Best daily deals

Links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.

Google Pixel 7a specs: Everything you need to know

Is Google's next budget mid-ranger the phone for you?
By
March 23, 2023
Google Pixel family with the Pixel 5, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 7 Pro next to each other
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

Google’s budget Pixel smartphones offer one of the best no-frills smartphone experiences, serving users for most of their daily needs. They don’t even pinch the pocket with their modest price tags. For 2023, Google will be releasing the Pixel 7a in a few months, and we’re pretty excited for it. Here’s everything you need to know about the Google Pixel 7a, including its specifications and more!

Editor’s note: Google has yet to announce the Pixel 7a, and any information about it is based on leaks, rumors or speculation. Keep that in mind as we move forward with this article.

Google Pixel 7a specs

Google Pixel 7a
Display
6.1-inch OLED
FHD+ resolution (2,400 x 1,080)
20:9 aspect ratio
90Hz refresh rate
HDR support
Gorilla Glass 3
Processor
Google Tensor G2
GPU
Arm Mali-G710
RAM
6GB LPDDR5
Storage
128GB UFS 3.1
Battery and charging
4,410mAh battery
18W wired charging
5W wireless charging
No charger in the box
Cameras
Rear:
- 64MP main
Sony IMX787

- 12MP ultrawide
Sony IMX712

Front:
- 8MP
Sony IMX355
f/2.0
Video
Rear:
4K at 30/60FPS
1080p at 30/60FPS

Front:
1080p at 30FPS
Audio
Stereo speakers
Dual mics
No 3.5mm port
Security
In-display fingerprint
Titan M2 chip
5 years' security updates
Sensors
Proximity sensor
Ambient light sensor
Accelerometer
Gyrometer
Magnetometer
Barometer
Water resistance
IP67
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz)
Bluetooth 5.2
NFC support
Dual SIM (single nano-SIM and eSIM)
Google Cast
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou
Software
Android 13 with Pixel UI
Materials
Gorilla Glass 3 on the front
Aluminum frame
Polycarbonate back
Dimensions and weight
152.4 mm x 72.9 mm x 9.0 mm
178g
Colors
Arctic Blue, Chalk, Charcoal

The Pixel 7a is a budget/mid-range smartphone, so most of its specifications are going to be modest. If you’re expecting big numbers and flashy marketing names for truckloads of features, that’s not how Google usually works. The Pixel A series has always prioritized practical experiences over pure specifications, and we do not expect the situation to change with the Pixel 7a either.

The big upgrades expected on the Pixel 7a over the Pixel 6a are namely a higher refresh rate display, newer camera hardware, an upgrade to Tensor G2, and the addition of 5W wireless charging. There’s also expected to be a new Arctic Blue color for the phone, which we presume will replace the Sage color from the Pixel 6a.

The rest of the Pixel 7a should be very similar to the Pixel 6a. Of course, there is a new design on board, marking the A-series closer to the current generation flagship Pixel series. So you can expect to see the rear camera visor emulate the metallic visor from the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. However, for its build materials, we expect to see an aluminum midframe and a polycarbonate back and visor.

Google Pixel 7a specs vs Google Pixel 6a specs

Google Pixel 7aGoogle Pixel 6a
Display
Google Pixel 7a
6.1-inch OLED
FHD+ resolution (2,400 x 1,080)
20:9 aspect ratio
90Hz refresh rate
HDR support
Gorilla Glass 3
Google Pixel 6a
6.1-inch OLED
FHD+ resolution (2,400 x 1,080)
20:9 aspect ratio
60Hz refresh rate
HDR support
Gorilla Glass 3
Processor
Google Pixel 7a
Google Tensor G2
Google Pixel 6a
Google Tensor
GPU
Google Pixel 7a
Arm Mali-G710
Google Pixel 6a
Arm Mali-G78 MP20
RAM
Google Pixel 7a
6GB LPDDR5
Google Pixel 6a
6GB LPDDR5
Storage
Google Pixel 7a
128GB UFS 3.1
Google Pixel 6a
128GB UFS 3.1
Battery and charging
Google Pixel 7a
4,410mAh battery
18W wired charging
5W wireless charging
No charger in the box
Google Pixel 6a
4,410mAh battery
18W wired charging
No charger in the box
Cameras
Google Pixel 7a
Rear:
- 64MP main
Sony IMX787

- 12MP ultrawide
Sony IMX712

Front:
- 8MP
Sony IMX355
ƒ/2.0
Google Pixel 6a
Rear:
- 12.2MP main
Sony IMX363
1.4μm, ƒ/1.7, 77-degree FoV, 1/2.55-inch, OIS/EIS

