Google Pixel 7a 5G (8GB RAM, 128GB, Charcoal) - Brand New review

The Pixel 7a is the best mid-range Android phone available. It squeezes even more of the premium smartphone experience into a smaller, cheaper model. Google’s top chip, plenty of RAM and a decent amount of storage, make it faster than most competitors.

Pros: brilliant camera, excellent smaller screen, top performance, decent battery life, wireless charging, face and fingerprint unlock, water resistance, recycled aluminium and plastic, five years of security updates, Android 13, smart software features, competitively priced.

Cons: no optical zoom or macro photo mode, face unlock option not as secure as some rivals, battery life short of best-in-class, fairly slow charging.

Google Pixel 7a 5G (8GB RAM, 128GB, Charcoal) - Brand New review

Past A-series Pixel phones have skipped wireless charging, but the Pixel 7a breaks that trend. This phone sports wireless charging at up to 7.5W. That's not impressive compared to the 23W wireless speed of the Pixel 7 Pro, but you only get the max if you're using the second-gen Google Pixel Stand...

Google Pixel 7a 5G (8GB RAM, 128GB, Charcoal) - Brand New review

The Pixel 7 was a no-brainer, and now, Google is offering a similar device for $100 less. The Pixel 7a is now available for just $500, and in many ways, it’s identical to its more expensive sibling—it sounds too good to be true! Unfortunately, things aren’t that simple.

Five years of security updates, Cameras match the quality of Pixel 7, Exclusive AI-enabled features, 90Hz display and wireless charging

Doesn't make sense at full price, Disappointing build quality, Only three years of OS updates, As with the Pixel 7, camera zoom noticeably lowers photo quality

Google Pixel 7a 5G (8GB RAM, 128GB, Charcoal) - Brand New review

The Google Pixel 7a may be the most expensive "budget" Pixel phone, but it also gets a series of improvements that make it the best choice in its price range.

Solid design, Good performance, Great camera, Upgraded display, Wireless charging

No telephoto camera, Price increase

Google Pixel 7a 5G (8GB RAM, 128GB, Charcoal) - Brand New review

I’ve always appreciated that Google has never tried to do too much with its Pixel A phones. The Pixel 7a is a simple device that packs a nice screen that’s now even better thanks to a 90Hz refresh rate, solid performance and cameras that can hang with rivals twice its price.