Google's Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro were revealed during an event in October 2022, refining the design set by the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro and upgrading the hardware to the second generation of the company's in-house Tensor chip.
The two excellent devices aren't likely to be the last we will hear from Google until the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro though. There continue to be plenty of rumours surrounding the Pixel Fold, and we've already heard quite a bit about the mid-range Pixel 7a too, which we are covering here.
This is everything we have heard so far about the Google Pixel 7a.
Google Pixel 6a
If you don't want to wait until the Google Pixel 7a is released, the Pixel 6a is still an excellent device that offers considerable power for its price. It's great value for money, delivering flagship power and camera performance at mid-range prices.
Release date and price
- 10 May 2023
- Around $500/£500
The Google Pixel 6a arrived in July 2022, following on from the Pixel 5a 5G that was announced in August 2021, though wasn't widely available, launching only in the US and Japan.
All the latest rumours surrounding the Pixel 7a point towards an announcement at Google I/O which kicks off on 10 May. It's certainly a plausible suggestion given the increase in leaks, even if a little earlier than when the Pixel "a" devices have arrived in most recent years.
The last time we saw a May release was in 2019 with the Pixel 3a, but a May release has happened in the past so it's definitely possible. It was initially said availability would start from mid-June, though more recent rumours have suggested availability will happen immediately after the announcement.
In terms of price, the Pixel 6a costs $449 in the US, £399 in the UK and €459 in Europe. It's likely the Pixel 7a will therefore come in under $500/£500. Rumours claim it will cost between $450 and $500, with the latest claiming the top end of that scale at $499, but nothing is of course confirmed for now. It's also said the Pixel 6a will be available alongside it which could suggest it will either see a reduction in price when the Pixel 7a launches to differentiate the two devices.
Design
- Similar to Pixel 7
- 152.4 x 72.9 x 9.0mm (10.1mm with camera bump)
- IP67
The Google Pixel 7a has appeared in several renders showing a design very close to that of the Pixel 7 and we've also seen hands-on images too, which support the renders, as well as a prototype for sale. All feature the same standout camera strip across the rear of the device and the Pixel 7a is also shown as offering a flat display with a punch hole camera centralised at the top, again like the Pixel 7.
There appear to be thicker bezels around the display than the Pixel 7, much like the Pixel 6a, and a larger chin at the bottom of the display.
It's said the Pixel 7a will measure 152.4 x 72.9 x 9.0mm, which is slightly larger than the Pixel 6a and a little shorter but wider and thicker than the Pixel 7. There's no 3.5mm headphone jack in the renders, but there is a SIM tray and USB-C.
The renders show a white colour option, though it's been claimed the Pixel 7a will come in Carbon, Cotton and Arctic Blue. There's also been talk of a Coral option exclusive to the Google Store. The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro aren't two-tone like the Pixel 6a, 6 and 6 Pro were and the renders suggest the Pixel 7a won't be either.
The Pixel 6a is IP67 water and dust resistant, so it's likely the Pixel 7a will be too.
Display
- Full HD+, 90Hz?
- OLED
- Under-display fingerprint sensor
It's been claimed the Pixel 7a will come with a 6.1-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, which would be an upgrade to the Pixel 6a's 60Hz refresh rate.
It is also claimed to be an OLED display, like the Pixel 6a offers and an under display fingerprint sensor is also likely. There's has been a rumour to suggest the Pixel 7a will also offer the Face Unlock feature from the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro alongside fingerprint biometrics.
You'll also no doubt get the Pixel always-on display feature, which includes the At A Glance calendar/weather info and the Now Playing functionality that tells you what song is playing in your vicinity like the Pixel 6a has.
Cameras
- Upgraded camera?
- 64MP main, 13MP ultra wide
- 13MP front
According to the leaks, the Google Pixel 7a could get an upgraded camera compared to the Pixel 6a. A report has referred to the Pixel 7a's camera system as "l10_wide" (IMX787) and "l10_UW" (IMX712) with no dedicated telephoto lens. The 64-megapixel IMX787 sensor would be a notable upgrade for the main camera - the Pixel 6a used the IMX363 for reference. This has been reiterated by a leak of some marketing materials suggesting the Pixel 7a will indeed offer a 64-megapixel main sensor.
It was first claimed this 64-megapixel main camera would be accompanied by a 12-megapixel ultra wide camera, which the Pixel 6a also offers, though more recent reports have suggested it will be a 13-megapixel ultra wide sensor. The Pixel 6a has a similar camera setup as the Google Pixel 5, and consequently, the Google Pixel 5a 5G. There's a 12.2-megapixel main camera, coupled with a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera on the Pixel 6a, as well as an 8-megapixel front camera. There were reports that the front camera of the Pixel 7a could be upgraded to a 10.8-megapixel sensor, and more recently it's said it will be a 13-megapixel sensor on the front too, which would mean a main rear sensor and front sensor improvements if true.
