Google Pixel 7a Review The Best Affordable Android
Google Pixel 7a has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting affordable Android phones in 2024.
The Google Pixel 7a has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting affordable Android phones in 2024. Combining Google's signature stock Android experience with powerful hardware, a stellar camera system, and an impressive OLED display, the Pixel 7a manages to deliver high-end features at a budget-friendly price. But is it the best value in the affordable phone market? Let’s dive deep into its design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall value proposition to find out.
Design & Build Quality: A Premium Feel at a Budget Price
At first glance, the Google Pixel 7a might not look drastically different from its predecessor, the Pixel 6a. However, Google has made some significant design updates that give the Pixel 7a a more premium appearance and feel.
Camera Bar & Chunkier Build
The most noticeable design change is the camera bar at the rear, which now resembles the one found on the flagship Pixel 7. This “camera bar” houses the 64MP main camera and 13MP ultra-wide camera, offering a sleek, futuristic look that sets the Pixel 7a apart from many other budget devices.
While the Pixel 7a retains the same overall compact form factor as its predecessor, the addition of the camera bar makes the phone slightly chunkier than the Pixel 6a. The thickness may not be a dealbreaker for most users, but it’s something to consider if you prefer a thinner device.
Color Options: Fresh and Vibrant
The Pixel 7a is available in Sea (blue), Snow (white), Coral (pink), and Charcoal (black), offering a much broader range of options compared to the more subdued colors of the Pixel 6a. These vibrant hues give the Pixel 7a a fresh, youthful feel, appealing to users who like to express their personality through their device.
Build Quality: Durability and Protection
Despite its plastic back, the Pixel 7a feels solid and sturdy in hand. It boasts an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, meaning the phone can withstand submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This feature gives it a level of durability that is rare in the budget segment, ensuring that the device can handle accidental splashes or drops without issue.
Display: Smooth OLED Screen with 90Hz Refresh Rate
The Pixel 7a’s 6.1-inch OLED display is one of its standout features in the affordable smartphone category. With vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of OLED panels, the screen offers an excellent viewing experience for media consumption, whether you’re watching videos, playing games, or browsing.
90Hz Refresh Rate: Smooth Scrolling
The display upgrade from 60Hz (on the Pixel 6a) to 90Hz offers a noticeable improvement in smoothness. Scrolling through websites or social media feels fluid and responsive, making the overall user experience feel much more premium. The higher refresh rate also improves the responsiveness of games and apps, delivering smoother animations.
Outdoor Visibility: Bright and Clear
With a peak brightness of around 1,000 nits, the Pixel 7a performs well outdoors, even under direct sunlight. This is a major advantage over many other budget phones, which tend to struggle with visibility in bright conditions. Whether you're reading outdoors or viewing photos, the Pixel 7a’s display remains clear and easy to view.
Performance: Tensor G2 Chip for Smooth Performance
Under the hood, the Pixel 7a is powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, the same processor found in the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. This is a significant upgrade over the Tensor G1 in the Pixel 6a and ensures that the Pixel 7a delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks.
Multitasking and Gaming: Smooth and Efficient
With 8GB of RAM, the Pixel 7a handles multitasking without breaking a sweat. Opening multiple apps and switching between them is seamless, and there’s minimal lag even when juggling demanding apps. Gaming is equally impressive. The Pixel 7a runs graphics-intensive titles like Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile at high settings without any significant performance hiccups. This is a significant advantage over other budget devices that often struggle with more demanding games.
Storage: Ample for Most Users
The Pixel 7a comes with 128GB of internal storage, which should be sufficient for most users. However, it’s worth noting that the Pixel 7a lacks expandable storage, so if you’re someone who frequently needs extra storage for apps, photos, and videos, you’ll need to rely on cloud storage options or manage your files more carefully.
Camera: Pixel-Perfect Photography on a Budget
The 64MP main camera and 13MP ultra-wide camera on the Pixel 7a might seem typical for a mid-range phone, but when paired with Google’s world-class computational photography, the results are anything but average. The Pixel 7a offers impressive image quality that rivals much more expensive devices.
