Despite some shortcomings, the Pixel 7a proves to be a definite step-up from previous A-series handsets from Google, and does enough to blur the difference between flagship and midrange devices.

The Pixel 7a comes with an improvement in display quality, boosts to performance, as well as consistently terrific mobile photography.

The Tensor G2 is still prone to heating, and other factors including battery endurance and charging speeds aren't particularly impressive.

Phenomenal camera for the price; Excellent Google software; Strong performance; Water-resistant;

Slow charging; Wireless charging is unreliable; Not as fast as the Pixel 7; Only 90Hz display;

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.

Fantastic still images for a mid-range phone; Performance punches above its price bracket; Slick design and strong build;

Price bump over last year’s effort; Charging speeds remain behind rivals;

“The Google Pixel 7a is a big upgrade from its predecessor, but it's increased price puts it in a tough spot, considering the Pixel 6a got a deep price cut and the Pixel 7 is just a little bit more.”

Most compact Pixel 7 device, Water-resistant, 64MP main camera, 90Hz refresh rate, Wireless charging, Four fun colors

Not great with low light photos, Battery life is disappointing, No reverse wireless charging, Price puts it in an odd place

The Google Pixel 7a is like a gas-guzzling roadster. It's faster than it should be, looks great in photos, and needs to be refueled often along the way.

Almost as fast as the Pixel 7 Pro, Great photo capabilities and editing tools, Slick Android interface is a pleasure

Battery won't last all day, Only three years of OS update support, Too expensive given the compromises

The Google Pixel 7a offers flagship power and the Pixel camera in an affordable package, closing the gap with the Pixel 7. The price is creeping up, however, so if you want that great camera, you might want to wait for the inevitable discounts.

Flagship power, Pixel camera (with a caveat), Quality build, Good clean software and timely updates

Ultrawide camera switching bug, Display not the brightest

The Pixel 7a is an excellent addition to the Pixel lineup. Cheaper Pixel phones are still getting more expensive, but I think the new features justify the price increase. I still hope that Google is thinking about even cheaper Pixel phones, in the $300-$350 price range that the original Pixel A...

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

No telephoto camera, Price increase

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

It’s $50 more than the Pixel 6A, but some key upgrades keep Google’s A-series at the top of the midrange class.

Robust build and solid software support policy, Best-in-class camera, Improved 90Hz screen, Wireless charging

$50 more expensive than last year, Fingerprint scanner is still pokey, Camera digital zoom could use an update