With every new iteration of Google’s Pixel A-series smartphones, the number of shortcomings decreases. This holds particularly true for the Pixel 7A, which is priced at $499 and shares a remarkable resemblance to the $599 Pixel 7. Having assessed both devices, I’m confident in saying that for most individuals, the Pixel 7A provides excellent value.
Both devices are powered by Google’s Tensor G2 processor, which results in nearly identical performance and comparable capabilities for photography and language translation.
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On paper, the most significant difference between the two is their cameras and size, but in reality, there is hardly any noticeable distinction in the quality of photos taken from either device.
Check out this video: Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7A: Which Has Better Specs??(04:48)
Unless you have a preference for a slightly larger screen and can score a discount that narrows the price gap with the 7A, there’s really no compelling reason to opt for the Pixel 7. Take a closer look at how we tested and compared both phones in this video.
Pixel 7 versus Pixel 7A: Camera Comparison
The camera of Pixel 7A appears to be quite similar to that of Pixel 7 based on the visuals. Despite that, if you examine the camera specifications, Pixel 7A may seem to have a better configuration as it features a 64-megapixel main camera whereas the primary shooter of Pixel 7 comes with a 50-megapixel sensor. Additionally, Pixel 7A boasts a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens, surpassing Pixel 7’s 12-megapixel ultrawide lens.
However, having high resolution is not the only factor that contributes to capturing an exceptional photo. According to Google, the camera sensor on the Pixel 7 is larger and more sensitive to light, which enhances the overall quality of the images captured. Despite comparing the two, I couldn’t detect a significant variance. Both phones generate exceptional pictures with vivid hues and sharp particulars. If you’re someone who takes photographs occasionally and desires a dependable camera for capturing stunning images of loved ones, holidays, or pets, the Pixel 7A is more than sufficient.
Please find below some photo samples for your reference.
As the two phones come with identical processors, they also offer a number of shared photo-shooting and editing features. These include night mode, portrait mode, Face Unblur, Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser and Real Tone, which is Google’s technology for rendering skin tones with greater precision. Additionally, they both allow digital zooming up to 8x.
The Pixel 7A, which is less expensive, does not have the Action Pan feature found on the Pixel 7. Action Pan enables clear capture of a subject in motion while blurring the background. However, both phones offer Long Exposure mode that applies a motion blur effect to a subject in motion.
The Pixel 7 and 7A capture fairly bright photos even in low-light conditions, as demonstrated below. Nevertheless, in one instance, the Pixel 7 was able to achieve a sharper focus on the subject while taking photos in dim lighting.
While the Pixel 7A has a front camera with higher resolution, I found that both devices produced selfies of similar quality. Overall, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7A have comparable cameras. Although the Pixel 7A lacks Google’s Action Pan feature, it doesn’t have any significant shortcomings.
Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7A: Dimensions and Aesthetics
The Pixel 7A follows the design language of the Pixel 7, featuring a metal camera bar and matte edges. The primary contrasts between the two devices are their size and color choices. The Pixel 7A boasts a 6.1-inch display, making it an appealing option for those who prefer smaller devices. In contrast, the Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch screen that provides more room for individuals who enjoy reading or watching videos on their phones.
When necessary, both gadgets can enhance their screen’s refresh rate to 90Hz, providing smoother animations and scrolling. Additionally, they share the same resolution of 1,080×2,400 pixels. Nonetheless, under bright sunlight, both screens appear dim, necessitating a maximum brightness increase when outdoors.
The picture showcases the Pixel 7 alongside the Pixel Watch.
As for color options, coral (orange), sea (light blue), charcoal (grayish), and snow (white) are the available choices for the Pixel 7A. Conversely, lemongrass (light yellow), snow (white), and obsidian (black) are the options for the Pixel 7.
The two phones have a slight variation in their durability. The Pixel 7A has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, whereas the Pixel 7 boasts an IP86 rating. Although both phones are dust-proof, the Pixel 7A can only withstand temporary exposure to water, while the Pixel 7 can endure continuous immersion in water.
Battery life and performance comparison between Pixel 7 and Pixel 7A:
Given that both devices operate on the same Tensor G2 processor and have the same memory capacity, their performance is comparable. Applications launch seamlessly, and scrolling around the operating system or switching between apps feels effortless on both Pixel 7 and Pixel 7A. In addition, both devices scored similarly on general performance and graphics benchmarks, as illustrated in the table below. (Please note that Geekbench 6, the performance test, assesses both the performance of the processor’s single core and how multiple cores function together, as indicated in the table).
Pixel 7A versus Pixel 7
Pixel 7A: 1,439 (Geekbench 6 Single Core), 3,560 (Geekbench 6 Multicore), 1,855 (3DMark Wildlife Extreme)
Pixel 7: 1,454 (Geekbench 6 Single Core), 3,429 (Geekbench 6 Multicore), 1,852 (3DMark Wildlife Extreme)
Note: Higher scores indicate better performance.
Typically, both devices gave me a day’s worth of battery life, but your experience may differ depending on your phone’s settings and app usage. Besides using the devices as my personal phone, I conducted two battery tests: a 45-minute endurance test that assessed the amount of battery drained after activities like making a video call, playing games, and streaming video, and a three-hour test that involved streaming a YouTube video and recording the battery percentage at every hour mark.
The Pixel 7 emerged victorious in the 45-minute endurance test, retaining 94% of its battery compared to the Pixel 7A’s 92%. However, in the three-hour drain test, the Pixel 7A outdid the Pixel 7, although the margin was slim. Overall, both devices have comparable battery life.
