Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7A: Google’s Cheaper Phone Is the Winner

Every new era of Google’s Pixel A-series telephones comes with fewer compromises than the final. That is more true than ever with the Pixel 7A, which prices $499 and bears hanging similarity to the $599 Pixel 7. After reviewing each telephones, I am satisfied the Pixel 7A is one of the best worth for most individuals.

Each telephones run on Google’s Tensor G2 processor, that means you may get basically the identical efficiency and really related images and language translation options on each gadgets.

The most important space during which they differ on paper comes all the way down to their cameras and their measurement, though in observe I may barely inform the distinction between pictures taken on each gadgets. 

The one main motive to decide on the Pixel 7 over the 7A is in case you want having a barely bigger display and might discover it at a reduction that brings it nearer to the 7A in value. Here is a more in-depth have a look at how the 2 telephones examine after testing them each. 

Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7A: Cameras

Wanting on the digital camera specs, it’s possible you’ll suppose the Pixel 7A has the superior setup. It has a 64-megapixel fundamental digital camera, whereas the Pixel 7’s major shooter has a 50-megapixel sensor. The 7A additionally has a 13-megapixel ultrawide in comparison with the Pixel 7, which has a 12-megapixel one.

However decision is not every thing with regards to taking an awesome picture. Google says the Pixel 7’s digital camera sensor is bigger and extra mild delicate, which ought to lead to higher general picture high quality. When evaluating the 2, I could not actually inform the distinction. Each telephones take glorious pictures with vibrant coloration and crisp particulars. In case you’re an informal photographer and simply need a dependable digital camera for taking nice pictures of associates, household, holidays and pets, the Pixel 7A is greater than sufficient. 

Check out some picture samples beneath.

Since each telephones have the identical processor, in addition they share lots of the identical photo-editing and capturing options. That features night time mode, portrait mode, Face Unblur, Photograph Unblur, Magic Eraser and Actual Tone, Google’s tech for rendering pores and skin tones extra precisely. They’ll additionally each zoom digitally as much as 8x.

The cheaper Pixel 7A lacks Motion Pan, which is current on the Pixel 7 and captures a transferring topic sharply whereas blurring the background. Each telephones have Lengthy Publicity mode, although, which does the alternative by making use of an motion blur impact to a transferring topic. 

The Pixel 7 and 7A additionally take comparatively brilliant pictures in dim environments, too, as proven beneath. Nevertheless, on one event, the Pixel 7 was capable of focus extra sharply on the topic when taking pictures in low mild.

Despite the fact that the Pixel 7A technically has a better decision entrance digital camera, I believed selfies from each gadgets typically seemed equally good.

The underside line: The Pixel 7A and Pixel 7 each have very related cameras. The Pixel 7A does not have Google’s Motion Pan function, however you are not lacking a lot else. 

Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7A: Measurement and design

The Pixel 7A inherits the Pixel 7’s design language, from its metallic digital camera bar to its matte edges. The primary variations between the 2 gadgets come all the way down to measurement and coloration choices. The Pixel 7A has a 6.1-inch display, which is perhaps preferable in case you like smaller gadgets. The Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch display, offering a bit more room for many who prefer to learn and watch movies on their telephones. 

Each gadgets can improve their display’s refresh charge as much as 90Hz when wanted to make animations and scrolling look smoother, they usually each have the identical decision at 1,080×2,400 pixels.

Nevertheless, each screens look dim in brilliant daylight; I needed to increase the brightness to the max when open air. 

When it comes to coloration selections, the Pixel 7A is out there in coral (orange), sea (mild blue), charcoal (grayish) and snow (white). The Pixel 7, then again, is available in lemongrass (mild yellow), snow (white) and obsidian (black). 

There’s additionally a slight distinction between the 2 telephones with regards to sturdiness. The Pixel 7A is rated for IP67 mud and water resistance, whereas the Pixel 7 has an IP86 ranking. Whereas each telephones are dust-tight, the Pixel 7A is barely rated to face up to the consequences of non permanent immersion in water, whereas the Pixel 7 can endure steady immersion in water. 

Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7A: Battery life and efficiency 

Since they run on the identical Tensor G2 processor and have the identical quantity of reminiscence, efficiency is comparable between the 2. Launching apps, scrolling across the working system and switching between apps and taking part in video games felt easy on each gadgets. In addition they scored equally on benchmarks meant to check normal efficiency and graphics, as proven beneath. (Notice: Geekbench 6, the efficiency take a look at, evaluates the efficiency of a processor’s single core along with how a number of cores carry out collectively, as proven within the desk).

