Google’s Pixel 6A was my favourite Android cellphone underneath $500 final yr, which suggests Google has so much to dwell as much as for its rumored Pixel 7A. That new cellphone would possibly 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 system faces extra competitors within the funds cellphone house from Samsung, which has the $450 Galaxy A54 5G.
The $449 Pixel 6A is actually a smaller, cheaper model of the Pixel 6, Google’s flagship cellphone from 2021. The Pixel 6A has the identical Tensor processor and basic design because the Pixel 6, however with a lower-resolution, 12-megapixel most important digicam and some different compromises. However its comparatively low value, stable images for the value and enticing design made it a best choice for Android followers procuring on a funds.
Google bought so much proper with the Pixel 6A, however that does not imply there is not room for enchancment. For instance, I typically 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 method, I am rounding up the options I would most wish to see on the doable cellphone.
Is the Pixel 7A coming?
Google’s Pixel 7A has not been formally introduced, however for the reason that Pixel 6A was introduced finally yr’s I/O convention, it will not be stunning if the Pixel 7A made its debut at this yr’s I/O on Could 10. There have been some leaks, similar to a picture that claims the Pixel 7A can be accessible in a blue shade. Except for a doable I/O announcement, if Google maintains the identical product launch technique as final yr, the Pixel 7A may seem as quickly as this summer season.
Identical display screen measurement, however smoother and brighter
The Pixel 6A’s 6.1-inch display screen measurement is ideal for individuals who desire 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 enormous choice throughout 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 typically 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 difficulty, particularly within the Galaxy S22 and S23 lineups.
I would additionally prefer to see a better refresh fee 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 cellphone, an ordinary refresh fee could appear affordable for the Pixel 7A. The issue, although, is that prime refresh charges are not reserved only for premium units. Price range 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 slightly behind, although it excels over these competing units in different methods, just like the digicam.
Fortunately, Google would possibly 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 a better, 90Hz refresh fee, which might match the Pixel 7’s.
Wi-fi charging
One other characteristic 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 much like excessive refresh charges, wi-fi charging would not really feel prefer it needs to be a premium characteristic 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, would not supply Android model updates for so long as Samsung does. Samsung offers four generations of Android model updates, whereas Google affords solely three. Contemplating Google is the purveyor of Android, and that Pixel telephones are anticipated to offer 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 along with your face, not like the Pixel 6. Since that performance primarily depends on the Pixel 7’s front-facing digicam, 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 convey this characteristic 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, moderately 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 digicam options you’ll be able to’t get elsewhere. One in every of my favourite additions to the Pixel 7 is a characteristic known as Photograph Unblur, which sharpens previous pictures 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 assist Photograph Unblur, too. And I hope it does, as a result of throughout my overview, I used to be significantly 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 needs to be normal in 2023 — specifically wi-fi charging and a display screen with a better refresh fee. 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 a lot that might distinguish the Pixel 7 from its cheaper sibling, like a bigger display screen, a better decision digicam, a bigger storage choice and extra RAM.
We’re hoping to seek out out extra about Google’s upcoming Pixel plans at its Google I/O developer convention in Could.
