Phone Comparisons: Google Pixel 9a vs Google Pixel 7a specs

Google announced its new mid-range smartphone in March 2025, the Pixel 9a. We’ve already compared it to its predecessor, the Pixel 8a, and we’re here to tackle another comparison, this time with an even older ‘Pixel a’ series phone. We’ll be comparing the Google Pixel 9a vs Google Pixel 7a specs in this article. The Pixel 7a launched in 2023, and there is a reason we’re doing this particular comparison.

Many people decide to upgrade their phones every two years. For quite a few of you, the Pixel 9a seems like a logical upgrade if you own the Pixel 7a. Well, we’ll provide you with some information here, so that you can make a more informed choice. Do note that, at the time of writing this article, our Pixel 9a review is not out yet. Google had to postpone its Pixel 9a timeline due to an issue it encountered, so everything got moved back.

Specs

Google Pixel 9a vs Google Pixel 7a, respectively

– Screen size:
6.3-inch pOLED display (120Hz, HDR, 2,700 nits)
6.1-inch OLED display (90Hz, HDR, 1,000 nits)
– Display resolution:
2424 x 1080
2400 x 1080
– SoC:
Google Tensor G4
Google Tensor G2
– RAM:
8GB
8GB (LPDDR5)
– Storage:
128GB/256GB (UFS 3.1)
128GB (UFS 3.1)
– Rear cameras:
48MP (wide, f/1.7 aperture, 1/2.0-inch sensor size, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS), 13MP (ultrawide, f/2.2 aperture, 120-degree FoV, 1/3.1-inch sensor size)
64MP (wide, f/1.9 aperture, 0.8um pixel size, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS), 13MP (ultrawide, f/2.2 aperture, 120-degree FoV, 1.12um pixel size)
– Front cameras:
13MP (f/2.2 aperture, 96.1-inch sensor size)
13MP (f/2.2 aperture, 1.12um pixel size)
– Battery:
5,100mAh
4,385mAh
– Charging:
23W wired, 7.5W wireless (charger not included)
18W wired, 7.5W wireless (charger not included)
– Dimensions:
154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9mm
152 x 72.9 x 9mm
– Weight:
185.9 grams
193.5 grams
– Connectivity:
5G, LTE, NFC, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C, Bluetooth 5.3
– Security:
Under-display fingerprint scanner (optical)
Under-display fingerprint scanner (optical)
– OS:
Android 15
Android 13 (upgradable)
– Price:
$499+
$499
– Buy:
Google Pixel 9a (Google)
Pixel 7a (Amazon)

Google Pixel 9a vs Google Pixel 7a: Design

The Google Pixel 9a actually looks notably different compared to the Pixel 7a. It comes with a more rounded body, the Pixel 7a has sharper corners. It also has uniform bezels, while the Pixel 7a does not. Neither phone has flagship-level bezel thinness, though. A centered display camera hole sits at the top of both displays. Speaking of which, both displays here are flat too. Both phones have their power/lock and volume rocker buttons on the right-hand side. The power/lock button sits above the volume buttons.

If we flip them around, you’ll notice even more differences. The Pixel 7a has a camera bar that spans from the left side of the frame to the right. It protrudes on the back and hosts a pill-shaped camera cutout for two cameras. The Pixel 9a has that camera cutout too, it’s a bit bigger, there is no camera bar, though. Its cameras do not protrude on the back, only the trim around them. The Pixel 9a also has a flat frame and a flat back. The frame on the Pixel 7a is slightly rounded, and the same goes for its backplate.

Both phones utilize a frame made out of aluminum, while their backplates are made out of plastic. The Pixel 9a does have a slightly larger display, and it’s also a bit taller and wider. They’re almost identical in terms of thickness, while the Pixel 7a is 7.5 grams heavier in comparison. The Pixel 9a has better water and dust resistance with its IP68 certification. The Pixel 7a is IP67 certified. Both devices are kind of slippery.

Google Pixel 9a vs Google Pixel 7a: Display

Google’s latest a-series phone features a 6.3-inch pOLED display with a fullHD+ (2424 x 1080) resolution. That panel is flat, and it supports HDR content. It has a refresh rate of 120Hz and a peak brightness of 2,700 nits. The display aspect ratio is 20:9, while the screen-to-body ratio is at around 83%. Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3 is used here to protect the phone’s display.

The Pixel 7a, on the other hand, has a 6.1-inch fullHD+ (2400 x 1080) OLED display. That panel is flat too, while it supports HDR content. It has a 90Hz refresh rate and a display aspect ratio of 20:9. The screen-to-body ratio here is around 81%. This display has Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3 protection on top of it, just like the Pixel 9a. The Gorilla Glass 3 is quite dated at this point, and it was never good when it comes to protecting against microscratches. It’s actually the same protection Google used way back on the Pixel 4a.

