mighty changes. If you currently have (and love) a Google Pixel 6A, is it worth the upgrade? Who wins the Google Pixel 7 vs. Google Pixel 6A matchup?

Many critics are raving about the improved phone on the Pixel 7 Pro, but if you're only planning on upgrading to the standard Pixel 7 is it worth it just for the improved Google Tensor G2 chipset and a few other upgrades?

This comprehensive guide will compare the two smartphones and examine their differences, answering many of your most burning questions. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of each phone to help you decide which handset is right for you.

When Was the Google Pixel 7 Released?

You might be surprised at the number of questions we found online regarding whether the Google 7 was newer than the Google 6A. Yes, it's newer, and currently the newest version of Google Pixel smartphones available.

The tech company launched the original Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones in 2016. 

The Google Pixel 7 series was officially announced on October 6th, 2022 at a large Google event. Sales for the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro went live on October 13th, 2022.

Google Pixel 7 Guide: An Overview of the Specs

Google's newest smartphone, the Pixel 7, is a sleek and powerful device. It sports a:

• • High-quality camera
• • Fast processing speed
• • Impressive design

Google has also included some unique features to make it stand out from other smartphones on the market.

Overall, it's clear that Google put a lot of thought into all the features and capabilities of their its latest handset.

With its combination of style and functionality, the Pixel 7 is a top contender in the smartphone market. 

Here's an overview of those specs before we dive into our Pixel 6A guide to help with your comparisons.

Price

The Google Pixel 7 is certainly not the cheapest phone on the market, but its price reflects its features and capabilities. 

The entry-level option, which includes 128GB storage, costs $599. For an extra $100, you can upgrade to 256GB storage. Unfortunately, Google does not offer a 512GB storage option for this model but does offer it if you upgrade to the Pixel 7 Pro.

For reference, the Pixel 7 Pro’s pricing includes:

• • 128GB model:  $899 
• • 128GB model: $999 
• • 512GB model: $1,099 

Considering the Pixel's impressive camera quality and smooth performance, though, some consumers may argue that it's worth splurging for more storage space. Ultimately, the Google Pixel 7's cost is up to each individual's budget and priorities.

Display

The Google Pixel 7's display is pretty impressive. At 6.3 inches, it's big enough for watching movies or playing games, and the FHD OLED screen gives it rich colors and deep black levels. The added benefit of a durable screen in the form of Gorilla Glass Victus is a bonus.

Plus, with a resolution of 2400 x 1080p and a peak brightness of 1,400 nits, this display can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. 

And thanks to Google's Smooth Display technology, the Pixel 7 automatically adjusts its refresh rate up to 90 Hz for an ultra-smooth viewing experience.

Overall, the Google Pixel 7 delivers when it comes to its display technology but isn't a total upgrade from the Pixel 6 series. It's something worth checking out if you're in the market for a new phone and are already going to upgrade, though.

Refresh Rate

The Google Pixel 7 has a display with a 90Hz refresh rate, which means that images on the screen will update 90 times per second. This factor can make scrolling and swiping feel smooth and fluid, and can also enhance the gaming experience. 

The Pixel 7 also supports high dynamic range (HDR), which simply put, means it can display a wider range of colors and brightness levels for more vibrant and accurate visuals. 

What’s the takeaway? You can see those bright blue skies or deep red sunsets in all their glory. 

RAM 

While the Pixel 7 Pro comes with an impressive 12GB of RAM, the standard Google Pixel 7 comes with just 8GB of RAM.

With this amount of RAM, you can do multiple things at once and switch between apps easily without experiencing any lag or delay. Games and videos also run smoothly on this device thanks to its ample RAM capacity.

Storage

The Google Pixel 7 smartphone offers a choice between 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, provided by UFS 3.1 technology. This means you can freely download apps and take as many pictures and videos as you want, without having to worry about constantly freeing up space. 

There’s more. Google also offers unlimited storage for pictures and videos through Google Photos. So go ahead, snap away on that 50MP rear camera and 10.8MP front camera your Google Pixel 7's got your back.

Camera

With a 50MP primary lens and 12MP ultra-wide lens, the Google Pixel 7s dual-camera system has you covered for pretty much any shot you want to capture. 

Plus, it offers 4K 60 frames per second (FPS) video support and 10-bit HDR technology, making it a great option for all the budding filmmakers out there. OIS (which stands for optical image stabilization) and Super Res Zoom up to 8x ensure you'll capture the best and highest quality images.

And the cherry on top? Google's software integrations, like Night Sight for spectacular low-light photography and Portrait Mode for those stunning blurred backgrounds, make it more functional.

The front-facing camera saw some upgrades, too. 

Larger sensor: Allows higher-resolution selfies

Ultra-wide lens: Provides a 92.8-degree field of view perfect for fitting everyone into group selfies or capturing stunning landscapes in your selfie shot. 

Fixed focus: Say goodbye to blurry selfies entirely

Although the Google Pixel 7 isn't much of an upgrade from the Pixel 6 series in terms of the camera, the Pixel 7 Pro does offer a much more upgraded triple camera system. It's worth checking out if you're focused on photo quality (as is the new iPhone 14).

