AU $749, Ramachandran’s comments suggest that Google is prioritizing maintaining the quality of its flagship devices.
The Pixel 8, while priced higher, offers improvements in display quality, camera features, and the upgraded Tensor G3 chip. Ramachandran justified this price increase by highlighting the significant improvements made compared to the Pixel 7.
Furthermore, Google aims to expand the Pixel series into more markets, including Europe and Asia, to enhance the brand’s global recognition and increase sales.
In the interim, users seeking budget-friendly Android phones can explore other options, with the Pixel 7a standing out as a device that effectively balances pricing and features. The upcoming Pixel 8a may shed more light on how Google intends to address the price-performance ratio in the future.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No EU Brief journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
