With the new Pixel 7a, Google has taken several steps forward in its Pixel A series photography journey. Several features that were previously exclusive to the higher-end Pixel 7 and 6 lineup have trickled down to the 7a, partly due to better hardware sensors, but also thanks to the Tensor G2 chip and its local processing and AI chops. But how do these on-paper improvements stack up in real life? Is this one of the best camera phones in its price range or does it falter? We’ve put the Pixel 7a up against the older Pixel 6a and the higher-end Pixel 7 in a camera shootout to see.

Google Pixel 7a

• The best sub-$500 camera phone
• Solid performance and plenty of RAM
• Improved 90Hz display

The Pixel 7a delivers more premium features than ever for under $500, such as wireless charging support, a 90Hz refresh rate display, and a 64MP camera.

$499 at Amazon

$499 at T-Mobile

$499 at Google Store

$499 at Best Buy

$519 at AT&T

$549.99 at Verizon

Google Pixel 7a camera specs explained