Google Pixel 7a smartphone review – value, features and performance

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• VERDICT

The Google Pixel 7a is a capable smartphone with many intelligent features that will delight savvy Android users who are after a phone that plays above its weight.

The Google Pixel 7a is going to win a lot of fans with its affordable price and impressive feature set that makes it more than just another Android smartphone.

The latest device from Google has a 6.1-inch FHD+ display running at up to 90Hz and is powered by Google’s very own Tensor G2 chip.

That’s the same chip you’ll find on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, so performance is up there with these more expensive devices.

On the camera side, it has a 64-megapixel main camera and 13-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 13-megapixel front camera.

And naturally the Pixel 7a is running Android 13 with all the trimmings.

By that we mean there is no additional UI (user interface) like you see with other Android smartphones.

And there are also a host of other features for the camera and for making and receiving calls and messages.

It’s a lot to take in for a Pixel 7a newbie and for some even a little overwhelming when compared to the clean and simple interface and feature set of other Android smartphones.

You’re presented with a few options that you don’t get on many other devices like screening your phone calls and getting a live transcription of your recording.

In terms of design the Google Pixel 7a carries on the same look and feel as its predecessors as well as the same camera bar on the rear panel.

There is a new colour called Sea (it’s light blue) along with old favourites Charcoal (black) and Snow (off white).

The device also has an IP67 rating so it can handle dust and a splash of water.

The 6.1-inch OLED display has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 with 429ppi (pixels per inch) and has a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass.

The screen has refresh rate up to 90Hz so scrolling, games and videos are smooth.

Even in bright sunlight the Pixel 7a’s screen was easy to read.

There are a couple of new features when making calls and receiving voice mails.

Call Screening lets you find out who’s calling if you don’t know the number and even find out why they’re calling.

When activated, a voice asks who they are what the call is in relation to.

The user sees these responses as messages before making the decision to answer or reject the call.

This is a good way of warding off scammers but not every unknown number is trying to rob you so it can add time for a caller who needs to reach you.

Another new feature is Voice Message Transcription which can listen to your message and type out the entire message so you can read it rather than spending time listening to it.

The Pixel 7a has an in-screen fingerprint reader which is fast and responsive along with Face Unlock.

The Google Pixel 7a camera is impressive and takes great images in good conditions as well as in low light conditions.

The main camera has 64-megapixel resolution, but we understand the sensor is smaller than the one found on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro so Pixel 7a and still takes excellent images – just not as good as its big brothers.

And to zoom the best you can get is Super Res which is digital zoom at up to 8x – but the results are good not great. It’s better when your subjects are nice and close.

Top Shot is just like the Live feature on an iPhone which, when activated, records a few seconds video as you take your photo.

Top Shot was set to auto on our Pixel 7a by default which meant we got the occasional video with the photo.

But just remember these images will take up twice the amount of a regular image.

A new feature is Long Exposure to enable a little creative blur in your image.

Google says its best with objects moving in a straight line like a train and a car or like a pet running.

Also onboard are favourite features like Magic Eraser and Real Tone.

The selfie camera also produces some good results and punches above its weight.

On the video side, the Pixel 7a can capture 4K video at up to 60 frames per second with decent stabilisation.

Pixel 7a has a 4,385mAh battery onboard which is enough to last a day although on some says during our review, we were down to 40 per cent just after lunch after being at 100 per cent at 7am.

Google has an Extreme Battery Saver which will only use essential apps you nominate to help get through the day but naturally we’d prefer a two day life.

Battery life wasn’t so bad when we were driving during the day because the device would be wirelessly charging (yes, it has wireless charging) and topping up the battery level.

But on the days we were away – there were no top ups and the battery levels were sagging by late afternoon to the point where we needed to connect the charger if we were planning to head out to dinner that night.

Thankfully the Pixel 7a charges quicky and you can get back to 100 per cent in less than an hour and a half.

The Google Pixel 7a is available now and is priced at $749.

VERDICT

The Google Pixel 7a is a capable smartphone with many intelligent features that will delight savvy Android users who are after a phone that plays above its weight.