Like the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, the camera system of the Pixel 6a is capable of some great features, including Magic Eraser for removing unwanted objects in the background, Real Tone for ensuring all skin tones are displayed accurately and Face Unblur which essentially means no more blurry selfies. All of these would therefore be expected on the Pixel 7a.
Hardware and specs
- Google Tensor G2 chip
- 5W Wireless charging?
The Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro both run on Google's second-generation in-house built Tensor chip and it is expected that the Pixel 7a will do the same. Rumours have claimed there will be 8GB of RAM, coupled with 128GB of storage, which would be a slight upgrade on the Pixel 6a that has 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage as a base.
Battery capacity has been rumoured as 4400mAh. There has been a rumour to suggest the Pixel 7a will have 5W wireless charging, which would be the first time for a Pixel "a" handset. There's also claimed to be 20W wired charging on board, but only when using the Google Pixel Charging Stand, otherwise it might be restricted to 12W.
Google Pixel 7a rumours: What's happened so far?
Here is everything we have heard so far about the Google Pixel 7a.
3 May 2023: More Pixel 7a specs leak ahead of launch
Roland Quandt from WinFuture published a number of marketing materials for the Pixel 7a, filling in a few of the blanks and contradicting a few others.
27 April 2023: Google Pixel 7a specs leak: Here's what to expect from the budget-friendly smartphone
91Mobiles and Yogesh Brar published a report with a number of specs for the Pixel 7a.
26 April 2023: Google Pixel 7a official case renders show three cool colours
Winfuture published a set of images showing off some Pixel 7a cases in Carbon Grey, Cotton White, and Arctic Blue colours - the same colours the Pixel 7a is rumoured to come in.
21 April 2023: Pixel 7a leak hints at a big security first for Google's budget model
A leak claimed the Pixel 7a could offer Face Unlock - a feature that wasn't available on the previous Pixel "a" devices.
18 April 2023: Google Pixel 7a price, release date leak and it's sooner than you think
Leaker Jon Prosser tweeted claiming the Pixel 7a will come in Charcoal, Snow, Sea and Coral colours. He also said it would be announced on 10 May and be available immediately alongside the Pixel 6a.
10 April 2023: Google Pixel 7a colours and design all but confirmed in leaked images
MySmartPrice and leaker @OnLeaks published a number of renders of the Pixel 7a, whilst reporting the device will come in white, grey and light blue colourways.
17 March 2023: Someone tried to sell a prototype Google Pixel 7a and it didn't go well
A Google Pixel 7a prototype appeared on eBay after someone started an auction for the device - which had a missing SIM tray and didn't start - at $1650.
16 March 2023: Google Pixel 7a pops up in a Bluetooth certification database as launch nears
The Google Pixel 7a made an appearance in the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) database. The group approves devices that use Bluetooth, suggesting that an official announcement of the phone is just around the corner.
15 March 2023: Google Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a prices revealed by known tipster
Leaker Yogesh Brar claimed to know the pricing information for the Pixel 7a.
14 March 2023: Google Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a to launch in June, according to retail listings
The Google Pixel Fold allegedly popped up alongside the Pixel 7a mid-ranger on retailers' databases as coming in mid-June. It's claimed to be coming in carbon, along with "cotton" and "arctic blue" variants. A colour called "jade" was also mentioned.
13 March 2023: Google Pixel 7a hands-on photos leak shows a familiar phone but with upgraded camera bar
A device claimed to be a test model of the Pixel 7a for developers has found its way into the wild in Vietnam, with multiple hands-on photos being taken before it was locked remotely by Google.
10 March 2023: Google Pixel 7a leak hints at Tensor chip and other key specs
Leaker Debayan Roy (@Gadgetsdata) tweeted a list of specifications expected for the Google Pixel 7a.
23 December 2022: Leaked roadmap reveals plans for Google Pixel Fold, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8 and beyond
A roadmap - published by Android Authority with information from unnamed sources - suggests that Google will launch the Pixel Fold and the Pixel 7a around April or May 2023, when we expect Google I/O to take place.
30 November 2022: The Pixel 7a looks pretty sharp, but also just like the Pixel 6a
Steve Hemmerstoffer published some renders of the Pixel 7a showing a device that's very similar to the Pixel 6a.
14 November 2022: Budget Google Pixel 7a leaks with camera details and more shared
A series of Twitter posts from leaker Kuba Wojciechowski suggests the Pixel 7a will get an upgraded camera, along with a 1080p 90Hz display and wireless charging.
24 October 2022: The Pixel 7a kinda sorta leaked on Amazon, and there's a twist
Amazon leaked the existence of the Google Pixel 7a, though it might have gone a step further by leaking a whole family. Images showed Amazon giving people the chance to subscribe to be notified of a product announcement.
Of particular note was the wording, though. Amazon said people can be warned of a Pixel 7a family launch, suggesting there will be at least two models on offer.