Google Released Google Pixel 7a Mobile We Gonna Do Google Pixel 7a Review Based On Its Specifications
When it comes to the realm of high-end flagship smartphones, brands like Samsung and Apple usually steal the limelight, leaving Google in their wake. However, Google has managed to capture considerable attention with its A-series phones, especially in the Indian market where affordability is a significant factor. Today, I have the pleasure of introducing the Google Pixel 7a, the eagerly anticipated successor to last year’s highly acclaimed Pixel 6a.
Diving into the details, a quick perusal of the spec sheet reveals that the Pixel 7a doesn’t deviate significantly from its counterpart, the regular Pixel 7. Both phones boast impressive features and capabilities. However, what truly distinguishes the Pixel 7a is its price point. With a sticker price of Rs 43,999, it sits comfortably below the current retail price of the Pixel 7. This affordability factor has piqued the interest of tech enthusiasts and potential buyers.
Now, let’s delve into the heart of this review. Can the Pixel 7a confidently assume the role of your everyday companion? Does it offer a compelling experience that sets it apart from the regular Pixel 7? These questions beg to be answered as we embark on a comprehensive exploration of the Pixel 7a’s features, performance, and overall value proposition. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether the Pixel 7a has what it takes to be your go-to device in the ever-evolving smartphone landscape.
Google Pixel 7a vs Pixel 7
While comparing the Pixel 7a and the Pixel 7, it becomes apparent that the differences between the two are rather inconspicuous and may not have a profound impact on the overall smartphone experience. Despite this, the Pixel 7a manages to provide all the fundamental features that one would expect from a Pixel phone, including exceptional image processing capabilities and AI-driven functionalities. Moreover, it does so at a more affordable price point.
For individuals seeking a premium smartphone experience offered by Google, the Pixel 7a presents a compelling option. It encompasses the signature qualities that have come to define the Pixel brand. The device excels in areas such as computational photography and leveraging artificial intelligence for enhanced user experiences. These features ensure that users can capture stunning photos and take advantage of intelligent software features that simplify and augment various aspects of their smartphone usage.
However, it is important to note that the Pixel 7a may not be the ideal choice for those who prioritize powerful processing capabilities or fast charging speeds. If you are someone who demands cutting-edge performance for resource-intensive tasks or values swift battery replenishment, alternative options might better suit your needs.
In summary, the Pixel 7a serves as an attractive proposition for individuals who desire a taste of Google’s premium smartphone experience without having to bear the burden of a higher price tag. Its core features and software optimizations make it an enticing choice for those who appreciate Google’s photography prowess and the integration of AI-driven functionalities. Nonetheless, users should consider their specific requirements, such as processing power and charging speed, before making a final decision.
Camera
When it comes to Pixel phones, their standout feature is undoubtedly their exceptional camera capabilities. Despite not boasting the most impressive camera hardware, Google’s background computational algorithms work their magic, elevating the final image to astonishing heights. The same can be said for the Pixel 7a, which features a 64MP primary shooter (higher resolution than the Pixel 7’s 50MP camera) and a 13MP ultra-wide sensor. However, the specific sensor specifications are of little consequence here. It’s the end result, after undergoing Google’s AI wizardry, that truly impresses.
Let’s start with daylight photography. The Pixel 7a excels at capturing highly detailed images with vibrant and rich colors. I was particularly amazed at how well the Tensor G2 chip adjusts dynamic range and exposure levels during post-processing. Although each image requires a few seconds of fine-tuning, making instant preview unavailable, the output is consistently worth the short wait. The ability to shoot 64MP images is essentially marketing jargon, as the phone utilizes pixel binning to combine four pixels into one, resulting in enhanced details. In short, the Pixel 7a delivers remarkably reliable, realistic, and dynamically rich shots that rival those of its pricier counterpart.
In addition to its impressive point-and-shoot experience, the Pixel 7a offers other camera tricks up its sleeve. Despite lacking a dedicated telephoto sensor, the phone manages to capture shots at 2X zoom with minimal compromise in terms of details or colors. The Long Exposure mode works as advertised, adding a tasteful blur to fast-moving backgrounds while keeping the subject perfectly in focus.