Battery

One of the standout features of the Pixel 7 is its battery life. Google has stepped up its game in this department. The Pixel 7's 4,355 mAh lithium-ion battery is the highlight of this phone. 

It comes with an excellent fast charging capacity, allowing you to go from 0% to 50% in just half an hour. Its battery can also exceed 24 hours of normal use, in addition to also having wireless charging capabilities.

Google Pixel 6A Guide: An Overview of the Specs

The Google Pixel 6A is a fantastic option for those who want a top-notch phone without breaking the bank. One of the standout features is its camera that's almost on par with the newer Pixel 7.

With Google's HDR+ technology and AI-powered features, you can take stunningly clear photos, even in low light. Its quick-charging battery also ensures that you'll never be left stranded without power.

Bottom line? The Google Pixel 6A packs all the power and features of a high-end phone in an affordable package. The 6A includes a few new features that make it stand out from the crowd. Let's explore those features.

Price

Google's Pixel 6A comes with a starting price tag of $449 for the 128GB model (note there are no other upgrades available in terms of storage). While it's not cheap, it's still relatively affordable compared to flagship devices like the iPhone 14 and Samsung Galaxy S22. 

Display

The 6.14-inch OLED screen offers FHD+ resolution at 1080x2400 pixels, making for crisp and clear visuals. Plus, the OLED technology ensures vibrant colors for an immersive viewing experience. 

Whether you're streaming your favorite shows or scrolling through social media, the Google Pixel 6A's display is impressive. That said, it’s subpar in one major area. 

Refresh Rate

Unfortunately, the Pixel 6A doesn’t support a fast refresh rate and sticks with a 60Hz refresh rate. Sure, 60Hz might sound like a pretty low refresh rate for a smartphone. But the truth is, 60Hz is more than enough for your everyday tasks. 

60 times per second is enough for:

• • Scrolling through social media 
• • Typing out texts 
• • Browsing the internet

Some people might prefer a higher refresh rate for smoother gameplay or video editing, but 60Hz will probably suffice for most users.

RAM 

This is the major difference between the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 6A. While the Pixel 7 offers 8GB of RAM (which gets pumped up to an impressive 12GB for the 7 Pro), the Pixel 6A phone comes with only 6GB of RAM.

Storage

It's important to note that while both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 6A offer 128GB storage options, the Pixel 6A only offers 128GB of storage and no other options. 

What if 128GB still isn't enough for you? It's important to also note that the Pixel 6A doesn't have expandable storage options through a microSD card. 

Camera

While the Pixel 6As main camera is nothing to be ashamed of, it's noticeable that the Pixel 7 features a much better camera system. 

That said, the primary camera offers 12.2MP and an f/1.7 aperture, allowing for clear shots in low-light situations. The ultra-wide lens also gives you a wider field of view, perfect for capturing landscapes or group photos. 

And if you're into video, the Pixel 6A can record in 4K at 60FPS for smooth, high-quality footage. The front-facing camera is 8MP (which is still quite impressive) and records videos at 1080p.

Battery

The Pixel 6a is equipped with a 4410 mAh Li-Po battery, with a fast charge of 42% in approximately 30 minutes. Unlike the Pixel 7, it doesn't have wireless charging capabilities.

Google Pixel 7 vs. Google Pixel 6A: A Basic Breakdown

Google designed its budget phone, the Pixel 6A, to look like a flagship device. 

But how does it compare to Google's actual flagship, the Pixel 7? Let's break it down. Here are four main differences you can count on.

Price

The Pixel 6A and Pixel 7 are both great phones with cool features, but the biggest difference between the two handsets is the price. 

The Pixel 6A is priced at $449 while the Pixel 7 will set you back $599. That's a pretty significant price difference for somewhat similar phones, so it's something to consider if you're in the market for a Pixel. 

If it's worthwhile then wait for holiday sales when the price of the Pixel 6A will likely dip for a bit.

Display

The Google Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch screen and supports a 90Hz refresh rate, while the Google Pixel 6A has a smaller 6.1-inch 1080p OLED screen and supports a 60Hz refresh rate. It’s a big difference for those interested in crystal -clear graphics and gaming.

The Pixel 7 also can get brighter, which is quite useful when using the phone outdoors. The biometrics on the displays themselves are identical since both phones use an in-display fingerprint scanner. 

However, the Google Pixel 7 offers support for Face Unlock. 

This is a great feature that is not available on the Google Pixel 6A (it's only currently available on the Pixel 4, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro).

Camera

The camera setup for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 6A certainly look the same. They both have a single hole-punch front camera and two cameras on the back (a wide lens, and a secondary ultra-wide lens). Neither phone has a dedicated zoom telephoto lens.

The Pixel 7 has a larger sensor in the main camera, while the Pixel 6A has a smaller, older-generation sensor for the main camera.

The difference is pretty minimal, so unless you're a professional photographer, you probably won't notice much of a difference. 

In terms of video, the Pixel 7 smartphone brings Cinematic Blur, which can blur the background in portrait mode for photos. This is a nice upgrade but, again, nothing you'll miss too much unless you're interested in Pixel 7 tips for professional videography or cinematic looks.

