If rumors about Google’s release schedule are true, we should see the Google Pixel 7a for the first time in a little less than a month. Many people are hoping that Google will unveil this year’s phone during Google I/O 2023, which is scheduled to take place on May 10. Last year, Google unveiled the Pixel 6a during its annual developers’ conference.
The Pixel 7a would then make an appearance on stage as Google discusses the specifications and cost of its new entry-level model. We would also learn when the Pixel 7a would be available, which is probably in a few months. After all, the Pixel 6a didn’t arrive in stores until July, despite its May 2022 preview.
The fact that the rumors surrounding Google’s midrange phone are becoming much more specific is another sign that the Pixel 7a’s release is drawing nearer. And let’s face it, some of them do a pretty good job of describing what Google has in store. The following five Pixel 7a rumors are the most intriguing things we’ve heard about Google’s upcoming Pixel plans, though there are other informational tidbits about this potential candidate for the title of the best overall cheap phone.
1. New Tensor Chip:
Let’s start with Pixel 7a’s most likely feature, which will be the most recent Tensor chipset created by Google. Here, we’re specifically referring to the Tensor G2, which was released alongside the Pixel 7 last fall. This action would be consistent with the Pixel 6a’s adoption of the Tensor G1 silicon from the Pixel 6 from the previous year.
Google’s midrange phone will now have a new set of machine learning-powered features thanks to a new Tensor chipset. Based on what the Pixel 7 debuted, we can anticipate support for the Photo Unblur feature, which uses AI to remove blemishes from photos — even those taken by other phones — of people’s faces. Additionally, we anticipate the Pixel 7a to add enhanced call screening and transcription features.
Even though the Tensor silicon doesn’t focus on power, you can still anticipate some performance and power efficiency improvements with a Tensor G2-equipped Pixel 7a. Given the release of the Samsung Galaxy A54 and its brand-new Exynos 1380 chipset, this is crucial.
2. 90Hz Refresh Rate:
We’d be very happy to hear the following rumor, which is considerably less certain than the development of a new Tensor chipset. A screen indicating the new phone has a 90Hz refresh rate setting was present on a Pixel 7a prototype that got into the hands of a leaker. In comparison to the Pixel 6a’s more common 60Hz rate, that would be an improvement.
Faster refresh rates make staring at your phone’s screen more enjoyable by enabling smoother scrolling, immersive graphics, and other improvements. Additionally, it’s a feature that’s beginning to appear in more affordable phones; the aforementioned Galaxy A54, for instance, can support a 120Hz rate.
Even though the Pixel 7a would advance and become more competitive, even a jump to a 90Hz rate would fall short of that feature. One reason Google might decide against implementing this upgrade is that it would also be similar to the refresh rate on the Pixel 7, blurring the distinction between the two devices.
3. Camera Upgrade:
The Pixel 6a’s cameras are in perfect working order; after all, we list the phone as one of our top camera phone picks. But a lot of that can be attributed to Google’s computational photography. The Pixel 6a’s hardware, which consists of two 12MP lenses acting as the main and ultrawide cameras, isn’t particularly ground-breaking.
Other low-cost phones are improving their cameras, not that megapixels are everything. For instance, the Galaxy A54 adopted the same 50MP primary camera as the Galaxy S23. Therefore, it is not surprising that Google might want to use fire as a weapon.
The main camera of the Pixel 7a has been the subject of conflicting rumors. Some claim that it will use the same 50MP sensor as the Pixel 7, while others assert that a 64MP sensor from Sony will be used. Others still believe that the Pixel 6a’s 12.2MP main camera won’t change, but what fun is it to speculate about the status quo? Along with all the Tensor-powered photo features the Pixel 7a is certain to have, we hope Google gives us a new sensor that can capture more light and details.
4. Wireless Charging:
Wireless charging is simply not available on Google’s Pixel A Series phones. It’s one of the ways Google sets its entry-level phones apart from its top-tier models. Google is not alone in this, as other phone manufacturers also adhere to this division.
The Pixel 7a may put an end to a rumor that claimed wireless charging was going to be one of the new features included in this model. The majority of the discussion about wireless charging started last fall, so it’s possible that it was more of a case of people hoping for a feature to be added than an actual addition based on leaked information. But even though the rumored wireless charging speed is a little on the slow side, count us among the people who would enjoy having another way to charge our Pixel A device.
5. Design Improvements:
According to this rumor, the Pixel A phone will have the same features as its flagship predecessor. That meant incorporating the design that the Pixel 6 introduced into last year’s Pixel 6a. The Pixel 7a would imitate the improvements made to that design in the Pixel 7 if Google continued that trend.
In particular, the horizontal camera bar that spans the back of the phone on the Pixel 7 is made of aluminum rather than plastic. It also gave the bar a chic matte finish.
We’re not so confident that the Pixel 7a will match that change move for a move because using less expensive materials is one way to keep the price of your budget phone low, which may make the idea of an aluminum camera bar dubious. But it’s possible that Google will try out different design elements or a matte finish to give the Pixel 7a a more stylish appearance.
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