Google releases Pixel 7a; includes largest camera sensor in the A series

Google has released its latest mid-range smartphone, the Pixel 7a, for sale from Thursday (May 11).

The latest addition to the A series will come with the Google Tensor Chip – Tensor G2. The chip debuted in the Pixel 6 and was designed for machine learning tasks.

Weighing 193g, the smartphone has a memory space of 128GB and retails for $749. It comes in three colours: Snow, Sea and Charcoal.

The Pixel 7a has a 6.1-inch display and a refresh rate that can be adjusted up to 90Hz. Google shared that the Pixel 7a is the “most durable A series ever built.”

It also comes with an upgraded camera system — a 64-megapixel rear camera, the largest sensor in the A series phone, along with a 13-megapixel ultra wide camera and a 13-megapixel front camera.

Other camera features include the Super Res Zoom and Photo Unblur.

Super Res Zoom allows the user to capture a series of photos that are slightly offset from each other. It then uses AI to choose the sharpest photo and enhances it with information received from the other shots.

The Photo Unblur tool also taps on AI to reconstruct blurry photos.

In comparison to the Pixel 6a, the Night Sight, a feature that helps users take better pictures in low lighting, is also twice as sharp on 7a.

Guided Frame, a feature that was only limited to the Pixel 7 series, has been made available on the 7a. It will allow the visually-impaired to take selfies with the aid of audio and vibrations.

The 7a will also come with the Dual Biometrics Unlock function, which allows users to unlock their phones conveniently with a glance or finger.

The Extreme Battery Saver function will allow users to extend their phone’s battery life in critical moments, for up to 72 hours. The mode turns off power-hungry features like Wi-Fi and background activities like notifications and app refreshes.

The Pixel 7a is available online and in-stores via Google Store, Amazon SG, Courts Online, Challenger Online and Shopee from May 11.

The phone cases retail at $45.99 and come in four colours — Carbon, Carbon White, Arctic Blue and Jade.

Those who purchase the Pixel 7a will receive a coupon of $150 off their next purchase on Google Store, along with an exclusive phone case.