- 12MP ultrawide
Sony IMX386
1.25μm, ƒ/2.2 aperture, 114-degree FoV

Front:
- 8MP
Sony IMX355
1.12μm, ƒ/2.0, fixed focus, 84-degree FoV
Video
Google Pixel 7a
Rear:
4K at 30/60FPS
1080p at 30/60FPS

Front:
1080p at 30FPS
Google Pixel 6a
Rear:
4K at 30/60FPS
1080p at 30/60FPS

Front:
1080p at 30FPS
Audio
Google Pixel 7a
Stereo speakers
Dual mics
No 3.5mm port
Google Pixel 6a
Stereo speakers
Dual mics
No 3.5mm port
Security
Google Pixel 7a
In-display fingerprint
Titan M2 chip
5 years' security updates
Google Pixel 6a
In-display fingerprint
Titan M2 chip
5 years' security updates
Sensors
Google Pixel 7a
Proximity sensor
Ambient light sensor
Accelerometer
Gyrometer
Magnetometer
Barometer
Google Pixel 6a
Proximity sensor
Ambient light sensor
Accelerometer
Gyrometer
Magnetometer
Barometer
Water resistance
Google Pixel 7a
IP67
Google Pixel 6a
IP67
Connectivity
Google Pixel 7a
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz)
Bluetooth 5.2
NFC support
Dual SIM (single nano-SIM and eSIM)
Google Cast
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou
Google Pixel 6a
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz)
Bluetooth 5.2
NFC support
Dual SIM (single nano-SIM and eSIM)
Google Cast
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou
Software
Google Pixel 7a
Android 13 with Pixel UI
Google Pixel 6a
Android 12 with Pixel UI
Upgradeable to Android 13
Materials
Google Pixel 7a
Gorilla Glass 3 on the front
Aluminum frame
Polycarbonate back
Google Pixel 6a
Gorilla Glass 3 on the front
Aluminum frame
Polycarbonate back
Dimensions and weight
Google Pixel 7a
152.4 x 72.9 x 9.0mm
178g
Google Pixel 6a
152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9mm
178g
Colors
Google Pixel 7a
Arctic Blue, Chalk, Charcoal
Google Pixel 6a
Sage, Chalk, Charcoal

If you compare the Pixel 6a with the leaked specifications of the Pixel 7a, you’d notice that Google largely maintains its Pixel A philosophy. The Pixel 7a is a mere evolution over the Pixel 6a, one that increases the headroom for Google for better experiences.

Pixel 7a leak
Zing News

Starting with the display, the Pixel 7a is widely expected to retain the 6.1-inch display-diagonal and the 1080p resolution from its predecessor. These specifications for the display were widely appreciated, and we don’t expect Google will be tinkering with them. What will change is the maximum refresh rate, jumping from 60Hz on the Pixel 6a to 90Hz on the Pixel 7a. If this change pans out, we expect users will vastly appreciate the increased smoothness of the display. This is one of those changes that will be the easiest to notice for end users, simply because the jump from 60Hz to 90Hz is very easy to perceive.

Pixel 7a leak
Zing News

The next big upgrade for the Pixel 7a over the Pixel 6a is the camera. Both the primary rear camera and the rear ultrawide camera are expected to receive hardware upgrades, according to leaks. If true, this will be a significant step up.

The Pixel 6a does not have a bad camera. In fact, it actually has one of the best camera experiences for its price tag. However, a very big portion of this achievement is credited to Google’s computational photography algorithms. The camera hardware on the Pixel 6a is very dated. For instance, the 12.2MP Sony IMX363 that serves as the main primary camera was first used by Google in the Pixel 3 back in 2018! In this age of massive camera sensors and super high megapixel counts, the Pixel 7a’s upgrade will still be modest but desperately welcome.

Pixel 7a leak
Zing News

The Pixel 7a has been said to come with the 64MP Sony IMX787 for the primary camera, and the 12MP Sony IMX712 for the ultrawide camera. Google’s camera algorithms will continue to operate on the device, so we’re really excited to see what benchmark the Pixel 7a will set in the mid-range for camera performance.

Moving on to the next change, the Pixel 7a’s expected Tensor G2 SoC will be a step up from the Pixel 6a’s Tensor. Comparing the first-generation Tensor to the second-generation Tensor G2, the Tensor G2 will offer pretty much similar CPU performance, better GPU performance for gaming, lower heat generation, slightly better modem performance, and finally, significantly improved TPU performance for AI-related functions. The stand out is AI performance — so if your daily usage involves a fair few AI tasks, you will be in a better position to notice the difference.

