As part of its annual I/O conference, Google has shown off a whole host of new Pixel-branded devices, including the Pixel Buds Pro, another attempt at a Pixel Tablet, an all-new Pixel Watch and three new Android smartphones.
Of the phones, the Pixel 6a is up first. This new entry in Google’s budget-friendly line-up and the successor to the Pixel 5a features a similar design language to the company’s 2021 flagship device, the Pixel 6 Pro, and will feature the same Google Tensor processor that was designed and built in-house by Google. It does cut down on some aspects, though, including a downgrade to 6GB of RAM (from 8GB on the standard Pixel 6). It also ditches its bigger sibling’s 50 MP laser autofocus main shooter in favour of a 12.2 MP camera; although, it does retain the 12 MP ultra-wide camera found in the 6 and 6 Pro.
The screen also takes a hit with a slightly smaller 6.1-inch OLED display with the same Full HD resolution (1080p) but a 60Hz refresh rate rather than the Pixel 6's 90Hz.
These downgrades likely won’t be a tough pill to swallow when you consider the Pixel 6a’s launch price of £399 / $449 / AU$749, which massively undercuts the Pixel 6 (£599 / $599 / AU$999) and 6 Pro (£849 / $899 / AU$1299). Pre-orders for the Pixel 6a begin on 21st July and it's set to ship a week later on the 28th.
Now onto the star of the show, the Pixel 7 series, which is expected to ship this Autumn. The design looks sleek, with a single aluminium band that surrounds the phone and houses the camera setup along the back of the device in a vertical strip, similar to the Pixel 6 series. The Pixel 7 features a double camera setup while the 7 Pro receives a third lens – presumably this will be the same style of camera setup as seen on the Pixel 6 series with a wide and ultra-wide option on the standard device and an added telephoto lens on the Pro model. It will feature Google’s next-generation Tensor system on a chip, which Google has said will feature even more AI-led performance gains, new features, and photography and video upgrades. The Pixel 7 phones will ship with Google’s newly updated Android 13 software, which was also announced at the I/O event.
Each version will be available in three colours, with both sharing Obsidian (black) and Snow (silver/white). The Pixel 7 will also come in a very light yellow colour called Lemongrass, whereas the Pixel 7 Pro’s exclusive colour is Hazel; a deep grey colour with copper metal accents. We should expect more Pixel 7 news in the coming months at a launch at some point this Autumn.
MORE:
Will the Pixel 7 join our list of best Android phones 2022?
Check out our review of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
New rumours suggest Google's own take on Apple's spatial audio is coming to Pixel phones
