Should You Upgrade from the Pixel 6a to the Pixel 7a?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Pixel 6a to the Pixel 7a, 1 year apart.
Yes — the Pixel 7a is a worthwhile upgrade
The Pixel 7a is 1 year newer than the Pixel 6a, and the BeastScore rises from 70.4 to 78.8. The biggest improvements: performance rated 8 points higher, camera rated 16 points higher, display rated 12 points higher. Trade-offs to know: 15.5 g heavier, launched $50 more expensive.
What you gain with the Pixel 7a
- +Performance rated 8 points higher
- +Camera rated 16 points higher
- +Display rated 12 points higher
- +Smoother display (+30Hz refresh rate)
- +200 nits brighter peak display
- +Higher-resolution main camera (+52 MP)
- +2 GB more RAM
What you give up
- −15.5 g heavier
- −Launched $50 more expensive
| Spec | Pixel 6a | Pixel 7a | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 70.4 | 78.8 | +8.4 (12%) |
| Performance score | 72 | 80 | +8 (11%) |
| Camera score | 72 | 88 | +16 (22%) |
| Battery score | 70 | 70 | No real change |
| Display score | 62 | 74 | +12 (19%) |
| Battery capacity | 4,410 mAh | 4,385 mAh | No real change |
| Wired charging | 18W | 18W | No real change |
| Screen size | 6.1" | 6.1" | No real change |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | +30Hz (50%) |
| Peak brightness | 800 nits | 1,000 nits | +200 nits (25%) |
| Main camera | 12 MP | 64 MP | +52 MP (433%) |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB | +2 GB (33%) |
| Weight | 178 g | 193.5 g | +15.5 g (9%) |
| Launch price | $449 | $499 | +$50 (11%) |
Upgrade if…
- Photo quality is a priority for you
- You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
Pixel 6a vs Pixel 7a: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Pixel 6a to the Pixel 7a?
Yes — the Pixel 7a is a worthwhile upgrade. The Pixel 7a is 1 year newer than the Pixel 6a, and the BeastScore rises from 70.4 to 78.8. The biggest improvements: performance rated 8 points higher, camera rated 16 points higher, display rated 12 points higher. Trade-offs to know: 15.5 g heavier, launched $50 more expensive.
What is the biggest difference between the Pixel 6a and Pixel 7a?
Performance rated 8 points higher: 72 on the Pixel 6a vs 80 on the Pixel 7a.
Does the Pixel 7a have a bigger battery than the Pixel 6a?
No — both have about the same battery capacity (4,410 mAh vs 4,385 mAh).
Who should upgrade to the Pixel 7a?
Upgrade if: Photo quality is a priority for you; You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features; You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen.