Christine Romero - Chan / Digital Trends
Google I / O 2024is just a month away . We expectAndroid 15to be shown off , and some ironware , too . In previous years , Google has used I / atomic number 8 to show off the latest for its Pixel A - series equipment . This year should give us theGoogle Pixel 8a , and we might even get a peek at what ’s coming with the next - generationPixel folding 2 .
TheGoogle Pixel 7alaunched last May , so it ’s almost a year old now . At the time , while the 7a was mostly solid , thehigher price made it a bit of an ill at ease recommendation , consider its specs and unaired positioning to the higher - end Pixel 7 .
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends
I have n’t used the Pixel 7a since I to begin with critique it , so I beak it up again to see how it hold up in 2024 . Here ’s what still work about the sound and , more significantly , what does n’t .
What I still like about the Google Pixel 7a
As a proprietor of little speech sound , the Pixel 7a is a great sizing . It has a 6.1 - inch video display , which seems to be the standard for “ small ” sound these days . It ’s very similar to my dailyiPhone 15 Pro , so using it with one hand is manageable , unlike larger Android phones I ’ve been using late ( theGalaxy S24 UltraandOnePlus 12 ) .
Even though the Pixel 7a is a “ budget ” Pixel gimmick , I appreciate Google ’s design change from thePixel 6a . The Pixel 7a still has a eminent - gloss plastic back and atomic number 13 frame , but the metal camera Browning automatic rifle gives it a more elegant touch and makes it look similar to the flagshipPixel 7andPixel 8 .
As I note above , I have n’t used the Pixel 7a since I tested it out last May . It ’s been a year since , and a whole new version of Android came out during that time . I updated the Pixel 7a toAndroid 14 , and it ’s been a ( mostly ) pleasant experience so far .
One of the new features in Android 14 is the newfangled ringlet concealment clocks , and I love this addition . It gives you more options to customize your lock sieve , and it ’s coolheaded that it can be active and change with lock CRT screen content . I always love being able-bodied to make my gadget more personal , so changing it up from the default setting is always welcome to me .
Another one of my deary isCircle to Search , which originally set in motion on the Samsung Galaxy S24 serial but recently tramp out to Google Pixel devices . It ’s not a feature I apply all the time , but it ’s very convenient when I do . And when I do n’t necessitate it ? Well , it melt , so it does n’t get in the way of my normal usage .
From my experience with Google Pixel equipment , they are always equal to of make great photos , and the Pixel 7a is no exception . I was impressed with the photographic camera eyeglasses when it was first announced , and it ’s still pretty now — as long as you do n’t necessitate to zoom in on your subject .
Photos taken with the Pixel 7a are still quite detailed and sharp , and the shutter is still moderately loyal with the Tensor G2 . The color have a bit of pop music without being overly done and still front realistic , which I appreciate .
The only government issue I have with the Pixel 7a ’s television camera is the digital zoom — it ’s not very good . Of naturally , that ’s to be expected from a phone with only a dual television camera system that lacks a telephoto lens . Still , I ’m a morsel distressing that the image I fascinate of a squirrel running in the park are barely available .
The issue with the Google Pixel 7a in 2024
While you could get the Pixel 7a for fairly cheap these day , it still has the embarrassing pricing offspring . The Google Store antecedently had the Pixel 7a at a brush aside monetary value of $ 374 , down from $ 499 . That ’s some pretty dear savings ! That is until you see that you could also get a Pixel 8 for $ 499 . These discounts appear to have terminate at the time of publication , but it ’s a prime model of how the Pixel 7a still finds itself in an odd center flat coat even in 2024 .
The pricing for the Pixel 7a was always an awkward sticking detail . When it set in motion , Google still had the Pixel 6a for sale at $ 349 , but it now expect like that is stop , so the Pixel 7a pricing makes abitmore gumption . But for just a little bit more , you may get the Pixel 8 , which is a much secure speech sound overall .
Despite the Pixel 7a ’s heavyset size , I have had trouble holding it at times without a case . The rounded edges seem to make it hard to hold well , as I ’ve become accustomed to the flat edges on most phones these days .
I ’ve also noticed a lilliputian bit of screen stammer when using the phone after update to Android 14 . It ’s not a huge problem , but I can definitely see some casual singultus . Perhaps that also has to do with the fact that the Pixel 7a only has a 90Hz refresh charge per unit display , rather than the 120Hz that I am used to . Rumors suggest thePixel 8a could get a 120Hz display , which would be a prissy rise .
Battery life is also not a hard stage , and the slow 18W institutionalize is a bummer . I mean , even thenewest Moto G Powercharges at 30W , and the OnePlus 12R hasveryimpressive 80W speeds that bollocks way past the Pixel 7a .
Don’t buy the Pixel 7a right now
While the Google Pixel 7a is still a pretty decent phone , you have good pick flop now . For one thing , the Pixel 8 is now available and relatively inexpensive . It has a similar dual - tv camera system to the 7a , but it also has larger sensors , so it does take good low - luminance photos . It also usesthe newer Tensor G3 chipthat does n’t overheat as much as the G2 cow chip inside the Pixel 7a .
And with Google I / group O 2024 in about a calendar month , we ’re certain to get aGoogle Pixel 8afrom the smell of thing . Not only could we see a 6.1 - inch FHD+ organic light-emitting diode display with a 120Hz refresh rate , but other rumors indicate up to 256 GB computer storage , the Tensor G3 chip , a heavy electric battery , and even faster 27W charging , among other rising slope . This pretty much address all the flaws I have with the Pixel 7a right now . If you importune on picking up a Pixel 7a , I would at least view as off to see what the Pixel 8a will get . If you need a new phoneright now , you ’re good off with something like theOnePlus 12RorMotorola Edge ( 2023 ) .
Again , while the Pixel 7a could be tempting — especially if you find it on sale — there are better alternative for a alike price , especially now in 2024 . And with the Pixel 8a coming in just a few weeks , you do n’t have to waitthatmuch longer for a potentially huge upgrade . The Pixel 7a is not a bad phone by any means , but it ’s also not one you should corrupt in 2024 .
