Design and Build

The Google Pixel 7a features an aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 front, and a plastic back, balancing affordability and durability. Measuring 6.0 x 2.8 x 0.35 inches (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm) and weighing 6.8 ounces (193.5g), it’s compact and lightweight. Available in Charcoal, Sea, and Coral, it uses an under-display fingerprint sensor without face unlock.

• Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3, plastic back
• IP67 rating (water and dust resistance up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
• Under-display fingerprint sensor, no face unlock
• USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port
• Physical nano-SIM + eSIM

Pixel 7a Display

The Pixel 7a has an OLED display of 6.1 inches in size with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 (429 PPI) and 90Hz refresh rate. It is HDR10 compatible but yet it falls short in terms of the refresh rate with just 120Hz and not LTPO which are features that higher-end models have. The 1000 nits peak brightness is certainly good for outdoor usage, but it is still not as bright as the Pixel 8a's 2000 nits. The Gorilla Glass 3 is simply for protection against minor scratches so the display can still suffer from some scratches.

• 6.1-inch OLED
• 1080 x 2400 resolution, 429 PPI
• HDR10 support
• 1000 nits (peak)
• Gorilla Glass 3 protection
• 90Hz refresh rate

Performance and Software

The Pixel 7a is operated by the Google Tensor G2 chip (5nm) which features an 8-core CPU, a Mali-G710 MP7 GPU, and a Titan M2 security chip, comes with 8GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB storage ($499), but it doesn't support an additional card slot. Currently, Android 13 (but it can be upgraded to Android 15) runs the phone with OS updates for 3 years and security updates for 5 years i.e. to be precise until May 2028. In terms of core processing power, it's identical to the Pixel 7, but during gaming, its temperature control is not as efficient as it should be behind the lower performance. The Pixel 7a is equipped with a dual rear camera setup: the main one of 64MP (f/1.89, 26mm, OIS) and the other one of 13MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV). The 13MP front camera (f/2.2) does not come with an autofocus feature. Although Google's photography technology is the one to produce extremely sharp images and generate better results than many mid-range competitors, it is a little bit less sharp with a 50MP sensor, in the case of Pixel 8. Recording videos are limited to 4K 60fps.

The Tensor G2 delivers strong performance for its price, but the 128GB storage and lack of expandable storage limit its appeal. Users praise the camera and software but criticize battery life and overheating.

Camera System

The Pixel 7a battery of 4385mAh has a minimum operating time of 10 hours for video playback and can provide 8-10 hours of the real world use, which is not really satisfactory for a battery in the class. The device's wired charging of 18W can achieve 50% in 35 minutes, which is in line with the current standard charge rate. The problem with the missing wireless charge is not limited to the inconvenience caused by the absence of the wireless charger, but also the hassle of buying the wireless charger separately. This issue is seemingly no stranger to users as it is constantly raised even for lighter tasks, not to mention heavy tasks.

Battery and Charging

5G is supported on the Pixel 7a. It is also the reason for the compatible Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3. Other than the two mentioned, also on board are the nano-SIM and eSIM, among which the former is for 5G. Except for mmWave, UWB, and satellite connectivity, it has everything. GPS is capable of four systems of two or three constellations which are GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU), and QZSS (Japan). Although there are few reports on the unavailability of 5G signals, the network reception is generally stable.

• 4385mAh battery
• Up to 10 hours video playback, ~8–10 hours real-world
• 18W wired charging (50% in 35 min)
• No wireless charging
• No charger included (USB-C cable only)

Connectivity

The Pixel 7a supports 5G (sub-6GHz), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.3. It includes nano-SIM and eSIM but lacks mmWave, UWB, and satellite connectivity. GPS supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS. Network reception is generally reliable, though some report occasional 5G drops.

• 5G modem (sub-6GHz)
• Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
• Bluetooth 5.3
• Physical nano-SIM + eSIM
• No mmWave, UWB, or satellite connectivity
• GPS: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS

Pricing and Availability

Launched at $499 for 128GB, the Pixel 7a began pre-orders on May 10, 2023, with sales starting May 11, 2023, via Google Store, carriers, and retailers like Amazon. Discounts often drop it to $249–$300, making it a budget standout. Its value is strong, but the Pixel 8a ($499) offers longer updates.