Low-Light Photography: Night Sight Shines
One of the key strengths of the Pixel 7a is its Night Sight feature, which enhances low-light photography. The Pixel 7a can capture clear, detailed images even in near-darkness, outperforming many budget phones that often struggle in low-light conditions. Whether you're taking night shots of cityscapes or indoor photos, the Pixel 7a handles low-light environments effortlessly.
Computational Photography Features
Google’s computational photography features set the Pixel 7a apart from other phones in its price range. The Magic Eraser tool, which allows you to remove unwanted objects from your photos, works seamlessly and is an excellent addition to the Pixel’s photo-editing capabilities. Additionally, Real Tone ensures that the camera captures more accurate skin tones, a standout feature for anyone who values diversity in their photos.
Selfie Camera & Video Recording
The 13MP front-facing camera takes sharp, natural selfies with good color accuracy. When it comes to video recording, the Pixel 7a supports 4K recording at 30fps, which is an impressive feature for a budget phone. Whether you're recording vlogs, making video calls, or capturing memories, the Pixel 7a delivers high-quality footage.
Battery Life: A Full Day’s Use, But Charging Could Be Faster
The 4385mAh battery in the Pixel 7a provides decent battery life for most users. On moderate usage, which includes browsing, social media, and some light gaming, the Pixel 7a can last a full day on a single charge. However, heavy users who frequently play games or stream videos may find themselves needing to recharge before the end of the day.
Battery Life Test Results
In my testing, the Pixel 7a lasted approximately 7 hours of screen-on time under moderate use, which is solid for a phone in this price range. However, if you’re a power user who streams content, plays graphics-intensive games, or uses the phone for productivity apps, you might find yourself reaching for a charger before the end of the day.
Charging Speed: A Minor Setback
One of the drawbacks of the Pixel 7a is its slow charging speed. It supports 18W fast charging, which is slower than many budget competitors that now support 25W or even 30W charging. While it’s not a dealbreaker, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re someone who needs to quickly top off your phone during the day.
Software: Clean, Fast, and Regular Updates
As with all Pixel devices, the Pixel 7a runs on stock Android, which provides a clean, bloat-free experience. The phone ships with Android 14, and it will receive regular software updates for at least three years, ensuring that your device stays up to date with the latest features and security patches.
Exclusive Google Features
The Pixel 7a also comes with exclusive Google features, such as Google Assistant, Live Translate, and the new Recorder app that transcribes speech to text in real-time. These features, along with Google’s continued commitment to software optimization, make the Pixel 7a a standout in the Android space.
Conclusion: Is the Pixel 7a Worth It?
The Google Pixel 7a is, without a doubt, one of the best affordable smartphones of 2024. It delivers flagship-like performance, a stunning camera system, and a smooth OLED display—all wrapped up in a sleek, durable design. While the battery life and charging speed could be better, these are minor issues when compared to the overall value the Pixel 7a provides.
If you’re looking for an affordable phone that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Pixel 7a is an excellent choice. Whether you're into photography, gaming, or just want a fast, reliable phone for everyday tasks, the Pixel 7a is one of the best options in its price range.
FAQS
Who Should Buy the Pixel 7a?
Photography Enthusiasts: Thanks to its computational photography and excellent low-light capabilities.
Google Fans: Those who want the best Android experience with exclusive features.
Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Anyone who wants a high-quality phone without breaking
Is it worth getting Google Pixel 7a?
Yes, the Google Pixel 7a is definitely worth it if you're looking for an affordable phone with premium features. It offers an excellent OLED display, impressive camera performance, and the powerful Tensor G2 chip, making it one of the best budget Android phones in 2024.
What are the complaints about the Pixel 7a?
While the Pixel 7a offers great performance, some users complain about its battery life, which isn’t as long-lasting as competitors, and the slow charging speed. Additionally, the bold edge bezel around the screen can be distracting for some.
How long will Google Pixel 7a last?
The Google Pixel 7a should last around 3 to 4 years with regular software updates directly from Google. Its build quality and IP67 water resistance also contribute to its durability, making it a long-term investment for budget-conscious users.
Which is better, Pixel 7 or Pixel 7a?
The Pixel 7 is a more premium phone with a better display, faster charging, and a better camera system. However, the Pixel 7a offers excellent value for money, providing much of the same performance and camera features at a significantly lower price, making it a great choice for those on a budget.