The Google Pixel smartphone range has long set a precedent for top-tier smartphones. The cameras on these devices are known for their top-notch quality, often overshadowing or exceeding that of other brands. Furthermore, Google is often at the forefront in terms of injecting impressive features and tools into their devices. The trend continues with Pixel 7-series, a range that includes three varied devices. The 7a, part of this series, is the entry-level device with the smallest display and the lowest price tag($499).

However, this does not imply that Google has held back on any stand-out features and specifications for the 7a. It is pleasantly surprising that the 7a borrows much of its worthwhile tech from its larger siblings, owning one of the best cameras in mid-range smartphones. Google was kind enough to provide me with a Charcoal 7a for review, and I was quite impressed. The 7a is a mid-range phone that sports a significantly lower price tag than the standard Pixel 7, yet manages to house many of the same advanced features, including a potent Tensor G2 chip and a wealth of AI-based enhancements.

The Google Pixel models are celebrated for their sleek and chic design, and the Pixel 7a is no exception. Measuring an impressive 6 by 2.8 by 0.4 inches and weighing just 6.8 ounces, the 7a is only slightly bigger than its predecessor, the 6a. It looks almost identical with a high-gloss plastic back and aluminum edges. However, the 7a sports an aluminum frame of the same color as the back of the phone, contributing to a more seamless aesthetic. Although its Gorilla Glass coating is of an older version, it is still scratch-resistant, making a screen protector a good accessory to own. Furthermore, the phone is dustproof and can survive in about three feet of water for half an hour, owing to its .

The Pixel 7a features a small 6.1-inch 1080p display, making it the smallest Pixel phone available, except for the Pixel Fold which has a 5.8-inch screen when folded. The Pixel 7 has a slightly larger 6.3 inch display but both maintain the same 1080 by 2040 resolution, implying that the 7a has a higher pixel density. The OLED display operates at a 90Hz refresh rate, although it is initially set to 60Hz. If you often consume streaming content or play games, it might be worth increasing the refresh rate, despite the additional battery usage. The screen's brightness is not specified, but I encountered no difficulties when using the phone outdoors in bright sunshine thanks to its adaptive brightness feature.

The powerful Tensor G2 chip powers the Pixel 7a, which also powers the more expensive models in this release. The 7a has 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage (which surprisingly, is the only option). The phone is loaded with Android 13 and displayed impeccable performance during my period of activity. I was not playing highly-graphic games or consuming high-bandwidth content beyond Instagram and YouTube videos. The device performed seamlessly and effortlessly: apps launched without delay, photos came out clear and precise, and videos overall ran smoothly, demonstrating no latency or delay.

The Pixel 7a comes with a slightly larger 4,385mAh battery than the Pixel 7, which is somewhat surprising, considering the smaller size of the 7 Pro. The battery is quick charging and compatible, adding an element of convenience for users. However, I was slightly disappointed with battery performance. Even with my relatively modest usage, my battery was almost entirely drained by the end of the day. Consequently, I suggest topping off the battery during the day if you anticipate heavy usage.

One of the primary selling points of Google Pixel phones is their excellent camera quality. The 7a is no different, housing arguably the best camera on a device in this price range. It even surpasses its pricier siblings in terms of megapixel count, although it falls short in terms of sensor size. Overall, the quality of the photos taken by the Pixel 7a was satisfactory in most scenarios. Captured images are well exposed in good lighting conditions, remaining free of overly processed or sharpened aesthetics that we find in many other smartphone images. The camera also performs well in low-light conditions, although highly contrasting scenes can cause an extremely HDR-processed look. In conclusion, I was generally impressed by this mid-tier smartphone.