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Google Pixel 7a specs: Does it live up to the hype?

Find out what Google's mid-ranger offers, inside and out.
By

Published onJune 16, 2023

Google’s budget Pixel smartphones offer one of the best no-frills smartphone experiences along with some cool exclusive features that you won’t find anywhere else. The company has now released the Pixel 7a, and it looks like a big upgrade over the previous generation. So without wasting any time, here’s everything you need to know about the Google Pixel 7a specs sheet and how the phone stacks up against the competition. If you’re looking for more in-depth coverage, we’ve also published our full Pixel 7a review.

Google Pixel 7a
Google Pixel 7a
AA Editor's Choice
Google Pixel 7a
The best sub-$500 camera phone • Solid performance and plenty of RAM • Improved 90Hz display
MSRP: $499.00
The essential Pixel experience
The Pixel 7a delivers more premium features than ever for under $500, such as wireless charging support, a 90Hz refresh rate display, and a 64MP camera.

Google Pixel 7a specs

Google Pixel 7a
Display
6.1-inch OLED
FHD+ 2,400 x 1,080
20:9 aspect ratio
90Hz refresh rate
429ppi
HDR support
Gorilla Glass 3 cover
Processor
Tensor G2
Titan M2 coprocessor
RAM
8GB LPDDR5
Storage
128GB UFS 3.1
No microSD card support
Power
4,385mAh battery (typical)
18W wired charging
7.5W wireless charging
Battery Share not supported
Cameras
Rear:
- 64MP wide primary sensor (0.8μm, ƒ/1.89, 80-degree FoV, 1/1.73" image sensor size, Super Res Zoom up to 8x)
- 13MP ultrawide (1.12μm, ƒ/2.2, 120-degree FoV)

Front:
- 13MP wide (1.12μm, ƒ/2.2, 95-degree FoV)
Video
Rear:
- Primary: 4K at 60/30fps, 1080p at 60/30fps
- Ultrawide: 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60/30fps

Front:
- Primary: 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 30fps
Software
Pixel UI
Android 13
3 Android updates
5 years of security updates
IP rating
IP67
Biometrics
In-display fingerprint scanner
Face unlock
Connectivity
All countries:
- Dual-SIM (1x nano-SIM + 1x eSIM)
- 5G sub6
- Bluetooth 5.3
- NFC

US, CA, UK, EU, AU, and JP only:
- Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 2.4GHz + 5GHz + 6GHz

TW, SG, and IN only:
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2.4GHz + 5GHz
Network
Model GWKK3:
- GSM/EDGE: Quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
- UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: Bands 1,2,4,5,6,8,19
- LTE: Bands B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/66/71
- 5G Sub6: Bands n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/28/30/38/41/48/66/71/77/78

Model GHL1X:
- GSM/EDGE: Quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
- UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: Bands 1,2,4,5,6,8,19
- LTE: Bands B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/18/19/20/21/25/28/32/38/39/40/41//42/66
- 5G Sub6: Bands n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/20/25/28/38/40/41/66/75/76/77/78/79

Model G0DZQ:
- GSM/EDGE: Quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
- UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: Bands 1,2,4,5,6,8,19
- LTE: Bands B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/66/71
- 5G Sub6: Bands n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/28/30/38/41/48/66/71/77/78
- 5G mmWave: Bands n260/n261

Model G82U8:
- GSM/EDGE: Quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
- UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: Bands 1,2,4,5,6,8,19
- LTE: Bands B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/18/19/20/21/25/28/32/38/39/40/41//42/66
- 5G Sub6: Bands n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/20/25/28/38/40/41/66/75/76/77/78/79
Ports
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
Single nano-SIM
Dimensions
152 x 72.9 x 9mm
Weight
194g

Materials
Plastic back
Gorilla Glass 3 front
Aluminum alloy frame/visor
Colors
Charcoal, Sea, Snow (All countries and retailers)

Coral (Select countries and retailers)
In the box
USB-C to USB-C cable (USB 2.0, 1m)
Quick Switch Adapter
Support Card
SIM tool

The Pixel 7a is a mid-range smartphone, so most of its specifications are modest. If you’re expecting big numbers and flashy marketing names for truckloads of features, you might want to keep your expectations in check. The Pixel A series has always prioritized practical experiences over pure specifications, and the status quo doesn’t change with the Pixel 7a.

Google Pixel 7a back with box
Robert Triggs / Android Authority

The Pixel 7a’s biggest upgrades over last year’s model include a higher refresh rate display, upgraded camera hardware, Google’s newer Tensor G2 chip, and the addition of 7.5W wireless charging. There are also new Sea and Coral colors for the phone, with the latter only available via the Google Store for now.

The rest of the Pixel 7a is very similar to the Pixel 6a. Of course, there is a new design on board, marking the A-series closer to the mainline, flagship Pixel series. The rear camera visor emulates the metallic visor from the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. However, for its build materials, the Pixel 7a has an aluminum midframe and visor with a polycarbonate back. We didn’t find the use of plastic offensive as it’s a mid-range smartphone after all.

