The annual smartphone upgrade is fast becoming a thing of the past. This year, with RAM and storage prices spiking, we’re expecting smartphones to get even pricier without delivering the tangible gains in performance and endurance we’ve seen in years past. In short, it’s simply not worth jumping to newer devices if your current phone is still functional.
Would you upgrade to the Pixel 10a from the Pixel 7a? 8 votes Yes, the Pixel 10a is the perfect upgrade path. 13 % No, I'd stick with the Pixel 7a. 50 % No, I'd upgrade to the Pixel 9a. 13 % No, I'd upgrade to a different device. 25 %
That’s a problem many Google fans are facing with the Pixel 10a. Although it keeps the Pixel 9a’s $499 list price, that also means consumers aren’t getting any major upgrades. Google’s latest mid-range model packs bright colors, a flat rear sans camera bump, and much of the same specs and treats Pixel 9a owners have been privy to for a year.
With that in mind, it’s too easy to argue that it’s not worth jumping to the Pixel 10a if you already have the 2025 model, but what if you own an older Pixel A device, like a Pixel 7a?
Pixel 7a: Google’s best phone of 2023?
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
When we reviewed the Pixel 7a back in 2023, it was certainly one of our favorite devices of that year. The 6.1-inch display size is sorely missed on phones in 2026, while Google also did a great job stacking up the software perks that buffed the camera experience far beyond any other mid-range offering at the time. The addition of Night Sight, Real Tone, and Magic Eraser made it easy to snap darkly lit images, shots with truer skin tones, and remove obstructions and unwanted elements from scenes. All in all, it was not bad for a mid-range camera phone.
The Pixel 7a still looks the part, too. There’s something alluring about the controversial-at-the-time camera bar that spans the back of the phone from flank to flank. It had an identity, something that far too few modern phones possess.
The Pixel 7a was one of our favorite phones of 2023.
Granted, the Pixel 7a appears pretty long in the tooth if you look at its specs sheet alone. The Tensor G2, which already faced plenty of pressure at launch, is certainly slower and less efficient than modern Tensor chips. This resulted in terrible battery life from the 4,385mAh cell and uncomfortably noticeable heat emanating from the device. There’s also a question of limited software support, at least compared to modern Google Pixel A models. The 7a was due to receive three major OS versions and five years of updates. This means the phone likely won’t see Android 17 when it launches next year, but will see updates through to 2028.
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