The Google Pixel 7 256GB Is Now Cheaper Than Pixel 8a

Is The Pixel 7 A Legit Option In 2024?

Yeah, of course it is – it’s only one generation back, so you’re getting pretty much everything you need with camera tech and AI smarts. Plus, it’ll get two more major Android updates and four more years of security updates. 

But is the Pixel 7 actually better than the newer Pixel 8a? The Pixel 8a is newer but it isn’t a mainline Pixel phone – it’s a budget model. That means, generally speaking, certain corners are usually cut. 

But that’s when you compare it to the Pixel 8; what about if you compare the Pixel 8a to last year’s Pixel 7? Is the specs / performance gap still as large, or does the Pixel 8a outperform the older Pixel 7? 

The 8a series now comes in a new 256GB variant, as well as new colors, so one of the biggest concerns with Google’s Pixel series – limited storage – has now been addressed. 

But that’s just one aspect, there’s a million and one other factors to consider – from things like the camera tech and display tech to the CPU and GPU. 

All of the main differences between the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 8a, however, are covered in more detail below, so read on for the full breakdown. 

How Does Pixel 8a Compare To The Pixel 7? 

Here’s a complete breakdown of the main differences between the Pixel 7 and the newer Pixel 8a: 

Display:

• The Pixel 7 has a slightly larger 6.3-inch display compared to the 6.1-inch display on the Pixel 8a.
• The Pixel 8a’s display has a higher peak brightness of 2000 nits, while the Pixel 7’s display has a peak brightness of 1400 nits.
• The Pixel 7 has a higher screen-to-body ratio of 84.13% compared to 81.28% on the Pixel 8a.

Processor and GPU:

• The Pixel 7 uses the older Google Tensor G2 (5nm) chip, while the Pixel 8a features the newer Google Tensor G3 (4nm) chip.
• The Pixel 8a has a more advanced GPU (Immortalis-G715s MC10) compared to the Pixel 7.

Battery:

• The Pixel 8a has a slightly larger 4492 mAh battery compared to the 4355 mAh battery on the Pixel 7.
• The Pixel 7 supports faster wireless charging at 20W and reverse wireless charging, while the Pixel 8a only supports 7.5W wireless charging with no mention of reverse wireless charging.

Camera:

• The Pixel 8a has a higher resolution 64 MP main camera compared to the 50 MP main camera on the Pixel 7.
• However, the Pixel 7’s main camera has a larger sensor size (1/1.31″) and pixel size (1.2 μm) compared to the Pixel 8a’s main camera with a sensor size of 1/1.73″ and pixel size of 0.8 μm.

Design and Durability:

• The Pixel 7 has a glass back (Corning Gorilla Glass Victus) and an aluminum frame, while the Pixel 8a has a plastic back and an aluminum frame.
• The Pixel 7 has a higher IP68 water and dust resistance rating compared to the IP67 rating on the Pixel 8a.

Connectivity:

• The Pixel 7 supports more 5G bands compared to the Pixel 8a.
• The Pixel 8a has Wi-Fi 6E support, while the Pixel 7 only supports up to Wi-Fi 6.

Price:

• The Pixel 7 is priced slightly lower at £449 compared to the Pixel 8a at £499.

Key Takeaways

Bottom Line?

As you can see, it’s not entirely a closed case. The Pixel 8a has some key advantages over the Pixel 7 – the main being its 7 years’ worth of Android updates. It also has a better CPU and GPU, a brighter display, and newer main sensor for its rear camera. 

But the Pixel 7’s main camera has a larger sensor size which, if you know anything about photography, is more important than a megapixels bump. On top of this, the Pixel 7 has faster wireless charging (20w vs 7.5w), superior water resistance, and is made from more premium build materials. 

Which is better? It kind of depends on what’s most important to you. Me? I’d probably go with the Pixel 8a.

All things being equal, 7 years’ worth of Android updates and things like a faster CPU and brighter display are always going to trump stuff like faster wireless charging and water resistance ratings.