Google Pixel 7a review

introduction

Don’t get a Pixel 7 – go for the 7a instead. That more or less summed up our thoughts from our first encounter with Google’s latest A-series smartphone, and now we’re here with the full review to establish just how fair that first assessment was.

It’s a fairly natural conclusion that anyone can come to, really, even simply by looking at the technical data sheet and, at the same time, the price list. The 7a gets closer to “high-end” models than any previous offering with an “a” in the name, and comes in at a not-inconsiderable $100/€100 less (or so, depending on who you ask). and at what time) – what’s wrong? But let’s not put the verdict before the review.

7a improves in some key areas that have held back 6a. Perhaps most importantly, you now have a 90Hz display in place of the older model’s dated 60Hz unit. Yes, most of the competition is already at 120Hz, but the jump from 60 to 90 is the most noticeable from a usability standpoint, so maybe we can give the 7th a pass.

The camera system also gets a boost. A new 64MP Quad Bayer head unit replaces the 6a’s base 12.2MP – that’s more pixels than you’d get with a Pixel 7 (50MP), even though it’s a smaller sensor. Similarly, the 13MP ultrawide also has a higher resolution (if at all) than that of the 6a and 7, albeit with a smaller sensor. There’s no AF on this one, but then it’s only the 7 Pro that has ultrawide autofocus, so the 7a doesn’t really lose points here against the 7. The selfie camera is another 13MP affair, also nominally superior to its outfittings of brothers.

One notable addition to the a-series feature set is wireless charging. You might scoff at the 7.5W throughput, but you’re unlikely to be in a rush when you sleep. And it’s not like the Pixels are known for fast charging to begin with.

You get the same Tensor G2 chipset on the 7a that the 7 ships with. While it’s a bit underpowered compared to other high-end SoCs the 7 is battling against, it looks much better in the context of the 7a.

Battery capacity is essentially the same between the two models, and the 7a could extend battery life by a few more minutes thanks to its slightly smaller display and lower maximum refresh rate. this respect.

Minus is minus in the 7a’s IP rating, but the IP67 should be as good as the 7’s IP68 for that accidental dunk in the bathroom. The lack of a storage option other than 128GB isn’t so easy to ignore, however, perhaps the 256GB version remains the key thing the 7 has going for it in this head-to-head.

Google Pixel 7a specs at a glance:

• Body: 152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0mm, 194g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back; IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30min).
• Screen: 6.1″ OLED, HDR, 90Hz, 1080x2400px resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 429ppi; Always-On Display.
• chipsets: Google Tensor G2 (5nm): Octa-core (2×2.85GHz Cortex-X1 & 2×2.35GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×1.80GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G710 MP7.
• Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM; UFS 3.1.
• Operating system/software: Android 13.
• Rear camera: Broad (main): 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm, 1/1.73″, 0.8µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS; Ultra wide angle: 13MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 1.12µm.
• Front camera: 13MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS; Front camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps.
• Drums: 4385mAh; 18W wired, PD3.0, 7.5W wireless.
• Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; WiFi 6e; BT 5.3; NFC.
• Various: Fingerprint reader (under display, optical); stereo speakers.

Google Pixel 7a unboxing

We expect minimal packages from some companies and Google is one of them. So it’s no surprise that the Pixel 7a ships in a box that’s barely larger than the phone itself. The two-piece white cardboard packaging has a likeness of the phone on the lid, matching the color of the actual unit inside.

Contents include a USB-C cable and a USB-C male to USB-A female adapter, standard items from Google. There’s no charger inside, but in some markets you may get Google’s 30W adapter (in its own separate retail packaging) included in the price, which was the case with our German review unit. We got ours from a third-party retailer, as opposed to Google’s online store, and not all retailers seem to offer the same promotion. Chances are you need to invent your own charger, is what we’re saying.

Now, while the charger situation isn’t unique to the Pixel 7a, many competitors in the segment come with adapters in the box. A bundled protective case isn’t unheard of either. Perhaps a value-oriented consumer like those eyeing a 7a would appreciate getting a little more for their money.