Google has had its list of Pixel A devices on sale for quite a while now, starting with the launch of the erstwhile Pixel 3a in May 2019. While the premium Pixel and Pixel Pro devices try to promote Google’s ability to wrestle with the big boys in the premium smartphone market, the A devices have tried their best to bring that slice of cake at an affordable price for the masses.
That slice of cake being the terrifically capable and well-established camera experience as well as the best stock Android experience that Pixels are known for. However, cutting the price down to offer a more accessable Pixel experience does mean letting go of a bunch of features. This to me, has always begged the question of whether the cash you dish out for a budget Pixel gets you anything more than the competition.
That’s because the true USP of these Google Pixel devices has really only been the excellent cameras and the stock Android software experience. The Pixel 5a along the way did offer some fantastic battery life when it came to modern smartphones but for the most part in terms of features, the Pixel A devices have usually skimped out on things such as an IP rating, wireless charging, a high refresh rate display and more.
This latest Pixel 7a however, has seemed to change the game a bit. It brings forward the same design language we saw on last year’s Google Pixel 6a but it mimics its premium 7 and & 7 Pro compatriots more so this time around. The biggest talking point is all the features they’ve bundled in this time and how it makes a very compelling case for this latest budget Pixel. Here we give you all the reasons why you should consider getting the Google Pixel 7a.
Pixel like in Design
The Pixel 7a features an impressive design that’s quite similar to the more expensive Pixels on sale. It features the unique horizontal camera housing that’s become a characteristic design feature of Pixels in recent times. It’s also reminiscent of the Nexus 6P from back in the day. It’s a clean and elegant design, one that you will be able to easily identify at a time when smartphones are starting to look more cloned than ever.
The 7a is also available in the following colour options – Charcoal, Snow, Sea and Coral. Judging by the pictures online the Coral seems to be the one that pops the most and is a good choice if you want your device to stand out.
Better Equipped
A key highlight of the 7a is the improved feature set it is now available with. You now get wireless charging which is great to see. Personally, I still love wired chargers because of the fast charging capabilities they offer but wireless chargers are just that much more convenient.
You also get an IP67 rating now, so you shouldn’t be too worried if the phone falls into a pool of any sort. There’s a new 6.1-inch OLED display with a high refresh rate of 90Hz. This should translate into a much smoother visual experience using the 7a and this is a feature fans have been asking for a while.
There’s also the new chipset under the hood – the Tensor G2 – which happens to be the same chipset that powers the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. So you should expect more than enough performance seeing as how this chip is specifically tuned to cater to the Pixel’s image processing capabilities.
The best camera system you can get below ₹50k
The Pixel devices have always managed to capture some of the most stunning photos on a smartphone device. And while the premium Pixel devices continue to do so, the Pixel 7a this time is arguably almost as good as the Pixel 7.
Some may take a look at the spec sheet and call this a no-brainer seeing as how the Pixel 7a features a 64MP primary camera compared to the 50MP sensor on the Pixel 7. But the latter features a bigger sensor and so offers more detail in its shots.
Still looking at side-by-side shots of the two Pixels it’s hard to spot the difference unless you really zoom in and look for detail. The Pixel 7a takes some great shots, most certainly the best shots at this price range, and could easily give some pricier devices a run for their money. Ironically one of those pricier devices happens to be the Pixel 7.
The Best of Stock Android
Pixels have always been about that stock Android experience and the 7a brings all that to the table and more. Google has promised users 3 years of software updates and 4 years of security updates. This might leave some users feeling a bit short-changed when you look at what the completion has to offer. For example, Samsung offers 4 years of software updates and Apple continues to push updates to devices sometimes even over 6 years old.
In my opinion, it’s not too much of a deal breaker seeing as to all the benefits you do get with the Pixel stock Android experience, which you wouldn’t with a Samsung. You’d also be the first to get the software updates including the beta versions of their latest software and for the rare smartphone enthusiast among us, it’s nice to be first in line.
Like I said earlier you also get all the traditional Pixel unique features such as Call Screening, where you can let the Google Assistant answer the call for you and transcribe it. You can then choose whether you want to answer the call or not.
There’s also the Magic Erase tool available in the Photos app that lets you remove people and other subjects from a picture using a bit of software wizardry. So those annoying photobombing friends can now be simply deleted from any scene you choose.
Speaking of Photos, Google also offers users an unlimited lifetime Photos Cloud Storage benefit which I think is a simply fantastic feature seeing as how I use Google Photos myself. It’s great to be able to access all your photos whenever and wherever and this has come to my aid in more instances than one.
Another small but nifty Pixel trick that you’ll appreciate if you’re into music, is the Now Playing feature. This subtly lets you know what song is playing in the background whether you’re sitting in a cafe or at an event like a concert. It’s a handy tool to explore new music that you might like.
Final Thoughts
The Google Pixel 7a is a budget-friendly smartphone that brings the best of the Pixel experience at an affordable price. With its sleek design reminiscent of premium Pixels, the 7a stands out in a sea of similar-looking smartphones.
What sets the 7a apart is the host of features it offers. Wireless charging and an IP67 rating provide added convenience and durability. The 6.1-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate delivers smooth visuals, enhancing the overall experience.
Powered by the Tensor G2 chipset, the 7a offers impressive performance tailored for Pixel’s exceptional camera system. With its 64MP primary camera, the 7a captures stunning photos, rivaling its pricier counterparts.
The Pixel’s stock Android experience, coupled with promised software and security updates, provides a pure and timely user experience. Exclusive features like Call Screening and unlimited Photos Cloud Storage add further value.
In summary, the Google Pixel 7a offers a compelling package, combining design, features, camera capabilities, and the beloved stock Android experience. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone without compromising on quality.
