Google Pixel 7a vs Pixel 7: Similar performance, different experience

Does it make sense to get the Pixel 7a over Pixel 7 and save Rs 10,000?

Pixel 7a has a horizontal camera band, identical to the Pixel 7 (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia)

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Google Pixel 7a looks a lot like the company’s more expensive Pixel 7 which was launched back in 2022. Not just that, the latest Pixel smartphone also packs similar hardware and software capabilities. The Pixel 7a is currently available for Rs 39,999. With similar looks, almost identical hardware and software experience, a lot of users might get confused while choosing between the two.

To make your buying choice easier, here is a comprehensive comparison between the Pixel 7a and the Pixel 7 along with a detailed analysis of how they stack up against each other despite having many similarities.

Design and build

While the Google Pixel 7a does look similar to the Pixel 7, there are plenty of differences between the two. Unlike the Pixel 7 which comes with a glass back panel, the 7a features a plastic back, which makes it more susceptible to scratches from everyday objects. While the Pixel 7 has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, the Pixel 7a offers an IP67 rating, which means, the Pixel 7a is just not as watertight as its expensive counterpart.

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Also read | Google Pixel 7a with Tensor G2, 64 MP camera launched in India at Rs 39,999

Big difference in display

The Pixel 7a and the Pixel 7 have a 90Hz AMOLED screen. However, the Pixel 7 has a large 6.3-inch display while the Pixel 7a has a more compact 6.1-inch panel. If you prefer a more compact phone, then the Pixel 7a is the one to consider and the 7 with its bigger display will be more suited for those who stream a lot of content and play games on a large screen.

Just like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7a also has a 90Hz OLED panel. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia)

Similar-looking cameras with different hardware

Although the camera array on the Pixel 7a looks identical to the Pixel 7, the newer model makes use of new and high-resolution sensors. While the Pixel 7 has a 50 MP primary wide-angle camera, the Pixel 7a has a 64 MP wide-angle lens. Similarly, the Pixel 7a also has a 13 MP ultra-wide and a selfie camera, which offers a slightly higher resolution than the 12 MP ultra-wide and 10.8 MP selfie camera on the bigger model.

High-resolution sensors do not mean better picture quality and the same also applies here. Again, both phones can shoot up to 4K resolution videos on all three cameras, and both phones share all the software capabilities, offering a similar camera user experience.

Identical processing power

The Pixel 7a and the Pixel 7 are based on the same Tensor G2 processor with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. Both phones have a single nano SIM card slot and also support eSIM. Hence, in terms of connectivity, multi-tasking, and computational heavy activities, both phones will deliver a similar user experience.

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Charging speed and battery life

The Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7a have an identically sized 4,300 mAh battery with support for both wired and wireless charging. However, the Pixel 7 offers up to 20W wired and wireless charging with reverse wireless charging capabilities of up to 7.5W. The Pixel 7a only supports up to 18W wireless charging with no reverse wireless charging support. In theory, the slightly smaller screen on the Pixel 7a could help deliver slightly improved battery life when compared to the Pixel 7, despite having an identical battery.

Verdict: Pixel 7 has a slight edge that could not be overlooked

Currently, the Pixel 7 costs Rs 49,999, which makes it Rs 10,000 more expensive than the Pixel 7a. For the extra ten grand, the Pixel 7 has a bigger display, and better build quality with an IP68 rating. Similarly, despite being the cheaper model, the Pixel 7a has a similar form factor and it is also more compact. If the build quality is a matter of concern, you could always get a case to make up for it.