The Google Pixel Fold might have stolen the show at the Google I/O on May 10 but there’s another device that we’ve been tracking. It’s been easy to keep tabs of the Pixel 7a given the number of leaks over the past few days.
Google Pixel 6a was one of our favourite smartphones from 2022. It was the first Google smartphone to debut in India after a hiatus of sorts. But since then Google has made it clear that India is a priority market and followed up the launch of the Pixel 6a with the unveil of its Pixel 7 and 7 Pro smartphones alongside their global launch. It should come as no surprise that the Pixel 7a has arrived in India along with key global markets. We recommended the Pixel 6a to many users who were looking for a flagship Android experience that didn’t cost a bomb. It’s no coincidence that the Pixel 7a has been launched with the same sticker price as its predecessor. Is this the best Android smartphone under Rs 50K?
That familiar Pixel vibe
We’ll start by saying that the Pixel 7a creates a conundrum of sorts for Google fans in India. Should you go for the Pixel 7 that has benefitted from a price drop? You can now snag it under Rs 50K and that puts it directly in the same price zone as the Pixel 7a. We like the design of the Pixel 7a, it stays faithful to the chic Pixel template that we dig. We checked out the sedate Charcoal colour option, it also comes in two other pleasing shades – Sea and Snow. We think the Sea colour variant might be the bestseller; it’s one of the coolest shades on any smartphone right now. Google opts for a plastic back and a refined aluminium frame but it can pass off for glass just like the Pixel 6a could. It’s tough to tell the Pixel 6a and 7a apart. But look closer and you will see a couple of key differences. There’s no two-tone finish and we like the camera band on the 7a better.
Key enhancements
It’s not just those subtle design elements, the Pixel 7a is almost 10% heavier than its predecessor and almost the same heft as the Pixel 7 despite a similar battery size. The big change you are likely to notice first is the display. Google adds a 90Hz refresh rate to this 6.1-inch OLED display (1080 x 2400 pixels / 429 PPI) and addresses one of our gripes about the 6a. This display is a lot more immersive whether you’re scrolling web pages or gaming. I pushed this device to the limit and it didn’t stutter. It’s powered by the same Google Tensor G2 chip that is at the heart of the Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. This chip allows the phone to leverage the best of Google whether it’s photography or just everyday performance.
Our favourite feature
If there’s one reason we like Pixel phones, it’s that Pixel cam. The Pixel 7a takes a big leap over its predecessor with its dual rear cam. This one combines a 64MP primary lens and a 13MP ultra-wide lens. On paper it’s better than the Pixel 7. We found the results were in the same league as the Pixel 7; it’s tough for us to pick a winner here. Google’s Night Sight is one of our favourite lowlight photography solutions on any smartphone cam and the Pixel 7a is no exception. We also enjoyed using the Long Exposure Mode that adds extra energy to your images. You also get all our Pixel favourites like Photo Unblur and Magic Eraser.
Wrap up
The Google Pixel 7a is one of the best smartphones you can buy under Rs 45,000. It adds extra features over its predecessor like wireless charging and extra RAM. The big question for Google is the positioning of its Pixel ‘a’ series phones and how they are different from devices like the Pixel 7. The Pixel 7a scores with its stellar camera, elegant design and dependable battery. But most of all it’s that pureplay Google experience that seamlessly integrates the hardware and the best of Google smarts that makes it a compelling proposition.
The Google Pixel 7a (8GB/128GB) costs Rs 43,999 and comes in Charcoal, Sea and Snow colour options. Google is offering an instant discount of Rs 4,000 on HDFC Cards.
