Google Pixel 7a: A Significant Upgrade or Just a Pricey Refresh?
The Google Pixel "A" series has always aimed to be the budget champion in the smartphone market, but that ambition has sometimes fallen short in India. The Pixel 3a, while lauded for its single-camera prowess, struggled to justify its price due to lacking processing might and essential features like waterproofing. The Pixel 6a took a step toward redemption but still felt underwhelming against its competitors, falling behind on basic features despite its price tag. With the launch of the Pixel 7a, however, Google seems to have finally flipped the script. The Pixel 7a is not just a minor upgrade, it’s a bold statement, packing impressive specs, a refined design, and a suite of premium features. But is it enough to dethrone the reigning Android champions, and does it justify its Rs. 43,999 price tag? Let’s delve into the details and find out.
A Fresh Look and Feel: Design and Display
The Pixel 7a boasts a refined aesthetic. The display, while maintaining the same footprint as its predecessor, now boasts a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, making the Android 13 experience even more fluid. This upgrade is noticeable, particularly when navigating through menus and playing fast-paced games. The 6.1-inch full-HD+ OLED display also boasts HDR playback support, delivering a vibrant and immersive viewing experience.
The rear panel, however, still utilizes plastic above and below the camera band, though the band and frame have undergone a significant transformation. Inspired by the Pixel 7 series, the camera band is now crafted from metal and seamlessly blends with the rounded metal frame on the sides. This subtle but impactful change elevates the Pixel 7a’s overall look and feel, giving it a more premium vibe.
Adding to the Pixel 7a’s premium touch is its IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, a feature that was absent in the Pixel 6a. The combination of a sleek design, a crisp display, and the added durability of an IP67 rating makes the Pixel 7a easily one of the most visually compelling budget smartphones on the market.
Tensor G2 Power and Refined Cameras
Under the hood, the Pixel 7a receives a significant boost with the integration of the Tensor G2 SoC. This powerful processor, also found in the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, ensures a smooth and responsive user experience. Additionally, the Pixel 7a is the first in the "A" series to feature 8GB of RAM, a considerable upgrade from the previous 4GB or 6GB models.
The camera system has also undergone a considerable upgrade. The Pixel 7a now boasts a 64-megapixel primary camera with OIS, a feature that promises to deliver significantly improved zoom images thanks to Google’s Super Res Zoom technology. The inclusion of a 13-megapixel ultra-wide camera further expands the photographic capabilities, while a 13-megapixel selfie camera sits in front. Both cameras have been upgraded from the Pixel 6a, resulting in sharper details and improved colour accuracy.
The Tensor G2 SoC also unlocks new cutting-edge camera features like Unblur in the Photos app, faster Night Sight processing, and Long-exposure modes, features completely absent on the Pixel 6a. Altogether, the Pixel 7a’s camera system is a significant leap forward, offering advanced photography features that were previously exclusive to premium smartphones.
A Few Trade-offs: Battery and Accessories
While the Pixel 7a excels in several areas, it does make a few compromises. The battery capacity has been slightly reduced to 4,385mAh from the 4,410mAh in the Pixel 6a. However, Google has added a welcome feature in the form of wireless charging, bringing the Pixel 7a on par with several other mid-range devices.
Another point to consider is the absence of a bundled charger. Like many other manufacturers, Google has opted to leave out the charger from the box, offering only a USB Type-C to Type-C cable and a quick-switch adapter. While this might be a minor inconvenience, many users may need to purchase a charger separately.
The Big Question: Is it Worth the Price?
The Google Pixel 7a is a significant upgrade over the Pixel 6a, offering a more premium design, a smoother display, a powerful processor, and a vastly improved camera system. The inclusion of wireless charging further elevates its desirability. However, the Rs. 43,999 price tag is a significant obstacle in the highly competitive Indian smartphone market.
While the Pixel 7a stands out as a fantastic value proposition compared to its previous iteration, it’s essential to consider the alternatives. Several other mid-range contenders offer compelling features at similar price points. Ultimately, the decision of whether the Pixel 7a is worth the investment hinges on individual priorities and preferences.
If you prioritize a premium design, a smooth and crisp display, exceptional camera performance, and a powerful processor, then the Pixel 7a makes a strong case. Yet, if budget is a primary concern, there are alternatives that offer comparable features at lower price points.
The Pixel 7a is a game-changer for the "A" series, but whether it’s a game-changer for the Indian smartphone market remains to be seen. The competition is fierce, and the Pixel 7a will need to prove itself in a crowded and demanding space.
