Google has taken the best bits of the Pixel 7 and diluted them, ever so G slightly, for its latest 'a' phone.
The top-tier CPU remains, giving the Pixel 7a more performance punch than mid-range rivals that use more modest silicon. An all-new high-pixel-count camera sensor promises to maximise detail and low-light photography, while features like a high refresh rate and wireless charging also make the cut for the first time.
Get one in your hand and it immediately feels like a classier product than the outgoing 6a. The recycled aluminium frame now extends to the distinctive camera shelf at the rear and is a near-perfect match for the Pixel 7. The shelf doesn’t stick out quite as far here, the display bezels are slightly thicker, and the power keys at the side match the frame’s matt finish instead of the buttons; but you still need to look close to tell the two phones apart.
A few bits of the 6a remain, such as the polycarbonate rear panel that picks up fingerprints at an astonishing rate. The return of IP67 water-resistance is more welcome.
This story is from the August/September 2023 edition of Stuff South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August/September 2023 edition of Stuff South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
United slates of whatever
Today's tablets can do pretty much anything - whether they're compact and cheap or huge and eye-wateringly expensive. In this group test we're setting our sights on the mid-market: no iPad Pros here, just a broad selection of affordable Android-based machines. So which is the right tab for you?
GRIT'S A LONG WAY TO THE TOP
Polar Grit X2 Pro R17000/polar.com/za
Must-Have Travel Gear for Staying Powered and Connected
Anker, the World's No. 1 Mobile Charging Brand, offers the perfect solutions to address battery anxiety. With the Anker 735 Charger, Anker 544 USB-C to USB-C Cable, and Anker 323 Power Bank, everyone can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity wherever they may be.
HOT STUFF - ALL THE BIGGEST STORIES FROM PLANET TECH
Some people own a whole forearm's worth of watches and will choose which one to put on based on whether they're wearing a dinner suit, a diving suit or their birthday suit... but Xiaomi's Watch S3 saves you the hassle.
NINTENDO GAME BOY
Oh look, everyone's top retro handheld. As long as they like green. And motion blur.
BETA YOURSELF APPLE MUSIC
Listen up, pop pickers: Stuff is here to help you find songs you like, manage your library, share your playlists with friends and even (if you really must) sing along
INSTANT UPGRADES DJI OSMO POCKET 3
ONE DJI 3 MAGNETIC ND FILTERS SET
STUFF APP AWARDS 2024
Is there anything better than a little home-grown? Many folks will tell you that international is better, but they've never sampled anything from a South African garden.
TOP TECH TRAVEL TIPS
There's travelling and there's travelling. It's all about what you take along and how prepared you are for what transit can throw at you. There's tech for that.
GO YOUR PHONE WAY
In 2024, there's more to the smartphone world than the same few big-name brands. From flashy foldables and killer camera phones to gaming powerhouses, here are the best reasons to take the path less travelled...
