TechPhonesAndroid PhonesGoogle Pixel 7a review: affordable Android doesn’t get better than thisThe entry-level Google Pixel phone, the Pixel 7a, is an affordable champion that’s hard to beatWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)T3 VerdictAfter some battery wobbles that had me temporarily concerned, I’ve quickly come to regard the Google Pixel 7a as the best affordable phone you can buy right now. It’s got the power, the cameras and the looks to impress. Sure, the screen’s edge bezel is a bit bold, the battery life and charging speed isn’t the best, and the price has increased compared to its predecessor – but that’s all forgivable as there are enough upgrades in this new handset that make it a pleasure to use.Reasons to buy+Performance capability well beyond its price point+Great camera improvements for this generation+Android software just runs best on GoogleReasons to avoid-Battery life isn’t great – and charging rather slow-Pricier and chunkier than its predecessor-Screen is fairly heavy on bezelWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
TechPhonesAndroid PhonesGoogle Pixel 7a review: affordable Android doesn’t get better than thisThe entry-level Google Pixel phone, the Pixel 7a, is an affordable champion that’s hard to beatWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)T3 VerdictAfter some battery wobbles that had me temporarily concerned, I’ve quickly come to regard the Google Pixel 7a as the best affordable phone you can buy right now. It’s got the power, the cameras and the looks to impress. Sure, the screen’s edge bezel is a bit bold, the battery life and charging speed isn’t the best, and the price has increased compared to its predecessor – but that’s all forgivable as there are enough upgrades in this new handset that make it a pleasure to use.Reasons to buy+Performance capability well beyond its price point+Great camera improvements for this generation+Android software just runs best on GoogleReasons to avoid-Battery life isn’t great – and charging rather slow-Pricier and chunkier than its predecessor-Screen is fairly heavy on bezelWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
The entry-level Google Pixel phone, the Pixel 7a, is an affordable champion that’s hard to beat
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)T3 VerdictAfter some battery wobbles that had me temporarily concerned, I’ve quickly come to regard the Google Pixel 7a as the best affordable phone you can buy right now. It’s got the power, the cameras and the looks to impress. Sure, the screen’s edge bezel is a bit bold, the battery life and charging speed isn’t the best, and the price has increased compared to its predecessor – but that’s all forgivable as there are enough upgrades in this new handset that make it a pleasure to use.Reasons to buy+Performance capability well beyond its price point+Great camera improvements for this generation+Android software just runs best on GoogleReasons to avoid-Battery life isn’t great – and charging rather slow-Pricier and chunkier than its predecessor-Screen is fairly heavy on bezel
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
T3 VerdictAfter some battery wobbles that had me temporarily concerned, I’ve quickly come to regard the Google Pixel 7a as the best affordable phone you can buy right now. It’s got the power, the cameras and the looks to impress. Sure, the screen’s edge bezel is a bit bold, the battery life and charging speed isn’t the best, and the price has increased compared to its predecessor – but that’s all forgivable as there are enough upgrades in this new handset that make it a pleasure to use.Reasons to buy+Performance capability well beyond its price point+Great camera improvements for this generation+Android software just runs best on GoogleReasons to avoid-Battery life isn’t great – and charging rather slow-Pricier and chunkier than its predecessor-Screen is fairly heavy on bezel
T3 VerdictAfter some battery wobbles that had me temporarily concerned, I’ve quickly come to regard the Google Pixel 7a as the best affordable phone you can buy right now. It’s got the power, the cameras and the looks to impress. Sure, the screen’s edge bezel is a bit bold, the battery life and charging speed isn’t the best, and the price has increased compared to its predecessor – but that’s all forgivable as there are enough upgrades in this new handset that make it a pleasure to use.
T3 Verdict
After some battery wobbles that had me temporarily concerned, I’ve quickly come to regard the Google Pixel 7a as the best affordable phone you can buy right now. It’s got the power, the cameras and the looks to impress. Sure, the screen’s edge bezel is a bit bold, the battery life and charging speed isn’t the best, and the price has increased compared to its predecessor – but that’s all forgivable as there are enough upgrades in this new handset that make it a pleasure to use.