Google Pixel 7a
Google Pixel 7a
AA Editor's Choice
Google Pixel 7a
The best sub-$500 camera phone • Solid performance and plenty of RAM • Improved 90Hz display
MSRP: $499.00
The essential Pixel experience
The Pixel 7a delivers more premium features than ever for under $500, such as wireless charging support, a 90Hz refresh rate display, and a 64MP camera.

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
8GB 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
4,385mAh battery
18W wired charging
7.5W wireless charging
No charger in the box
Google Pixel 6a
4,410mAh battery
18W wired charging
No wireless charging
No charger in the box
Cameras
Google Pixel 7a
Rear:
- 64MP main
Sony IMX787
0.8μm, ƒ/1.89, 82-degree FoV, 1/1.73-inch, OIS/EIS
Super Res Zoom up to 8x

- 13MP ultrawide
Sony IMX712
1.12μm, ƒ/2.2, 120-degree FoV

Front:
- 13MP
Sony IMX355
1.12μm, ƒ/2.2, fixed focus, 95-degree FoV
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, 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:
4K 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) in the US
Bluetooth 5.3
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) in the US
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
193g
Google Pixel 6a
152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9mm
178g
Colors
Google Pixel 7a
Arctic Blue, Chalk, Charcoal, Coral
Google Pixel 6a
Sage, Chalk, Charcoal

If you compare the last-generation Pixel 6a with the Pixel 7a, you will 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. It changes a few things around without looking to reinvent what’s not broken. Like the mainline Pixel 7 series smartphones, the latest A-series device sports a metallic camera bar on the rear as opposed to last year’s glass visor.

google pixel 7a pixel 6a 7
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

Starting with the display, the Pixel 7a has the same 6.1-inch 1080p display as its predecessor. If you loved the smaller screen size of the Pixel 6a, you’ll continue to appreciate it on the Pixel 7a as well. What has changed is the maximum refresh rate, jumping from 60Hz on the Pixel 6a to 90Hz on the Pixel 7a. This is something that everyone will appreciate, as the jump to 90Hz refresh is one of the most noticeable markers of improved smoothness.

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 receive hardware upgrades, marking a significant step up.

google pixel 7a pixel 6a pixel 7 3
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

The Pixel 6a’s cameras already had a pretty good lead over the competition last year. In fact, it’s still one of the best camera phones for its price tag. However, a very big portion of this achievement is credited to Google’s computational photography algorithms. The actual underlying camera hardware was 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! So in this age of massive camera sensors and super high megapixel counts, the Pixel 7a’s upgrade is modest but desperately welcome nonetheless.

The Pixel 7a comes with the 64MP Sony IMX787 for the primary camera and the 13MP Sony IMX712 for the ultrawide camera. Google’s camera algorithms continue to shine on the device, so we get excellent performance from the phone right now, as well as plenty of room to improve in the future. The front camera is also bumped up to 13MP. All three cameras on the phone support 4K 30fps video recording. To add to the hardware, you also get trademark Pixel-exclusive features like Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser, and Night Sight.

google pixel 7a camera app
Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Moving on to the next change, the Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 SoC is a step up from the Pixel 6a’s first-gen Tensor. Comparing the first-generation Tensor to the second-generation Tensor G2, the latter offers 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 taking a lot of pictures, you will likely notice a difference.

Google Pixel 7a Android 13 easter egg Pixel Stand
Robert Triggs / Android Authority

The Pixel 7a also brings wireless charging capabilities to the Pixel A series. At 7.5W, it’s definitely not the fastest wireless charging we’ve seen on a smartphone, and you certainly can’t bank on it for a quick top-up. Moreover, Google hasn’t improved wired charging speeds whatsoever. In our Pixel 7a charging test, we found that the phone takes over two hours to fully charge up. That’s much slower than rival phones, even at this budget price point.

Regardless, wireless charging is a good feature to have for users who like to charge their phones overnight. There’s no reverse wireless charging support, though. There is no charger included in the box either, so you will have to buy a charging brick and a wireless charger separately.

And finally, the Pixel 7a gets two new colors. The Pixel 6a had adopted the Sage Green colorway as its highlight color of the year. For Pixel 7a, Google has the Sea color as the highlight and the Coral color as the Google Store exclusive. If you prefer muted tones, there are still the Charcoal and Snow colors.

Google Pixel 7a All colors

Confused between the two phones? We take an even deeper dive between the two phones in our Pixel 6a vs Pixel 7a comparison.

