A formidable blend of speed, sleek display, superb camera, and exceptional software creates an unbeatable combination.

HIGHLIGHTS

Google’s newest mid-range phone brings premium features to an affordable price point, including the company’s top-tier chip and industry-leading camera.

Priced at £449 (€509/$449), the Pixel 7a is only £50 more than last year’s 6a model but comes at a £150 discount compared to the Pixel 7, while offering nearly identical features.

In terms of design, it closely resembles the Pixel 7, albeit slightly smaller. Sporting a vibrant 6.1-inch OLED screen with an upgraded 90Hz refresh rate, the device ensures smooth scrolling. It strikes a balance between a compact size that easily fits into pockets and a large enough screen for enjoyable video viewing during commutes.

ADDUP FEATURES

This year’s addition includes both face unlock and a fingerprint scanner for the phone. It’s a beneficial combination, offering the convenience of facial recognition for unlocking in well-lit conditions, while maintaining secure authentication through fingerprint scanning for banking apps and similar purposes. While the fingerprint scanner may not be the quickest available, it generally functions well if you take care to accurately scan your finger during the initial setup process.

KEY SPECIFICATION

  • Display: The phone features a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering a pixel density of 429ppi.
  • Processor: Powered by the Google Tensor G2 processor.
  • RAM: Equipped with 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking.
  • Storage: Offers 128GB of storage space for your files and apps.
  • Operating System: Runs on Android 13, the latest operating system from Google.
  • Camera: Features a 64MP primary camera, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 13MP front-facing camera for selfies.
  • Connectivity: Supports 5G connectivity, eSIM, wifi 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, and GNSS for accurate location services.
  • Water Resistance: Rated IP67, allowing the phone to withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
  • Dimensions: Measures 152.4 x 72.9 x 9mm in size.
  • Weight: Weighs 193g, making it a relatively lightweight device.

SUSTAINABILITY

While Google does not specify the exact battery lifespan, the Pixel 7a is designed to endure over 500 complete charge cycles while maintaining at least 80% of its original capacity. In terms of repairability, both Google and authorized third-party repair shops offer genuine replacement parts, with iFixit being a direct source.

In terms of materials, the Pixel 7a incorporates recycled aluminum, glass, and plastic, accounting for approximately 21% of the phone’s total weight. Google also provides environmental impact reports for select products, showcasing its commitment to transparency. Additionally, the company offers free device recycling services for old devices, further contributing to environmental sustainability.