Google Pixel 7a: I was wrong...

Google's latest mid-range budget Pixel 7a is officially in stores and after spending a week with the device, really using it and see what it's all about. I came to the conclusion that I was wrong... My early impressions on the phone was not great, and I'll be honest. The Pixel 7a is the best Android phone you can buy for under $500. No doubt about it.

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Hi! My name is Mark Linsangan. I make lifestyle tech videos that are informative and look beautiful. I lived in NYC for two years, but I'm originally from Washington DC, but now I'm living in LA. I'm a big fan of traveling/exploring, tech, social media / biz and finding interesting topics on the line (online). Subscribe & say hi to me on Twitter, and Instagram @HeyMarkL
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[dannywinget]

Always with the heat! I do like the 7a but the older options make this tough as you said

[NicholasGray]

I'm loving it so far. I'm a bit bummed that it's more expensive (again), but the added value you get for the price bump with the new camera sensor, 4K video from the selfie camera, wireless charging and more is definitely worth it. Also, glad I cold help be a hand model for ya!

[MRJLS]

I have been enjoying my 7a its been fairly smooth and nice no issues i really enjoy the google system 😊

[Mariaandnorahh]

Haven't even watched the video yet. Just came here to say that you've become one of my favorite content creators here on YouTube. The hard work really shines through. Keep at it 👍🏻 been with you since the eeeearly technobuffalo days.

[pauldouglas]

Good review. Much appreciated. Love the TMNT case/phone look.

I got mine last week. My biggest gripe is all battery related. I was getting a solid 3-4 hour SOT. I felt like i tried everything and was quite upset. Finally, i tested turning off adaptive battery, which seems like the dumbest thing to turn off to increase battery life. Nonetheless, now i get about 6+ hours SOT. Its a huge difference.

Additionally, as of this morning my phone isnt showing SOT. I have to use a separate app for that. More bugs Google should have caught.

Obviously, Google (AGAIN!!!) rushed a phone out without testing software.

I'm on the fence about sticking with Google after this phone reaches its end. User experience is absolutely an afterthought to them. Just think of all the Google apps that would be perfect if they had that one common sense feature. Yep... "Release it fast and keep going, we have an Apple to chase". Very sad.

[Apollo]

I bought a pixel 7a and I like it. I do think the battery life could be a bit better, but otherwise it's a nice premium feel phone with good features.

[wyterabitt]

I'm not sure if I would consider it worth $500 (or the equivalent of $570 as it is in the UK).

But I got the 7a on a contract here in the UK for the equivalent of close to $400, and for $400 and below it is a great buy.

[moraad.fanaat]

Got the 7 instead for better wireless and reverse wireless charging

[sinjinidutta]

I am using it for 2 weeks now, and I love it, absolutely loving the experience.

[nategohawks]

Definitely gonna sub to you I been debating jumping to this phone instead of my iPhone 14 pro… sorta losing interest on my 14 pro tbh or should I wait out for the 8? Or 8 Pro?

[mj_padayao]

Mark's contents are always high quality! And I love him for that!

[darkmattterr]

love your videos bro. you’re definitely one of my biggest inspirations with youtube

[misieq]

Mark, you use Xiaomi 13 ultra on a daily basis, do you have global rom uploaded or did you leave Chinese? Do you have it paired with any smartwatch?

[btruong]

Thanks for the great video!

Coral what a color, watching the video on pixel 2 xl and still a a great pixel in 2023...

[johnmaynard]

Thanks for the adaptive battery tip. It does seem counter intuitive but I too find the battery is the weakest link.

[simontoseland]

I have this phone and I love it I have it in sea (blue) colour

[karticksharma]

Dude it can record 4k 30 from front facing camera. So I don't think there's an issue with that.

[Magnus_Loov]

It has one glaring problem. The screen. It is way to dim and almost unusable in bright sunlight outside, even at 100% brightness. Even at full brightness much dimmer than an average budget Android phone.
In fact the much cheaper OnePlus Nord CE 5G (from 2021, my former phone) is much brighter. I compared them side by side and with the Pixel at 75% brighness it is about as bright (or dim to be frank) as the OnePlus Nord at 25-30%. It has a similar speced screen otherwise. Oled. 90 Hz. It just looks way, way better.
The purported value for max brightness is just not what you get in normal usage. My only guess is that they do this to save battery.
In addition to this the screen is even looking more dull due to badly saturated colors even at the most saturated settings.
It totally lacks the Oled "pop" of colors that you normally get. You get it with the aforementioned budget OnePlus Nords Oled...
Other than that it is a great phone.
It is a shame the screen makes it feel like a budget phone from 2011. (Which the screen brightness is like).

[LOUISVILLECARDINALS]

That coral color is 🔥 still using the pixel 6 waiting for the p8

[raulgaming]

love the new color but better buy the regular 7 just my 2cent