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
HDR support
Google Pixel 7
6.32-inch OLED
FHD+ resolution (2,400 x 1,080)
20:9 aspect ratio
90Hz
HDR support
Google Pixel 7 Pro
6.7-inch pOLED
QHD+ resolution (3,120 x 1,440)
20:9 aspect ratio
120Hz
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
8GB 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
4,385mAh battery
18W wired charging
7.5W wireless charging
No charger in the box
Does not support reverse wireless charging
Google Pixel 7
4,355mAh battery
30W wired charging
15W wireless charging
No charger in the box
Supports reverse wireless charging
Google Pixel 7 Pro
5,003mAh battery
30W wired charging
15W wireless charging
No charger in the box
Supports reverse wireless charging
Cameras
Google Pixel 7a
Rear:
- 64MP main
Sony IMX787
0.8μm, ƒ/1.89, 82-degree FoV
1/1.73-inch sensor
OIS and EIS

- 13MP ultrawide
Sony IMX712
1.12μm, ƒ/2.2, 120-degree FoV

Front:
- 13MP
Sony IMX355
1.12μm, ƒ/2.2, 95-degree FoV
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:
4K at 30FPS
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) in the US
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) in the US
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) in the US
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
193g
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, Coral
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 is placed. Naturally, the series begins 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 flagship from Google. We also have the Pixel Fold coming along later in 2023 to take the top position.

pixel 6a vs 7 vs 7 pro 1
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

There’s one thing to note, though. All three phones have the Tensor G2 flagship SoC. So with this, you will get a consistent flagship-like experience across the price-tiers from the Pixel 7 series. All three phones also run Pixel UI with similar features, and all of them are eligible for Android updates on day 1.

The differences in the lineup will 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 covers a wide variety of price points.

We encourage you to check out our in-depth Pixel 7a vs Pixel 7 comparison to learn about all the differences between the two phones.

See price at Amazon
Google Pixel 7
9%off
Google Pixel 7
Tensor G2 processor
Upgraded camera
Low price
See price at Amazon
Google Pixel 7 Pro
34%off
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Best Google camera
High-quality display
Big battery
See price at Amazon
Google Pixel 7a
4%off
Google Pixel 7a
The best sub-$500 camera phone
Solid performance and plenty of RAM
Improved 90Hz display

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

The Pixel 7a doesn’t exactly stand out from other smartphones if you look at the spec sheet alone, even in its price class. So if you compare it against the competition with a narrow vision, you’d find other smartphones 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. And even though the Pixel 7a’s price has increased to $499, it remains an affordable option compared to some of its competitors.

Pixel 7

google pixel 7a vs pixel 7 1
Oliver Cragg / Android Authority

Talking about the competition against the Pixel 7a, the first and foremost rival comes from Google itself in the form of the Pixel 7. The Pixel 7 does just about everything that the Pixel 7a does — and it can do even more.

This is an issue for Google in pitching the new phone to potential buyers. The Pixel 7a is priced at $499, which is only $100 less than the Pixel 7. Add in the fact that the latter is often now discounted to $500 or less, and it’s hard to see why anything other than the novelty of it being the latest device will draw people to the Pixel 7a. On the flip side, though, the Pixel 6a saw big discounts early on too, so those with patience may want to hold out and try and pick up the Pixel 7a for under $400.

See price at Amazon
Google Pixel 7
Tensor G2 processor • Upgraded camera • Low price
See review
MSRP
SAVE
$599.00
$54.00
See review

OnePlus 10T

oneplus 10t standing back panel
Ryan Haines / 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’re a gamer, the OnePlus 10T is a definite recommendation against any Pixel smartphone, as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Plus SoC is efficient and quite 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 are a downgrade from the Pixel 7a, though. For people valuing unbridled performance, the OnePlus 10T is the way to go.

See price at Amazon
OnePlus 10T
Affordable price • Stellar display • Blisteringly fast charging
See review
MSRP
SAVE
$649.99
$198.28
See review

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G appdrawer
Robert Triggs / Android Authority

If you want a Samsung phone, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G will set you back $449 in the US. For this price, you get a good and consistent mid-range Samsung smartphone. The Galaxy A54 has a higher 120Hz refresh rate for its large 6.4-inch display, a larger 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. We’re inclined to call the rear camera a sidegrade compared to what the Pixel 7a ships with. Moreover, the Tensor G2 is significantly more powerful than the A54’s Exynos 1380. However, the Galaxy does have microSD card support up to 1TB, which could help sway your decision.

See price at Amazon
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Galaxy S23-inspired design • Color-rich, fluid display • Excellent update commitment
MSRP: $449.99
See review
See review

Motorola Edge (2022)

motorola edge 2022 back
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 letdown 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.

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

See price at Amazon
Motorola Edge (2022)
Excellent 144Hz display • Impressive battery life • Clean software experience
See review
MSRP
SAVE
$499.99
$350.99
See review

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.

See price at Amazon
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Guaranteed long-term software updates • Improved battery life • Powerful A15 Bionic chipset
MSRP: $429.00
See review
See review

FAQs

The Google Pixel 7a supports 7.5W wireless charging. However, there is no reverse wireless charging.

The Pixel 7a is water-resistant and not waterproof. It has an IP67 rating for 30 minutes of water immersion up to 1-meter depth.

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

Yes, the Pixel 7a supports eSIM.

The Pixel 7a supports dual-SIM through the use of one nano-SIM and one eSIM.

The Pixel 7a is 152.4 x 72.9 x 9.0mm in size.

The Pixel 7a retains the 6.1-inch display from the Pixel 6a, but upgrades the refresh rate to 90Hz.

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