Now that the Pixel 7A has arrived, there's even more variety within Google's lineup. The Pixel 7A, which Google announced at its I/O conference on May 10, is $100 cheaper than the Pixel 7 but offers many of the same benefits. It also has a few additional features missing from the Pixel 6A, which Google continues to sell at a cheaper $349 price.
More from Google I/O
New to the Pixel 7A is a 64-megapixel main camera, a higher refresh rate screen (90Hz), wireless charging and face unlock. None of those features were found on the Pixel 6A, although it shares the same 6.1-inch screen size among other features. That 64-megapixel camera represents a step up from the 12-megapixel main camera on the 6A. It's also a higher-res camera than the 50-megapixel main camera on the Pixel 7.
Although megapixel quantity isn't always the most important factor when it comes to capturing a good photograph, Google phones are known for their solid image processing software to back it up. Even the Pixel 6A -- which had a lower price partly because of its 12.2-megapixel main camera -- takes great photos because of how its camera software optimizes every shot. You can read our Pixel 6A review here.
The Pixel 7A also received a series of incremental upgrades including a higher-res selfie camera, more RAM (8GB versus 6GB), and a next-gen processor, the Tensor G2, which is the same silicon that runs on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.
If you're deciding between the Pixel 7 and 7A, the Pixel 7A feels like a better value. After testing the Pixel 7A, it's hard to come up with a compelling reason to recommend the Pixel 7 over the 7A. Google's more expensive phone has a few extras, like the ability to wirelessly charge other compatible devices, slightly faster charging, a bigger screen and a more durable build. But for most people, the Pixel 7A feels like the right choice, while the Pixel 6A is ideal for those with a budget under $500.
To learn more about how the Pixel 7A compares against the Pixel 7 and Pixel, take a look at CNET's specs chart below.
Google Pixel 7A specs vs. Google Pixel 6A, Google Pixel 7
| Google Pixel 7A | Google Pixel 6A | Google Pixel 7 | |
| Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate, brightness | 6.1-inch FHD OLED; (1080 x 2400 pixels); 60/90Hz | 6.1-inch OLED; (1080 x 2400 pixels); 60Hz | 6.3-inch OLED, FHD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels), 90Hz |
| Pixel density | 361 ppi | 429 ppi | 416 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 2.87 x 6 x 0.35 in | 6.0 x 2.8 x 0.35 in | 6.13 x 2.88 x 0.34 in |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 72.9 x 152.4 x 9.0 mm | 152.2 x 7.18 x 8.9 mm | 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 193g; 6.81 oz | 178g; 6.3 oz | 197g; 6.9 oz |
| Mobile software | Android 13 | Android 12 | Android 13 |
| Camera | 64-megapixel (main) 4k @ 6fps; 13-megapixel (ultra-wide) 4k @ 30 fps | 12.2-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel ultra wide) | 50-megapixel (main), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide), |
| Front-facing camera | 13-megapixel 4K@30fps | 8-megapixel | 10.8- megapixel |
| Video capture | 4K | 4K | 4K |
| Processor | Google Tensor G2 | Google Tensor | Google Tensor G2 |
| RAM/storage | 8GB / 128GB | 6GB RAM/128GB storage | 8GB + 128 GB, 8GB + 256 GB, |
| Expandable storage | None | None | None |
| Battery/charging speeds | 4,385-mAh; 18W fast charging; wireless charging | 4,410-mAh; 18W fast charging; no wireless charging | 4,355-mAh; 30W fast charging; wireless charging |
| Fingerprint sensor | Side | Under display | Under display |
| Connector | USB-C | USB C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None | None |
| Special features | 5G (5G sub6 / mmWave ), security updates for 5 years, Android OS updates for 3 years, IP67 rating | 5G-enabled, WiFi 6E, security updates for 5 years, Android OS updates for 3 years, dual SIM, IP67 water resistance | 5G-enabled, security updates for 5 years, Android OS updates for 3 years, IP68 |
| US price off-contract | $499 / $549 (mmW) | $449 | $600 |
| UK price | £449 | £399 | £599 |
| Australia price | AU$749 | AU$749 | AU$999 |