Google Unveils Pixel 7a With Tensor G2, 90Hz Display and 64MP Camera (gsmarena.com) 16
Google has launched the Pixel 7a for $499, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display at 90Hz, Tensor G2 chip with 8GB RAM, and 64MP main camera. The Pixel 7a nearly matches the flagship Pixel 7 on specs but starts at a lower price. GSMArena.com reports: Yes, the 7a marks several firsts for the Pixel a series. For starters, its 6.1" OLED display now runs at 90Hz, the same refresh rate as the Pixel 7 (though that one has a slightly larger 6.3" display). The resolution is FHD+ and you get Gorilla Glass 3 protection. Speaking of protection, the phone is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance. It has a metal frame and a plastic back -- Google notes that it used recycled aluminum, glass and plastic to build the phone. For example, the visor is 100% recycled aluminum. Available colors are Charcoal, Sea and Snow.
Another major upgrade is the switch to the Tensor G2 chipset, which is now paired with 8GB of LPDDR RAM (up from 6GB on the 6a) and 128GB UFS 3.1 storage. This is the same configuration as the Pixel 7, so the a-phone will be just as fast at the various computational tasks. Also, note that Google is promising 5 years of security updates. Among them is the Super Res Zoom (up to 8x), which is enabled by the new 64MP camera (up from 12MP). The ultra wide camera has a 13MP sensor and a f/2.2 lens that is blessed with Dual Pixel autofocus. The front-facing camera was also bumped up to 13MP with a fixed-focus lens (f/2.2). The rear camera can record 5K video at up to 60fps, the front one tops out at 4K at 30fps.
The Pixel 7a supports sub-6GHz and mmWave flavors of 5G, though only models for select regions will have mmWave enabled. This is a dual-SIM device with one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM. The 7a is powered by a 4,385mAh battery that supports up to 18W wired charging and for the first time on an a-phone wireless charging is available too -- also at 18W. Note that the port on the bottom is USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, but the retail box comes only with a USB C-to-C cable with USB 2.0 wiring (and you have to supply your own charger). You can order the Pixel 7a via the Google Store.
Another major upgrade is the switch to the Tensor G2 chipset, which is now paired with 8GB of LPDDR RAM (up from 6GB on the 6a) and 128GB UFS 3.1 storage. This is the same configuration as the Pixel 7, so the a-phone will be just as fast at the various computational tasks. Also, note that Google is promising 5 years of security updates. Among them is the Super Res Zoom (up to 8x), which is enabled by the new 64MP camera (up from 12MP). The ultra wide camera has a 13MP sensor and a f/2.2 lens that is blessed with Dual Pixel autofocus. The front-facing camera was also bumped up to 13MP with a fixed-focus lens (f/2.2). The rear camera can record 5K video at up to 60fps, the front one tops out at 4K at 30fps.
The Pixel 7a supports sub-6GHz and mmWave flavors of 5G, though only models for select regions will have mmWave enabled. This is a dual-SIM device with one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM. The 7a is powered by a 4,385mAh battery that supports up to 18W wired charging and for the first time on an a-phone wireless charging is available too -- also at 18W. Note that the port on the bottom is USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, but the retail box comes only with a USB C-to-C cable with USB 2.0 wiring (and you have to supply your own charger). You can order the Pixel 7a via the Google Store.
Re: (Score:3)
You seem to be confused. This is top tier spec. The innards are up there with the best of them, and it has probably the best camera on the market (except for the Pixel 7 Pro).
Re: (Score:2)
I would have bought it if it was out a few month ago. The wireless charging at this price point is the selling factor for me. I always end up breaking the damn charging port
Truly hits every checkmark I can think of (Score:2)
If the reviews are good they could sell like hotcakes, with there even being shortages. That would be great PR for Google, and help them in selling their next generation of flagship products.
Yeah. No. (Score:2)
The google boy's had a moto of 'do not evil'. Now, Google is no different than Microsoft was at its worst.
Google wifi no longer has security updates, let alone enhancement updates.
Google hubs are really screwing up with who is whom in our household, even displaying 24 hr time on clocks during the daytime (1500 at 3 pm), but then switching to 12 hr in evenings (7 pm, not 1900).
in 2015, as soon as he became CEO, he had security updates on pixels limited to just a
Re: (Score:3)
Bought a Pixel 5a just 15 months ago, only to have it die last month. Yet, it is a 12 month warranty.
I am surprised at your implication. Since warranty in EU is 24 month by law, that means Google would have to manufacture and sell a more robust version for EU that lasts about 27 months. Or they made all of them to last 27 months but program the US version to just stop working after 15.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:1)
I find the same true of most hardware. I know people who feel burned by apple, others by Samsung.
I bought my pixel 6a when it dropped in price and knew I wouldn't feel as bad if it had some issues. Basically I've sworn off high-end electronics at release date.
The wife got the pixel 7 when it was also around 25% off. So far we've not had issues.
Re: Yeah. No. (Score:2)
Hmm. Very happy with my Samsung Galaxy s10e. Yep, it's long in the tooth, but still works great, does all I need as fast as I need. Still getting updates.
Why spend a grand, or half that now?
Re: (Score:2)
I bought a Pixel 4a as soon as it came out, still working just fine with no issues. Got a software update last night.
Re: Yeah. No. (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Bought a Pixel 5a just 15 months ago, only to have it die last month. Yet, it is a 12 month warranty.
I'm still using a Pixel 3a, and it is still in perfect working order and I've never had a case on it either. Maybe the problem isn't the phone, but the user.
Re: Yeah. No. (Score:2)
And Iâ(TM)ve never dropped that phone, even though it is in tight case designed for that.
Nor have I dropped any of the clocks, hubs, Wi-Fi, etc.
Wouldn't buy it (Score:1)
...unless they explicitly state that they've improved the fingerprint sensor. I have a Pixel 7 and it's garbage--it unlocks successfully maybe 40% of time. I've gone through every troubleshooting step to no avail, and the Google support topic for this problem has stated for months that "engineers are aware of the problem and working on a fix".
Re: (Score:1)
...unless they explicitly state that they've improved the fingerprint sensor. I have a Pixel 7 and it's garbage--it unlocks successfully maybe 40% of time. I've gone through every troubleshooting step to no avail, and the Google support topic for this problem has stated for months that "engineers are aware of the problem and working on a fix".
I got it to work a little better by adding my fingerprints in the dark. Is it perfect? No. But now it is regular dogshit instead of hot dogshit.
3.5mm Headphone jack? (Score:2)
A simple go/no-go on interest in any new phone.