Google’s upcoming mid-range handset, the Pixel 7A, is expected to be released soon, following a history of impressive mid-rangers from the company. Leaks and rumors have given us a good idea of what to expect from the device. If you’re familiar with the Pixel 7, you’ll find that the Pixel 7A’s design is almost identical, as early CAD-based renders have shown.
This is in line with Google’s strategy of taking cues from the previous generation, as we saw with the Pixel 6A mimicking the baseline Pixel 6. The design also includes a full metal camera frame with cutouts for dual lenses, making it very similar to its predecessor at first glance. Here’s everything you need to know about the Pixel 7A.
OnLeaks reports that there will be some minor dimension changes for the Pixel 7A. The chassis is expected to measure 6 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches, which is a very slight increase over the Pixel 6A’s 5.99 by 2.82 inches, with a difference of only 0.035 inches.
It is yet to be seen whether this increase of 0.007 inches in height, 0.043 inches in width, and 0.003 inches in thickness will be noticeable, but it is still an increase that may affect the compatibility of cases and covers. The AMOLED display is expected to measure 6.1 inches, which is practically the same as the Pixel 6A.
Although the design looks very similar to the Pixel 7, it is unclear if the same materials will be used for the Pixel 7A. The earliest leaks suggest that the Pixel 7A has matte side rails, but it remains to be seen whether Google will opt for plastic or cheaper materials instead of aluminum to keep costs down.
The Pixel 6A has its own metal frame with map-like covers, so the early rumors of the Pixel 7A having a recycled aluminum frame may turn out to be true.
However, the rear panel is likely to be made from polycarbonate instead of glass to reduce production costs, which is consistent with the Pixel 6A and other affordable Android phones in the same price range. This could also make the Pixel 7A slightly lighter than the very similar Pixel 7, but we will reserve judgment until it is actually released.
The colors of the Pixel 7A have not been officially confirmed yet, but leaks have given us some hints. The leaked EVT model Hands-On showed a gray-black model that could be an alternative to obsidian.
CAD-based renders also revealed a white-silver color, but did not mention a third color. However, one of the more recent leaks has hinted at Carbon, Cotton, and Arctic Blue colors, with a possible Jade option also being mentioned. It’s important to note that these are all just rumors at this stage and have not been officially confirmed.
The Pixel 7A is set to bring some significant changes to Google’s successful mid-range lineup in terms of specifications. One of the most notable changes is the upgrade of the AMOLED display from 60 to 90 Hertz, which was an early rumor that has now been effectively confirmed by leaked hands-on images of a prototype Pixel 7A.
This upgrade to a 90 Hertz refresh rate is undoubtedly a welcome change, addressing a common complaint about the 60 Hertz screen on the Pixel 6A. However, this also means that the Pixel 7A will have the same display experience as the Pixel 7, though it may have a lower maximum brightness. The Pixel 7A will also include an in-display fingerprint scanner, as seen in Google’s previous generations, suggesting that Google will follow previous conventions.
It is highly probable that the latest tensor processor will be present in the Pixel 7A as well, given that the tensor G2 was released with the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro in late 2022. While it may not be a significant upgrade over the first-generation tensor, it is still more than capable of handling tasks such as gaming and multitasking and harnesses the power of Google’s machine-learning technology.
It is expected to be paired with eight gigabytes of RAM and 128 gigabytes of internal storage, an improvement from the six gigabytes of RAM on the previous Pixel 6A, and in line with the Pixel 7. Google typically offers only one storage option for its A-series devices, so expandable storage is unlikely.
The increase in RAM is quite notable here and could catch people’s attention. However, it does raise some confusion as the baseline specs are exactly the same as the Pixel 7. While the battery capacity of the Pixel 7A remains unknown, rumors suggest that it will be the first A-series device with wireless charging.
Unfortunately, this might be limited to 5 Watts, which is slower compared to other wireless charging options. There are also rumors that the Pixel 7A might have reverse wireless charging, allowing users to charge their Pixel Buds Pro or the 2020 Pixel Buds on the back of the phone. This addition would certainly be welcome, but early leaks have not confirmed this option yet.
The Pixel 6A boasts 18-watt USB-C wired charging, and there’s hope that the Pixel 7A will offer even faster wired charging. Nonetheless, the inclusion of Qi wireless charging at the slower 5-watt speed would still be a major step forward for the A series.
Expect the device to ship with Android 13 pre-installed and a promised update that includes three full OS upgrades and five years of security patches, giving the mid-range phone plenty of lifespan. Another focus for the Pixel 7A appears to be its camera system, with an upgrade expected over the dual 12-megapixel system.
While the Sony IMX 363 sensor is still excellent, it’s showing its age, especially since the Pixel 6’s 50-megapixel isos LG and one main sensor upgrade. However, rumors suggest that the Pixel 7A will feature a brand new sensor, though not the isos lgn1 as expected from Google.
Initially, there were reports suggesting that Google would use either an older or newer sensor for the cheaper Pixel 7A. However, recent Hands-On leaks have not aligned with these rumors. The Sony IMX 787 sensor is now being rumored as the main sensor for the Pixel 7A, which could be paired with another improved sensor.
Early reports suggested that the 15-megapixel sensor would be used, but that information has not been confirmed. The dual-camera system in the Pixel 7A is rumored to be rated at 64 megapixels, which will be a significant upgrade over the 12-megapixel main sensor found in previous generations.
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Although it was initially thought that the Sony IMX 787 sensor would be used as a dedicated telephoto lens, it does not align with the leaked Hands-On images showing a dual camera system.
It’s possible that the ultrawide lens on the Pixel 7A could use the Sony IMX 712 sensor, which offers 13 megapixels and a significant upgrade. However, it gets confusing because this same sensor could also be used for the front-facing camera.
The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro have an 11-megapixel front-facing camera for Face Unlock, but increasing it to 13-megapixels with a wider field of view on the 7A could suggest the inclusion of Face Unlock as well.
Although nothing has been confirmed, any camera upgrades on the Pixel 7A would be a welcome improvement over the Pixel 6A and offer users more choices between camera systems.
Unfortunately, the exact pricing model for the second Google Pixel A series smartphone, which will come with a Tensor processor, is not yet known. However, given the proposed hardware improvements, it is expected to offer a substantial discount over the baseline Pixel 7, which retails for $599 (not including discounts).
If Google can offer price parity with the Pixel 6A, which started at around $449, or somewhere between $450 and $500, the Pixel 7A would be an excellent choice for anyone looking for their first Android phone or an upgrade from an older device. More information on the mid-ranger is expected to be shared by Google at the upcoming I/O conference on May 10th. Check out the latest price of the Google Pixel 6A Here>>
It’s likely that the device will be launched later in the summer, with a recent rumor suggesting that the Pixel 7A will officially go on sale in June 2023, alongside a few other Google products. This is consistent with the previous generation, so it’s a good estimate.
Which rumors have caught your attention the most? Do you think the Pixel 7A could be one of the best Android phones for most people, especially given the potential upgrades? Let us know in the comments below.
We’re excited to see what the A series has to offer in the next month or so. If everything aligns as we’ve seen and pieced together over the past few months, it could be a massive upgrade. Until next time!
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