Google recently rounded out the Pixel 7 family with the Pixel 7a, giving you another option if you're considering one of the search giant's Android phones. While the trio of phones have their fare share of similarities, there are also key differences to consider.
If you're struggling to pick which Pixel 7 phone is right for you, we're here to help. First, here are their specs:
Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7 Pro
| Pixel 7a | Pixel 7 | Pixel 7 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch flat | 6.3-inch flat | 6.7-inch curved |
| Resolution | 1080p+ with 90Hz | 1080p+ with 90Hz | Quad HD+ with 120Hz |
| Rear Cameras | 64MP + 13MP | 50MP + 12MP | 50MP + 12MP + 48MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 10.8MP | 10.8MP |
| Processor | Tensor G2 | Tensor G2 | Tensor G2 |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB - 256GB | 128GB - 512GB |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 12GB |
| Water-Resistance | IP67 | IP68 | IP68 |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Battery | 4,385mAh | 4,355mAh | 5,000mAh |
| 5G | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Starting Price | $749 | $999 | $1,299 |
Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7 Pro: Price
Price is naturally a difference between the Pixel 7 family. The Pixel 7a retails for $749, the Pixel 7 starts at $999, while the Pixel 7 Pro will set you back a minimum of $1,299. Since the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are older than the Pixel 7a, we've already seen rather generous discounts. For example, during EOFY sales, we've seen the two older phones available for half price on a phone plan and the Pixel 7 for the price of the Pixel 7a outright.
The Pixel 7 Pro is available from Optus, while the Pixel 7a is available from Telstra and Optus. None of the big three telcos are selling the Pixel 7 on a plan any longer.
All three providers offer both 24-month and 36-month plans. Choosing a 24-month plan is a good option if you want to own your phone faster, whereas paying your phone off over 36 months will help you keep your monthly plan fees lower.
Here's a look at the cheapest plans for each device.
Pixel 7a plans
Google Pixel 7a 5G 128GB Plans
|
Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$86.20/mth
Min. cost $803.80
|
Google Pixel 7a 5G 128GB Plans
|
Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$75.80/mth
Min. cost $803.80
|
Pixel 7 Pro plans
Google Pixel 7 Pro 5G 128GB Plans
|
#1
|
Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$109.12/mth
Min. cost $1,353.88
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
$65 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$119.12/mth
Min. cost $1,363.88
Link not supplied
|
Google Pixel 7 Pro 5G 128GB Plans
|
#1
|
Optus
$55 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$91.08/mth
Min. cost $1,353.88
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
$65 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$101.08/mth
Min. cost $1,363.88
Link not supplied
|
Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7 Pro: Camera
The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro share an identical 50MP primary camera, and it's excellent. It takes great photos in almost every situation. The pair also share the same selfie camera, but that's where the similarities end.
The Pixel 7 Pro is the more versatile of the two, featuring an ultra-wide lens that also enables macro mode and a 5x optical zoom lens that can hit achieve 30x digital zoom. The standard Pixel 7 also has an ultra-wide lens, but it's slightly narrower and can't do macro photography.
The Pixel 7a represents a step down in photographic prowess. It's still the best camera phone in its price bracket, but low-light images aren't quite as detailed and it can struggle with motion in darker environments.
Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7 Pro: Design
The Pixel 7 family are all cut from a similar cloth, aesthetic wise, but there are a couple of key differences to note.
The Pixel 7a is the smallest of the three with a 6.1-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate. In practice, it's not that much smaller than the 6.3-inch Pixel 7. The Pixel 7a has a thicker bezel surrounding the display, making it roughly the same size as the Pixel 7. The Pixel 7 display also has a 90Hz refresh rate.
The Pixel 7 Pro is the largest of the family, with a 6.7-inch display. The display has a 120Hz refresh rate and a subtle curve to it.
Durability is also worth considering. The Pixel 7a uses Gorilla Glass 3 for the front and back panels, but the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro use Gorilla Glass Victus. Gorilla Glass Victus is a lot more resistant to drops and scratches, making it a better option for anyone prone to dropping their phone or averse to cases.
Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7 Pro: Performance
The Pixel 7 family are all powered by the same Google-made Tensor G2 processor. No matter which you pick, performance should be all but identical.
Processor aside, the Pixel 7a and Pixel 7 both have 8GB of RAM, while the Pixel 7 Pro has 12GB of RAM. The extra RAM in the Pixel 7 Pro shouldn't make too much of a difference in terms of day-to-day usage, and they're all very zippy phones.
As you move up the family, you unlock more storage options. The Pixel 7a is only available in a 128GB variant, while the standard Pixel 7 also has a 256GB option. If you opt for the Pixel 7 Pro, you can pick from 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB. None of the Pixel phones have expandable storage, so make sure you get enough for your future needs.
All three Pixel 7 devices will get three operating system updates and five years of security updates.
Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7 Pro: Battery
Battery life isn't the Pixel family's strongest aspect, but if you're looking for longest charge possible, the Pixel 7 Pro is the one to get. In our testing we found it would last between four and five hours of screen time per charge. That's a day of moderate usage with a bit of a buffer.
Conversely, the standard Pixel 7 would only get between three and four hours of screen time. Heavier users could easily find themselves draining the Pixel 7 before the day is out.
The Pixel 7a sits somewhere between the two. You'll probably make it through a full day of moderate usage, but with very little buffer. It probably won't die on you, but it's the kind of phone you'll want to top up during the day if you're out in the evening.
Which Pixel 7 should I buy?
All three Pixel 7 devices are easy to recommend if you're after a Google-made phone. The Pixel 7 Pro is easily the best of the three if you can make your budget stretch. It has the most versatile camera setup, biggest display, and longest lasting battery.
That being said, if you're looking for something more affordable, the Pixel 7a is our pick for the best midrange phone right now. If you're looking to buy on a budget, the Pixel 7a is your best choice right now.
The Pixel 7 acts as a nice middle ground between the Pixel 7a and Pixel 7 Pro, and if you can find it for the same price as the Pixel 7a or even $50 more, we'd recommend going for it instead.
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