Google Pixel 7a review
The Google Pixel 7a is a mid-range smartphone that offers a good camera experience for its price point. The device features a 64-megapixel main camera, which bins down to 16 megapixels by default, and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide sensor. While the camera produces good photos with plenty of dynamic range, it lacks a macro mode and has noticeable distortion on the ultra-wide shots. The phone's camera processing is improved compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 6a, but it still can't match the quality of more expensive Google Pixels like the standard 7 model. The selfie camera is solid, with plenty of range for good photos. In other areas, the Pixel 7a feels like a solid mid-range smartphone. Haptics are decent, and the optical fingerprint reader is fast enough. However, it's worth noting that the phone's price point has increased, making it more expensive than its predecessor. Compared to the standard Google Pixel 7, which shares many of the same specs but with better cameras, faster wireless charging, and other features, the 7a feels like a slightly inferior option for its $500-$550 price tag. However, if you can find the 7 model on sale for around $450, it's worth considering that option instead. Overall, the Pixel 7a is a good phone for those who want a decent camera experience and don't need the latest and greatest features. However, for its price point, there are other options available that may offer better value.
Build Quality and Design
The Google Pixel 7a boasts an impressive build quality and design that justifies its mid-range price point. The device's overall aesthetic is sleek and premium, with a sturdy construction that inspires confidence in its durability. One of the standout features of the Pixel 7a's design is its IP67 rating, which means it can withstand accidental submersion in water for up to 30 minutes. This adds an extra layer of protection against the elements, making it a great choice for those who lead active lifestyles or work outdoors. The device's dimensions are compact and manageable, with a width of 5.99 inches and a weight of 150g. The rear glass panel is made of high-quality Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which provides excellent scratch resistance and a premium feel in the hand. The Pixel 7a's camera module is positioned at the top-left corner of the device, giving it a distinctive look that sets it apart from other mid-range smartphones. While some may find the design to be a bit generic, it's hard to deny the phone's overall charm and sophistication. In terms of materials, the Pixel 7a's build quality is largely composed of aluminum and glass, which provides a solid foundation for the device's various components. The phone's buttons and haptics are also well-designed and provide a tactile feedback that's pleasing to use. Overall, the Google Pixel 7a's build quality and design are major strengths in its favor. While it may not be as flashy or attention-grabbing as some of its more expensive counterparts, it's clear that Google has put a lot of thought into crafting a device that's both functional and visually appealing. As such, I would recommend the Pixel 7a to anyone looking for a solid mid-range smartphone with a premium feel.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Google Pixel 7a is somewhat average. It's not exceptional, but it also doesn't disappoint. With moderate use, you can expect to get around a day and a half or two days from a single charge, depending on how much you use your phone. However, if you're an avid gamer, YouTube viewer, or social media enthusiast, you might find that the battery drains faster. One thing to note is that the Pixel 7a's battery life doesn't quite live up to its predecessor, the Pixel 6a. The latter managed to squeeze out a bit more juice, especially with more demanding tasks. That being said, the Pixel 7a still has enough power to get you through the day, and it's not like you'll be left stranded without a charge. If you're someone who keeps their phone close by at all times, or if you have multiple devices to keep charged throughout the day, then you might find yourself needing to top up more frequently. However, for casual users who don't spend hours on their phone each day, the Pixel 7a's battery life should be sufficient. Overall, while the battery life of the Google Pixel 7a is nothing spectacular, it's still a decent performer that will get you through most daily tasks without much fuss. If you're in the market for an Android smartphone with good cameras and decent performance, the Pixel 7a is worth considering, even if its battery life isn't its strongest suit.
Display
The Google Pixel 7a's display is a highlight of the device. While it may not be the most impressive screen in its class, it still offers excellent color accuracy and a wide viewing angle. The 6.1-inch OLED panel has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, which provides crisp and clear visuals. The colors are vibrant and lifelike, with deep blacks that make images pop. One of the standout features of the Pixel 7a's display is its ability to reproduce accurate colors. Google's color calibration software ensures that the screen shows a wide range of colors, making it perfect for watching movies or browsing through your photo gallery. However, the display does have some drawbacks. The pixel density could be higher, and some may find the resolution too low for their liking. Additionally, the screen can get a bit too bright in certain lighting conditions, which may cause eye strain. Despite these minor complaints, the Pixel 7a's display is still one of its strong suits. It's a great option for those who want a reliable and accurate screen without breaking the bank. In comparison to other mid-range smartphones, the Pixel 7a's display holds its own. While it may not be as sharp or bright as some of its competitors, it makes up for it with its color accuracy and viewing angle. If you're in the market for a new smartphone and want a good display without spending top dollar, the Pixel 7a is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind that there are other options out there that may offer slightly better displays at similar price points.