Pixel 7A and Pixel 7 Battery Test Comparison
Pixel 7APixel 71 Hour 96%95%2 Hour 90%88%3 Hour 85%81%
Nonetheless, the charging speed of Pixel 7 is slightly faster compared to Pixel 7A, as the former supports 18W while the latter supports 20W charging. During the test, Pixel 7 went from 20% to 64% after 30 minutes of charging, while Pixel 7A went from 20% to 58%. It is worth noting that for this test, a non-Google 45-watt power adapter and the USB-C cable that came with each phone were used. Furthermore, both phones now support wireless charging, which was missing in Pixel 6A.
Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7A: Software and Support
The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7A offer a nearly identical software experience. Running on Android 13, these Pixel devices are expected to receive the Android 14 upgrade before other non-Pixel devices.
You also receive features exclusive to Google Pixel, such as the Recorder app, a set of phone call tools that allow Google to wait on hold for you and transcribe automated menus, and Google’s complimentary VPN. Furthermore, Google frequently provides minor software updates to Pixel phones known as “feature drops,” which introduce fresh additions periodically. Both devices present the same biometric authentication possibilities for unlocking your phone through facial recognition and fingerprint scanning.
However, out of the two mobile phones, only the Pixel 7 is compatible with spatial audio, which essentially produces the experience of surround sound in one’s headphones. While experimenting with this feature while watching Stranger Things, I observed that the sounds of cars zipping past or insects chirping had a bit more motion and dimension on the Pixel 7 as compared to the Pixel 7A.
The Pixel 7 and 7A are guaranteed to receive a minimum of three years of Android version updates and five years of security updates. This implies that the Pixel 7 will continue to receive Android version updates until October 2025, while the Pixel 7A is expected to be updated with new Android OS upgrades until May 2026.
Pixel 7 versus Pixel 7A: Which one should you purchase?
The Pixel 7A (on the right) and Pixel 7 (on the left) are pictured. Richard Peterson/CNET.
For most individuals, the Pixel 7A is the superior choice as it offers a comparable experience to the Pixel 7 for $100 less. While the Pixel 7 includes a few additional features, none are significant enough to be considered deal-breakers.
These enhancements comprise a marginally bigger display, quicker charging compared to the Pixel 7A, the Action Pan photography attribute, spatial audio, and an elevated protection level against water immersion. While the camera features vary between the two gadgets, both mobile phones seize remarkable photos that are ample for hobbyist photographers.
By introducing the Pixel 7A, Google has narrowed the differences between its top-of-the-line Pixel device and its more affordable alternative. As a result, I anticipate even greater improvements with the forthcoming Pixel 8. Furthermore, here are the specs comparison between the Google Pixel 7A and Pixel 7.
Google Pixel 7A and Google Pixel 7 have 6.1-inch and 6.3-inch OLED displays respectively, with FHD+ resolution and a refresh rate of up to 90Hz. The dimensions of Google Pixel 7A are 6.1 x 2.9 x 0.34 in. (155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm) and it weighs 197g (6.9oz.), while the dimensions of Google Pixel 7 are 6 x 2.9 x 0.35 in. (152.4 x 72.9 x 9 mm) and it weighs 193g (6.8oz.). Both phones run on Android 13 and are equipped with Google Tensor G2 processors, 128GB + 8GB RAM/storage, and under-screen fingerprint sensors and face unlock.
Google Pixel 7A has a 64MP main camera, a 13MP ultrawide camera, and a 13MP front-facing camera, while Google Pixel 7 has a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 10.8MP front-facing camera. Both phones can capture videos in 4K at 60 FPS. They also have a 4,385-mAh and a 4,355-mAh battery with wireless charging.
Some special features of both phones include Magic Eraser, Real Tone, Photo Unblur, Face Unblur, Long Exposure Mode, Hold For Me, Wait Times, Direct My Call Live Translate, and Action Pan. Google Pixel 7A is priced at $499 ($549 for mmWave) off-contract in the US, ￡449 in the UK, and AU$749 in Australia. Google Pixel 7 is priced at $599 off-contract in the US, ￡599 in the UK, and AU$999 in Australia. Both phones do not have expandable storage or a headphone jack.
James Martin/CNET
Google Pixel 7A
The top Android phone under $500
In 2023, Google’s budget phone, the Pixel 7A, advanced significantly and continues to offer many of the features found on the Pixel 7, but at a reduced cost. The Pixel 7A utilizes Google’s Tensor G2 processor and provides photo editing and language translation capabilities akin to those available on the high-end Pixel 7. Furthermore, the Pixel 7A boasts a 64-megapixel camera that captures exceptional photos, comparable in quality to those taken on the Pixel 7.
While we still think highly of the Pixel 7, for most people, the Pixel 7A’s lower price makes it a better option. Only choose the Pixel 7 if you specifically desire a slightly bigger screen and are willing to spend an additional $100. Otherwise, the primary variances between the Pixel 7 and 7A lie in the former’s more sturdy construction, marginally quicker charging time, and its ability to wirelessly charge compatible accessories. As per Google, the Pixel 7 also houses a larger camera sensor that’s more responsive to light, however, CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco didn’t detect any significant differences.
Check out our review of the Google Pixel 7A, available for purchase at both Best Buy and Target for $499. You will also receive price alerts for this device.
Google Pixel 7
Starting at $599
Boasting a robust 50-megapixel camera, a 6.3-inch display, and Google’s cutting-edge Tensor G2 processor, the Pixel 7 is a flagship phone that’s both powerful and sleek. Although we typically suggest going for the $100 cheaper Pixel 7A, which delivers a comparable experience, the Pixel 7 remains an excellent option for anyone seeking an Android phone with a bigger screen that won’t break the bank.
Check out our review of the Google Pixel 7.
Available at Best Buy for $599.
