Google Pixel 7a Phone Review

[SECTION]INTRODUCTION[/SECTION]

Google’s latest smartphone, the Google Pixel 7a, has arrived with the ‘a’ signifying it’s part of Google’s more affordable line-up of smartphones. We’ve previously been impressed with the smartphones in this range but can the latest instalment stand up to tough competition? Let’s find out. 

Google Pixel 7a Features

The Google Pixel 7a features a dual rear-camera set-up with a 64MP f/1.89 wide lens and a 13MP f/2.2 ultrawide camera. Dual Pixel Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) and Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) are available along with up to 8x Super Res Zoom which is digital, not optical. Various modes are built in along with a lot of clever technology and AI from Google to help you capture the best images possible.

On the front is a 13MP f/2.2 ultrawide selfie camera and video can be captured at 4K as well as in Full HD at various frame rates with OIS built-in. 

In terms of size, the Google Pixel 7a isn’t too big measuring 152 x 72.9 x 9mm and featuring a 6.1-inch 1080×2400 OLED display constructed from Gorilla Glass 3. 

Other features include an IP67 dust/water-resistant rating, 128GB Storage/8GB RAM, USB Type-C port and a 4385mAh battery. 

Google Pixel 7a Specs:

• 64MP f/1.89 wide
• 13MP f/2.2 ultrawide
• Dual Pixel Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) and Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS)
• 13MP f/2.2 ultrawide selfie camera
• Up to 8x Super Res Zoom (digital)
• 6.1-inch display
• 4385mAh battery
• IP67 rating 
• 128GB Storage and 8GB or RAM
• Dimensions: 152 x 72.9 x 9mm
• Weight: 193.5g

Samsung Galaxy S23 Handling

The Google Pixel 7a looks just like the 7 and 6 range before it with its black band wrapping around the back/side and housing the phone’s cameras. The band no longer contrasts against the colour of the back of the smartphone which we, personally, think is a shame as we liked the design. Various colour options are still available, though, with Charcoal on test here which is a light grey. 

The back of the smartphone is constructed from plastic and there’s an aluminium frame. The plastic does sound and feel very-much plastic when you tap it which cheapens the device’s overall persona but Google had to make cost-cuts somewhere to introduce a new smartphone at such a competitive price. It also has a habit of sliding off surfaces so be careful where you leave it and pop it in a case if you can. The camera band and frame have a lovely matt finish that aid with grip and makes the Pixel 7 comfortable to hold. If you do happen to let the phone slip into water, it doesn’t have a dust/water-resistance rating of IP67. 

Buttons fall nicely under the thumb/fingers with the volume rocker and power button positioned on the righthand side. On the bottom is a USB-C port. 

A 6.1-inch display keeps the smartphone compact while still being very usable but it’s not the brightest we’ve ever used. Having said that, it did a fine job outdoors. A tiny 13MP f/2.2 ultrawide selfie camera sits at the top of the display and it’s that small, it’s hardly visible. 

On the back, you find the main camera set-up which offers dual rear cameras which have had an upgrade with the main camera now offering 64MP in comparison with the Google Pixel 6a which offered just 12MP and the results speak for themselves. You also get a 13MP f/2.2 ultrawide sensor built-in along with lots of clever AI and Google trickery to help perfect your photos. Various modes are available, including a new Long Exposure mode, along with up to 8x digital zoom (Google calls this ‘Super Res Zoom’). 

Plenty of photo editing tools are still packed in with Magic Eraser and other cool features still available in Google Photos. 

Camera Specs:

• 64MP f/1.89 wide
• 13MP f/2.2 ultrawide
• Dual Pixel Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) and Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS)
• 13MP f/2.2 ultrawide selfie camera
• Up to 8x Super Res Zoom (digital)
• Various modes and editing features

Battery life –  The Google Pixel 7a has a 4385mAh rating which in terms of the competition, isn’t great. It also drains a bit too quickly for our liking with half of the battery only remaining after a couple of hours of capturing images and shooting video. 

[SECTION]PERFORMANCE[/SECTION]

Google Pixel 7a Performance

The performance section is where we look at the image quality performance of the camera. Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

Google Pixel 7a Sample Photos

Sample Photos – Google has always used some clever AI technology to help capture the best images possible and this is very evident again in the Google Pixel 7a. Colours are true-to-life, the dynamic range is very good, even in mixed lighting scenarios, and the bokeh introduced in Portrait mode is lovely. The new Long Exposure mode is fun to play around with and can achieve some creative results handheld which is impressive. Google hasn’t ever really disappointed when it comes to image quality so we’re extremely happy this trend is continuing. 

Google Pixel 7a Lens test images

Lens Performance – There’s no optical zoom built into the Google Pixel 7a and digital zoom only goes up to 8x. As expected, the further you zoom, the more detail you lose and we’d certainly not use anything above 4x zoom where possible (sticking to below 2x when you can for the best results). 

Google Pixel 7a Digital filters

Digital Filters – Digital Filters aren’t available in-camera but you can apply various effects after capture via the photo gallery. A few of these samples are shown above. 

Panoramas – Panoramas are easy to capture and are stitched well. Colours are accurate and wide dynamic range is handled well. 

Source: Photography News
Google Pixel 7a Phone Review
{$excerpt:n}