Google Pixel 7A deals

Features and specs

• 6.1-inch OLED screen with 1080 x 2400 resolution
• Dimensions: 152.4 x 72.9 x 9mm
• Weight: 193g
• Two rear cameras: 64MP main, 12MP ultra wide
• 13MP front camera
• Battery: 4,385mAh
• 8GB of RAM
• One storage option: 128GB
• Runs with Android 13

Availability and price

The Google Pixel 7a was released on 10th May. At launch, it was priced at £449 in the UK – a £50 price increase from the previous year’s Google Pixel 6a.

Being an ‘A-model’, the Google Pixel 7a is the more affordable mid-range alternative to the main Google Pixel 7.

As well as buying it directly from Google, SIM-free, plenty of networks offer the Pixel 7a on pay monthly contracts.

How good is the Pixel 7a's design and display?

The Google Pixel 7a largely follows the same design as its more expensive counterpart, the Google Pixel 7. With its horizontal visor camera bar, metal wraparound frame and smooth back, it shares the same distinctive, futuristic look that’s now synonymous with the Google Pixel line. It’s just very slightly smaller than the Pixel 7.

Its display is made from scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass, and it’s IP67-rated for dust and water resistance – as Google says, it’s the most durable A-series model yet. Furthermore, the phone’s aluminium housing is made with 100% recycled materials.

The back is made from recycled plastic – though it’s not glass, it’s good quality. Coupled with the glossy glass screen and aluminium frame and camera bar, it gives the phone a premium look.

As for colour options, the Pixel 7a comes in four colourways: Charcoal, Snow, Sea (a pale blue), and Coral (a Google Store exclusive).

Measuring 152.4 x 72.9 x 9mm, it’s smaller than the Pixel 7. The 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED screen also features a 90Hz refresh rate, which is a nice step-up from the Pixel 6a’s 60Hz refresh rate. This ensures scrolling is smooth, and any animations look seamless.

How good is the Pixel 7a's camera?

Excitingly, the Pixel 7a’s camera system has been completely revamped. It comes with a new 64MP main camera, as well as a 13MP ultra-wide lens.

The main lens is excellent, capturing well-exposed and detailed images in a variety of situations. The ultra-wide also does a good job, displaying great dynamic range and contrast even in the lowest of light. Similarly, the 13MP front camera produces pleasing portraits.

Not to mention, the Tensor G2 chip will certainly boost Google’s powerful photo processing and computational photography capabilities. So, familiar features like the Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur are better than ever.

However, its zoom capabilities are still lacking. And if you’re looking for a macro mode for those detailed close-up shots, you’ll need to look to the Google Pixel 7 Pro instead.

Is the Pixel 7a good for video?

On paper, the Pixel 7a can shoot 4K video (at 60fps via the main camera, and 30fps with the ultra- wide).

However, quality isn’t quite up to scratch. While it does the job, you’ll find that video clips can look a little ‘soft’, while image stabilisation isn’t the best and can result in shaky footage.

If you’re after a top-quality phone for streaming yourself or making videos to upload onto social media, we’d suggest getting an iPhone instead – Apple are best in class when it comes to video.

Pixel 7a full review

All in all, the Pixel 7a is a superb mid-range phone. While previous Google A-series models lacked the features found on the flagship variants, the Pixel 7a is surprisingly similar to the Pixel 7.

True, the price has risen by £50 compared with the previous year’s Pixel 6a. But it’s £150 cheaper than the Pixel 7 at launch, and you’re getting almost the same specs and features.

What are the key differences between the Pixel 7a and the Pixel 6a?

The Pixel 7a presents some notable improvements from the previous year’s Pixel 6a. Key differences include:

• Better screen refresh rate – 90Hz to the Pixel 6a’s 60Hz
• Face unlock
• New Tensor G2 chip
• Wireless charging
• New camera system 

How does the Pixel 7a compare to other flagship handsets in the UK market?

Of course, the most immediately comparable phone is the Google Pixel 7, the standard flagship counterpart to the Pixel 7a. And this time round, the Pixel 7a shares many of the same key components as the pricier model – all at £150 cheaper, too.

Another Android mid-ranger is the Samsung Galaxy A54. It has a better screen and battery life, though it doesn’t support wireless charging.

MoneySuperMarket's expert rating

Our rating: 4/5

Simply put, the Pixel 7a is excellent. You get a lot of phone for the price you pay. Although it’s risen in price from the previous year’s Pixel 6a, it’s still a fair bit cheaper than the flagship Pixel 7. And even though it’s positioned as a mid-range handset, it shares many of the same specs and features as the Pixel 7.

It’s got Google’s powerful Tensor G2 chip, as well as great photos courtesy of the amazing camera system and versatile editing capabilities. On the flip side, its battery life falls short of the market, while its zoom photography and video recording is still limited and needs improvement.

However, the main downside is its longevity. Although Google has made steps in sustainability by using recycled materials, it’s providing the Pixel 7a with a mere three years of software updates. Given that Apple and Samsung typically provide five to six years of major OS updates, that’s disappointing to see.

Contract options

Looking for a pay-monthly contract? You can pick up the Pixel 7a from most of the big networks, including O2, Vodafone and Three, on a variety of contract lengths.

Can I get a Pixel 7a with no upfront cost?

Potentially, yes. While many providers will charge an upfront cost for the Pixel 7a, you might be able to get a deal without an upfront charge.

Use the filters in the comparison table to adjust the upfront cost you’ll be willing to pay.

Can I get the Pixel 7a with unlimited data?

Yes – you can get the Google Pixel 7a on an unlimited 5G data deal. Otherwise, you can also get deals with large amounts of data, such as 150GB per month.

Use the comparison table above to sort by data allowance. You can also use the filters to adjust the minimum and maximum data you’d consider.

What's the cheapest way to get a Pixel 7a?

In general, the cheapest way to get any handset is to buy it outright and get a cheap SIM-only deal to go with it.

Nevertheless, a pay-monthly contract can be a good way to spread the cost and make payments more manageable. If you’re looking for an affordable Pixel 7a contract, you can use our comparison table to sort by total cost and average monthly cost. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying.

Can I get the Pixel 7a with poor credit?

That largely depends on the network. Most will run a quick credit check before accepting you for a phone contract.

Nevertheless, different networks have different criteria on what credit score they’ll accept. You’ll also have more luck choosing a deal from a reseller, or on a refurbished handset.

Visit our page on bad credit phone deals for more tips on what you can do.

Is the Pixel 7a worth buying in 2025?

The Pixel 7a was released in May 2023. It’s set to receive three years of OS updates – which is a shorter lifespan than most other phones.

In which case, the closer you buy it to its release date, the better.

Is now a good time to buy the Pixel 7a?

That largely depends on when you’re buying it. If you’re buying it close to its release date, you’ll get a good three years’ of use out of it (at the very least).

However, if you’re buying it a year or two after launch, you may need to consider how long you plan to use the Pixel 7a for.

Will the Pixel 7a drop in price?

Most likely, yes. Phones tend to drop in price whenever a newer version is launched. So, the Pixel 7a should have a price cut when Google releases the Pixel 8a.

Should I upgrade or wait for the next model?

Whether it’s worth upgrading to the Pixel 7a depends on the phone you currently have. If you have a phone from a few years ago, such as the Pixel 5a, the Pixel 7a will provide plenty of noticeable improvements.

However, if you’re the owner of the previous year’s Pixel 6a, you may want to wait to see what Google has in store next.

Pixel 7A specs