The newly launched Google Pixel 7a has already garnered attention as a potential favourite among Google phone users. This latest model offers specifications that are nearly equivalent to the flagship Pixel 7 but with a lower starting price point.
One notable feature of the Google Pixel 7a is its 6.1” OLED display, which now runs at 90Hz, matching the refresh rate of the Pixel 7’s slightly larger 6.3” display. Additionally, the display boasts FHD+ resolution and Gorilla Glass 3 protection. These upgrades, among others, make the Pixel 7a stand out from its predecessor, the 6a, which features a lower-resolution main camera, and 60Hz display, and lacks wireless charging.
Moving on to the phone’s build, the Pixel 7a boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, which provides assurance for accidental spills or exposure to harsh environments. The phone has a metal frame and a plastic back, with Google emphasizing the use of recycled aluminium, glass, and plastic in its construction. The visor, in particular, is made from 100% recycled aluminium. The phone is available in three colours: Charcoal, Sea, and Snow, with the Coral variant being exclusive to the Google Store.
Google Pixel 7a: Specs
Moreover, the Pixel 7a features a significant upgrade in its chipset, with the Tensor G2 chip replacing the Snapdragon 765G of the previous generation. It also has 8GB of LPDDR RAM and 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage, which are the same specs as the flagship Pixel 7. The upgrade in the chipset means that the 7a should be capable of performing various computational tasks just as quickly as the Pixel 7. Furthermore, Google has promised 5 years of security updates, ensuring the phone’s longevity and user security.
The Google Pixel 7a includes a 64MP camera that allows Super Res Zoom of up to 8x. It is equipped with a 1/1.73” Quad Bayer sensor which, although smaller than the Pixel 7’s 50MP 1/1.31” sensor, still manages to produce high-quality images with its OIS technology.
Additionally, the phone’s ultra-wide camera boasts a 13MP sensor and a 120° f/2.2 lens with Dual Pixel autofocus. On the other hand, the front-facing camera has been improved to a 13MP camera with a fixed–focus 95° lens and f/2.2 aperture. Moreover, the rear camera of the phone can record 5K videos at up to 60fps, while the front camera supports 4K videos at 30fps.
Google Pixel 7a: Battery
The Google Pixel 7a comes with 5G support, with sub-6GHz and mmWave compatibility. However, only specific regions will have models with mmWave enabled. The phone is a dual-SIM device with one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM.
The Pixel 7a will carry a large 4,385mAh battery that can be charged quickly with up to 20W wired charging. The phone also supports wireless charging for the first time in the a-series and can charge at a maximum of 18W. The charging port on the device is USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, but the box comes only with a USB-C-to-C cable with USB 2.0 wiring. Customers need to provide their own chargers.
The Pixel 7a: Price
The Pixel 7a only comes in one version, keeping the pricing simple. It costs $499/£449/€509. That’s an increase from the $449/£399/€459 Pixel 6a, though between current inflation and some of the phone’s upgraded features, that increase doesn’t seem too unreasonable.
Just as importantly, it’s still a decent amount cheaper than the $599/£599/€649 Pixel 7, representing real value for money.
If you are interested in the incoming smartphone releases, you might also want to check out Xiaomi 13 Ultra’s specs, price, and release date.
