Pixel 7a first impressions: Google's latest flagship killer is here
The Google Pixel 7a has more in common with the Pixel 7 than it has differences. One of them? The price tag.
Google’s highly-anticipated Pixel 7a debuted at Google I/O 2023, an annual developer conference that also brings a few product releases along for the ride. I’ve been using a Pixel 7a, provided by Google for review, for about a day. In a sentence: I prefer the Pixel 7a over my Galaxy Z Fold 4 so far, and that says a lot about Google’s ability to optimize hardware and software.
Physically, the Pixel 7a is one of the most comfortable smartphones I’ve ever held. Something about slight curved edges and the glossy plastic back feel great in the hand, and I said something similar about the Pixel 7 Pro in my review of that smartphone. Since the Pixel 7a has a smaller form factor, it feels even better. The 6.1-inch display is on the smaller end in 2023, but I think it’s a comfortable size for most people.
The display does lag behind in other areas, though, with a 90Hz OLED panel and a peak brightness of 1,200 nits. It has been difficult to view in direct sunlight in some situations so far, but I wouldnt say it’s a dealbreaker just yet. Since last year’s Pixel 6a was limited to just a 60 Hz refresh rate, the Pixel 7a is an improvement that brings the device even closer to the Pixel 7.
Google has found a happy medium with regard to the color options available on the Pixel 7a, too. There are Obsidian and Snow colors that are essentially black and white for those who prefer basic tones. For people who like to make a statement with their phones, the Sea and Coral colors are flashy. Sea is a light blue color, and Coral is a bright mix between pink and orange. Though Sea is definitely more pastel than bright in person, it’s easily my favorite color out of all the Pixel 7 series options.
Despite the Pixel 7a being $300 less than Google’s flagship Pixel 7 Pro, it feels just as snappy. That’s because it has the same Tensor G2 system-on-a-chip as that high-end smartphone. This is the Pixel 7a’s calling card: performance that can rival flagships with a mid-range price tag. Due to Google’s impressive app optimization with stock Android, I’ve already noticed the Pixel 7a runs Google apps — like Chrome — better than my Galaxy Z Fold 4.
The Pixel 7a makes the Pixel 7 redundant, and is clearly the leader of the pack in the mid-range category. At $499, anyone willing to give the Pixel brand a shot should take a look at the A-series line first.
Stay tuned to Framework of Tech for a full review of the Pixel 7a.