Pixel 7 vs Pixel 7a: Which One Should You Buy?

These two are too close to call on BeastScore — the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Google · 2022

Pixel 7

Pixel 7
79/ 100
Launch price$599
Google · 2023

Pixel 7a

Pixel 7a
79/ 100
Launch price$499
Head-to-head

Too close to call: 1 of 8 categories each

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Pixel 7
Pixel 7
1 win
Pixel 7a
Pixel 7a
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
Pixel 7Pixel 7a
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    80
    80
  • CameraTie
    88
    88
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfiePixel 7a
    40
    60
  • BatteryTie
    70
    70
  • DisplayTie
    74
    74
  • ConnectivityTie
    88
    88
  • SecurityPixel 7
    100
    86
  • ValueTie
    80
    80
Key differences
  • Pixel 7a has the bigger battery4,385 mAh vs 4,355 mAh
  • Pixel 7 charges faster20W vs 18W
  • Pixel 7a has a sharper main camera64 MP vs 50 MP
  • Pixel 7 has the bigger screen6.3" vs 6.1"
  • Pixel 7a is lighter193.5 g vs 197 g
  • Pixel 7a launched cheaper$499 vs $599
  • Pixel 7a has a sharper selfie camera13 MP vs 10.8 MP
  • Pixel 7 is better protected from water and dustIP68 vs IP67
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Pixel 7
  • ✓50 MP main camera
  • ✓6.3" display at 90 Hz
Reasons to buy Pixel 7a
  • ✓3.5 g lighter (193.5 g vs 197 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$100 cheaper at launch ($499 vs $599)
  • ✓Bigger 4,385 mAh battery (+30 mAh)

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationPixel 7Pixel 7a
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeAMOLEDAMOLED
Screen Size6.3"6.1"
Resolution & Density2400x1080 (416 ppi)2400x1080 (429 ppi)
Refresh Rate90 Hz90 Hz
Brightness1,400 nits peak1,000 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorGoogle Tensor G2 (5nm)Google Tensor G2 (5nm)
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsMali-G710 MP7Mali-G710 MP7
Operating SystemAndroid 13Android 13
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory8 GB LPDDR8 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage128GB / 256GB128GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera50 MP, f/1.85, OIS, Samsung GN164 MP, f/1.89, OIS, Samsung GN1
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide Camera12 MP, f/2.213 MP, f/2.2
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens10.8 MP, f/2.213 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Pixel 7a Lightest Chassis
Dimensions155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm152.4 x 72.9 x 9 mm
Weight197 g193.5 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP67
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity4,355 mAh4,385 mAh
Wired Fast Charging20W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging20W wireless charging7W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth5.35.3
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.2USB-C 3.2
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$599$499
Our verdict

Pixel 7 and Pixel 7a are evenly matched

It's a close call. Pick the Pixel 7 for its faster charging (20W vs 18W) and bigger screen (6.3" vs 6.1"), or the Pixel 7a for its bigger battery (4,385 mAh vs 4,355 mAh) and sharper main camera (64 MP vs 50 MP).

Buy Pixel 7 if you want

Brighter screen: 1,400 nits vs 1,000 nits

Buy Pixel 7a if you want

Higher-resolution main camera: 64 MP vs 50 MP · Lower launch price: $499 vs $599

Common questions

Which is better: Pixel 7 or Pixel 7a?

It's a close call. Pick the Pixel 7 for its faster charging (20W vs 18W) and bigger screen (6.3" vs 6.1"), or the Pixel 7a for its bigger battery (4,385 mAh vs 4,355 mAh) and sharper main camera (64 MP vs 50 MP). BeastScore: Pixel 7 78.8/100, Pixel 7a 78.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Pixel 7 and Pixel 7a?

Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch display and 4355 mAh battery. Pixel 7a has a 6.1-inch display and 4385 mAh battery.

How do Pixel 7 and Pixel 7a compare for speed?

Pixel 7 scores 80/100 for performance; Pixel 7a scores 80/100.

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