Pixel 7 vs Pixel 7a: Compare Features & Find Your Best Fit

Pixel 7 vs Pixel 7a: Compare Features & Find Your Best Fit

When selecting the right smartphone, people need help as many models are on the market. Here is a comparison between the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7a so you can make the right decision when choosing the one for you. We will compare their characteristics, efficiency, and the price for the services offered. The significant distinction between the Pixel 7 and the 7a is the camera system and extra functionalities. Read on and find out which is best for you!

Comparison of Pixel 7 & Pixel 7a Features

This is the brand new Google Pixel 7A and the Google Pixel 7. These two are not only twins regarding their design but could be twins in the family of phones with the same brand. Therefore, if you are here wondering which one you should buy, let me help you because there are some distinctions you may need to notice, and that's why you may make the wrong choice.

Feature

Google Pixel 7

Google Pixel 7A

Network Technology

GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G

GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G

Dimensions

155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm

152 x 72.9 x 9 mm

Weight

197 g

193.5 g

Build

Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back, aluminum frame

Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back

SIM

Nano-SIM and eSIM

Nano-SIM and eSIM

Water Resistance

IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)

IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)

Display Type

AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1400 nits (peak)

OLED, HDR, 90Hz

Display Size

6.3 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)

6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)

Display Resolution

1080 x 2400 pixels

1080 x 2400 pixels

Display Protection

Corning Gorilla Glass Victus

Corning Gorilla Glass 3

Platform

Android 13, upgradable to Android 14

Android 13, upgradable to Android 14

Chipset

Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)

Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)

CPU

Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)

Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)

GPU

Mali-G710 MP7

Mali-G710 MP7

Memory

128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM

128GB 8GB RAM

Main Camera Modules

50 MP wide, 12 MP ultrawide

64 MP wide, 13 MP ultrawide

Main Camera Features

Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama

Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama

Main Camera Video

4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR

4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS

Selfie Camera Modules

10.8 MP ultrawide

13 MP ultrawide

Selfie Camera Features

Auto-HDR, panorama

Auto-HDR, panorama

Selfie Camera Video

4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps

4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps

Loudspeaker

Yes, with stereo speakers

Yes, with stereo speakers

3.5mm Jack

No

No

WLAN

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band

Bluetooth

5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD

5.3, A2DP, LE

Positioning

GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)

GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC

NFC

Yes

Yes

Infrared Port

No

No

Radio

No

No

USB

USB Type-C 3.2

USB Type-C 3.2

Sensors

Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer

Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer

Battery Type

Li-Ion 4355 mAh, non-removable

Li-Po 4385 mAh, non-removable

Charging

20W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min (advertised), 20W wireless, Reverse wireless

18W wired, PD3.0, 7.5W wireless

Colors

Obsidian, Lemongrass, Snow

Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral

Models

GVU6C, GQML3, GO3Z5

GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8

Price

$ 239.99 / € 327.27 / £ 239.00 / ₹ 38,999

$ 240.94 / € 311.15 / £ 217.49 / ₹ 34,990

Performance Tests

AnTuTu: 813114 (v9), GeekBench: 3288 (v5.1), GFXBench: 59fps (ES 3.1 on screen)

AnTuTu: 765281 (v9), GeekBench: 3191 (v5.1), 3631 (v6), GFXBench: 62fps (ES 3.1 on screen)

Display Contrast Ratio

Infinite (nominal)

Infinite (nominal)

Loudspeaker

-26.2 LUFS (Good)

-26.5 LUFS (Good)

Battery Endurance Rating

96h

76h


1) Price Comparison

The two phones differ in price, which is quite evident. The Google Pixel 7 is much more costly, which indicates that it possesses better features and functionalities than the Google Pixel 6. However, the speaker must wonder if such marginal improvements are worth paying such a price differential.

2) Design and Construction

The two phones are designed very similarly, and it is rather difficult to distinguish between them because they have the same shapes, colors, and styles. The Pixel 7A is slightly more compact, but the main clue is the narrower camera bar on the back compared to the Pixel 7, which has a larger one.

Nevertheless, there is a big difference between the two's construction quality. The Pixel 7 features an aluminum and glass design, giving the phone a luxurious look and feel. At the same time, the construction of the Pixel 7A is made from plastic, which offers a budget feel. The Pixel 7A's plastic back has a glossy look, while the Pixel 7 has a glass back that provides a better sense than the plastic one but will easily crack if dropped.

3) Water and Dust Resistance

Both phones have water and dust protection features. The Pixel 7A has an IP67 rating, while the Pixel 7 boasts an IP68 rating, meaning that the Pixel 7 can withstand more water for a longer time. However, this could be a significant difference if you are into water-related activities.

Check Out: Refurbished Google Pixel vs. iPhone: Which One Is Best?

4) Processor Performance

Both phones have the same processor, the G2 chip, and the latest and most sophisticated Google phone processors. It is decent enough for daily use and 3d gaming; however, overall performance could be better than Apple and Samsung, which may become more apparent in the following years due to the growth of apps and OS. These phones struggle with the more demanding tasks or games because the Tensor G2 chip gets hot quickly and has a short battery life, mainly when playing games.

5) Display Quality

Both phones have a 90Hz display with 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution. The Pixel 7a is slightly smaller in size, with a display of 6.1 inch, but it has a somewhat more robust front panel than the Pixel 7 and is thus slightly more resistant.

However, the Pixel 7's screen size is 6.3 inches, while the Pixel 7A's is 6.1 inches. This makes the text on the Pixel 7 more accessible to read at the default font size. Also, it has a neater appearance with narrow frames around the screen compared to the Pixel 7A, which has broader frames.