Pixel 7a leak
Zing News

The Pixel 7a is also expected to bring wireless charging capabilities to the Pixel A series. This would have been good news, were it not for the caveat that this wireless charging will likely be limited to just 5W, as per leaks. 5W wireless charging is too slow for a smartphone in 2023. It will only be practical in overnight charging situations. For quick top-ups, 5W charging is negligible.

And finally, the Pixel 7a is expected to receive an Arctic Blue color as the highlight color of the year. The Pixel 6a had adopted the Sage Green colorway, and if true, we can expect Google to swap that color out for the Blue color on the Pixel 7a. For people who like more muted tones, we expect Google to retain white color and black color variants.

Pixel 7a leak
Zing News

Confused between the two phones? We can help you figure out if you should buy the Pixel 6a right now or wait for the Pixel 7a.

Google Pixel 7a specs vs Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro specs

Google Pixel 7aGoogle Pixel 7Google Pixel 7 Pro
Display
Google Pixel 7a
6.1-inch OLED
FHD+ resolution (2,400 x 1,080)
20:9 aspect ratio
90Hz refresh rate
HDR support
Google Pixel 7
6.32-inch OLED
FHD+ resolution (2,400 x 1,080)
20:9 aspect ratio
90Hz
1,400 nits peak brightness
HDR support
Google Pixel 7 Pro
6.7-inch pOLED
QHD+ resolution (3,120 x 1,440)
20:9 aspect ratio
120Hz
1,500 nits peak brightness
HDR support
Processor
Google Pixel 7a
Google Tensor G2
Google Pixel 7
Google Tensor G2
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Tensor G2
GPU
Google Pixel 7a
Arm Mali-G710
Google Pixel 7
Arm Mali-G710
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Arm Mali-G710
RAM
Google Pixel 7a
6GB LPDDR5
Google Pixel 7
8GB LPDDR5
Google Pixel 7 Pro
12GB LPDDR5
Storage
Google Pixel 7a
128GB UFS 3.1
Google Pixel 7
128/256GB UFS 3.1
Google Pixel 7 Pro
128/256GB UFS 3.1
Battery and charging
Google Pixel 7a
4,410mAh battery
18W wired charging
5W wireless charging
No charger in the box
Google Pixel 7
4,355mAh battery
30W wired charging
15W wireless charging
No charger in the box
Google Pixel 7 Pro
5,003mAh battery
30W wired charging
15W wireless charging
No charger in the box
Cameras
Google Pixel 7a
Rear:
- 64MP main
Sony IMX787

- 12MP ultrawide
Sony IMX712

Front:
- 8MP
Sony IMX355
ƒ/2.0
Google Pixel 7
Rear:
- 50MP main
Samsung ISOCELL GN1
1.2 μm, ƒ/1.85, 82-degree FoV
1/1.31-inch sensor
OIS and EIS

- 12MP ultrawide
Samsung ISOCELL GM1
1.25 μm, ƒ/2.2, 114-degree FoV

- Laser AF

Front:
- 10.8MP
1.22 μm, ƒ/2.2, 92.8-degree FoV
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Rear:
- 50MP main
Samsung ISOCELL GN1
1.2 μm, ƒ/1.85, 82-degree FoV
1/1.31-inch sensor
OIS and EIS

- 12MP ultrawide
Samsung ISOCELL GM1
1.25 μm, ƒ/2.2, 125.8-degree FoV, autofocus

- 48MP telephoto
0.7 μm, ƒ/3.5, 20.6-degree FoV
OIS
5x optical zoom, 30x Super Resolution

- Laser AF

Front:
- 10.8MP
1.22 μm, ƒ/2.2, 92.8-degree FoV
Video
Google Pixel 7a
Rear:
4K at 30/60FPS
1080p at 30/60FPS

Front:
1080p at 30FPS
Google Pixel 7
Rear:
4K at 30/60FPS
1080p at 30/60FPS

Front:
4K at 30FPS
1080p at 30FPS
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Rear:
4K at 30/60FPS
1080p at 30/60FPS

