Meet the Pixel 7a: Google’s mighty new mid-size smartphone

Six months on from the release of the flagship Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, Google has dropped a smaller but no less powerful spin-off aimed at the more mid-range market. The Google Pixel 7a bundles the brand’s high-end features into a cheaper package, offering fast internals and an advanced camera system for under $750.

If you’re on the hunt for a stylish device that’s packed with processing power, the Pixel 7a is on sale now; you can buy it outright from the Google Store, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks and Harvey Norman, or on phone plans from Telstra and Optus. Read on to see if the newest baby Pixel ticks your boxes.

Google Pixel 7a: key specs and features

Here’s a quick overview of the Google Pixel 7a’s key specifications:

• 6.1-inch OLED display
• 4,300 mAh battery with Extreme Battery Saver
• 8GB RAM, 128GB internal storage
• Google Tensor G2 processor
• Dual rear camera setup (64MP wide + 13MP ultra-wide camera)
• 13MP front-facing camera
• Android 13 operating system
• 5G connectivity
• IP67 water resistance
• $749 AUD RRP
• Available in Sea, Snow and Charcoal colours

Design

Google hasn’t strayed too far from its tried-and-tested Pixel formula, giving the 7a a similar design to last year’s Pixel 6a. You’ll get the same horizontal rear camera bar at the top of the device, this time in silver (a shake-up from the black bar on the 2022 Pixel 6 series), plus an aluminium, glass and plastic body. However, the 7a’s display measures in at 6.1 inches, down from the 6.4-inch screen on the Pixel 6a.

The Pixel’s always-on display features Corning Gorilla Glass for scratch resistance and durability, and comes with a 90Hz refresh rate. This is on par with the refresh rate found in the standard Pixel 7, although slower than the 7 Pro’s 120Hz — so while it’s not the smoothest display in the Pixel range, it should offer fairly seamless scrolling for most applications.

The 7a also includes Google’s Adaptive Brightness, which is enabled by default and adjusts screen brightness to suit your environment.

Performance and battery

Where Google’s devices really shine is in their custom-built processors and integrated security. The Pixel 7a includes the same Google Tensor G2 chip as the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, with improved battery life, media quality, and speed. Tensor uses on-device artificial intelligence and machine learning to deliver fast performances in complex applications, such as instant translations and live captions. The processor is also specially designed to power advanced photography on your Pixel, including adjusting shots for lighting, blur, and even multiple skin tones in one frame.

Google has paired the Tensor G2 with its Titan M2 security chip, another feature designed and made in-house to protect your data. The Titan works in tandem with existing Android security measures to lock down your info, and alongside Face Unlock, Fingerprint Unlock and the option of a VPN from Google One, offers all-round protection for your Pixel.

Software-wise, the Pixel 7a runs Android 13, and comes with a host of smart Google features and improvements. Voice quality has been given a polish with Clear Calling, while the At A Glance feature alerts you to useful info throughout the day, such as weather or traffic updates. The newest Pixel will also get automatic software updates — called Feature Drops — as well as a minimum of five years of security updates.

Powering those heavy-duty processes is Pixel’s Adaptive Battery, which Google claims can go for over 24 hours on a single charge. Of course, your results may vary, but Google states that the Pixel 7a will learn which apps are your most-used, and distribute power accordingly between applications. If you’re running low on battery life, you can switch on Extreme Battery Saver for up to 72 hours of use, or recharge your phone wirelessly with the Pixel Stand or any Qi-certified wireless charger.

Related: Google Pixel 7 review: A strong performance and stunning cameras

Cameras

Like the Pixel 6a, the 7a includes a dual rear camera system, although Google has upgraded the Pixel’s back shooters for improved low-light and motion shots. The Pixel 7a comes with a 64-megapixel wide camera, plus a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens, giving users a bevy of features and modes to try out. Night Sight is now faster and more accurate in poor lighting, allowing for great after-dark pics, while Real Tone gives more authentic skin tones, particularly when photographing subjects with darker complexions.

If you’re taking photos from a distance, Super Res Zoom can help you get close, offering quick 2x zooming or more detailed close-ups of up to 8x with the Zoom slider. Google has also thrown in Pixel-favourite features including Face Unblur and Magic Eraser, to help you execute fast edits and retouches on your device — no Photoshop required.

The 7a is also the first A-series Pixel to include Long Exposure, so you can add motion, texture and background blurs to your photos. It’s a feature that works great for snapping shots of crowds, pets, or single-subject action such as running, and can be activated with a quick tap in the Camera app.

Outside of the rear cameras, the Pixel 7a also comes with a 13-megapixel front-facing camera for on-point selfies.

Extras, price and availability

Wrapping up the Pixel 7a’s most important specs, the device includes 8GB of RAM, comes with 128GB of storage, and is IP67 certified against splashes and dust damage. You’ll also get 5G compatibility, and easy integration with other Pixel products, including earbuds, watches and the new Pixel tablet.

You can order the Google Pixel 7a from today, with the device priced at $749 outright. Available colours include Charcoal, Snow, and the light pastel blue Sea. We’ll have updated plan and offer information from Telstra and Optus once deals are available.

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