Google Pixel 7 vs 7A – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Google Pixel 7 & Google Pixel 7a share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Google Pixel 7 rather than the Google Pixel 7a. 

Why Do I Recommend The Google Pixel 7

  • The Google Pixel 7 includes a larger 6.3-inch OLED display with thinner bezels that provides a more immersive viewing experience and better screen-to-body ratio, compared to the 6.1-inch screen on the Pixel 7a.
  • Google Pixel 7 supports higher quality 4K60fps video recording with ultra-wide camera access that ensures smoother, more detailed, and flexible video capture, while the Pixel 7a lacks 4K60 from the ultra-wide.
  • The Google Pixel 7 supports reverse wireless charging that enables faster cable-free power-ups to recharge accessories like earbuds on the go, which the Pixel 7a lacks.
  • Google Pixel 7 has a premium glass back with Gorilla Glass Victus that enhances durability, resists scratches better, and gives a more luxurious in-hand feel, compared to the Pixel 7a’s plastic back.
  • It features better thermal management under sustained loads that helps maintain consistent performance during gaming and multitasking without overheating, while the Pixel 7a tends to throttle more.
  • The Google Pixel 7 has faster wired charging at 20W that reduces downtime by delivering quicker recharging compared to the Pixel 7a’s slower 18W wired charging speed.
  • Google Pixel 7 has IP68 water and dust resistance design that allows safe submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes to provide greater protection in wet environments than the Pixel 7a’s IP67 rating design.

Maybe the Google Pixel 7a price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Google Pixel 7. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureGoogle Pixel 7Google Pixel 7a
Display Size6.3 inches6.1 inches
Display ProtectionGorilla Glass VictusGorilla Glass 3
Back MaterialGorilla Glass VictusPlastic
Frame MaterialRecycled aluminumRecycled aluminum
Water ResistanceIP68IP67
Main Camera50 MP64 MP
Ultra-Wide Camera12 MP13 MP
Front Camera10.8 MP13 MP
Max Video ZoomUp to 8x digitalUp to 5x digital
4K Video Front Camera4K at 30/60fps4K at 30fps
Wireless Charging SpeedUp to 20W QiUp to 7.5W Qi
Reverse Wireless ChargingYesNo
Wired Charging Speed20W18W
Battery Capacity4355 mAh4385 mAh
Performance ThrottlingLower under sustained loadHigher under sustained load
Build QualityPremiumMid-range
Weight197g193g
Dimensions (mm)155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7152 x 72.9 x 9.0
Biometric AuthenticationFace Unlock + FingerprintFace Unlock + Fingerprint
Color OptionsLemongrass, Snow, ObsidianCharcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral
PriceCheck Pixel 7 PriceCheck Pixel 7a Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Google Tensor G2 Chipset: Both phones use the same second-generation Google-designed processor, Tensor G2, enabling powerful AI processing, advanced image enhancement, and smooth day-to-day performance with efficient power management.
  • Mali-G710 MP7 GPU: Gaming and graphic performance are identical across both devices thanks to the same GPU, supporting stable frame rates and high-quality visuals in modern Android games.
  • 8 GB LPDDR5 RAM: Each device is equipped with 8GB of fast LPDDR5 RAM, ensuring multitasking and app switching remain fluid without noticeable lag.
  • 128 GB UFS 3.1 Storage: With identical storage types, both models offer equally fast read/write speeds for quicker app loading and file access.
  • Software Experience & Updates: Both run clean Android with Pixel-exclusive features, and Google promises 3 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches for each, ensuring longevity and stability.
  • Connectivity: You get full connectivity support on both—5G for high-speed data, Wi-Fi 6E for fast and stable home networking, Bluetooth 5.2 for efficient wireless audio, and NFC for mobile payments.
  • Biometric Security: Both support Face Unlock for quick access and an under-display fingerprint scanner for secure authentication.
  • Camera Software Features: Real Tone, Super Res Zoom, Magic Eraser, and other advanced imaging tools are available on both, leveraging the power of Tensor G2 and Google’s computational photography.
  • Video Recording Features: Pixel 7 and 7a both support 4K video at 60 fps, Cinematic Blur mode for shallow depth of field, and 10-bit HDR for vibrant and detailed video capture.
  • Display Quality: Both use 90Hz OLED panels with always-on capability and HDR support for deep blacks, smooth scrolling, and rich color contrast.
  • Charging Interface: USB-C with USB Power Delivery 3.0 ensures fast and safe charging across both devices.
  • Google AI Features: Voice typing, Call Assist (Hold for Me, Direct My Call), and Now Playing are integrated on both thanks to the Tensor G2 chip.
  • Recycled Aluminum Frame: The frame design on both phones is made of recycled aluminum, contributing to sustainability while maintaining a solid and modern aesthetic.