Front:
4K at 30FPS
1080p at 30FPS
Audio
Google Pixel 7a
Stereo speakers
Dual mics
No 3.5mm port
Google Pixel 7
Stereo speakers
Triple mics
No 3.5mm port
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Stereo speakers
Triple mics
No 3.5mm port
Security
Google Pixel 7a
In-display fingerprint
Titan M2 chip
5 years security updates
Google Pixel 7
In-display fingerprint
Titan M2 chip
5 years security updates
Google Pixel 7 Pro
In-display fingerprint
Titan M2 chip
5 years security updates
Sensors
Google Pixel 7a
Proximity sensor
Ambient light sensor
Accelerometer
Gyrometer
Magnetometer
Barometer
Google Pixel 7
Proximity sensor
Ambient light sensor
Accelerometer
Gyrometer
Magnetometer
Barometer
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Proximity sensor
Ambient light sensor
Accelerometer
Gyrometer
Magnetometer
Barometer
Water resistance
Google Pixel 7a
IP67
Google Pixel 7
IP68
Google Pixel 7 Pro
IP68
Connectivity
Google Pixel 7a
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz)
Bluetooth 5.2
NFC support
Dual SIM (single nano-SIM and eSIM)
Google Cast
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou
Google Pixel 7
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Bluetooth 5.2
NFC support
Dual SIM (single nano-SIM and eSIM)
Google Cast
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Bluetooth 5.2
NFC support
Dual SIM (single nano-SIM and eSIM)
Google Cast
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou
Software
Google Pixel 7a
Android 13 with Pixel UI
Google Pixel 7
Android 13 with Pixel UI
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Android 13 with Pixel UI
Materials
Google Pixel 7a
Gorilla Glass 3 on the front
Aluminum frame
Polycarbonate back
Google Pixel 7
Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back
Aluminum frame
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back
Aluminum frame
Dimensions and weight
Google Pixel 7a
152.4 x 72.9 x 9.0mm
178g
Google Pixel 7
155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7mm
196 grams
Google Pixel 7 Pro
162.9 x 76.55 x 8.9mm
212g
Colors
Google Pixel 7a
Arctic Blue, Chalk, Charcoal
Google Pixel 7
Obsidian, Snow, Lemongrass
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Obsidian, Snow, Hazel

The spec table above should give you a good idea of how the Pixel 7 series will be placed, with the leaked and presumed specifications of the Pixel 7a. Naturally, the series will begin with the Pixel 7a capturing the budget/mid-range price segments, with the Pixel 7 sitting at a price band above, and the Pixel 7 Pro remaining the top-tier flagship from Google.

Google Pixel family with the Pixel 5, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 7 Pro on top of each other
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

There’s one thing to note, though. All three phones will have the Tensor G2 if the leaks for the Pixel 7a turn out to be correct. The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro already ship with the Tensor G2. So with this, you will get a consistent “flagship”-like experience across the price-tiers from the Pixel 7 series. All three phones will also be running Pixel UI with similar features. All phones will also be eligible for Android updates on Day 1.

The differences in the lineup will then hinge on the basis of display size and technology, build materials, battery size, charging tech, and of course, the cameras. With these three phones in the portfolio, Google will have enough of a spread to cover a wide variety of price points.

Google Pixel 7a vs. the competition: How does it compare?

The Pixel 7a is not expected to be a monster on the spec sheet. As a result, if you compare it against the competition with a narrow vision, you’d find the competition would likely have the advantage. It’s only when you factor in the experience of owning a Google Pixel would you realize that the A-series Pixel makes a whole lot of sense. Note that we do not know the pricing of the Pixel 7a yet, but we’re hoping it launches with a $449 price tag.

Pixel 7

Google Pixel 7 back on green wall
Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Talking about the competition against the Pixel 7a, the first and foremost competition comes from Google itself in the form of the Pixel 7. The Pixel 7 will do just about everything that the Pixel 7a will, and do it better too. It remains to be seen how Google prices the Pixel 7a to differentiate it enough from the Pixel 7. But unless you are extremely price-conscious, the Pixel 7 at its often-discounted price of $349 is such a sweet deal; it’s hard to say no. Google will have to price the Pixel 7a at similar levels to give it a fighting chance.

$199.00 at Mint Mobile
Google Pixel 7
Tensor G2 processor • Upgraded camera • Low price
See review
MSRP
SAVE
$199.00
$400.00
See review

OnePlus 10T

OnePlus 10T rear on a coffee table with some plectrums
Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

If you aren’t particularly married to the idea of a Google Pixel smartphone, then OnePlus has a phone for you. The OnePlus 10T is a rather underrated flagship smartphone. With OnePlus frequently discounting the phone to under $500, it competes very strongly against the Pixel 7a. If you are a gamer, then the OnePlus 10T is a definite recommendation against any Pixel smartphone, as that Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Plus SoC is so good for gaming.