It is quite clear that the Pixel 9a has a better display here. Yes, they’re both quite vivid and have good viewing angles, while the blacks are deep on both. The touch response is not bad, either. The thing is, the Pixel 9a’s panel gets brighter, noticeably brighter, and in addition to that, it also comes with a 120Hz refresh rate. You will notice the difference unless you’re completely oblivious to it. It may not matter that much to you, though.

Google Pixel 9a vs Google Pixel 7a: Performance

The Pixel 9a is fueled by the Google Tensor G4 processor. That is Google’s latest chip, and a 4nm processor at that. The thing is, Google used an older modem here compared to other Tensor G4 devices, the Exynos 5300 is used. The company included 8GB of RAM inside of the Pixel 9a, along with UFS 3.1 flash storage.

The Pixel 7a, on the flip side, is fueled by the Google Tensor G2, a 5nm processor. That phone comes with 8GB of RAM as well and UFS 3.1 flash storage. Do note that neither one of these two smartphones supports storage expansion. We haven’t seen that in Pixel phones for a while, and the same goes for many other phones on the market these days.

Both of these phones do offer good performance. You will notice the difference, though. The Pixel 9a did feel noticeably snappier for us. The Google Pixel 7a still offers relatively good performance, but it cannot keep up with the latest mid-ranger from Google. The Pixel 9a may not be the fastest-performing smartphone, but it can keep up with Google’s flagships. We really can’t complain in that regard.

Neither one of these phones is made for gaming. They both can handle games just fine. Do note that the highest-end titles may be a problem, though. We still didn’t test the Pixel 9a properly, so we cannot comment on its gaming prowess, but the Pixel 7a is definitely not made for more demanding games.

Google Pixel 9a vs Google Pixel 7a: Battery

There is a 5,100mAh battery included inside the Pixel 9a. The Pixel 7a, on the flip side, has a 4,385mAh battery on the inside. The Pixel 7a was alright in terms of battery life at launch. Things did not improve since then, though it still doesn’t offer bad battery life, but it’s not good either. Considering the Pixel 9a delays, we still can’t tell you what the Pixel 9a battery life looks like, from experience, but we have high hopes.

Despite the fact Google used an older modem inside of this phone, that 5,100mAh battery pack should be more than enough for the phone to offer really good battery life. If Google used the Exynos 5400 modem instead, the phone would likely have an outstanding battery life. In any case, we’ll have to wait and see, but we’re betting that the Pixel 9a will outrun the Pixel 7a in the battery life department without breaking a sweat.

The Pixel 9a also supports slightly faster charging than the Pixel 7a. It comes with 23W wired charging versus 18W wired charging on the Pixel 7a. Both smartphones also support 7.5W wireless (Qi) charging. Considering the larger battery life inside the Pixel 9a, however, the charging speed will likely be similar in comparison. A 5W charging difference is not really all that notable, in all honesty. Neither phone comes with a charger in the box, though.

Google Pixel 9a vs Google Pixel 7a: Cameras

The Google Pixel 9a has a 48-megapixel main camera (1/2.0-inch sensor) and a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera (1/3.1-inch sensor, 120-degree FoV). The Pixel 7a, on the flip side, comes with a 64-megapixel main camera (1/1.73-inch sensor), and a 13-megapixel ultrwide camera (120-degree FoV).

Google, for whatever reason, decided to decrease the sensor size of the Pixel 9a. It has an even smaller sensor that the Pixel 7a. That doesn’t have to a be a definitive minus for the Pixel 9a, as we still didn’t get a chance to review it, but it definitely doesn’t look good. It seems like Google backtracked a bit. At least the main camera has a wider aperture, and that sensor on the inside is newer.

We don’t have high hopes for the phone’s ultrawide camera. The one on the Pixel 7a was nothing to write home about, and something similar is expected out of this one. You’ll need to wait for our full review in order to get details regarding the Pixel 9a’s camera. The Pixel 7a’s is good, but it’s nowhere near flagship-level quality. On top of that, neither phone has a (periscope) telephoto camera.

Audio

There are stereo speakers inside both of these phones. The ones inside the Pixel 7a is not the loudest around. It’s not exactly quiet, but you can notice the difference compared to the Pixel 8a speakers, for example. We are expecting something similar when it comes to the Pixel 9a.

We did manage to hear it briefly, and it seems to be on the same level as the one inside the Pixel 9a. You’ll find out more once we review the device, though. Neither phone has a 3.5mm headphone jack, while Bluetooth 5.3 is on board both phones.

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