Common Features

FeatureGoogle Pixel 7Google Pixel 7a
ProcessorGoogle Tensor G2Google Tensor G2
GPUMali-G710 MP7Mali-G710 MP7
RAM8 GB LPDDR58 GB LPDDR5
Storage128 GB UFS 3.1128 GB UFS 3.1
Operating SystemAndroid 13Android 13
Software Updates5 years of security updates5 years of security updates
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC
Biometric UnlockFace Unlock + Fingerprint SensorFace Unlock + Fingerprint Sensor
Main Camera FeaturesReal Tone, Magic Eraser, Super Res ZoomReal Tone, Magic Eraser, Super Res Zoom
Video FeaturesCinematic Blur, 10-bit HDR, 4K60Cinematic Blur, 10-bit HDR, 4K60
Front Camera FeaturesFace Unlock, 4K Video RecordingFace Unlock, 4K Video Recording
Display TypeOLED, HDR, Always-on DisplayOLED, HDR, Always-on Display
Refresh Rate90Hz90Hz
Charging PortUSB-CUSB-C
Google Assistant FeaturesNow Playing, Voice Typing, Call AssistNow Playing, Voice Typing, Call Assist
Build Material (Frame)Recycled aluminumRecycled aluminum
Price Check Pixel 7 Price Check Pixel 7a Price

FAQ

Is the Pixel 7 more durable than the Pixel 7a?
Yes, the Pixel 7 is more durable due to its Gorilla Glass Victus back and IP68 water resistance, whereas the Pixel 7a has a plastic back with lower IP67 protection.

Does the Pixel 7 have a better display than the Pixel 7a?
The Pixel 7 has a slightly larger 6.3-inch OLED display with Gorilla Glass Victus protection, offering a more premium and immersive viewing experience than the 6.1-inch Gorilla Glass 3 screen on the Pixel 7a.

Do both phones support wireless charging?
Yes, both support wireless charging, but the Pixel 7 charges faster at 20W and also supports reverse wireless charging, which the Pixel 7a does not.

Which phone has better camera hardware?
The Pixel 7 has a 50 MP main camera with a larger sensor for better low-light performance and more realistic depth, while the Pixel 7a uses a 64 MP sensor that is physically smaller.

Can both phones record 4K video at 60fps?
Yes, but the Pixel 7 can record 4K60 with its main and ultra-wide lenses, while the Pixel 7a is limited to 4K30 on the ultra-wide and front camera.

How much RAM and storage do both phones have?
Both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7a come with 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128 GB of UFS 3.1 storage, ensuring similar multitasking and app performance.

Do both phones have the same software experience?
Yes, both run stock Android with Pixel-exclusive features like Magic Eraser, Recorder, and Call Assist, and both are promised 5 years of updates.

Is there a difference in build quality between the two?
Yes, the Pixel 7 has a glass and aluminum design that feels more premium, while the Pixel 7a has a plastic back which is more durable but feels less high-end.

Which phone is lighter and more compact?
The Pixel 7a is lighter and smaller, making it easier to hold for some users, while the Pixel 7 is slightly heavier and wider due to its larger screen.

Do both support Face Unlock and fingerprint sensors?
Yes, both phones support Face Unlock and under-display fingerprint sensors for secure and convenient unlocking.

What is the difference in battery capacity and performance?
Battery capacities are similar (Pixel 7: 4355 mAh, Pixel 7a: 4385 mAh), but the Pixel 7 performs better under sustained loads with less throttling.

Do both phones support 5G and other modern connectivity options?
Yes, both devices support sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC for mobile payments and accessories.

Is the Pixel 7 worth the extra price over the Pixel 7a?
The Pixel 7 is worth the extra cost if you value premium build quality, better water resistance, more reliable video recording, and faster charging.

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