Google Pixel 7a review
The Google Google Pixel 7a ranks as the #424 phones globally, achieving a LibraScore of 55. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #76-ranked connectivity among 800 phones. Consider the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 4G, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Build Quality and Design
The Google Pixel 7a boasts a premium build with a sleek aluminium alloy body, offering a durable and modern aesthetic. Its vibrant color options, including white, gray, orange, and cyan, cater to diverse tastes. The device features a 90Hz OLED display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, ensuring scratch resistance and a smooth visual experience. While the exact weight remains unspecified, the materials suggest a robust yet comfortable feel. The design balances practicality and elegance, with a slightly thicker frame compared to flagship models, emphasizing sturdiness. The absence of a water resistance rating leaves some uncertainty, but the overall construction exudes quality, making it a refined choice for users who value both style and substance in a mid-range smartphone. For a superior design, Apple iPhone Xs could be the right choice.
Battery Life
The Google Pixel 7a features a 4385 mAh Li-Polymer battery, supporting 20W wired fast charging and 18W wireless charging for quick power-ups. Its non-removable design ensures a sleek profile, though users receive no bundled charger, adding to the cost. With moderate usage, the battery lasts a full day, balancing efficiency and performance. Reverse wireless charging allows sharing power with compatible devices, enhancing versatility. While not a flagship battery capacity, its optimized software and hardware integration deliver reliable endurance for everyday tasks, making it a practical choice for users prioritizing convenience and portability in a mid-range smartphone. A better alternative might be Google Pixel 8, featuring a next-level battery.
Display
The Google Pixel 7a features a vibrant 6.1" OLED display with a sharp 1080 x 2400 FHD+ resolution and 431 ppi pixel density, delivering crisp visuals and deep blacks. Its 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and animations, while the always-on display keeps essential info visible at a glance. The screen supports HDR10+ and DCI-P3 color gamut for rich, lifelike colors, enhanced by 2.5D curved glass for a premium feel. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, it offers scratch resistance without compromising the sleek, frameless design. Though bezels are slightly thicker than flagship models, the display’s vibrant contrast and wide viewing angles make it ideal for media consumption and gaming. With a hole-punch notch for the selfie camera, the Pixel 7a balances modern aesthetics with practical usability in a mid-range package. You may find ZTE Blade A75 5G a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Camera
The Google Pixel 7a delivers impressive camera performance with a 64MP main lens featuring optical stabilization, f/1.89 aperture, and advanced autofocus (PDAF, LAF) for sharp, detailed shots. Its 13MP ultra-wide (f/2.2) expands creative possibilities but exhibits slight corner distortion, likely addressable via software updates. The 13MP front camera supports 8x digital zoom and 120° field of view, ideal for selfies and video calls. Capabilities include 4K video at 60fps, 240fps slow motion, and Night Mode for low-light clarity. Features like HDR, digital zoom, and phase detection ensure versatility across lighting conditions. While the ultra-wide sensor’s resolution lags behind flagship models, the main camera’s dynamic range and color accuracy, paired with Google’s computational photography, make it a strong mid-range option for everyday photography and content creation. If you’re after a better camera, Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max could be the ideal option.
Price and Value
Priced around $499, the Google Pixel 7a offers a compelling mid-range option with a premium build, advanced camera system, and 5G connectivity (in mmWave variants). Its Android 15 software, fast charging, and robust feature set deliver strong value for tech-savvy users seeking performance without flagship costs.
Performance
The Google Pixel 7a delivers robust performance with its custom Tensor G2 chipset, featuring an efficient 5nm process and a powerful octa-core CPU. Paired with 8GB LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, it handles multitasking and app launches smoothly. The Mali-G710 GPU ensures decent gaming and media rendering, while an integrated cooling system maintains stability during extended use. With an Antutu score of ~790,000—outperforming 81% of devices—it balances efficiency and power for seamless navigation, photography, and productivity, making it a capable mid-range choice for everyday users and power users alike. For an improved performance, realme GT Neo 2T is worth considering.
Pros
1. Premium aluminium alloy build with vibrant color options and a sleek, modern design.
2. Advanced 64MP main camera with optical stabilization, Night Mode, and 4K 60fps video recording.
3. 5G connectivity (mmWave variant) and Wi-Fi 6E for fast, reliable performance.
4. Android 15 with Widevine L1 encryption, ensuring future-proof software and secure streaming.
5. 90Hz OLED display with HDR10+, 2.5D curved glass, and vivid color accuracy for immersive visuals.
6. 20W fast charging, 18W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging for versatile power management.
Cons
1. Ultra-wide camera exhibits noticeable corner distortion, potentially limiting creative flexibility.
2. No official water resistance rating, leaving the device vulnerable to spills or light rain.
3. No bundled charger included, increasing overall cost for new users.
4. Thicker bezels compared to flagship models, slightly detracting from the edge-to-edge aesthetic.
5. Ultra-wide sensor resolution lags behind flagship competitors, impacting detail in wide-angle shots.
6. Lacks 120Hz refresh rate, which may feel less smooth compared to higher-end devices.
FAQ
Compare with other phones
See how this item stacks up against any other model
Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features