Google’s Pixel 6A was my favourite Android telephone beneath $500 final yr, which implies Google has lots to reside as much as for its rumored Pixel 7A. That new telephone may get its announcement as early as Wednesday’s Google I/O developer convention, though right now Google has not formally teased a Pixel 7A. Ought to a brand new midrange Pixel telephone get its debut, that machine faces extra competitors within the price range telephone house from Samsung, which has the $450 Galaxy A54 5G.
The $449 Pixel 6A is basically a smaller, cheaper model of the Pixel 6, Google’s flagship telephone from 2021. The Pixel 6A has the identical Tensor processor and common design because the Pixel 6, however with a lower-resolution, 12-megapixel major digital camera and some different compromises. However its comparatively low price, stable images for the value and engaging design made it a best choice for Android followers buying on a price range.
Google bought lots 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 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 manner, I am rounding up the options I might most wish to see on the attainable telephone.
Is the Pixel 7A coming?
Google’s Pixel 7A has not been formally introduced, however because the Pixel 6A was introduced finally yr’s I/O convention, it could not be stunning if the Pixel 7A made its debut at this yr’s I/O on Might 10. There have been some leaks, comparable to a picture that claims the Pixel 7A shall be obtainable in a blue coloration. Except for a attainable I/O announcement, if Google maintains the identical product launch technique as final yr, the Pixel 7A might seem as quickly as this summer season.
Identical display measurement, however smoother and brighter
The Pixel 6A’s 6.1-inch display measurement is ideal for individuals who want smaller telephones, so I am hoping the Pixel 7A inherits this trait. It rounds out Google’s Pixel household properly by making certain there is a small, medium and huge choice throughout the lineup.
Nonetheless, I hope to see show upgrades in different areas. Google might 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 not often has a difficulty, particularly within the Galaxy S22 and S23 lineups.
I might additionally prefer to see the next refresh price on the Pixel 7A. Since Google’s A-series telephones aren’t meant to have all of the thrives you’d discover on a flagship telephone, a regular refresh price could appear cheap for the Pixel 7A. The issue, although, is that top refresh charges are now not reserved only for premium units. Funds telephones like final yr’s Galaxy A53 5G and even Motorola’s Moto G 5G have refresh charges which can be greater than the usual 60Hz, leading to smoother scrolling. That makes the Pixel 6A really feel a little bit behind, although it excels over these competing units in different methods, just like the digital camera.
Fortunately, Google may handle 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 might have the next, 90Hz refresh price, which might match the Pixel 7’s.
Wi-fi charging
One other function lacking from the Pixel 6A is wi-fi charging. The flexibility to cost your telephone on a wi-fi charging pad as an alternative of by plugging it in might not look like a deal breaker for most individuals. However just like excessive refresh charges, wi-fi charging would not really feel prefer it ought to 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 value vary do not help wi-fi charging both, except for the $429 iPhone SE.
Fortunately, the Pixel 7A might certainly achieve 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, nevertheless, would not provide Android model updates for so long as Samsung does. Samsung supplies 4 generations of Android model updates, whereas Google gives solely three. Contemplating Google is the purveyor of Android, and that Pixel telephones are anticipated to supply the perfect Android expertise, I am hoping Google considers extending help sooner or later. And never only for the Pixel 7A, however for all upcoming Pixel telephones.
Face Unlock
The Pixel 7 and seven Professional help the flexibility to unlock your telephone together with your face, in contrast to the Pixel 6. Since that performance primarily depends on the Pixel 7’s front-facing digital camera, in contrast to Apple’s Face ID, which creates a depth map of your face, I do not see any motive why Google could not simply convey this function to the Pixel 7A. Samsung’s Galaxy A53 5G, which was in the identical value vary because the Pixel 6A at launch, additionally helps facial recognition.
If the Pixel 7A does achieve the Pixel 7’s Face Unlock, simply do not forget 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 telephone extra conveniently, fairly 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 possibly can’t get elsewhere. One in all my favourite additions to the Pixel 7 is a function known as Photograph Unblur, which sharpens outdated photographs which 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’s going to seemingly help Photograph Unblur, too. And I hope it does, as a result of throughout my assessment, I used to be significantly impressed with how properly it sharpened a photograph of me from 10 years in the past.
Google has a possibility to make its subsequent A-series Pixel telephone much more compelling by including options that ought to be commonplace in 2023 — specifically wi-fi charging and a display with the next refresh price. Google will naturally must make some compromises with the Pixel 7A to maintain its value aggressive and preserve some separation from the Pixel 7. However even with the options talked about above, there’s nonetheless a lot that will distinguish the Pixel 7 from its cheaper sibling, like a bigger display, the next decision digital camera, a bigger storage choice 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.