This video reviews the Google Pixel 7a, Google's latest mid-range smartphone, highlighting its key features, design, and performance while critically comparing it to the more premium Pixel 7 and the older Pixel 6a. Despite Google's poor track record with leaks, the review confirms previously leaked specifications, including a price increase to $499. New additions like slow wireless charging (7.5W) and an optional 90Hz display (off by default) are noted. The phone maintains the Tensor G2 chip and 8GB RAM, offering similar performance to the Pixel 7. Build quality, featuring a plastic back and metal rails with IP67 rating, is deemed solid. A significant upgrade is the new 64MP main camera, 13MP ultrawide, and 13MP selfie camera, which deliver impressive results for its price point, though the ultrawide shows noticeable corner distortion. Battery life is rated as average, sufficient for a full day of typical use. The reviewer ultimately suggests that the Pixel 7, often on sale for a similar price, offers a superior experience with better cameras, faster wireless charging, and premium build materials, while the Pixel 6a remains a strong budget option.
Reviewing the Google Pixel 7a: Mid-Range Evolution
0:03 Google's Secrecy Issues: The reviewer humorously notes Google's inability to keep product details secret, leading to all information about the Pixel 7a being known prior to launch.
0:27 Pixel 7a Introduction & Price: The Pixel 7a is introduced as Google's new mid-ranger, priced at $499, a $50 increase from the Pixel 6a ($449).
1:01 New Features: Key new features include slow wireless charging (7.5W, useful for trickle charging) and a 90Hz display, though the 90Hz "smooth display" setting is off by default and must be enabled.
1:57 Performance & Chipset: The phone utilizes the same Tensor G2 chip and 8GB RAM as the Pixel 7, offering similar performance, especially when the 90Hz display is active.
2:17 Build Quality: The Pixel 7a features a plastic back and metal rails, with an IP67 water and dust resistance rating (a slight step down from Pixel 7's IP68). The build is described as solid and not indicative of low quality.
2:45 Display Details: It has a 6.1-inch 1080p flat display with Gorilla Glass 3. While bright, it exhibits color shifting and banding when viewed off-axis, and slightly thicker bezels make it similar in size to the Pixel 7 despite the smaller screen.
3:12 Color Options: Available in "Sea" (light blue), Charcoal (black), Snow (white), and a Google Store exclusive Coral (red).
4:18 Software Experience: The Pixel 7a runs the same software as more premium Pixel phones, including Google Assistant features, voice-to-text, voice recorder, call screening, Now Playing, and Material You theming. It promises three years of software updates.
5:36 Battery Life & Charging: The 4385mAh battery and 18W wired charging (7.5W wireless) result in average battery life, sufficient for a full day of typical use but not more.
6:23 Camera System Upgrade: The Pixel 7a features a brand new 64MP main camera, a 13MP ultrawide, and a 13MP selfie camera, departing from the long-standing 12MP sensor of previous A-series phones.
7:00 Camera Performance: Google's processing effectively leverages the new larger 64MP sensor (which bins down to 16MP by default), delivering excellent photos with great dynamic range, a less contrasty but still "Pixel-like" look, and improved low-light performance. No dedicated macro mode.
8:07 Ultrawide & Selfie Camera: The ultrawide camera shows noticeable distortion and warping at the corners, while the selfie camera is described as very solid.
8:33 Video Capabilities: Supports 4K 60fps video from the main camera and 4K 30fps from other cameras.
8:45 Camera Ranking: The reviewer rates it as a top three mid-range smartphone camera.
8:51 Other Hardware: Haptics are good, and the optical fingerprint reader is a beat slower than ultrasonic alternatives but consistent with other Pixels.
9:20 Price Point & Recommendation: While the Pixel 7a is a good "premium mid-range" phone at $499 (or $550 for the Verizon mmWave version), the reviewer strongly recommends the six-month-old Pixel 7, which often goes on sale for $500-$550.
9:43 Pixel 7 vs. 7a Comparison: The Pixel 7 offers more capable cameras, faster 20W wireless charging, better haptics, better speakers, thinner bezels, better accessories, and an IP68 rating, making it a better value when on sale.
10:45 Pixel Lineup Strategy: Google is now offering more Pixels at different price points, keeping the Pixel 6a in the lineup at $349 as a great budget option.