Is It Worth Buying Google Pixel 7A in 2025?
Today, we're taking a look at the Google Pixel 7A and whether it's still worth it in 2025. In this crazy, saturated market of budget devices as well as mid-range phones, the Pixel A Series has always stood out for two main reasons: the camera quality, which is comparable to flagship phones, and the software experience.
Why the Google Pixel 7A Still Shines
The Google Pixel 7A is future-proofed up to May 2028, which is when the final software update will be pushed to this phone. So, you know it's going to last a long time. Even if you buy it now in 2024, you're getting around four years of software updates. Plus, you’re getting all those Pixel-exclusive features for a fraction of the price with this device.
The only features you're missing are the new AI enhancements found on the latest Pixel devices. However, if you're like me and don't use those features much, you're not missing out. You're still getting excellent Pixel features like Call Screening and Now Playing on your lock screen.
When this phone launched, it was priced at $599, which many felt was a significant hike compared to the 6A, considering the upgrades were minor. However, prices have since dropped dramatically. You can now get it for about $399, or even cheaper with deals or renewed options. Compared to the high-end Pixel phones released this year, the Google Pixel 7A offers incredible value, being around one-third the price.
Camera Performance
Let’s talk about the Google Pixel 7A camera. For the first time in years, the A Series received a major camera upgrade. It features a 64-megapixel sensor, a huge jump from the 12.2-megapixel sensor used since the Pixel 2.
While megapixels aren’t everything, this improvement enhances digital zoom capabilities. For instance, cropping in 2x on the camera app delivers much better results than last year’s 6A. However, the full 64-megapixel sensor isn’t fully utilized, as images are pixel-binned down to 16 megapixels by default. This processing ensures better image quality, but it would have been nice to have an option for unprocessed files.
In terms of low-light performance, this phone is unmatched in the budget and mid-range market. With Google's computational photography, it excels in scenarios where many other phones falter. The camera delivers stunning colors, excellent dynamic range, and exceptional sharpness, rivaling flagship devices like the latest iPhone.
For video, the Pixel 7A offers 4K at 60 fps on the main camera, though the results are not extraordinary. Video quality is slightly oversharpened, cropped, and lacks depth compared to flagship models. The wide-angle camera only supports 4K at 30 fps and performs worse than the main sensor, delivering mediocre results.
Design and Build
The design of the Google Pixel 7A closely resembles the flagship Pixel 7, complete with a metal band and similar aesthetics. It feels comfortable in hand, thanks to its compact size, which is a welcome change for users of larger devices like the Pixel 8 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
However, the thicker bezels around the display make it look slightly dated compared to 2024 standards. The screen itself is a win, with a resolution of 2400x1080 and a 90Hz refresh rate. While not as smooth as 120Hz, it offers a significant improvement over the 60Hz display on the 6A.
The plastic back is not as premium as glass but feels durable. The frame is solid aluminum, giving the phone a premium touch. Additionally, the device is IP67-rated for water and dust resistance, a rare feature in budget-friendly phones.
Performance and Battery Life
The Google Pixel 7A is powered by the Tensor G2 processor, the same flagship chip used in the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. This ensures excellent performance for daily tasks and gaming, including high-end titles like Call of Duty Mobile.
Battery life is another highlight, with its 4385mAh cell lasting a full day of moderate to heavy usage. While fast charging speeds are limited to 18W, the addition of 5W wireless charging is a welcome feature for convenience, even if it’s slower than wired charging.
Conclusion: Is the Google Pixel 7A Worth It in 2025?
If you're looking for a budget-friendly phone that offers excellent camera performance, reliable software updates, and a flagship-level processor, the Google Pixel 7A remains a fantastic choice in 2025. Its price-to-performance ratio, combined with Google’s exclusive features, makes it a standout in the mid-range segment.
Would you consider buying the Google Pixel 7A in 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below!