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Today, at Google I/O, the company took the wraps off of the Pixel 7a – officially. Sure, we’ve seen the Pixel 7a for weeks now in leaks, but now it is official. Just like with Google’s previous Pixel a-series, this is set to be the best budget phone on the market.
The specs here on the Pixel 7a are about what you’d expect from a Google phone in 2023. That includes a 6.1-inch 90Hz OLED display, the Tensor G2 processor, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. There’s a 4355mAh capacity battery included here, and an all-new camera setup, which we’ll talk about in a minute.
Google claims that this is their “most durable a-series ever”, and that’s due to the all-new mid-frame architecture. Allowing it to withstand more drops and dings than other phones. Google has also added Face Unlock to the Pixel 7a, as well as wireless charging.
Google outfits the Pixel 7a with all new camera sensors
Typically, Google uses older camera sensors on the a-series. In fact, up until the Pixel 7a, the a-series always had a 12-megapixel main sensor. This year, that gets updated to a 64-megapixel sensor. Now that is a huge upgrade.
Many might be wondering why the Pixel 7a has arguably a better camera sensor than the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Well, it’s technically not better. The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro does have a 50-megapixel sensor, but the sensor is larger than the 64-megapixel sensor on the Pixel 7a.
Additionally, the ultrawide and the front-facing cameras also got upgrades to 13-megapixels each. Which are also first for a Pixel. And all three cameras are able to shoot in 4K resolution at 30 frames-per-second. The main sensor is able to do 4K60.
On the software front, the Pixel 7a also comes with a number of camera features from the flagship phones. That includes Magic Eraser, Long Exposure, Night Sight and Photo Unblur. Giving you all of Google’s great camera features, now at a lower price.
When can I buy the Pixel 7a?
The Pixel 7a will go on sale today (May 10). It’ll be available from the Google Store, as well as participating carriers.
Now as for the pricing, it will start at $499. That’s going to be for the 8GB/128GB model. There’s only one RAM/Storage configuration, however there is going to be an “exclusive” model for Verizon which has mmWave included. All other versions of the Pixel 7a will have Sub-6 5G only. Expect Verizon’s to be between $50 and $100 more expensive.
And finally, the Pixel 7a is going to be available in four colors: Sea, Snow, Charcoal and Coral. The Coral color will be exclusive to the Google Store. That’s both online and their physical Google Store’s in New York City.
