Google‘s mid-range Pixel A-series has come a long way in recent years, with the latest models packing flagship-grade hardware and advanced camera capabilities. Now, a new report suggests the forthcoming Pixel 8a could further blur the line between mid-range and high-end with a display upgrade aiming to match the premium Pixel 8.

According to Android Authority, the Pixel 8a will feature a 6.1-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 1400 nits. These are the same specs as the display in the Pixel 8 flagship. If accurate, it would represent a major step up from the already impressive 90Hz 1000-nit panel in last year’s Pixel 7a.

A smoother, brighter viewing experience would allow Google’s mid-ranger to better compete with more affordable flagships from Samsung and others. The Korean giant’s Galaxy A54, for instance, tops out at just 60Hz refresh and 1000 nits of brightness. Faster refresh rates and high peak brightness allow for more responsive touch interactions and better outdoor visibility.

The report claims the Pixel 8a’s new display will be sourced from the same suppliers as the Pixel 8 — Samsung and Chinese manufacturer BOE. This suggests tight hardware integration for panel calibration and HDR capabilities across the Pixel 8 series.

Beyond the display, the Pixel 8a is expected to pack the same powerful Tensor G3 chipset as the Pixel 8, though reportedly using a slower, more power-efficient package. This custom Google silicon delivers AI and machine learning capabilities that empower the Pixel’s class-leading photography and spoken language skills.

What’s more, the design of the Pixel 8a is also said to more closely resemble the Pixel 8, sporting an increased curved display radius. This gentle screen curvature has become a signature design element of Google’s flagships in recent years.

With internal hardware aligning so closely to the Pixel 8, you might wonder why anyone would pay extra for Google’s high-end model. The likely answer lies in the camera setup. According to the report, the Pixel 8a’s camera will retain the same sensors as the Pixel 7a — respectable optics, to be sure, but not quite flagship-grade like the Pixel 8’s multi-camera array.

Still, the Pixel 7a has proven itself a highly capable camera phone, scoring extremely well in comparative testing against more expensive handsets. So the Pixel 8a looks set to continue this photographic prowess while matching — and in some areas exceeding — flagship-level specs across other areas.

Should these leaked Pixel 8a specs prove accurate, Google’s next mid-ranger could make an incredibly compelling case, potentially raising the bar for affordable handsets in 2024. Of course, a lot will depend on pricing — something at which Google hasn’t always excelled in previous Pixel launches.

But if priced right, the Pixel 8a could present mainstream buyers with a remarkably well-rounded handset at an attractive price point. With internal hardware rivaling flagships, plus a cutting-edge display and proven imaging capabilities, Google may have a mid-range winner on its hands.