When it comes to portrait mode images, the Pixel 7a demonstrates excellent edge detection. However, this bokeh-style effect is limited to human subjects. Google also claims realistic skin tones, thanks to the Real Tone functionality integrated into its image processing pipeline. In my personal experience, I found that the Pixel 7a slightly overprocessed darker skin tones, although the overall effect was still pleasing. Finally, the ultra-wide 13MP shooter impressively maintains focus across the frame without distorting the edges of the image.
Low-light photography on the Pixel 7a is nothing short of impressive. Even in conditions with some ambient lighting, the camera manages to capture photos with ample detail. Noise levels in the night sky are effectively reduced while preserving the integrity of the landscape below. The Pixel 7a also excels at revealing details that may be imperceptible to the naked eye, even in extremely low-light situations. As for selfies, images captured by the front-facing camera are satisfactory in terms of background lighting and skin tones, but they don’t offer any groundbreaking features. However, the sensor does capture an appreciable amount of facial detail. Overall, my time with the phone has made it abundantly clear that if you are a casual smartphone photography enthusiast, the Pixel 7a will undoubtedly exceed your expectations.
Design and Display
The build quality of the Pixel 7a is strikingly similar to that of the Pixel 7. It features a glossy back panel and matte-finished aluminum rails, reminiscent of the Pixel 7, although the construction material is plastic instead of glass. In fact, the dimensions of the Pixel 7a closely mirror those of its predecessor. Even the camera visor on the back extends from one end to the other, sporting a metallic finish and housing two camera sensors along with a flash. Two out of the three available color options for the Pixel 7a, Charcoal and Snow, can also be found on its older sibling. It’s easy for even seasoned smartphone enthusiasts to mistake one phone for the other. In terms of protection, the Pixel 7a holds an IP67 rating, slightly lower than the IP68 rating of the Pixel 7.
The Pixel 7a seamlessly fits between the compact size of a mobile device and the larger form factor of a phablet-style smartphone. Thanks to its pocketable proportions, the handset effortlessly slips into pockets and doesn’t feel unwieldy when used with one hand. Google’s branding takes center stage on the back, with a small “Made in Vietnam” inscription at the bottom. The phone boasts a dual-speaker setup, utilizing the earpiece for stereo output. The device exudes a sense of luxury with its premium appearance, setting it apart from other smartphones and conveying a feeling of uniqueness.
In terms of the display, the Pixel 7a boasts a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED panel that supports a 90Hz refresh rate. However, unlike the regular Pixel 7, which features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection, the Pixel 7a is equipped with Gorilla Glass 3. Other display metrics on the 7a remain identical to the Pixel 7. Browsing the web, scrolling through social media, and watching YouTube videos all offer a visually appealing experience.
Although the Pixel 7a does support HDR10 playback on streaming platforms like Netflix, I did notice that the dynamic range fell slightly short compared to some other phones in its segment. However, this is a minor observation, as most users are likely to appreciate the 7a’s visual clarity, vibrant colors, and high contrast ratios. Google has not specified the brightness levels of the handset, but I experienced no hindrance in outdoor usage. Finally, the phone features a punch-hole cutout at the top for the selfie shooter, while the bezels surrounding the display, particularly the chin, are relatively large and noticeable.
Performance
The Pixel 7a is powered by the same custom Tensor G2 SoC that Google introduced with its flagship Pixel 7 lineup. While the device is not designed to be a performance powerhouse, the G2 is optimized to enhance the background machine learning and computational capabilities that Pixel phones have become known for.
In terms of benchmark numbers, the Pixel 7a may not achieve top scores. Geekbench 5 refused to download or sideload on the device, and Antutu V9 returned a score of 717,397. On the CPU Throttle test, the device maintained only 58 percent of its peak performance. Heavy gaming performance is also limited, with graphical output being restricted. Call of Duty: Mobile did run at 60fps for about 60 minutes, but the phone started overheating, resulting in frame drops.
However, for everyday usage, tasks such as accessing Google apps, browsing social media, and viewing content on streaming platforms posed little to no problems. The phone is equipped with 8GB of fast LPDDR5 RAM, which helps in smooth multitasking, along with 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage. Unfortunately, there is no option to expand the storage as there is no microSD card slot. Google does provide 100GB of cloud storage with the Pixel 7a, but it is free only for the initial three months.
