Google Pixel 7a

wassie

Google Pixel 7a released.

Couple of key changes for an 'A' Series pixel

• Wireless charging introduced - however only 7.5W (new)
• Face unlock (new)
• 90Hz screen (up from 6a - 60Hz)
• 8GB RAM (up from 6a - 2GB) / 128GB Storage (same)
• Battery 4385mAh (down from 6a - 4410mAh)

Prices at time of posting:

• Google store - €509
• Vodafone - €519.99

Free shipping and both offers include free Pixel Buds A-Series

https://blog.google/products/pixel/pixel-7a-io-2023/

For Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro discussion - see separate thread here

Google Pixel 7a: Specs

(from Toms Guide).

Screen size 6.1-inch OLED (2400 x 1080, 429ppi)

Refresh rate 90Hz

CPU Tensor G2

RAM 8GB

Storage / Expandable? 128GB / No

Rear cameras 64MP (f/1.89) main; 13MP (f/2.2)

Front camera 13MP (f/2.2)

Battery size 4,385 mAh

Battery life (Hrs:Mins) 10:05 (60Hz)

Wired charging speed 18W

Wireless charging? Yes

Size 6 x 2.8 x 0.4 inches / 152 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm

eight 6.8 ounces / 193.5 grams

Colors Charcoal, Sea, Snow, Coral (Google Store exclusive)

Flinty997

That should read 8GB RAM (up from 6a - 6GB)

wassie

Yep - my bad - up 2GB from 6GB!

cunnifferous

Priced very similar to Pixel 7 isn't it?! Gonna wait and see if any deals arise

Flinty997

The reviews say the same. It's so close to the 7 you might as well get the 7. However if you get the 7a in a sale in few months then it's a more attractive deal.

rizzee

The 7A has a better camera than the 7 too, this will swing a few people!

SuperBowserWorld

Wasn't the fingerprint sensor crap on the 7 ? Stopped me from getting one recently when it was on discount.

Have they fixed that I wonder ?

Better camera sounds like a good draw, since the 7 had a very good camera.

Flinty997

Where are you getting it's a better camera. Any review I read said the 7 was a tiny bit better with photos and video. They wondered is there a software difference on the 7a.

rizzee

Zdnet was one site. Yeah it'll be the software improving it, even though it has a higher MP the sensor is slightly smaller than the standard and Pro.

cunnifferous

It's for sale on Vodafone, but no deals yet on PAYG

wassie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120586908#Comment_120586908

Theres no optical zoom on the A-series pixel cameras also, unlike the standard or Pro, digital zoom only.

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120588247#Comment_120588247

I just walk closer....

rizzee

Did anyone go for it? Ordered the white model with the earbuds direct from Google yesterday. DHL dispatch email today with delivery early next week. The misses gets a set of buds, I get a new gadget to try. Win-win...

rizzee

Got from 100% at 1.30pm yesterday down to 35% at midnight, very heavy usage and set up all day. Thought that was decent, time will tell.

Camera is very good, especially the front camera. Pictures come out quite natural looking. The video is bumped up to 4K and is smooth.

I've a 30w charger so can't comment much on the speed, but I had it on the wireless charger overnight (approx 6 hours) and was 100% when awake, that was expected anyway.

Have a glass protector on it, finger print works 9/10 of the time (both thumbs registered twice), face unlock set up and I also have smart unlock for when ts connected to watch, car or home. Safe to say I've had zero issues getting in to this device!

For comparison, I'm coming from a Galaxy S23 Ultra and an iPhone 14 Pro which are obviously leagues ahead. Intend to change gadgets quite often and a Pixel was on my list to try. Didn't want to curved screen of the 7 Pro and the buds sort of enticed me toward the A model over the standard.

Happy so far.

Flinty997

Nice summary Cheers. Use ampere to check the charging your getting at low %. If you want to check chargers and cables, or wireless pads.

In what are those others Leagues ahead. Just curious.

I have one phone with a higher end CPU, than our 4a/6a phones. You do notice it's much snappier doing things. But it sits in a drawer because people prefer the pixel cameras.

rizzee

Thanks, will give ampere a shot when I'm home this evening and let you know.

The screens on the other phones are definitely a lot sharper - not saying this is bad at all, just what I've been used to the last couple of months. I've this up to 90hz and animations set at x0.5 to try get that snappiness. It's perfectly fine.

Definitely better cameras, video, screen, build quality, haptics to name but a few on the other devices. But I was getting this knowing it was a decent mid range phone and knew I was making sacrifices getting it, so I'm not going to complain :-) It's a nice phone.

rizzee

So 16 hours later I'm on 12%.

Just over 5 hours SOT, WiFi and 5G on all day, an additional 2hrs 15mins Spotify (Car BT) , connected to watch all day and took a few videos and photos on walk. Also finalising setting up some apps and getting the layout the way I want it.

