Google Pixel 7a price leaked ahead of launch, is it going to be more expensive than Pixel 6a?

By Abhik SenguptaGoogle is expected to launch its latest-gen Google Pixel 7a and first foldable smartphone, Pixel Fold, at the upcoming Google IO 2023 event on May 10. While smartphones have been a part of the rumour mill for some time, their prices have surfaced online ahead of the official announcement. According to tipster Jon Prosser, the Pixel 7a will start at $499 (roughly Rs 40,000) – a $50 increase compared to Pixel 6a’s launch price. The Pixel Fold will reportedly start at $1,799 (roughly Rs 1.47 lakh). Google is yet to announce the launch of the two smartphones officially.

In a tweet, Prosser claims that the customers will get to choose between Pixel 7a’s Charcoal, Snow, Sea (light blue), and Coral blue colours. The phone will reportedly be available to buy immediately following the launch. On the other hand, the Pixel Fold may go on sale later this year.

It is unclear whether Google will introduce the Pixel Fold in India. However, the Pixel 7a’s arrival seems likely since the company has launched Pixel A-series phones in the past. The tipster has not shared the India-specific pricing, but we can expect the Pixel 7a to cost above Rs 40,000. Last year, Google launched the Pixel 6a in India for Rs 43,999 for the lone 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. Once the Pixel 7a launches in India, the Pixel 6a may also get a price cut.

Currently, Pixel 6a is available for Rs 28,999 on Flipkart.

The Pixel 7a is also expected to receive big upgrades this year. In terms of design, it may look similar to the Pixel 6a but with minor tweaks. That means we can expect a hole-punch display and rectangular bar on the back for the dual rear cameras. Only Google’s flagship 7 Pro includes three cameras on the back.

In terms of specifications, the Pixel 7a may offer a 90Hz OLED display, instead of the 60Hz display on the Pixel 6a. It might include Google’s custom Tensor G2 chipset, likely to be paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage technologies. A leak suggests the phone may include a 4,410mAh battery with support for 18W wired charging tech. The phone may lack wireless charging, which most Android phones in the range lack. However, its rival Nothing Phone (1) supports wireless charging tech.

Other key features include 5G, a 64-megapixel Sony IMX787 primary sensor and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide Sony IMX712 camera. The device is said to come with stereo speakers as well. Lastly, Google will boast the phone’s stock Android capabilities with at least three years of update promise.

The Pixel Fold, on the other hand, may include three cameras on the back and two selfie cameras, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 4. The phone will likely run on Android 12 or 13L – a custom OS for foldable and tablets.