I typically bought round a day of battery life out of each, though for you it could fluctuate relying in your telephone’s settings and which apps you are utilizing. Along with utilizing the gadgets as my private telephone once I reviewed them, I ran two battery assessments: a 45-minute endurance take a look at to see how a lot battery life is drained after duties like making a video name, taking part in video games and streaming video, and a three-hour take a look at that entails streaming a YouTube video and measuring the battery proportion at every hour mark. 

The Pixel 7 gained the 45-minute endurance take a look at because it had 94% of its battery remaining versus the Pixel 7A’s 92%. However the Pixel 7A outperformed the Pixel 7 on the three-hour drain take a look at, though the 2 have been shut. All instructed, battery life is comparable between the 2 gadgets.

Nonetheless, the Pixel 7 does cost barely sooner than the Pixel 7A, provided that the previous helps 18W charging whereas the latter helps 20W. In observe, the Pixel 7 went from 20% to 64% after half-hour of charging, whereas the Pixel 7A went from 20% to 58%. (Notice: for this take a look at, I used a non-Google 45-watt energy adapter and the USB-C cable that got here with every telephone). Each telephones additionally assist wi-fi charging, which is notable contemplating the Pixel 6A lacked this performance. 

Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7A: Software program and assist

Google supplies a really related software program expertise for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7A. Each gadgets run Android 13 and can probably be among the many first to be upgraded to Android 14 since they’re Pixel gadgets. 

You additionally get Google’s Pixel-specific options just like the Recorder app, its suite of telephone name instruments that allow Google wait on maintain for you and transcribe automated menus and Google’s free VPN. Google additionally frequently releases minor software program updates for Pixel telephones known as “function drops” that introduce new additions all year long. Each gadgets provide the identical biometric authentication choices for unlocking your telephone: face unlock and fingerprint scanning. 

However of the 2 telephones, solely the Pixel 7 helps spatial audio, which basically creates the impact of encompass sound in your headphones. When testing this function whereas watching Stranger Issues, I seen the sounds of automobiles zooming by or bugs chirping had a bit extra motion and depth on the Pixel 7 in comparison with the Pixel 7A. 

The Pixel 7 and 7A will every get not less than three years of Android model updates and 5 years of safety updates. Which means you may anticipate the Pixel 7 to get Android model updates as much as October 2025, whereas the Pixel 7A will probably obtain Android OS upgrades till Could 2026.

Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7A: Which do you have to purchase?

The Pixel 7A is one of the best general alternative for most individuals as a result of it supplies a really related expertise because the Pixel 7 for $100 much less. You will get a number of extras with the Pixel 7, however none that really feel like deal-breakers. 

These embody a barely bigger display, charging that is a bit sooner than the Pixel 7A’s, the Motion Pan images function, spatial audio and a better safety ranking towards water submersion. Despite the fact that the digital camera specs differ between the 2 gadgets, each telephones seize spectacular pictures which can be greater than ample for informal photographers. 

With the Pixel 7A, Google additional closed the hole between its flagship Pixel system and its budget-friendly choice. For that motive, I am hoping to see extra from the Pixel 8.

Google’s price range telephone took a leap ahead in 2023 with the Pixel 7A, which provides lots of the identical advantages because the Pixel 7 however at a less expensive value. Just like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7A runs on Google’s Tensor G2 processor, that means it has lots of the identical picture modifying and language translation options as its pricier sibling. The Pixel 7A’s 64-megapixel digital camera additionally takes glorious pictures that rival the Pixel 7’s in high quality. 

Whereas we nonetheless just like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7A’s lower cost makes it a greater deal for most individuals. Solely go for the Pixel 7 in case you actually need a barely bigger display and are keen to pay the additional $100 for it. In any other case, the principle variations between the Pixel 7 and 7A come all the way down to the previous’s extra sturdy construct, barely sooner charging and its capacity to wirelessly cost appropriate equipment. The Pixel 7 additionally has a bigger digital camera sensor that is extra delicate to mild, in accordance with Google, however CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco did not discover a lot of a distinction.

Learn our Google Pixel 7A evaluation.

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Google’s flagship telephone has a stable 50-megapixel digital camera, a 6.3-inch display and Google’s Tensor G2 processor. Whereas we typically advocate the Pixel 7A because it’s $100 cheaper and provides the same expertise, the Pixel 7 remains to be an awesome alternative for these in want of a comparatively reasonably priced Android telephone with a bigger display.

Learn our Google Pixel 7 evaluation.