Both phones have optical fingerprint sensors and support photo-based face unlock. The Pixel 7 has an AMOLED display, while Display 7a has a simple OLED display.

Display Quality

Check Out: Refurbished Google Pixel vs. Samsung: Comparison Guide

6) Camera Comparison

Another significant difference between the two phones is the Pixel 7 and 7A cameras. The primary and ultra-wide cameras of the Pixel 7 have larger sensors even though both phones have the exact megapixel count. This means that despite having a smaller sensor than the Pixel 7A, it captures better light, has more detailed images, accurate colors, and a shallower depth of field.

7) Main Camera Comparison

In the primary camera setup, the Pixel 7 has better color, depth of field, and sharper pictures than the Pixel 7A. The differences are evident, with the Pixel 7 producing better image quality.

Ultra Wide Camera Comparison

Likewise, the Pixel 7's ultra-wide camera, even though it does not have a significantly larger sensor than the primary camera, still captures better colors, depth of field, and image sharpness than the Pixel 7A's ultra-wide camera.

Selfie Camera

Regarding the selfie camera, since both phones have the same sensor size, the performance and image quality of the cameras are almost the same.

Camera Performance

Regarding daylight photos, both phones are almost identical, with slight variations in colors and temperature. As for zoom and night photography, the Pixel 7 is slightly better due to the absence of noise and more detail than the Pixel 7A. However, both can produce good photos in general, although with Sony, it is more often.

Video Recording

This is where the Pixel 7 shines more, especially in low light conditions, where the video recorded by the device is much more explicit and has more accurate colors than the Pixel 7A.

Check Out: Best Place to Buy Google Pixel 7 Pro

8) Software and Support

Google also provides a similar level of software experience on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7A since both the devices come with Android 13 out of the box and will likely be among the first to get Android 14. These phones are unique because they have the Recorder app, phone call tools for dealing with IVR and holding time, and a free VPN. Pixel phones are also updated with new features semi-annually, called feature drops.

The two devices have face unlock and fingerprints for users' biometric authentication. But, only the Pixel 7 has spatial audio, which improves the surround sound when using headphones. This feature enhanced the experience of shows like Stranger Things in tests.

Google also provides at least three years of Android version updates and five years of security updates for both models. Therefore, the Pixel 7 will be supported until October 2025 and the Pixel 7A until May 2026.

9) Battery Life

Both the batteries are of the same capacity, and the phones come with the same Tensor G2 chip; thus, the battery life is comparable. Both can be used for a single day, although they may need to be charged earlier if used heavily for gaming or clicking pictures. 

Curiously, even though the two devices have the same processor and the same type of screen, the Pixel 7A outperforms the Pixel 7 in terms of battery life. This difference may not affect users searching for longer battery life.

The Pixel 7A supports 18W charging, which is slower than the charging of the Pixel 7, which supports 20W charging. The Pixel 7A also supports wireless charging, though at a slower charging rate of 7. 5W speed, hence not very suitable for frequent charging.

Check Out: GrapheneOS: The Ultimate Mobile Operating System

Buy Refurbished Pixel 7 and 7A at Roobotech.

Why Choose Roobotech?

Roobotech is the leading store for refurbished mobile phones. We guarantee that you will get the best devices at low prices. This is because we are very strict about the refurbishing process of every Pixel 7 and Pixel 7A that we sell.

1) Quality Assurance

All the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7A refurbished at Roobotech have been checked and confirmed to be in good working condition as new devices. We do all this meticulously: We check every part, replace any defect, and ensure the software is updated. Our devices also have a warranty to ensure you can purchase confidently.

2) Pricing and Value

At Roobotech, we usually offer quality services at a reasonable price. Refurbished Pixel 7 and 7A models are cheaper than the new ones, enabling you to get the most out of these high-end smartphones at a relatively low price.

3) Environmental Impact

Selecting a refurbished Pixel 7 or 7A is economically wise and a way to fight climate change. Refurbishing preserves electronics' lifespan and decreases electronic waste, which is more environmentally beneficial.

4) Customer Support

Roobotech offers excellent customer service to assist in selecting suitable devices and any issues arising after purchase. We are pleased to ensure you have an outstanding shopping experience and will do everything possible to make it pleasant.

Look at the available refurbished Pixel 7 and 7A models and get a great cell phone without spending much money. Shopping has never been easier with Roobotech; you can shop with confidence.

Conclusion

Thus, compared to the Pixel 7A, the Pixel 7 features better build, screen, and especially the camera. The choice between the two mostly depends on the importance of the camera. Therefore, if so, the Pixel 7's upgraded camera is the way to go, even though it is more expensive. But if the clean Android experience is the priority and the camera is not that important, the Pixel 7A, with slightly better battery life and lower price, could be a better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pixel 7a superior to the Pixel 7?

The Pixel 7 is more premium in design than the Pixel 7a. These two perform well, and both have good cameras. For better performance and a camera on a low budget, you should go for the Pixel 7a.

How appropriate is the Pixel 7a?

The Pixel 7a, priced at $499, is an excellent phone for the budget. It has some cons but numerous pros, which could make it a somewhat more decent option than the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.

Is the Pixel 7 case compatible with Pixel 7a?

No, the cases for Pixel 7 will not fit the Pixel 7a as they are two different devices. All the Pixel models are of various sizes and shapes.

Will the Pixel 7 become hot?

Your Pixel 7 can get hot when you use it for video calls, recording videos, streaming shows on Wi-Fi or 5G, or watching downloaded videos.

Is the Pixel 7a waterproof?

The Pixel 7a has an IP67 rating, which means it is protected from dust and water for thirty minutes up to one meter.

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