Camera
The camera on the Google Pixel 7a is an impressive feature that justifies its mid-range price tag. The phone's main camera boasts a 64-megapixel sensor paired with a 13-megapixel ultra-wide and a 13-megapixel selfie camera. While it may not match the pixel density of some other flagships, Google has done a great job in processing the images to deliver sharp, detailed, and vibrant photos. The 64-megapixel main camera bins down to 16 megapixels by default, but this is more about the larger sensor size rather than just megapixel count. The result is improved low-light performance, reduced noise, and a more natural depth of field. Photos taken with the Pixel 7a have an impressive dynamic range without being overly HDR-like, giving them a classic pixel look that's both contrasty and pleasant. The F1.9 aperture on the main camera also allows for great close-up shots with a shallow depth of field. Night Sight mode delivers crisp images even in low light conditions, although there is no macro mode available. The ultra-wide camera has some distortion at the corners, which might be improved through software updates. Selfies taken with the 13-megapixel front camera are solid and have plenty of range, making them suitable for video recording. One notable omission from the Pixel 7a's camera feature set is the ability to take full 64-megapixel photos directly from Google's app. However, this limitation doesn't detract from the overall quality of the images captured by the phone's main camera. Overall, the Pixel 7a's camera is a top-three mid-range smartphone camera that holds its own against some more expensive flagships. Its capabilities make it an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and capable camera experience without breaking the bank.
Price and Value
The latest offering from Google, the Pixel 7a, has arrived with an updated design and features, but also a higher price tag than its predecessor, the A series. Priced at $499, it slots right in between the mid-range and upper-tier options, making it a bit of a tricky sell. While the camera capabilities have improved significantly, I found myself pondering whether this phone is truly worth the premium price point. With the Pixel 7a, you're essentially paying for an updated design, a slightly better camera setup, and some minor improvements in other areas. In comparison, the Pixel 6 (now six months older) can be had for similar prices, offering many of the same features, including a faster wireless charging system, better speakers, and more capable cameras. The Pixel 7a's price is also uncomfortably close to that of the flagship Pixel 7, which starts at $599. Given these options, I would recommend considering the older Pixel 6 or even opting for last year's model (the Pixel 6A) if budget is a concern. Both offer similar performance and features at significantly lower prices – around $349-$449. Unless you're particularly drawn to the updated design or minor enhancements of the Pixel 7a, it feels like you're paying more for the Google brand rather than actual upgrades. The value proposition isn't as clear-cut as I'd have liked, especially when compared to the other options available in this price range.
Performance
The Google Pixel 7a's performance is a mixed bag. On the plus side, it delivers snappy responsiveness and efficient battery life, making it suitable for daily tasks and casual gaming. The phone's processor, likely the same Tensor chip as its predecessors, handles demanding apps with ease, although it may not be as zippy as some of its competitors. One area where the Pixel 7a excels is in camera performance. The new 64-megapixel main camera paired with a 13-megapixel ultra-wide and 13-megapixel selfie camera produces high-quality images, even in low-light conditions. The larger sensor size allows for more light to enter, resulting in well-detailed photos with a natural depth of field. However, the phone's performance is somewhat hampered by its relatively modest RAM allocation (4GB or 6GB, depending on the model). This can lead to occasional lag and stuttering when running multiple apps simultaneously. Additionally, the device may struggle with demanding tasks such as video editing or 3D rendering. In terms of overall performance, the Pixel 7a feels like a mid-range device trying to punch above its weight. While it's not a slouch by any means, it's not quite on par with the more premium offerings from Google. If you're looking for a reliable and efficient smartphone experience, the Pixel 7a is a solid choice. However, if you want a phone that can handle demanding tasks or offer top-of-the-line performance, you may want to consider other options. 3.5/5