Google’s recent I/O 2023 saw them surprise release Pixel 7a, a budget friendly take on their pricier sibling devices. The A-Series has always had a knack of capturing Google’s distinct minimal designs while nabbing most of the right features from up the range.
Price Conscious
Google Pixel 7a definitely captures the look of Pixel 7 Series proper. The metallic sash across the lenses and the clean, gently rounded box aesthetic are worn very well on the €509/£449 device.
The build quality is similarly premium with a solid feel in the hand. The 193 gram weight inside a device that’s only 9mm thick gives a reassuring density. The rounded outer metallic frame is lightly brushed and this makes it quite easy to hold on to.
Smooth Pixel
The chipset is highly capable and in everyday use Google Pixel 7a feels like a more expensive device. Perhaps it’s because the Tensor G2 is the same used in the premium Pixel 7. All of Android 13’s graphical finery and subtle transition animations are crisp and smooth.
The display is particularly excellent for a device at this price. The 6.1″ OLED panel is very sharp with a nice neutral tone out of the box. Google Pixel 7a is easy to use outdoors with the display being capable of adequate brightness to meet the challenge.
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Another nicety noticeable is the 90Hz refresh rate with a variable refresh rate. Scrolling is smooth and compatible content looks the part on Google Pixel 7a.
Easy Photo
The dual-lens setup and advanced photo AI deliver impressive first-time, from-the-pocket shots. This is the most important type to nail as it’s what most smartphone users are after.
Google Pixel 7a makes it very easy to take a good shot with automatic brightness and contrast being on the money most of the time.
Face Unlock is swift and very accurate, even in low light conditions. The on-screen fingerprint scanner is similarly capable, quick to unlock with few miscues.
Battery and Stamina
The device promises all-day stamina and the 4,385mAh battery has given it plenty of staying power so far. The wired charging option is excellent with 0-100% taking around 90 minutes.
Google Pixel 7a can also be charged wirelessly – while it’s only 7.5 watts, it’s still handy for use with cradles in-car.
Google Pixel 7a Specifications
| Chipset: | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| RAM: | 8GB |
| Storage: | 128GB |
| Display: | 6.1″ OLED, 1080 x 2400 resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 90hz refresh rate, HDR |
| Camera: | – 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73″, 0.8µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS – 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm Video: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie Cam: | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| OS: | Android 13 |
| Battery: | Li-Po 4,385 mAh |
| Connectivity: | – Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band – Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE – GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Dimensions: | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm |
| Weight: | 193 grams |
| Colours: | Charcoal, Snow, Sea and Coral |
Pricing and Availability
Google Pixel 7a is now available from the Google Store priced at €509/£449. The device is available in four colours – Charcoal, Snow, Sea, and Coral.