Reasons to buy+Performance capability well beyond its price point+Great camera improvements for this generation+Android software just runs best on GoogleReasons to avoid-Battery life isn’t great – and charging rather slow-Pricier and chunkier than its predecessor-Screen is fairly heavy on bezel
Reasons to buy+Performance capability well beyond its price point+Great camera improvements for this generation+Android software just runs best on Google
Performance capability well beyond its price point
Great camera improvements for this generation
Android software just runs best on Google
Reasons to avoid-Battery life isn’t great – and charging rather slow-Pricier and chunkier than its predecessor-Screen is fairly heavy on bezel
Battery life isn’t great – and charging rather slow
Pricier and chunkier than its predecessor
Screen is fairly heavy on bezel
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Due to being incredibly busy testing thebest Android phonesof late, I missed the first delivery attempt of myGoogle Pixel7a review unit – the company’s entry-level Pixel, as announced atGoogle I/O 2023– and that actually made me feel sad.
Why so sad? Because I was excited to test out the Pixel 7a for as long as I possibly could to see if it’s thebest affordable phone of 2023. It’s rare that a budget phone rouses genuine excitement, but with theGoogle Pixel 7 Promy favourite handset of the past eight-or-so months, the ‘lite’ version was surely already on strong footing.
One week later I’m deep into Google Pixel 7a ownership and, aside from a few niggles here and there, that initial sadness has turned into great joy – for the entry-level Pixel is a real accomplishment that’s like a ray of sunshine for affordableAndroidphones and, based on my review time, I think it’ll be hard to beat…
Google Pixel 7a: Price & Release Date
Immediately after it was first announced the Google Pixel 7a went on sale. Just like that. It’s priced at £449/$499, making it £/$50 pricier than its Pixel 6a predecessor, but, as I’ll get to, there are plenty of new features in the latest model to justify the price bump.
That said, the earlier Pixel 6a is no longer anywhere near its £399/$449 original starting price, so if you’re looking for an even more bargainous purchase then, well, that older Pixel handset is a very good shout indeed – as you can see from the real-time shopping widget below, comparing the two.
Today’s best Google Pixel 7a and Google Pixel 6a dealsGoogle Pixel 7a$233ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Google Pixel 7a and Google Pixel 6a dealsGoogle Pixel 7a$233ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Google Pixel 7a and Google Pixel 6a dealsGoogle Pixel 7a$233ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Google Pixel 7a and Google Pixel 6a deals
Google Pixel 7a$233ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all prices
Google Pixel 7a$233ViewSee all prices
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Google Pixel 7a
Google Pixel 7a
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Google Pixel 7a review: What’s new?
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
If you want a deep dive onthe Pixel 7a versus Pixel 6athen a colleague has written precisely that to pore over the key differences between the two handsets. Here I’ll summarise more generally.
The Pixel 7a brings an updated design that’s a little chunkier than before, with a camera ‘bar’ to the rear that looks more like thePixel 7 proper. That’s because the Pixel 7a houses a new and improved camera system that’s a fair step beyond its predecessor and requires more space in the design, hence the ‘bar’. It does mean a minor battery capacity reduction, though, which is probably my greatest Pixel 7a gripe (more on that later).
I’d mentioned colour options up top, but the Pixel 7a’s options of Sea (blue), Snow (white), Coral (pinkish) or Charcoal (blackish) add some verve to the look of 2023’s handset. The Pixel 6a’s more subdued Chalk, Charcoal and Sage options didn’t have so much pop.
The final key change of the Pixel 7a is that the display, while being the same 6.1-inch scale OLED as its predecessor, now offers a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals. It was only 60Hz in the 6a, which when it launched felt a little behind the competition.
Google Pixel 7a review: Design & Display
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
But while the Pixel 7a feels a bit chunkier compared to its predecessor, it’s still a small and light phone – certainly an option if you’re looking for one of thebest small phones– especially compared to the massive flagships of today. So if you don’t want a behemoth in your pocket then Google’s latest fits the bill.
The 7a’s display is flat, so no curves to concern yourself over here. That’s great to avoid accidental touch and prevents any contrast fall-off to the edges. However, it does mean the edges look bigger, as the black bezel is more pronounced that I’ve seen on many other phones (usually owed to a subtle curve of the glass). It’s a minor point, but it’s a current Pixel point: Google seems to like its bezel.
The display itself is a 6.1-inch OLED panel replete with 1080 x 2400 pixels of resolution to look sharp as you’ll ever need. The addition of a 90Hz refresh rate feels essential now, and while it’s not 120Hz for ultra-smoothness (even Motorola is up to144Hz now in its Edge 40 Proand other handsets), I actually think this middle point is sensible for Google – I’d be worried about the battery life if a yet faster refresh rate panel was added into the equation.
