The long-awaited Pixel 7a midrange and the maybe even more interesting Pixel Fold monster are finally going to be officially announced in just a little over a week at Google’s 2023 I/O development conference, which is just around the corner.
After all, if you enjoy keeping up with the most recent mobile tech news and rumors regarding upcoming products, your prediction for next week’s hardware launches may have been dampened by the recent deluge of Pixel-themed leaks that have left virtually no room for speculation and no significant questions unanswered.
Following an extremely thorough Evan Blass Twitter thread and the most recent disclosure of inside information by the equally trustworthy Roland Quandt, even the smallest Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a details appear crystal clear and indelible.
A smoother screen, three more colors, and three upgraded cameras
The only focus of Quandt’s latest scoop is the non-foldable Pixel 7a, which is (again) shown off in exquisite detail and crystal clarity in what appear to be official product shots in the Arctic Blue, Carbon, and Cotton colors.
These ultra-high-resolution images are accompanied by a variety of marketing materials that are almost surely 100% real and final and that emphasize some of the Pixel 7a’s strongest selling features and significant upgrades over the Pixel 6a.
Google’s top 2023 challenger for the title of the greatest mid-range phone in the world will predictably provide greater raw power, more screen smoothness, more (theoretical) camera talent, better-zooming abilities, and support for wireless charging compared to its extremely well-reviewed predecessor.
The Tensor G2-powered Pixel 7a will have a 90Hz display refresh rate technology instead of a 120Hz one because the search giant is still on a budget, making it less competitive when compared to devices like Samsung’s hot new Galaxy A54 5G. (at least on paper).
The Tensor G2-powered Pixel 7a will have a 90Hz display refresh rate technology instead of a 120Hz one because the search giant is still on a budget, making it less competitive when compared to devices like Samsung’s hot new Galaxy A54 5G. (at least on paper).
The Pixel 7a’s imaging system will obviously support cutting-edge features like Picture Unblur, Magic Eraser, Night Sight, Real Tone, and Super Res Zoom, in addition to a secondary 13MP ultra-wide-angle camera that likewise appears to be (subtly) updated over what the Pixel 6a has to offer in that area.
The third camera is on the front, and while its secret features and powers are yet unknown, the increase in megapixel count from 8 to 13 sounds quite promising for the Pixel 7a’s in-use selfie-taking skills compared to its average (at least in that area) predecessor.
cost of the Google Pixel 7a?
That is undoubtedly the million-dollar question in this situation, and the answer—more than what the Pixel 6a normally costs—is not surprising given the aforementioned upgrades and improvements.
According to one or two (or ten) prior rumors from relatively reliable insiders, the price will be $499 in the US. As “verified” by Roland Quandt’s recent hot leak today, that’s for a single 128GB storage model, plainly without microSD compatibility or a reliable charger in the box.
Additionally, it is expected that the Pixel 7a will maintain the 4,400mAh battery capacity that is advertised as providing “24-hour” battery life… under the right usage circumstances—while adding an additional 2 gigabytes of RAM to the Pixel 6a’s 6GB of memory.
Google is reportedly intending to include the same VPN by Google One free with the Pixel 7a as with the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro in order to sweeten the bargain (a bit). While this is undoubtedly better than nothing, it is certainly not pricey enough to persuade many reticent purchasers.
If history is any guide, we’re going to get an outright discount to $449 or even $399 a few months after the rumored May 11 release date of this stock Android-running bad boy. That will likely be what seals the deal for the masses.
