Google Pixel 7a Review: A Good Alternative for Pixel 7

 Google Pixel 7a Review: A Good Alternative for Pixel 7

The Google Pixel 7a is here to address the pricing concerns that may have deterred potential buyers from purchasing the Pixel 7 last year. While the Pixel 7a shares the same Tensor G2 SoC and similar battery size as its predecessor, it introduces some subtle changes in design and features, including the long-awaited addition of wireless charging.

The Pixel 7a is available in India for ₹43,999.

Design

In terms of design, the Pixel 7a closely resembles the Pixel 7 but is slightly smaller, making it more comfortable to hold and offering easier one-handed access to the screen. The camera bar on the rear is slimmer and less protruding. However, some distinctive features of its predecessor have been lost, such as the unique visor-like structure, and the choice of materials has changed with the frame and camera bar now made of aluminum instead of a single piece of metal. The back cover is composed of plastic, which is less slippery but attracts smudges.

Display

The Pixel 7a features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2400x1080 and a 90Hz refresh rate, providing sharp visuals and excellent contrast. While the inclusion of a 90Hz refresh rate is an improvement over previous a-series phones, it falls short compared to competitors offering 120Hz refresh rates in this price range.

OS and Processor

Running on Android 13, the Pixel 7a offers the same software and feature set as the Pixel 7 series, with a user interface similar to its pricier counterpart. The phone is equipped with the Tensor G2 chip, delivering smooth performance with 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage. However, the absence of the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor remains a disadvantage compared to competitors.

Camera

The new Pixel 7a smartphone features a dual-camera setup at the rear, including a 64MP primary camera with an f/1.89 aperture and a 13MP ultrawide camera with an f/2.2 aperture. However, unlike the Pixel 7 Pro, the ultrawide lens on the Pixel 7a lacks autofocus and the macro mode.

                                                                      

The 64MP main camera of the Pixel 7a captures exceptional detail, accurate colors, and a wide dynamic range in various lighting conditions. It maintains the impressive camera capabilities seen in previous Pixel phones, particularly the 3 series. Comparatively, the detail levels of the Pixel 7a and the 50MP main camera of the Pixel 7 are remarkably similar, but the Pixel 7a refines images better.

The ultrawide camera on both the Pixel 7a and Pixel 7 captures similar shots, with minimal differences in resolution that are indistinguishable upon closer inspection. The Pixel 7a performs well in low-light conditions, with fast shutter speed, detailed object capturing, and minimal noise effects. It also provides good shadow balance and dynamic range. The camera lens effectively separates subjects in portrait mode, achieving fine detailing, balanced colors, and contrast.

Selfies taken with the 13MP front camera of the Pixel 7a are likable, with sharp detail and no overexposure. The portrait selfies also exhibit proper background separation.

 

Battery

The Pixel 7a is powered by a 4,300mAh battery, lasting a full day with regular usage. It supports 18W wired charging and now includes wireless charging, offering convenience at the cost of slower charging speeds.

Verdict

Overall, the Pixel 7a provides an affordable alternative to the Pixel 7, offering Google-powered services and the renowned camera capabilities of a Pixel phone. It bridges the gap between the Pro models and the a-series, surpassing its predecessor, the Pixel 6a.