The display could be brighter, though, as it is visibly dimmer than the Pixel 7. Even when compared to the 120Hz Pixel 7 Pro it’s difficult to distinguish any difference in screen quality – the on-screen colours are crisp, and the majority of content is a feast for the eye. Unlike the budget Pixel 6a, which had a capped refresh rate of 60Hz, this has a refresh rate of 90Hz, matching its generational Pixel 7 cousin. The Pixel 7a’s slightly smaller frame is due to its 6.1-inch 2400 x 1080 OLED screen, at 429 PPI, which quickly adapts to lighting conditions, and is easily readable under bright sunlight. It looks and feels just as good as the 6.3-inch Pixel 7, proving that budget-conscious consumers won’t have to compromise on quality. The 6.1-inch Gorilla Glass Victus display is encased in an aluminium frame, while the rear boasts a fingerprint-prone glass back. The new Sea looks great, offering a premium feel, and all use the same materials as its bigger sibling. It comes in three colours – Snow, Charcoal, and Sea – because white, black and blue sound too pedestrian. In fact, the Pixel 7a actually outperforms the original Google Pixel 7 (not including the Pro variant) in certain aspects, which is an impressive feat for a lower-end alternative.Ĭompared to the existing 197 gram Pixel 7, the Pixel 7a is smaller and lighter, measuring 72.9 x 152.4 x 9.0mm, and weighing 193 grams. The Google Pixel 7a breaks this trend, despite releasing a full seven months after its flagship brethren, with impressive specs, including using the same processor. And to achieve a lower price point, handset makers remove some elements present in the original model, resulting in lower performance, from a slower processor, an IPS screen instead of a high-end OLED display, or an average camera module, among other things. Smartphone releases tend to follow a predictable pattern, where manufacturers launch their flagship models first, followed by a more affordable option a few months later.

Google pixel review