I know it's only the first full day, but Googles "all day battery" claim seems fairly plausible. If anything, it should get better as it adapts. Will see how it goes.

CantGetNoSleep

What are the chances of deals on this? I have a OnePlus 8T which I have never taken to, but was thinking of getting another 6 months out of it. Need a set of earbuds too

rizzee

VF usually have 50/100e off within weeks of release. The free buds offer expires soon

Flinty997

I have no interest in the buds. I'll wait until there's a discount on the phone.

rizzee

Already going very cheap on Adverts! I bought a brand new one sealed with Google Receipt including tracked postage for €380 this morning. Will arrange the free UPS collection for the phone (and the buds, lucky I didn't open them!) to be sent back to Google when I've swapped everything over to the new one when it's here tomorrow. €129 back into the pocket!

Atlantic Dawn

...

cunnifferous

Why are people selling these on for 380 already!? Would they have bought them for cheaper somehow?

rizzee

The person I got it off actually bought it from Curry's and not Google direct. €529 but there was a 50% employee discount according to receipt. Win win for the both of us. Not sure about the rest of the sellers, they can't all be Curry's employees :-)

yellowbear

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120643214#Comment_120643214

Yeah I was thinking the same. Wouldn't mind upgrading my pixel 4a for that price but would be wary.

rizzee

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120643577#Comment_120643577

Not at all, Adverts is generally fine, just keep an eye on users feedback and you'll be grand. It's a nice step up from the 4A, I do miss the FP sensor on the back of the phone!

cunnifferous

50% curry's discount! Must see if I know anyone who works there!

Yeah I'm looking to upgrade from 4a. Battery lasts about 4 hours these days unfortunately. Will wait until I can get the 7a for 350ish before I jump though.

Flinty997

Yeah I'll wait for the a drop first...

cunnifferous

Any deals on this yet?

rizzee

N/A

CantGetNoSleep

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120688376#Comment_120688376

Still 509 everywhere I look

rizzee

I can't even take a photo now without the camera app shutting down, very frustrating.

cunnifferous

Did you not sell yours rizee? I'll take it off you for a good price since it's not working properly :)

rizzee

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120704940#Comment_120704940

Ha, I'm sure you would!

Red Silurian

Can anybody confirm if wifi calling or VOLTE work with this phone?

rizzee

Yep, Wi-Fi calling works fine (with Vodafone anyway)

CantGetNoSleep

Does anyone know how the esim feature works on this phone? Can I use it as I use a dual-sim phone, i.e. have two sims running at any one time and be able to receive a call / send an sms from either? I would have my main sim as an esim and then a second for travelling etc?

wassie

Yes - but the network must support it. At the moment only Vodafonesupport esim. You can select a default sim for texts and calls (they can be different). You can also set it to ask everytime.

I have used a local irish physical sim and overseas esim for years since the Pixel 3a.

Do a search on youtube - plenty of vids to explain setup & operation.

CantGetNoSleep

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120737026#Comment_120737026

Thanks. Now I just need a deal

wassie

Amazon Prime day sale at the moment - Pixel 7a + 30W Google charger for £399 (~€466)

Google Store - Pixel 7a only €454

illumin

I've installed android 14 beta and am getting much improved battery life, cant see any other changes.

Redsoxfan

Anyone else face this issue?

When trying to Hotspot a WiFi connection, your own WiFi connection is turned off.

This doesn't happen with the Pixel 7 Pro and doesn't seem to have been an issue for previous Pixel A variants.

Hopefully a software issue and not hardware.

Raoul Duke

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120871683#Comment_120871683

Yeah, just tried it and the WiFi logo immediately disappeared.

machiavellianme

So is the 7a on 3 prepay for 399 currently the best deal available on PAYG? I'm assuming it's unlocked and the sim can be swapped out.

celtic_oz

experiencing constant bluetooth issues with Tesla ( model Y) PIA!

wingnut

Anyone get this on three know if it is network locked or not?

wingnut

Please please please anyone get this on three tell me if it is locked or not hoping to pick one up today.

Explosive_Cornflake

I don't think google phones are ever locked.

McHonda

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121227064#Comment_121227064

Hi @wingnut did you pick one up after and was it unlocked? Hoping to pick one up for my Dad today

wingnut

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121235977#Comment_121235977

Yes and Yes, picked one up Friday. Told them it was a gift for someone on three (because some times they try and convince you it is locked). I did have to buy sim card for €15 but still a good saving. Sold my pixel 6 to CEX for €200, much prefer the smaller size of the 7A. Had planned on buying an 8 but I think they are asking too much for it.

Used with gomo sim. No issues so far!

McHonda

Great! Thanks for letting me know. Job for me tomorrow!