The Google Pixel 7a may look similar to last year’s versions in style and performance, but appearances can be deceiving. When you look beneath the surface, you’ll see some critical improvements that should push these phones to greater levels.
Nothing has been officially announced about this device yet, but we know what to expect based on early leaks and what we know about the Pixel 7 and former versions.
Google Pixel 7a design
The Google Pixel 7 looks comparatively similar to its predecessors, with the same camera bar on the back, which was the most notable design feature of the Pixel 6 range, and the same punch hole enclosure for -front selfie camera. However, there are some variations.
The Pixel 7 is barely smaller than the Pixel 6, for example. This is accomplished by using a smaller screen (6.3 inches as opposed to the 6.4 inch panel of its predecessor) and reduced bezels.
In addition, the Pixel 7 is more environmentally friendly than before, with 100% recycled aluminum shells, up from 30% in predecessors. Finally, the Pixel 7 is available in Ice, Obsidian, and the new Lemongrass finish colours.
Google Pixel 7a Price and Availability
In a market where costs are continually rising, the Pixel 7’s starting price of $599 is a welcome change from the Pixel 6’s. The Pixel 7 is available for pre-order and will ship on October 13th.
Battery life
The Pixel 7 series does not offer a size upgrade for the batteries, but both phones should have longer battery life thanks to improvements and the new Tensor chip that powers them.
On paper, there isn’t any battery improvement in the Pixel 7 series. The Pixel 7’s 4,355mAh battery cell is barely smaller than before. With Google’s 30W charger, the company claims it can reach 50% charge in about 30 minutes. This indicates that the charging speeds of the Pixel 7 will be the same as those of the Pixel 6 series.
Camera
On the back of the Pixel 7, there are two cameras. Google’s Super Res Zoom technology has advanced significantly. Not only can the primary 50MP camera shoot at 2x (right down to a 12.5MP image), but the Pixel 7 Pro can even achieve a high-quality zoom ranging from 2.5x to 4.9x by combining photos from the primary and telephoto cameras.
The telephoto lens is enabled at 5x. However, Super Res Zoom functions similarly up to 10x, which Google claims can result in some incredible zoomed images.
What about the video, although? Like Apple’s Cinematic mode, Cinematic Blur provides a shallow depth of field effect to your movies, leading to a fantastic Blur at 24 frames per second.
Additional features
The Tensor G2 chipset enables a number of camera features discussed above. Consider Photo Unblur, which delivers exactly what it promises. Using machine learning and AI, the newest Pixels can speed up pictures. Not just for photos taken with the Pixel 7; the new Pixels can even blur photos in your Google Photos collection.
The Assistant has also become more innovative, specially in voice messages. For example, even if you do not remember the exact name of the emoji you are trying to send, the Pixel 7 will automatically recommend a relevant emoji.
The Pixel 7 will receive security updates for five years, while Google has only promised three years of platform updates. So unless Google changes its plan, Android 16 in 2025 will be the final Android update of the Pixel 7.
Conclusion
The Pixel 7 is a small update rather than a real game changer. As a result, we are in the business of making marginal profits. But that is the current status of the smartphone industry: businesses are making incremental improvements to existing compatible devices rather than starting from scratch.
