Google’s Pixel 6A was my favourite Android cellphone beneath $500 final 12 months, which suggests Google has so much to dwell as much as for its rumored Pixel 7A. That new cellphone may get its announcement as early as Wednesday’s Google I/O developer convention, though presently Google has not formally teased a Pixel 7A. Ought to a brand new midrange Pixel cellphone get its debut, that machine faces extra competitors within the price range cellphone house from Samsung, which has the $450 Galaxy A54 5G.
The $449 Pixel 6A is basically a smaller, inexpensive model of the Pixel 6, Google’s flagship cellphone from 2021. The Pixel 6A has the identical Tensor processor and common design because the Pixel 6, however with a lower-resolution, 12-megapixel essential digital camera and some different compromises. However its comparatively low price, strong pictures for the value and engaging design made it a best choice for Android followers buying on a price range.
Google acquired so much proper with the Pixel 6A, however that does not imply there is not room for enchancment. For instance, I generally felt the Pixel 6A’s display screen was too dim, and its lack of wi-fi charging feels antiquated in 2023. As we wait to see if the Pixel 7A is on its approach, I am rounding up the options I would most need to see on the potential cellphone.
Is the Pixel 7A coming?
Google’s Pixel 7A has not been formally introduced, however because the Pixel 6A was introduced finally 12 months’s I/O convention, it might not be stunning if the Pixel 7A made its debut at this 12 months’s I/O on Might 10. There have been some leaks, corresponding to a picture that claims the Pixel 7A shall be accessible in a blue colour. Other than a potential I/O announcement, if Google maintains the identical product launch technique as final 12 months, the Pixel 7A may seem as quickly as this summer season.
Identical display screen dimension, however smoother and brighter
The Pixel 6A’s 6.1-inch display screen dimension is ideal for individuals who choose smaller telephones, so I am hoping the Pixel 7A inherits this trait. It rounds out Google’s Pixel household properly by guaranteeing there is a small, medium and huge possibility inside the lineup.
Nevertheless, I hope to see show upgrades in different areas. Google may enhance the brightness on the Pixel 7A, for instance, contemplating I used to be generally tempted to crank the brightness above 50% on the Pixel 6A, even when indoors. That is one space the place Samsung hardly ever has a problem, particularly within the Galaxy S22 and S23 lineups.
I would additionally prefer to see the next refresh charge on the Pixel 7A. Since Google’s A-series telephones aren’t meant to have all of the prospers you’d discover on a flagship cellphone, a normal refresh charge could appear cheap for the Pixel 7A. The issue, although, is that prime refresh charges are not reserved only for premium units. Finances telephones like final 12 months’s Galaxy A53 5G and even Motorola’s Moto G 5G have refresh charges which can be larger than the usual 60Hz, leading to smoother scrolling. That makes the Pixel 6A really feel a bit behind, although it excels over these competing units in different methods, just like the digital camera.
Fortunately, Google may tackle this with the Pixel 7A, if a leak from developer Kuba Wojciechowski seems to be true. Wojciechowski claims to have discovered particulars within the Android codebase indicating that the Pixel 7A may have the next, 90Hz refresh charge, which might match the Pixel 7’s.
Wi-fi charging
One other function lacking from the Pixel 6A is wi-fi charging. The power to cost your cellphone on a wi-fi charging pad as a substitute of by plugging it in might not seem to be a deal breaker for most individuals. However just like excessive refresh charges, wi-fi charging does not really feel prefer it must be a premium function in 2023, particularly since it has been widespread on most telephones for the final 5 years. That mentioned, many competing telephones on this worth vary do not assist wi-fi charging both, except for the $429 iPhone SE.
Fortunately, the Pixel 7A might certainly acquire wi-fi charging, if Wojciechowski‘s findings are correct.
Extra assured Android updates
Google’s Pixel telephones are among the many first to get new Android software program updates. Google, nonetheless, does not supply Android model updates for so long as Samsung does. Samsung offers 4 generations of Android model updates, whereas Google provides solely three. Contemplating Google is the purveyor of Android, and that Pixel telephones are anticipated to supply the best Android expertise, I am hoping Google considers extending assist sooner or later. And never only for the Pixel 7A, however for all upcoming Pixel telephones.
Face Unlock
The Pixel 7 and seven Professional assist the power to unlock your cellphone together with your face, not like the Pixel 6. Since that performance primarily depends on the Pixel 7’s front-facing digital camera, not like Apple’s Face ID, which creates a depth map of your face, I do not see any purpose why Google could not simply carry this function to the Pixel 7A. Samsung’s Galaxy A53 5G, which was in the identical worth vary because the Pixel 6A at launch, additionally helps facial recognition.
If the Pixel 7A does acquire the Pixel 7’s Face Unlock, simply keep in mind that Google cautions it is not as safe as utilizing the fingerprint reader or a PIN. Due to this, it is meant for unlocking your cellphone extra conveniently, quite than authenticating purchases.
Photograph Unblur
One of many greatest methods Google differentiates its Pixel telephones from different Android units is by offering software program and digital camera options you’ll be able to’t get elsewhere. Certainly one of my favourite additions to the Pixel 7 is a function known as Photograph Unblur, which sharpens outdated images that will’ve been taken out of focus. If the Pixel 7A runs on the identical Tensor G2 processor because the Pixel 7 and seven Professional, it will probably assist Photograph Unblur, too. And I hope it does, as a result of throughout my overview, I used to be critically impressed with how nicely it sharpened a photograph of me from 10 years in the past.
Google has a chance to make its subsequent A-series Pixel cellphone much more compelling by including options that must be customary in 2023 — particularly wi-fi charging and a display screen with the next refresh charge. Google will naturally must make some compromises with the Pixel 7A to maintain its worth aggressive and keep some separation from the Pixel 7. However even with the options talked about above, there’s nonetheless lots that might distinguish the Pixel 7 from its cheaper sibling, like a bigger display screen, the next decision digital camera, a bigger storage possibility and extra RAM.
We’re hoping to search out out extra about Google’s upcoming Pixel plans at its Google I/O developer convention in Might.
