Google Pixel 7a Review – IGN

Reviews

Google Pixel 7a: A Budget Phone with Impressive Features

Google’s Pixel smartphone family has always been known for its impressive features, and last year’s Pixel 7 line was no exception. With the success of the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, the new Pixel 7a has a lot to live up to. In this article, we’ll explore where the Pixel 7a stands and what sets it apart.

Google Pixel 7a – Design and Features

The Pixel 7a retains the iconic design of the Pixel series. The camera visor at the rear has been improved, eliminating unsightly seams. While the visor on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro protrudes from the back, the Pixel 7a’s visor is more subtle. The differences between the Pixel 7 and 7a are minimal. The Pixel 7a is slightly smaller, making it comfortable to hold with one hand. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 1080 x 2040 resolution, offering increased pixel density.

The Pixel 7a’s display cover uses Gorilla Glass 3 instead of Gorilla Glass Victus, and its rear is made of plastic. However, it doesn’t feel cheap and still maintains an aluminum frame. The phone has IP67 protection, providing dust resistance and the ability to withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

The Pixel 7a features an under-display fingerprint scanner and facial recognition sensor, both of which are fast and accurate. Unlike previous A-models, the Pixel 7a includes wireless charging and supports charging speeds of up to 18 watts. It also features an IP67 rating, providing dust and water resistance.

Google Pixel 7a – Software

The Pixel 7a runs on Android 13, featuring Google’s Material You color theming. However, the software is more restrictive compared to other versions of Android, such as Samsung’s One UI. The home screen displays a 5×5 grid of apps or smaller, with a dedicated space for the date and At a Glance feature. Google search and Assistant are positioned at the bottom of the home screen. Third-party launchers can bypass some of these limitations. The quick settings shade on the Pixel 7a leaves much to be desired in terms of space optimization.

Google Pixel 7a – Gaming and Performance

The Pixel 7a offers the same performance as its higher-end counterparts. It is equipped with the Tensor G2 chip and performs well during everyday use. It handles tasks like opening apps, browsing websites, and scrolling through social media smoothly. While it may not have the most powerful gaming capabilities, it can still run games like Genshin Impact without significant issues. The Pixel 7a supports Wi-Fi 6E and 5G networking, ensuring fast and reliable internet connectivity. It also maintains a USB 3.2 level, allowing for quick file transfers. The phone’s 4,385mAh battery provides all-day battery life with casual use.

Google Pixel 7a – Camera

The Pixel 7a features an upgraded camera system compared to its predecessor. Here are the camera specifications:

  • 64MP (binned to 16.1MP) Wide, 0.8-micron, f/1.89, PDAF, OIS, 80-degree FOV
  • 13MP ultrawide, f/2.2, 1.12-micron, 120-degree FOV
  • 13MP Selfie (12.2MP actual), 1.12-micron, f/2.2, 95-degree FOV

Google’s Pixel cameras are known for their excellent quality, and the Pixel 7a continues this trend. The camera samples showcase the phone’s capabilities.

Overall, the Google Pixel 7a offers impressive features at an affordable price. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of its higher-end counterparts, it delivers a smooth performance, excellent camera quality, and a comfortable design.