Google Pixel 8a’s Find My Device feature works without battery like the Pixel 8: report

Published On: May 9, 2024

Highlights

The Pixel 8a also seems to have the same Find My Device capability as the Pixel 8.
This feature works even when the phone’s battery is out.
A new report suggests this feature is available on the Pixel 8a as well.

Google launched its new Find My Device network last month. This feature is one helpful tool that will let Android users locate their lost devices. It’s available only in the United States and Canada but Google is expected to roll it out in other markets soon. One feature exclusive to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro enables Find My Device even when the devices are turned off or out of battery. This feature is reportedly available on the newly launched Pixel 8a as well.

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Google Pixel 8a’s Find My Device network

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have power reserved for the Bluetooth chip that lasts for several hours even after the phone dies, according to a report by Android Authority. This is helpful since Find My Device broadcasts a beacon over Bluetooth so other nearby Android devices can pick up the signal and send the location of that particular device.
Google hasn’t announced this feature for the Pixel 8a but Android Authority found evidence of it on the Pixel 8a. This is through Android’s Powered-Off Finding feature, which was found turned on for the Pixel 8a. This is the Android API that is used for Find My Device.
This suggests that the Pixel 8a also has the same hardware as the Pixel 8 and Pro to enable Find My Network even when the phone’s out of battery. The report adds that since the Pixel 8a uses the same Tensor G3 chipset and Bluetooth, it’s quite likely that this feature is available.

Google is reportedly working on bringing this feature to other Android devices as well. This feature will be beneficial, especially in cases of lost and stolen devices. Users can use the feature once the Pixel 8a is available to users by simply turning on Find My Device.

Pixel 8a price in India

The Pixel 8a launched in India earlier this week at a starting price of Rs 52,999. The smartphone comes with the Tensor G3 chipset, a 120Hz OLED display, and a 64MP primary camera. It also offers popular AI features available on the Pixel 8 flagships including Magic Editor, Best Take, and Audio Magic Eraser.