After all the leaks and rumors Google has finally unveiled its new mid-range handset, the Pixel 7a which gets a handy performance boost from the Pixel 7's Tensor G2 processor as well as the addition of wireless charging and upgraded cameras. The price tag has crept up to the $500 mark, which means it's just $100 cheaper than the full-fat Pixel 7. Join us after the break to learn more about the Pixel 7a.
As mentioned, the Pixel 7a boasts increased performance over its predecessor thanks to the Tensor G2 processor which is paired up with 8GB of RAM and 128/256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. This being a Pixel and all, you'd be totally right that there is no MicroSD card support.
The 6.1-inch AMOLED display also gets a bump in capability with the increased refresh rate of 90Hz, although the resolution remains at FHD+ which is plenty good enough at this price.
As is customary with Pixel phones, the battery isn't the largest in its segment with rival handsets packing in 5,000mAh batteries. The Pixel 7a makes do with a reasonably sized 4.500mAh battery which should be good enough for a full day's normal usage. While the charging speed is the typically glacial 20W which Google insists is ‘Fast Charging', the Pixel 7a does feature 5W wireless charging for the first time in a Pixel A series handset.
Possibly the thing that many users will be more interested in than charging speeds is the Pixel 7a's camera setup which on the rear consists of a new 64MP main camera and a 13MP ultra-wide lens. The 64MP sensor allows 44% more light than its predecessor.
The Pixel 7a benefits from Super Res Zoom up to 8x as opposed to the 6a's 7x, and you'll find features such as Nite Site, and Real Tone. Long Exposure has also trickled down to the Pixel 7a, adding texture and energy when taking shots of objects in motion such as a waterfall. A 13MP sensor that takes care of selfie snaps and is capable of 4K video, is housed in a central punch-hole in the OLED display.
As you might expect from a Pixel phone, the 7a comes with a bunch of new software features, some of which have trickled down from its Pixel 7 siblings. The Pixel 7a includes the following AI-powered Pixel Call Assist features:
- Direct My Call lets you see menu options and get to the right department quicker when calling businesses.
- Call Screen tells you who's calling and why, so you know before picking up.
- Hold for Me waits on the line so you don’t have to and notifies you once the representative is available.
- Clear Calling enhances the caller’s voice and reduces background noise.
- Wait Times gives you an estimated time you’ll be on hold when calling a business
Additionally, you'll find features such as Live Translate, Recorder Speaker Labels, Assistant Voice Typicing, and Voice Messaging Transcription.
Available in a range of colorways such as Charcoal, Snow, Sea, and Coral, the Pixel 7a will go on sale for $499 via the Google Store. Google is bundling in a free pair of Pixel Buds A-Series with Pixel 7a orders.
