10 May 2023 , 18:59
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Google phones have managed to do the impossible by standing out and thriving in the crowded market by being smart, reliable, phones with innovative software features.
Google’s "a series" of phones started with the Google Pixel 3a in 2019, and the Google Pixel 6a was released last year, meanwhile, the latest release in the main lineup was the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro on October 2022.
The “a” series is a line of mid-range phones that combine some of the features of their higher spec counterparts and share a similar design, they are known for providing a fantastic balance between price and performance, making them a popular choice for people who want a decent experience without spending a lot of money.
The 90Hz screen was bright and clear (James Ide)The 7a is the latest in the Pixel line up combining the 7 series' new features with the affordability of the "a range".
The design follows all the Pixels 7 design cues blended with the small package of last year's 6a. It’s compact at 152.4mm tall and 72.9mm wide yet still feels comfortable and is very easy to use one-handed, it’s also a little chunky at 9.0mm thick.
It weighs 193g making it heavier than the 6a and almost the same weight as the Pixel 7, however, it’s by no means heavy but feels solid enough that I never needed to worry about it.
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The 7a is available in four colours, black, blue, white and pink-orange colour or as Google calls them Charcoal, Sea, Snow and Coral, Coral is a Google Store exclusive but I have to say Sea and Coral steal the show and are brightly coloured beauties.
The 7a benefits from upgraded build quality, giving it a denser and more premium feel. made with a recycled aluminium frame, glass on the front, and plastic on the back.
Google’s distinctive visor camera module has had the most noticeable upgrade taking inspiration from the 7 series by replacing this plastic unit with a matte metal bar that goes across the back of the phone and houses the two cameras. My favourite feature is the metal visor is slightly tinted to match the phone's colour, which looks really good.
Yes, I'm a sucker for a good looking camera module (James Ide)It has IP67 protection against dust and water, and the screen is scratch-resistant with Gorilla Glass.
The 6.1-inch OLED screen on the phone is compact yet very capable. It has an adaptive 90Hz refresh rate, providing smooth gaming and scrolling.
The display is bright with vibrant colours, deep blacks, and strong contrast, thanks to HDR 10+ support. Despite its smaller size, the screen resolution of 2400 x 1080 ensures excellent clarity for films and photos while the thin and uniform bezels do not hinder screen usage.
SPECS
Processor: Tensor G2
Screen: 6.1" 90Hz OLED
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB
The phone is powered by the Tensor G2 CPU, which is specifically designed for Google phones. While it may not match the raw power of the latest Snapdragon and Apple CPUs in benchmark tests, the G2 chip focuses on optimizing performance through AI and machine learning.
It prioritizes commonly used apps and functions to enhance overall performance. The G2 chip excels in tasks like photography, voice recognition, and battery management, showcasing a smart approach rather than relying solely on brute strength like top Snapdragon chips.
Tasks like real-time translation, transcribing notes and voice recognition and just web browser and email are where the Pixel really shines.
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It's impressive to see the same chip used in Google's flagship Pixel 7 Pro featured in this mid-range Pixel 7a, offering great value for its price.
The enhanced graphics capabilities of the G2 chip allow for smooth gameplay in most games, like Call of Duty Mobile, Minecraft, and PUBG, while high-demand games like Fortnite and Genshin Impact may require some settings adjustments.
While not as poweful as some other CPU's it's still great for gaming (James Ide)The 7a also benefits from an upgraded 8GB RAM, providing a slight performance boost for demanding tasks and gaming while enabling the ability to keep more apps open simultaneously.
Storage is fixed at only 128GB without any micro SD expansion, so you may need to use Google’s cloud storage services like Drive and Google One to supplement this if you take lots of photos and video.
For the camera, the Pixel 7a has received a serious upgrade with a 64MP Sony IMX 787 camera as its main shooter, and a 13MP IMX 712 ultra-wide as well as a 10 MP selfie camera.
The new cameras offer significant improvements over last year's model, offering not only sharper image quality but improved low-light and nighttime performance.
Colour reproduction especially on skin tones is fantastic due to Google's Real Tone technology. For video recording, the 7a can shoot 4K up to 60 fps as well as 1080p up to 60 fps.
The camera's results were very similar to the 7 with me honestly not being able to tell them apart, but the 7 was better in low light.
The Pixel phone runs on the latest stock Android 13 operating system, with its clean and streamlined interface, with no extra rubbish clogging up your phone.
The detail and colours were incredibly accurate (James Ide)The device comes with some essential Google apps pre-installed, though you have the option to remove them if desired.
In terms of software support, the Pixel phone is well-maintained, with 3 years of regular updates and 5 years of security updates. This ensures that the device remains up-to-date and protected against potential vulnerabilities for an extended period.
The fingerprint unlock was fast and reliable which is great as the Pixel 6 had some issues with this and face recognition is also included in this new model.
The 7a comes with a 4300 mAh battery, slightly less than the 6a but the efficiency of the newer Tensor CPU makes up for that.
Google officially states the 7a supports 24 hours of battery life or up to 72 hours of battery using Extreme Battery Saver mode.
I managed to get around 6 and a half hours with moderate use including browsing and streaming video which was slightly lower than I expected
It supports 18W charging and took around 1 hour and 50 minutes to fully charge which was a downgrade from the 6a but it does include 7.5W wireless charging, also a charging plug is not provided, only a USB-C to USB-C cable.
With the cost of living crisis, mid-range phones are more important than ever and being priced at £449, it isn't the cheapest.
The competition will be fierce for the 7a, going head to head with the Samsung Galaxy A54, Apple iPhone SE and the cheaper OnePlus Nord 3CE Lite.
However, this is offering that top-end chips set in a mid-range phone as well as those fantastic Google tools. Some useful free trials are also included to help you start making the most of the phone, including Google One, and Youtube Premium, as well as the inclusion of a VPN for free.
Google Pixel 7a Verdict 5/5
The Google Pixel 7a is an impressive and well-rounded device, surpassing its predecessor, the 6a, and even rivalling its higher-end sibling, the Pixel 7, for £150 less.
It boasts significant improvements in camera quality and performance from the 6a making it the most capable "a series" phone Google has produced.
What sets the 7a apart from other mid-range devices is the unparalleled smoothness of the Android experience on Pixels and the inclusion of Google's exceptional tools and features. These unique offerings enhance the overall user experience and
Personally, I love the design of the Pixel 7a, as its compact body exemplifies its smart and agile nature. Despite a slight increase in price, the notable upgrades justify the investment, positioning the Pixel 7a ahead of most entry-level devices.
The Google Pixel 7a is available for £449 from the Google Store.