The phone supports 5G connectivity, albeit limited to sub-6GHz channels. I used the phone in Jio’s Noida circle without experiencing any call drops or poor data speeds. Additionally, the phone features a decent-sounding stereo speaker setup, although the volume levels could benefit from an increase. In terms of authentication, the phone utilizes an in-display optical fingerprint reader and facial recognition system.
Software is another important aspect of the Pixel experience, and the Pixel 7a comes packed with Google’s offerings. The device runs on Android 13 out of the box, following Google’s clean and stock design philosophy. The pre-installed apps are primarily those developed by Google. Notably, Google provides five years of security updates for the Pixel 7a, one year more than what Samsung offers for its flagship devices.
One of Google’s standout capabilities is its suite of tools that enhance the user experience, surpassing most other Android phones on the market. This includes the phone’s ability to seamlessly transcribe conversations. The Pixel 7a even recognizes different voices and labels the dialogue accordingly, although this feature currently works only with US English. I also tested the Clear Calling toggle, which uses AI to eliminate background interference at the receiver’s end. While the difference was noticeable with the feature enabled, it was not as significant as I had anticipated. Google Assistant shines on the Pixel 7a and offers assistance with features like At a Glance, which automatically displays reminders, events, flight schedules, and more on the home screen for convenient visibility. There is also the unblur feature that effectively improves the focus of shaky photos.
Battery
The Pixel 7a actually comes with a battery capacity similar to that of the Pixel 7, at 4,300 mAh. However, it charges a bit slower at 18W. In terms of overall battery life, the 7a can last for about six hours on a full charge, which I find to be quite satisfactory considering its size. It’s important to note that this estimate is based on regular usage without any intensive GPU activity, which tends to drain the battery more quickly. When it comes to recharging the phone, it takes approximately two hours, and compared to some competitor handsets that can be fully charged in under 30 minutes, the Pixel 7a’s charging speed may feel relatively slow. Nonetheless, I do appreciate that the Pixel 7a includes the convenience of wireless charging, a feature that is often missing in this price range.
Final Conclusion
It’s evident that the Pixel 7a doesn’t differ significantly from the regular Pixel 7. The variations lie primarily in the screen protection, image resolution, IP rating, and the absence of a 256GB storage option. However, for most users, these differences may be negligible when considering the overall smartphone experience.
Both the Pixel 7a and Pixel 7 share the core features that define a Pixel phone, including exceptional image processing, AI-driven capabilities, a vibrant display, and decent battery life. While the Pixel 7 is currently priced at Rs 49,999 on Flipkart, the Pixel 7a offers a more affordable option at Rs 43,999, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a premium smartphone experience from Google.
It’s important to note that the Pixel 7a may not match the processing power of other smartphones like the OnePlus 11R, and its charging speeds may be slower in comparison. However, if your priorities are high-quality point-and-shoot photography and an excellent Android experience, then the Pixel 7a would be a great choice for you.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Outstanding image processing and AI-driven features that enhance the quality of photos.
- Affordable price compared to the regular Pixel 7, making it a cost-effective option.
- Seamless integration with Google’s suite of apps and services.
- Clean and stock the Android 13 operating system with regular security updates for five years.
- Impressive battery life that lasts for about six hours on a full charge.
- Compact and pocketable design, easy to use with one hand.
- Wireless charging support, a desirable feature in this price range.
Cons
- Minor differences from the regular Pixel 7, which may not significantly impact the overall smartphone experience.
- Limited processing capabilities and slower charging speeds compared to some competitor handsets.
- Lack of a 256GB storage variant and no option for expandable storage with a microSD card slot.
- The display has slightly lower screen protection (Gorilla Glass 3) compared to the regular Pixel 7.
- The bezels surrounding the display, especially the chin, are relatively large.
- Average gaming performance, with limitations on graphical output and potential overheating during extended gaming sessions.
- Some minor drawbacks in HDR10 playback and volume levels of the stereo speakers.
- Overall, the Pixel 7a offers a great smartphone experience, especially for those interested in high-quality photography and a pure Android experience.
- However, it may not be the best choice for users seeking powerful processing capabilities or fast charging speeds.