Insofar I’ve not caused any damage, lumps of bumps to this Pixel 7a review unit – although with Gorilla Glass 3 on the front it’s not the latest; although the plastic-coated rear should remain nice and smooth. Google does not include a case in the box (but you can buy official ones separately, which are colour matches) and there’s no wall socket either – only a USB-C cable, a USB-A-to-C converter, plus a little package with SIM tool and warranty booklet inside.
Google Pixel 7a review: Performance & Battery
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
When it comes to longevity I think Google is, well, “a bit Google” in the way it handles battery life. Take the Google Pixel 7 Pro, for example, which started off abhorrently in terms of battery per charge, but then improved over time, then had a bit of a shaky dip following an update, but eventually found its footing – and I still use as a go-to device quite happily.
With the Google Pixel 7a I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a similar story: I’ve found the battery life thus far to be somewhat sketchy, pushing me through 14 hours of use only on some days. But it fluctuates, and my usage is heavy (with Bluetooth, GPS tracking, screen-on time for Zwift Companion, gaming, and more). Fortunately, now I’m coming to the end of week one living with the 7a, it’s settled down and now it’s acceptable, providing around 16 hours including all of the above usage – but battery life is certainly my biggest gripe about the phone overall.
Now, there are a bunch of various options within Google’s settings to try and extend battery life. And you’ll want to use them. The first is Adaptive Battery which, as it suggests, “extends battery life based on your phone usage”. There’s also Adaptive Charging, but I’d avoid this as while I appreciate anything that’s going to aid battery health over the long term, I’ve woken up plenty of times to a battery charged to a mere 77% – and as charging speeds, at 18W, aren’t fast at all anyway, that’s not so easy to correct for when you need to get up and go. It’s also possible to switch to 60Hz only (turning off ‘Smooth Display’), as 90Hz does add to battery drain.
So it’s taken me a little adapting on the battery front, that’s for sure, but I suppose part of my own problem is that when a phone that’s apparently so entry-level has this much power, you’re not really stopped from doing everything. The Tensor G2 chip on board is impressive, allowing you to run anything you wish really. I’ve been playingMighty Dooma bunch, and while that generates some heat (not too much though), it runs super well.
I should also, but of course, mention Android 14. That’ll be coming to Google Pixel first, so expect a fairly swift update when the software is out of beta later in 2023. But even as it stands the Pixel 7a runs Android 13 wonderfully; there’s no excesses, no bloat, no pop-up adverts, noWTFpre-installed apps. It’s just clean and easy (except I do wish Wi-Fi control wouldn’t live in the same section as mobile data, but oh well).
Google Pixel 7a review: Cameras
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
On to one of the Pixel 7a’s best features: its cameras. Housed in that rear ‘bar’, the main camera is a very different beast to the phone it updates: the sensor size in particular is now much larger, almost double that of what you’d find in aniPhone SE, for example. That’s big news – and it shows.
The resolution is also significantly increased, now 64-megapixels, although Google uses a tried-and-tested ‘4-in-1’ process, so results actually come out at 16MP. That’s pretty much the norm for phone cameras these days, providing more sample sources for increased dynamic range and colour accuracy in the end result.
Image1of8(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Image1of8(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
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(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Basil Kronfli)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Having that main sensor being so large is really beneficial to low-light shooting. Google is already well known for its computational capabilities when it comes to night shooting – and there’s still a Night Mode that automatically prompts you with a ‘half moon’ symbol – and the 7a really takes this and runs with it. The photos of glassware in the above gallery were taken in very low-light, to the point I’d struggle to see with my eyes, and the camera just enhances them so well.
In addition the main camera features optical image stabilisation (OIS) which is yet another essential to keeping things nice and steady, ensuring sharpness even when handheld for more extended periods than typical. It makes using a camera that’s already easy to use even easier.
