Google may have mistakenly hinted that the Google Pixel 8a is coming shortly.

The Google Pixel 8a is the next phone we can expect from Google, and while there has been no official news on the next mid-ranger, we may have the next best thing thanks to an Android issue tracker that is freely available online.

In a post about battery data (via 9to5Google), a Google software engineer confirms that the feature will return with the Pixel 8a phone. It’s not the most spectacular phone launch we’ve ever witnessed, but it’s a sure hint that the successor to the Google Pixel 7a is on its way.

The topic on the Android bug tracker began because a specific panel displaying additional information about battery health was introduced to the software and then removed. According to the post, it will make a comeback with the Google Pixel 8A.

Presumably, this also means that we’ll be able to see these metrics on other Pixel phones, such as charging cycle counts and battery production dates. It may then be rolled out to all Android smartphones with the release of Android 15 later this year.

Google Pixel 8a prices and packing.

It was unveiled in May at Google IO 2023 (together with the Pixel 6a a year ago), and the Pixel 8a is likely to follow the same release schedule.

The Pixel 7a had been listed at $499, £449, and AU$749. Expecting something similar with this year’s model, however, there are reports that the price may jump again (the Pixel 7a costs more than the Pixel 6a).

So far, we’ve only seen a few Pixel 8a leaks and rumors: A benchmark discovered in August was somewhat unimpressive in terms of CPU performance, but we’re hopeful the phone has been greatly optimized since then.

The handset will reportedly have a 6.1-inch screen, similar to the Pixel 7a, and we’ve seen a sneak glimpse at the Pixel 8a packaging. The date for Google IO 2024 hasn’t yet been established, but this phone may well be unveiled there.