You also get a bigger and better display, a bigger battery, and a phone that charges at a crazy 125W. The cameras may be a sidegrade or a downgrade from the Pixel 7a, depending on just how magical they finally turn out to be on the Pixel. Either way, for people valuing unbridled performance, the OnePlus 10T is the way to go.

$489.99 at Amazon
OnePlus 10T
Affordable price • Stellar display • Blisteringly fast charging
See review
MSRP
SAVE
$489.99
$160.00
See review

Samsung Galaxy A54

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G with Galaxy Buds 2
Robert Triggs / Android Authority

If you want a Samsung phone, the Samsung Galaxy A54 will set you back $449 in the US. For this price, you get a good mid-range Samsung smartphone. The Galaxy A54 has a higher 120Hz refresh rate for its bigger 6.4-inch display, a bigger 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging support, and a better 32MP selfie camera.

The primary rear camera is a 50MP sensor, flanked by a 12MP ultrawide and a 5MP macro camera. The SoC is the Exynos 1380. We’re inclined to call the rear camera a sidegrade compared to what the Pixel 7a could ship with, and the Tensor G2 is significantly more powerful than the Exynos 1380. However, the Galaxy A54 does have microSD card support up to 1TB, which could help sway your decision.

$449.00 at Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A54
Improved camera package • Bright display • Wi-Fi 6

Motorola Edge (2022)

motorola edge 2022 back panel
Ryan Haines / Android Authority

If you aren’t looking to spend over $350 but still want a great phone that can compete against the Pixel 7a, the discounted price of $349 for the Motorola Edge (2022) makes it a very strong contender.

The Motorola Edge (2022) has a significantly better display, with a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. The Dimensity 1050 is not a flagship SoC, but it will be enough for most users. The cameras are a bit of a miss when you compare them to the legacy of the Pixels. But give the Motorola Edge enough light, and you’ll still get some great shots for social media use. The phone also has a bigger 5,000mAh battery, faster 30W wired charging, and actually usable 15W wireless charging with reverse wireless charging support.

$499.99 at Motorola
Motorola Edge (2022)
Excellent 144Hz display • Impressive battery life • Clean software experience
See review
MSRP
SAVE
$499.99
$100.00
See review

Motorola does lag behind Google on its update promise support. It also has just an IP52 rating, compared to the expected IP67 rating on the Pixel 7a.

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

iphone se rear upright - Best budget camera phones
Ryan Haines / Android Authority

If you really value the phone experience over specifications and do not mind jumping over to the other side, Apple wants to convince you that the grass is greener with the iPhone SE (2022). The iPhone SE has the dated “iPhone 8” look, but it packs a strong punch under the hood with the powerful A15 Bionic processor. It’s the same chip that is used on the iPhone 14 as well, and it’s one of the best phone chips around. Apple also has an impeccable record with software support, so you can hold your phone for years without worry.

There are some fairly obvious compromises with the iPhone SE (2022). The base variant has just 64GB of storage, and we’d recommend most people go for the 128GB storage variant that comes in at $479. The rear camera on the phone is very old, but Apple manages to get good results thanks to computational photography magic. We’re also not particular fans of the display as you can get significantly better displays on other phones these days.

Overall, the iPhone SE (2022) holds out since the Apple ecosystem experience is unparalleled, and the iPhone is at the center of it. If you want a phone that speaks beyond the spec sheet, the iPhone SE (2022) is worth a glance at least.

$314.99 at Amazon
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Guaranteed long-term software updates • Improved battery life • Powerful A15 Bionic chipset
See review
MSRP
SAVE
$314.99
$114.01
See review

FAQs

As per leaks, the Google Pixel 7a is expected to come with wireless charging support. However, this could be limited to 5W wireless charging, which is very slow.

As per leaks, the Pixel 7a will be water-resistant and not waterproof. It will likely have an IP67 rating for 30 minutes of water immersion up to 1-meter depth.

No, the Pixel 7a will not have a headphone jack.

Yes, the Pixel 7a will support eSIM.

The Pixel 7a will likely support dual SIM through the use of one nano SIM and one eSIM.

Leaks suggest that the Pixel 7a will be 152.4 x 72.9 x 9.0mm

Leaks suggest that the Pixel 7a will retain the 6.1-inch display from the Pixel 6a, but just upgrade the refresh rate.