Google Pixel 7A
There’s been a healthy buzz around the Google Pixel 7A, and as a long-time tech enthusiast, I was eager to get my hands on it. Having spent a couple of weeks with the device, I am now ready to share my thoughts. Spoiler alert: it’s largely positive.
To address the elephant in the room, yes, the Google Pixel 7A is released and available as of May 10, 2023. And the question “Is Google Pixel 7A worth buying?” is a resounding yes.
The first impression the Pixel 7A makes is its form factor. Sporting a dimension of 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm, this phone’s size falls into the comfortable sweet spot between compact and too big. It fits comfortably in my pocket and is effortless to operate with one hand. Moreover, with a weight of 193.5g, it has a reassuring heft to it, thanks to the aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 3 front.
The display is a vibrant 6.1 inch OLED screen offering a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. With the 90Hz refresh rate, scrolling through apps and websites is silky smooth. This is a feature usually seen in high-end devices, so having it in the Pixel 7A definitely elevates the user experience.
With the Google Tensor G2 chipset and 8GB RAM, this device delivers excellent performance. Navigating the UI, switching between apps, and gaming were all buttery smooth, with no noticeable lags or stutters. Internal storage is a solid 128GB, ample for my needs.
Google Pixel 7A Review
As for the camera, Google continues its tradition of providing top-notch camera capabilities even in its mid-range devices. The dual main camera setup (64MP and 13MP ultrawide) delivers brilliant photos with excellent detail and vibrant colors. The ultrawide camera managed high contrast scenes impressively, and the 13MP selfie camera produced some excellent shots. The camera’s low-light mode was exceptional, managing to turn almost pitch-dark scenes into day-lit photos. For video, the 4K capture is clear and stable.
In terms of battery, the Pixel 7A comes with a 4385mAh power unit. With moderate use, the phone lasted me for about 34 hours. While this isn’t industry-leading, it’s a solid offering for a mid-range phone. I do wish the charging was a bit faster though, as it took me about 1 hour 45 minutes to fully charge the battery with an 18W charger.
Software-wise, the phone comes with Android 13, which in typical Google style, is optimized, efficient, and full of useful features. What I appreciate most about Google’s approach to software is its commitment to long-term support, with at least five years of software and security updates guaranteed.
The Pixel 7A does seem to have a slight edge over the Pixel 7. While it’s slightly smaller and the back is made of high-quality recycled plastic instead of glass, it matches the Pixel 7 in terms of performance and even camera capabilities. Considering that it’s £150 cheaper, I’d say it offers better value for money.
Google Pixel 7A Review
There are a few drawbacks. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack might be a deal-breaker for some. Also, the lack of a microSD slot could be a disadvantage for users who need more than the provided 128GB storage. Lastly, while the face unlock is a welcome addition, it’s not as secure as other rivals in the market.
But, none of these are deal-breakers, in my opinion.
The Google Pixel 7A is a well-rounded device that delivers high-end features for a reasonable price. It’s an ideal phone for someone looking for flagship features without breaking the bank.
One of the greatest strengths of the Pixel 7A lies in its camera. In this price range, you would be hard-pressed to find a smartphone with better camera performance. It doesn’t just outdo its mid-range competitors; it goes toe-to-toe with some high-end devices.
Another major win for the Pixel 7A is its promise of long-term software support. A guaranteed five years of updates gives you the assurance that your device won’t become outdated too soon. And with Google’s thoughtful inclusion of both face and fingerprint unlock, there’s added flexibility in how you secure your device.
The plastic back might not be as premium as the glass on its more expensive siblings, but it’s durable and does the job well. Besides, most of us will be putting a case on it anyway.
The Pixel 7A’s battery is robust enough for a solid day’s work, although it falls short of the top performers in this regard. But this is more than compensated for by the device’s other strengths.
In the end, the Google Pixel 7A offers fantastic value for money. It offers an impressive list of features and performance stats that are mostly found in high-end phones, but at a more affordable price. Comparing it to the Pixel 7, I’d argue that it delivers an almost identical user experience for a significantly lesser price. It’s a no-brainer, the Pixel 7A is indeed worth buying.
Taking everything into account, I would rate the Google Pixel 7A a solid 8.5 out of 10.
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