Performance

Both the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 6A have the same processor brand from Google: Tensor. But, the Pixel 6A uses the original Tensor chip while the Pixel 7 uses the more powerful Tensor G2.

The Pixel 7 also has 8GB of RAM compared to 6GB on the Pixel 6A, allowing for more efficiency and, of course, faster multitasking. This feature will come in handy if you multitask or like to play games on your phone.

In terms of raw speed, you can see that the single-core performance of the new Tensor G2 chip is almost identical to the old one.

However, multi-core speeds benefit from a nearly 20% boost.

6 Big Differences Between the Pixel 6A vs. Pixel 7

Aside from the four main areas above, what are the actual differences between the Google Pixel 6A and the Pixel 7? Here are six key differences that will influence your purchasing decision.

The Pixel 6A Is More Affordable

So, you're in the market for a Google Pixel but don't want to shell out big bucks for the newest model? That's what makes the Google Pixel 6A such a great phone.

You’ll have to plunk down $449 for the more budget-friendly handset, which is quite a deal. It's still a Google phone, right?

Sure, it may not have all of the bells and whistles that come with the newer Pixel 7, but it still has everything you need in a smartphone.

The Pixel 7 Boasts a Better Chipset

The Google Pixel 6A features the California-based company's first custom smartphone system-on-a-chip (SoC) while the Pixel 7 comes with an upgraded Google Tensor G2 chipset. 

The new processor is reportedly based on a more advanced architecture that allows more transistors to be added to the chip. The result: better overall performance.

According to information from Google about the Pixel 7’s specs, they claim that some features have seen significant improvements thanks to the new chipset. In particular, voice recognition has been greatly improved.

The Pixel 6A Is More Compact

One of the biggest differences between the two handsets is that the Pixel 6A has a 6.1-inch display, making it more compact and easier to carry around. While the 6.3-inch screen on the Pixel 7 isn't much larger, it makes a slight difference for average-sized hands.

The Pixel 7 Has Improved Zoom

The Google Pixel 7 supports some new camera features that other Google smartphones don't have. One of these perks is an improved Super Res Zoom capability.

This technology utilizes advanced algorithms and computational photography to enhance the details in each shot, allowing for up to 8X digital zoom without losing any sharpness.

That’s not all. Google Pixel 7 also has a dual-pixel sensor and optical image stabilization for even sharper pictures overall. Say goodbye to grainy zoomed-in photos and hello to clear, crisp images with the Google Pixel 7's Super Res Zoom.

The Pixel 6A Still Has an Impressive Camera

Even with all of the above issues in mind, it's worth noting that the Pixel 6A still has an impressive camera. In fact, the Google Pixel 6A's camera definitely offers a lot to love. 

With its 12.2 MP wide camera and f / 1.7 aperture, you can expect crisp, clear shots even in low-light settings. The 77-degree field of vision allows for wider landscapes and group shots without sacrificing image quality.

And let's not forget about the 8MP front camera for all those selfie lovers out there. In comparison to other budget phones on the market, the Google Pixel 6A holds its own when it comes to camera quality.

It might not be as good as the Pixel 7, but it's a great camera for the price.

The Pixel 7 Has a New Design

Google has given the Pixel 7 some major design changes and they're pretty cool. The tech giant ditched the flat camera on the back panel, replacing it with a rounded circle that adds to the phone’s sleek look.

And instead of just two color options, the Pixel 7 now comes in three color schemes: 

• • Lemongrass 
• • Obsidian
• • Snow 

Gone too is the two-tone design of previous Pixel models. It's all one hue now, giving the Pixel 7 a more polished and sophisticated appearance. Overall, these updates create a head-turning stylish phone.

Google Pixel 7 or Pixel 6A: Which Is Better?

Maybe you’re looking for Pixel 6A tips. Or you want to know if it's worth upgrading your current phone before the New Year.

If so, which of these two Google smartphones is better? Who wins the Google Pixel 7 vs. Google Pixel 6A battle royale?

On one hand, the 6A has great features like a fantastic camera and long battery life. It's also cheaper. 

However, if you're willing to spend a little more, the Pixel 7 offers even more impressive features like:

• • A faster Tensor G2 chip and 
• • Face Unlock.
• • 2X optical-grade zoom

The zoom functionality is ideal for those consumers looking for better zoom quality in their pictures. 

In our opinion, the Pixel 7 is definitely worth the extra cost. It has all the bells and whistles that make it a top-notch phone. That said, if you opt for the more budget-friendly option in the 6A, you're still getting a great phone.

Finding Phone Cases for Pixel Smartphones

Phone cases are an important investment for anybody with Pixel smartphones. It doesn’t really matter which handset you choose in the Google Pixel 7 vs. Google debate. 

Smartphone cases not only protect the phone but can also enhance the look and style of any device, whether it's the Pixel 7 or the Pixel 6A. With so many different types of cases on the market, it's important to choose one that fits your wants, needs and budget.

At SUPCASE, we have a wide variety of phone cases for Pixel smartphones at different price points, so you're sure to find one that you like. Click here to browse our full selection today.