Image1of2A photo taken on the Google Pixel 6a at max zoom (7x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)A photo taken on the Google Pixel 7a at max zoom (8x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
Image1of2A photo taken on the Google Pixel 6a at max zoom (7x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)A photo taken on the Google Pixel 7a at max zoom (8x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
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A photo taken on the Google Pixel 6a at max zoom (7x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)A photo taken on the Google Pixel 7a at max zoom (8x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
A photo taken on the Google Pixel 6a at max zoom (7x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)A photo taken on the Google Pixel 7a at max zoom (8x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
A photo taken on the Google Pixel 6a at max zoom (7x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
A photo taken on the Google Pixel 6a at max zoom (7x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
A photo taken on the Google Pixel 6a at max zoom (7x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
A photo taken on the Google Pixel 6a at max zoom (7x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
A photo taken on the Google Pixel 6a at max zoom (7x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
A photo taken on the Google Pixel 7a at max zoom (8x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
A photo taken on the Google Pixel 7a at max zoom (8x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
A photo taken on the Google Pixel 7a at max zoom (8x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
A photo taken on the Google Pixel 7a at max zoom (8x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
A photo taken on the Google Pixel 7a at max zoom (8x)(Image credit: Basil Kronfli)
I must say that the 7a’s wide-angle, while improved over its predecessor, also isn’t as strong as the main camera. Again, that’s to be expected, and at least Google brings consistency between the different optics that works well. If you’re wanting the very best wide-angle cameras then, well, you’ll need to spend much more and look towards theXiaomi 13 ProandXiaomi 13 Ultra.
Overall, though, I love the simplicity and the capability of the Pixel 7a’s camera arrangement. At this price point you’re not going to find consistent competition that can really match it with ease, which is one of Google’s major strengths and yet another reason to consider this phone. I’m impressed.
Google Pixel 7a review: Verdict
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
After some battery wobbles that had me temporarily concerned, I’ve quickly come to regard the Google Pixel 7a as a champion among affordable Android phones.
My initial excitement at receiving one – a rarity for budget phones, as you can well image – has been well-rewarded over the past week of living with this phone as my own. It’s got impressive power, impressive cameras, is available in impressive colour options, and few other Android devices will impress you as much at this price point.
Yes, the screen’s edge bezel is a bit bold, the battery life is only just acceptable, charging is slow, and the price has increased compared to its predecessor – but that’s all forgivable as there are enough upgrades in this new handset that make it a pleasure to use.
I’m convinced: the Google Pixel 7a is hands-down the best affordable phone you can buy right now.
Also consider
Savvy as the Pixel 7a’s price is, there are of course competitors. The most obvious is, you guessed it already, Google’s own predecessor: the Pixel 6a. Survive with the lower refresh rate and cameras that are not quite as good (but still impressive) and the big money saving might be a temptation.
If you’re not into Android then theiPhoneSE is the only logicalAppleoption, although this does now feel dated to me. And if Google isn’t your go-to then I’d suggest theSamsung GalaxyA54 is a viable consideration too – but both Apple andSamsungwill cost you more.
Today’s best Google Pixel 6a, Google Pixel 7a, Apple iPhone SE 2022 and Samsung Galaxy A54 dealsGoogle Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 7a$233ViewSee all prices6-month plan freeApple iPhone SE (2022)$519ViewSee all pricesSamsung Galaxy A54$172.84ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Google Pixel 6a, Google Pixel 7a, Apple iPhone SE 2022 and Samsung Galaxy A54 dealsGoogle Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 7a$233ViewSee all prices6-month plan freeApple iPhone SE (2022)$519ViewSee all pricesSamsung Galaxy A54$172.84ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Google Pixel 6a, Google Pixel 7a, Apple iPhone SE 2022 and Samsung Galaxy A54 dealsGoogle Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 7a$233ViewSee all prices6-month plan freeApple iPhone SE (2022)$519ViewSee all pricesSamsung Galaxy A54$172.84ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Google Pixel 6a, Google Pixel 7a, Apple iPhone SE 2022 and Samsung Galaxy A54 deals
Google Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 7a$233ViewSee all prices6-month plan freeApple iPhone SE (2022)$519ViewSee all pricesSamsung Galaxy A54$172.84ViewSee all prices
Google Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all prices
Google Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all prices
Google Pixel 6a
Google Pixel 6a
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Google Pixel 7a$233ViewSee all prices
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6-month plan freeApple iPhone SE (2022)$519ViewSee all prices
6-month plan free
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6-month plan free
6-month plan free
6-month plan free
Apple iPhone SE (2022)$519ViewSee all prices
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
$519View
$519
$519
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Samsung Galaxy A54$172.84ViewSee all prices
Samsung Galaxy A54$172.84ViewSee all prices
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Samsung Galaxy A54
$172.84View
$172.84
$172.84
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