The Pixel 7a is here. It’s a smaller but still-powerful version of the flagship Pixel 7, and Google says its new Pixel 7a is “super fast, secure and full of essentials.” If you want to upgrade to a phone packed with the latest Google tech (including a great camera) at a less than premium price, it’s a great choice. Here’s all you need to know…
Classic Google design
All phones in the Pixel 7 family share the same classic ‘Google’ design, with a horizontal camera shelf blending into the phone at the rear. This has a more metallic finish on the new Pixel 7a compared to the Pixel 6a, so it feels more premium. Plus, Google says the Pixel 7a is the most durable Pixel a-series phone yet, with enough water resistance to survive occasional splashes or even a drop in the sink.
As for the screen on the front, the Pixel 7a features a 6.1-inch Full HD+ OLED display. Exactly the same as the Pixel 6a. But there’s a real difference with refresh rate – the Pixel 7a has 90hz, compared with Pixel 6a’s modest 60hz. That should make everything you do look and feel super smooth, with deep blacks and colours that really pop.
The famous Google camera
Google Pixel phones are well-known for having great cameras, and the Pixel 7a has really upped its game here. The main camera now has a huge 64MP sensor, compared with the Pixel 6a’s 12MP sensor. The Pixel 7a’s ultrawide 13MP sensor is also slightly larger than the Pixel 7a’s 12MP offering.
With the Pixel 7a’s impressive camera setup, you’ll get brilliant details in every photo you take, including shots in low light. Meanwhile, handy features like Magic Eraser and Camouflage give you the power to get rid of distracting objects in the background. You can also use Photo Unblur to make your pictures sharper. It’s so satisfying it almost feels like cheating!
A chip off the old block
The Pixel 7a is powered by exactly the same chip that’s in the Pixel 7 Pro. It’s Google’s custom-built Tensor G2 processor, powerful enough to run the most advanced AI. Google says it makes the Pixel 7a a faster, more efficient and more secure phone than ever before. And because it’s so efficient, battery life doesn’t take too much of a hit. It lasts for 24 hours of normal use, and up to 3 days with extreme battery saving switched on.
You’ll be able to get your Pixel 7a back up to speed quickly with fast-charging, which gives you hours of power in just a few minutes. And if you don’t like faffing about with cables, you’ve now got the option of wireless charging.
The best of Google
The Pixel 7a runs Android 13, Google’s latest operating system. It keeps everything clean and clutter-free, and you’ll only find Google's best apps pre-installed - Maps, Pay, Play Store and the like.
Because it’s a Pixel phone, the Pixel 7a should be among the first to get upgraded to Android 14 when it’s released later this year. What’s more, Google has promised that it’ll also be upgraded to Android 15 and 16, at least. Security updates also run for at least five years, keeping you safe and secure all the way to 2028.
You can order the Pixel 6a from iD Mobile right now.
Fancy a set of cool earbuds at no extra cost? Purchase a Google Pixel 7a between 9pm on 10th May 2023 and 11pm on 22nd May 2023 and you’ll receive a pair of Pixel Buds A-Series worth £99. While stocks last, T&Cs apply.
What do you think about the Pixel 7a? Are you planning on upgrading? Got any questions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.