The Google Pixel 7a was unveiled at Google I/O 2023 and is available for purchase now – however is that this mid-ranger the appropriate purchase on your subsequent smartphone? Or would your cash be higher spent elsewhere? We’re right here that will help you make the appropriate name.

You get the Tensor G2 processor, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of inner storage with the Pixel 7a. It has a 6.1-inch, 90Hz display screen with a  2,400 x 1,080 pixel decision, whereas the digicam on the again of the system is a dual-lens 64MP+13MP affair. It is obtainable in Snow (white), Charcoal (grey), Sea (blue), and Coral (orange).

Not unhealthy specs in any respect, however the successor to the Google Pixel 6a is not any completely different to some other smartphone in that it has its strengths and weaknesses – and it is necessary to weigh them up earlier than you decide to a purchase order.

Three causes to purchase the Pixel 7a

1. It is as highly effective because the Pixel 7 Professional

The Pixel 7a comes operating the identical Tensor G2 processor that you will discover contained in the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Professional, which suggests you may count on the identical form of efficiency as properly (albeit with much less RAM). When a mid-range telephone runs as quick as the present flagship in the identical vary, it is a robust promoting level for the handset.

In our Pixel 7a overview, we stated that the telephone carried out “extremely properly”, and it is clearly one of many primary causes to purchase the telephone quite than skip it. You may don’t have any drawback modifying pictures, taking part in video games, and placing the telephone up in opposition to different demanding duties.

Each mid-range telephone is a sequence of trade-offs to get the worth down from the flagship stage, and we’re happy that Google has determined to not compromise on the chipset contained in the Pixel 7a. It additionally means the telephone ought to final you many years earlier than you begin to discover any sluggishness or slowing down.

2. It is obtainable at a mid-range worth

The Pixel 7a is available in at an official worth of $499 / £449 / AU$749 – not cut price basement, however nowhere close to the cash you will pay for a top-end flagship. For comparability, the Pixel 7 Professional prices $999 / £949 / AU$1,599 in case you go together with the mannequin with probably the most inner storage, which is kind of double the cash.

You can also make a considerable saving on the Pixel 7a, and keep in mind that it has the identical processor because the Pixel 7 Professional, as we have simply talked about. Over time we’d see much more in the way in which of reductions and particular presents utilized to the telephone, too.

As all the time when contemplating a telephone improve, you’ll want to steadiness how a lot you may (or need) to spend, in opposition to the form of efficiency ranges and options that you really want in return on your funding. With regards to the Pixel 7a, Google has managed that steadiness fairly properly, and also you should not be upset by the worth.

3. It has Pixel exclusives in Android

For those who do not personal a Pixel telephone then you definitely may not know that Google provides some unique options to the model of Android that it hundreds on these telephones, together with the Pixel 7a. This can be a purpose to purchase the Pixel 7a versus one thing from one other producer like Apple or Samsung.

For instance, you get a Now Taking part in lock display screen widget that identifies songs which might be taking part in, Shazam-style. There is a Recorder app for rapidly recording and routinely transcribing audio, and a particular Evening Sight low-light mode obtainable within the digicam.

Talking of software program, keep in mind too that Pixel telephones all the time get Android updates first: When Android 14 rolls out to the lots later this 12 months, you may ensure that the Pixel 7a goes to be one of many first in line to get it – which suggests you will be get all the most recent options and safety fixes as rapidly as attainable.

Three causes to skip the Pixel 7a

1. The battery life is not nice

The battery contained in the Google Pixel 7a has a capability of 4,385 mAh, and primarily based on our testing, it is hardly ever capable of final a full day between fees. Having to plug in a smartphone each evening is not nice, nevertheless it’s higher than having to hunt round for a charger and a mains socket in the course of the day as properly.

Wi-fi charging is obtainable, which is sweet, however the wired charging tops out at 18W: not solely are you going to need to recharge the Pixel 7a repeatedly, you are going to have to attend some time for the battery to replenish, too – 45 minutes or so to get from zero to 50%.

It could be that you’ve telephone chargers obtainable always of the day, and you are not significantly fussed about battery life. Nevertheless, we predict it is a precedence for lots of people with regards to smartphones – and in case you do not need to have battery nervousness frequently, it is likely to be finest to cross on the Pixel 7a.

2. You solely get three years of updates

We have already talked up the advantages of Android on a Pixel telephone, so it is time to point out one of many negatives: the Pixel 7a is simply assured to get software program updates for 3 years, which suggests after that time you will not be getting any new options and will not have entry to the most recent model of Android.

It is price mentioning that you simply get safety updates for one more couple of years after that, so you will not out of the blue turn out to be a first-rate goal for hackers. So far as the principle Android updates go although, it is three years after which that is it.

Examine this to iPhones, which get six years of assured updates: purchase an iPhone 15 later this 12 months, and you may nonetheless be getting new variations of iOS in 2029. Maybe you assume you will be upgrading from the Pixel 7a inside three years anyway, nevertheless it’s an element to think about.

3. The Pixel eight can be right here quickly

Google hasn’t stated something official in regards to the Pixel eight or the Pixel eight Professional, however we’re sure that they should be on the way in which. If these telephones arrive a 12 months after the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional made their bow, then we’re taking a look at a launch round October time (and we’d get the Pixel Watch 2 showing on the similar occasion).

We must always see a step up in energy, assuming Google could have its Tensor G3 processor prepared by then, and in keeping with rumors the Pixel eight telephones may include as much as 12GB of RAM. In different phrases, they’re more likely to be considerably extra highly effective than the Pixel 7a.

There are all the time new telephones across the nook, after all, so you may’t hold pushing aside an improve for that reason alone – however if in case you have the capability in your funds, and also you desire a true flagship as your telephone of selection, then it is likely to be price skipping the temptations of the Pixel 7a and ready for the Pixel eight as an alternative.