The Google Pixel 7a "budget flagship" phone has been officially unveiled for $499 at the Google I/O 2023 annual conference. The Pixel 7a smartphone brings significant camera upgrades and is powered by the company's proprietary Tensor G2 chip as well as the Titan M2 security chip, which also powers the premium Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7 models.
"The Pixel 7a has the highest-rated camera in its class," the company said at the I/O event.
"Unlike other phones, Pixel is the only device with AI at its center — combining Google Tensor, Android and AI to give you features that help you take amazing photos, communicate better and most important of all, keep you and your data safe," the company added.
Google Pixel 7a specs, features, colours and more
The Pixel 7a has a 6.1-inch FHD+ gOLED display and comes with the features of Google’s premium phones that are now available on a Google A-series phone for the first time. Premium features such as face unlock, 90Hz panel, IP67 dust and water protection and wireless charging have now been added to the Pixel 7a.
The display has a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for protection and has a hole punch cut-out at the centre which houses a new 13MP selfie camera that is capable of recording at up to 4K@30fps. In terms of design, the Pixel 7a has a familiar design as the flagship Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, with the company's iconic Pixel camera bar at the rear.
For imaging, the Google Pixel 7a comes with a dual camera setup at the back dominated by a 64MP main, a 13MP ultra-wide camera. There are iconic Pixel features such as Photo Unblur, Real Tone, Long Exposure, Magic Eraser and Night Sight.
The Pixel 7a is available in the US in four colours, including the recently leaked Coral shade. The other three colour options are Sea, Snow and Charcoal. It will be available starting May 11 (today).
Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB Type-C and 5G.