Pixel 8a: Why is Google So Tone-Deaf on Pixel Pricing in India?

May. 9, 2024

Every Google Pixel device released in India has been under fire for being “overpriced” which continues with the Pixel 8a series. For those unaware, Google just announced thePixel 8a in India at Rs 52,000. It proves that with each passing year, Google distances itself from understanding the Indian smartphone scene, but why? In this article, let’s find answers to the question.

Pixel 8a: “A” for Affordable or Astronomical?

Let’s put aside the allegations for a bit and lay out the specifications. ThePixel 8afeatures a 6.1-inch 120Hz display, Tensor G3, a 4,400 mAh battery, and dual rear cameras. It also comes with 7 years of updates to Google’s latest AI features also found in the Pixel 8 series. All in all, it’s basically a slightly smaller Pixel 8.

Leaving aside its US pricing, we know that the Pixel 8 series launched for a price higher than Pixel 7. Google has followed the same pattern with the 8a series, which might seem fine in their opinion. But it shows thatGoogle is unaware of the competitorsand the Indian smartphone scene. Or it assumes the cameras and AI features are enough to woo users to get Pixels, which is not true.

I know that many may deem it a stretch when comparing the US pricing with that of India, but I feel it matters in the case of Pixel 8a. The US price of the 8a remains unmoved at $499 which is the same as the Pixel 7a’s launch price. However, India saw a whoppingRs 9,000 price hike for the Pixel 8acompared to the 7a.

Sure, the 8a features a better display and 7 years of updates. But you have to be considerate in a price-sensitive market such as India, where people are obsessed with numbers.

It’s a running joke among the Indian tech community where people say “Now the waiting game begins”. That’s becauseGoogle drops the prices of their latest Pixels within monthsof launch as they don’t sell that well which itself is due to the initial pricing.Graph credits: Price Before | Pixel 6aGraph credit: Price Before | Pixel 7a

The graphs above reflect the price drops of Pixel 6a and 7a. The 6a (left) and 7a (right) pricesdropped by almost 22%in just a few months. It’s exactly the reason why Pixels do not retain even half of their value a year after its launch, since Google almost always drops the price in just a few months.

In the current state, buyers wouldn’t wait for the Pixel 8a price drop because it’s been a while since the Pixel 8 launched. And the day is not far when Pixel 8 starts selling for less than the Pixel 8a. Or, it’s also possible that Google discontinues the vanilla Pixel 8 altogether.

The Indian government imposes an 18% import tax on smartphones imported from China, which is the case with Pixels. This significantly increases the price of Pixels in India. And that’s precisely whyGoogle plans to start assembling Pixels in India; although, it’s been a while since we last heard an update.

That would’ve been the case with the earlier models too, and yet thePixel 7a and 6a didn’t see a price increase. There might be something that we’re missing out here. But as you see it, the pricing shouldn’t have increased considering the US price remained the same.

The issue remains that Google is pricing its devices way above competitors who offer better specifications at lower prices. You could argue that the Pixels have cameras and software like none other. While that’s true right now, there’s only so much software and cameras can do to fix persistent issues like overheating and bad cellular connectivity.

I love Pixels and the tiny quirks the Pixel UI offers to enhance user experience. But the overinflated India pricing combined with the lack of Pixel-exclusive features in India which are the face of Pixels internationally were some of the reasons why Iswitched to the OnePlus 12R.

Google needs to address these issues because we’ve reached a point where it’s hard to justify the higher price for better cameras and AI features. There’s also the likelihood that we may not see more “budget” devices from Google in the future, as it maykill the A seriesafter launching threePixel 9this year.

What are your thoughts on the Pixel 8a pricing? Will you still be buying one? Let us know in the comments below.