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“The design may be obsolete in a few years, but the software is not”
NewMobile ·
er than expected
Feels more expensive than it is
The camera shoots fast and well
Fast and long-lasting updates
w fingerprint scanner
Occasional hiccups
Design with sharp edges
Settings a bit basic
This year's Google Pixel 7a doesn't feel like a Pixel A phone. We mean that in a positive way. For example, the display refresh rate has gone up, and there is wireless charging this time. These additions make it very difficult for the Pixel 7. Let's find out whether that comparison holds up. Google has been releasing A-versions of its Pixel phones since 2019. These models are competitively priced without sacrificing camera performance. And although there have been some tweaks over the years, for instance, the XL versions, the original formula hasn't changed.
The Google Pixel 7a is the entry-level model in Google's Pixel lineup this year and is even more enjoyable. This is the first time a Pixel A can be charged wirelessly and features a smooth 90 Hz screen. But there are more improvements. Which ones exactly, and what effect that has on the starting price? You can read it all here.
Borrowing from the Pixel 7
Google has been releasing Pixel A models since 2019. This series was meant to bring affordable phones with flagship-worthy cameras. At the same time, there are rumors that this Pixel 7a will be the last one. Yet that should not spoil the fun for now. After all, we are looking at the most comprehensive Pixel A phone to date. On the face of it, the most significant upgrade is the Smooth Display—something previously only available on the more expensive Pixel and Pixel Pro. By refreshing images more often per second, animations look much smoother. Like the Pixel 7, this happens 90 times per second and at FHD+ resolution. It even has the same OLED panel known for its vivid colors.
Equally powerful, almost as expensive
Another feature it borrows from the Pixel 7 is wireless charging. Although at only half the power of the Pixel 7 at 20W, reverse wireless charging is missing. The battery has a capacity of 4385mAh, enough for 24 hours of battery life. Another big plus of the Pixel 7a is its performance. Google uses their custom designed Tensor G2 chip that we also saw in the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Even the amount of RAM is the same. This results in a compelling device in this segment. Unfortunately, you do see this reflected in the starting price. That goes up, making the price very close to that of the Pixel 7.
Main Google Pixel 7a specs
6.1" Smooth Display with FHD+ resolution and 90Hz display
64+13MP Duo Camera with 120° ultra-wide angle and Pixel-exclusive features
13MP selfie camera with 95° wide viewing angle + 4K video
Google Tensor G2 processor with 8GB of RAM
Only available with 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage (not expandable)
4385mAh large battery with wireless charging
5G support for fast mobile internet
Released with Android 13, three promised upgrades, five years of security updates
Pixel-exclusive features
As usual, the Pixel 7a comes with a set of decent cameras. This year the camera resolution exceeds that of the more expensive Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. The primary camera has a 64-megapixel sensor with a Quad Bayer layout and with an f/1.89 lens that has an 80° viewing angle in front of it. Next sits a 13-megapixel camera with an ultra-wide angle lens of 120°. You only have to remember this; the Pixel 7a takes excellent pictures. That's mainly due to Google's award-winning HDR+ feature. This software algorithm chooses the best settings and turns every image into a perfectshote. Even if it was taken out of focus or with backlighting. The camera also has Pixel-exclusive features such as Magic Eraser and Real Tone. These allow you to edit photos afterward, capturing skin tones true to life.
How sturdy is the Google Pixel 7a? In this video from JerryRigEverything, Zack applies all his usual medieval methods to the 7a. And it turns out what? It's much sturdier than its predecessor
This year's Google Pixel 7a doesn't feel like a Pixel A phone. We mean that in a positive way. For example, the display refresh rate has gone up, and there is wireless charging this time. These additions make it very difficult for the Pixel 7. Let's find out whether that comparison holds up. Google has been releasing A-versions of its Pixel phones since 2019. These models are competitively priced without sacrificing camera performance. And although there have been some tweaks over the years, for instance, the XL versions, the original formula hasn't changed.
