Google dunked on themselves - Pixel 7a

The Pixel 7a is presented as Google’s mid-range entry that tries to balance familiar Pixel appeal with affordable pricing. The host opens with thoughts on why Google keeps releasing A-series phones six months after their flagship successors, then dives into the coral color variant and what’s included in the unboxing. The box contents are minimal: a USB-C to USB-C cable, an OTG adapter, a SIM tool, and documentation, with no charging brick, signaling cost-saving choices. The design is described as reminiscent of previous Pixels, featuring a compact visor bump and a glossy back that shows fingerprints, while also noting color vibrancy and the option for alternative colors like black and sea. The host then evaluates practical aspects such as dual SIM support, weight, and build quality, highlighting the phone’s solid heft and the decision to use Gorilla Glass 3, which is a step down from premium glass but helps keep costs down. The Pixel 7a’s display is identified as a 6.1 inch OLED with a 60 to 90 Hz refresh rate, offering full HD resolution and IP67 water resistance, with wireless charging introduced for the first time in the A-series. In terms of battery and charging, the phone ships with a 4,385 mAh battery, up to 18W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging, presenting a practical balance between longevity and speed for everyday use. The reviewer praises stock Android experience, noting timely updates and integration with Google services like call screening and now playing, while warning potential buyers that the storage option is fixed at 120 GB, which may require cloud solutions or periodic backups. The review shifts to a sponsored segment with dbrand, presenting a black Grip Case as an accessory that emphasizes grip and durability, then discusses alternative Pixel 7a cases including a color that clashes with the coral variant. The Pixel 7a is then tested for performance, emphasizing Tensor 2 under the hood, security features like the Titan M2 chip, and biometric options including face and under-display fingerprint scanning. Through camera and imaging tests, the host notes the main 64 MP sensor, strong color accuracy, and high-quality ultra-wide performance, while acknowledging some limits of digital zoom and the selfie camera, particularly in lower light. In video tests, 4K 30 fps footage reveals solid stabilization via electronic image stabilization, with good audio capture but some room for improvement in max volume and selfie mic quality. Labs-backed gaming benchmarks show inconsistent results relative to the 7 and 7 Pro, yet still deliver playable performance across most titles, and battery endurance tests reveal roughly 21 hours of video playback in a best-case scenario and varied results under heavy load. The price discussion positions the 7a at around $500, with optional Millimeter Wave 5G for a $50 premium, and the host argues that for many buyers the 7a offers better value than the regular 7, while still inviting viewers to share their upgrade decisions and personal preferences in the comments. The closing segments summarize the overall verdict: capable performance, robust camera features for its class, strong battery life for typical usage, and the practicalities of storage and color options, ending with a call to subscribe and engage further with buying advice and future Pixel reviews.

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