Google’s Pixel A series phones have earned a reputation for offering flagship-level specs at mid-range prices in recent years, and the Pixel 7a continues the trend. With a 90 Hz OLED display, a Google Tensor G2 processor, 8GB of RAM, and upgraded camera hardware for the first time in a pixel A series.
But it’s also the most expensive Pixel A series phone to date, with a $499 price tag. That makes it just $100 cheaper than an entry-level Pixel 7.
There are still a few reasons some folks might want to spend $599 or more to pick up the Pixel 7 instead. It has a slightly larger display, supports up to 256GB of storage, has a higher rating for water resistance, and features 3 microphones and support for spatial audio (the Pixel 7a has 2 mics and no spatial audio support.
But the biggest difference may be the materials the phones are made from: the Pixel 7a has a composite “plastic” body while the Pixel 7 has an aluminum frame and a Gorilla Glass Victus back cover.
Here’s how the the Pixel 7a stacks up against its older siblings:
| Pixel 7a | Pixel 7 Pro | Pixel 7 | |
| Display | 6.1 inches 2400 x 1080 pixels 429 ppi Up to 90 Hz OLED Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | 6.7 inches 3120 x 1440 pixels 512 ppi Up to 120 Hz LTPO OLED Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | 6.3 inches 2400 x 1080 pixels 416 ppi Up to 90 Hz OLED Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Processor | Google Tensor G2 | ||
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 | 12GB LPDDR5 | 8GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 128GB UFS 3.1 | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1 | 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1 |
| Cameras (rear) | 64MP primary 13MP 120° wide-angle | 50MP primary 48MP telephoto (5x) 12MP 125.8° wide-angle (autofocus) | 50MP primary 12MP 114° wide-angle |
| Cameras (front) | 13MP | 10.8MP | |
| Dust/water resistance | IP67 | IP68 | |
| Security | Face Unlock Fingerprint unlock Titan M2 security chip | ||
| Battery & charging | 4385 mAh 18W Fast Charging 7.5W Wireless Charging | 5,000 mAh 23W Fast Charging Up to 23W Fast Wireless Charging Battery Share | 4355 mAh 21W Fast Charging Up to 20W Fast Wireless Charging Battery Share |
| Price | $499 | $899 | $599 |
All three phones ship with Android 13 software, and all should receive Android 14 updates later this year.
But since the Pixel 7a is the newest model, it will also likely continue receiving software updates for around half a year longer than the other models: Google promises at least 5 years of security updates for all members of the Pixel family, but the clock starts ticking when Google releases a device, not when you buy it.
The Pixel 7a is available now from the Google store for $499. Or if you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, Google has dropped the price of last year’s Pixel 6a to $349, which is $100 off its original price. That makes the Pixel 6a the most affordable member of the Pixel lineup… although what you get for that price is a phone with a 1st-gen Google Tensor processor, a 60 Hz display, older cameras, and no support for wireless charging.
Google 6 and 7 have a lot of negative customer reviews. With the biggest thing googles lack of customer service resolutions. I won’t buy from a company like that. Google customer reviews.
Just about every product has a lot of negative customer reviews. If you read forums for specific cars/trucks you’d never buy anything. The only Google product I’ve had an issue with was a first or second generation Nexus tablet.
People, don’t listen to this probable Google paid phony cronnie. Check out the negative reviews, go to a store, look at the phone, use the phone, test the phone and if the reviews are true, my advice is don’t buy it.
“supports up to 256GB of RAM”
That would be one crazy phone!
Whoops, that should be fixed now!