Google has once again raised the bar in the mid-range smartphone market with its latest offering, the Google Pixel 7a. In this comprehensive Google Pixel 7a review, we delve into the key features, specifications, and performance of this impressive handset. With a combination of flagship-level capabilities and an attractive price tag, the Google Pixel 7a is poised to be a go-to option for those seeking a top-tier smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
Google Pixel 7a: Overview
The Google Pixel 7a is a mid-range phone that offers premium specs and features at a competitive price point. Powered by Google’s Tensor G2 processor, this smartphone boasts a brilliant camera, smooth display, and plenty of unique features that set it apart from its competitors. In this review, we’ll explore the various aspects of the Google Pixel 7a, from its design and performance to its camera capabilities and battery life.
Design and Build Quality
Design
The Google Pixel 7a sports a sleek and stylish design that is reminiscent of its more expensive counterpart, the Google Pixel 7. It features a metal frame and camera bar, along with a plastic back that is available in a variety of colors, including Charcoal, Sea, Snow, and Coral. The phone exudes a premium feel, despite its affordable price tag.
Build Quality
When it comes to build quality, the Google Pixel 7a does not disappoint. The metal frame and camera bar provide a sense of sturdiness, while the plastic back is durable and resistant to scratches and scuffs. Though the phone’s back may attract fingerprints and dust, a protective case can easily solve this issue. Additionally, the Pixel 7a is IP67-rated for water and dust resistance, ensuring it can withstand everyday mishaps.
Display and Screen Quality
The Google Pixel 7a features a 6.1-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400×1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 429ppi. The display offers a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, making for a fluid and responsive user experience. With HDR10+ support and Gorilla Glass 3 protection, the Pixel 7a’s screen is not only vibrant and sharp but also durable.
Brightness and visibility are impressive, with the display boasting up to 200 nits more brightness than the previous Pixel 6a model. This makes the Pixel 7a’s screen easy to view both indoors and outdoors.
Performance and Battery Life
Performance
Equipped with the Tensor G2 chipset and 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the Google Pixel 7a delivers outstanding performance for a mid-range device. Benchmark tests show that the Pixel 7a outperforms its main competitor, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, in various aspects, such as processing speed, graphics capabilities, and overall performance.
Whether you’re browsing the web, streaming videos, or playing demanding games, the Google Pixel 7a handles tasks with ease. The smartphone’s performance is further enhanced by the inclusion of the Android 13 operating system, which ensures smooth and efficient operation.
Battery Life
The Google Pixel 7a comes with a 4,385mAh battery that supports 18W wired charging and 5W Qi wireless charging. While the battery life may not be exceptional, it is sufficient to get most users through a full day of usage.
Some early reports of battery drain issues related to the front-facing camera have been addressed through software updates, ensuring that users can enjoy optimal battery performance. Overall, the Pixel 7a’s battery life is satisfactory and in line with other mid-range smartphones.
Google Pixel 7a: Software Features
As expected from a Google smartphone, the Pixel 7a comes with the latest version of Android, along with a host of exclusive Pixel features. Users can benefit from regular Pixel Feature Drops, which add new capabilities and enhancements to the phone every few months.
Some noteworthy software features of the Google Pixel 7a include Photo Unblur, Call Screening, VPN by Google One, and the At a Glance widget. These exclusive features, along with a guaranteed five years of Pixel updates, make the Pixel 7a an enticing option for those seeking a well-supported, feature-rich smartphone.
Related: How to Maintain a Healthy Battery for an iPhone
Camera Capabilities
The Google Pixel 7a boasts a significant camera upgrade compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 6a. The main 64MP rear camera, along with a 13MP ultra-wide lens, allows for stunning photography in various lighting conditions. The front-facing 13MP camera is ideal for selfies and video calls, with 4K video recording capabilities.
In our Google Pixel 7a review, we noticed that the camera consistently delivers excellent image quality, even in low-light situations, thanks to the Tensor G2 processor and Google’s advanced image processing algorithms. The phone’s camera may struggle slightly with white balance and portrait mode cut-outs, but overall, it outperforms most mid-range competitors, such as the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G.
Google Pixel 7a: Competition and Alternatives
The primary competitors of the Google Pixel 7a in the mid-range market are the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G and the Google Pixel 6a. The Galaxy A54 5G is a cheaper alternative, but its camera and performance capabilities fall short compared to the Pixel 7a. The Pixel 6a, on the other hand, offers a similar Pixel experience at a lower price point but lacks the upgraded camera and performance of the 7a.
For users who prioritize camera quality and performance, the Google Pixel 7a is the clear choice in the mid-range market.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Google Pixel 7a?
In our Google Pixel 7a review, we found that this smartphone offers an incredible combination of features, performance, and camera capabilities at a competitive price. If you’re looking for a mid-range phone with flagship-level specs, the Google Pixel 7a is an excellent choice.
With its sleek design, powerful Tensor G2 processor, brilliant camera, and unique software features, the Pixel 7a stands out as a top-tier option for those seeking a premium smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
