Google Pixel 7a 128 GB / 8 GB

Simplified flagship

The annual assortment of new Google products cannot be called large, so at some point the company decided to release, in addition to flagships, more affordable models with the prefix “a” in the name: they are similar to top-end devices, have similar characteristics, but differ in some more modest functions in order to reduce cost. Pixel 7a is a simplified version of the 2022 flagships Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Externally, it is practically indistinguishable from the usual “seven”: a flat screen, a neat cutout in the display for the front camera and a separate compact insert for the main camera unit, which visually divides the back panel into two parts. Of course, everyone has their own taste, but the smartphone looks fresh and differs from most competitors of the same type, identical in appearance.

The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, the gadget's frames are metal, and the lid is made of plastic. But this does not spoil the impression in any way, since the plastic is made of high quality and imitates glass well - visually they are practically indistinguishable. The only thing that spoils the overall picture is the thick frames around the screen. It looks like Google was trying to draw a line between the Pixel 7a and the flagship models. Large frames also affected the overall dimensions: with a 6.1-inch display, the smartphone should be more or less compact, but, for comparison, the iPhone 15 with the same screen diagonal is noticeably smaller. At the same time, the “pixel” body has IP67 water protection, so it can withstand even short-term immersions in water to a shallow depth (up to 1 meter for a maximum of 30 minutes).

Branded processor and “pure” Android

Google devices are most often chosen due to their stable software and long-term support. The smartphone will receive major Android updates until 2026, and security patches until 2028, which is not bad. If you want more, Google has significantly extended support with the release of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro - they are guaranteed new versions of Android and security updates until 2030. At the same time, the Pixel 7a boasts “pure” Android, that is, without a bunch of pre-installed unnecessary programs, numerous advertisements and system add-ons that other manufacturers love so much. In addition, Google smartphones are among the first to receive the latest versions of the OS.

Another difference from competitors is the proprietary Tensor G2 processor. Thanks to it, the device works quickly, the interface is smooth, and most games can be played at medium and high graphics settings. The only frustrating thing is that there is only one version with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of ROM. If there is enough RAM, then the storage volume may not be enough for active users, and, alas, there is no slot for a memory card.

A 4385 mAh battery is responsible for autonomy, one charge of which, on average, lasts for a day. There is wireless charging, but it is quite slow - 7.5 W. And regular wired charging is not much faster - 18 W, so it will take about 2 hours to fully restore energy.

What else

Also, buyers often choose Google devices for good cameras. The fact is that the company is not chasing a large number of modules and megapixels, but simply does its job well. The model received a 13-megapixel front camera and a dual main camera, which includes a 64 MP sensor with optical image stabilization and a 13 MP ultra-wide lens with a viewing angle of 120 degrees. The result is decent photos and videos. In tests of the authoritative resource DxOMark, the main camera received 133 points. For comparison, the flagships Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus and iPhone 14 Plus have the same ratings.

Otherwise, the model has a good set of characteristics: OLED display with a frequency of 90 Hz, support for 5G and eSIM, an NFC chip for contactless payments, an under-screen fingerprint scanner and stereo sound.