After rounds and rounds of leaks, Google finally revealed its Pixel 7 series this month. The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are incremental upgrades over their predecessors. The biggest change is the new Google Tensor G2, and it’s up to you to decide if it was really a change that worth the hype. Anyway, the “flagship” lineup is here and now fans are waiting for the company to make a move in the mid-range Pixel a-series. Apparently, the Pixel 7a series will come soon. And yes, we may see two variants this time around.
To recall, Google introduced the Google Pixel 6a earlier this year. The phone was an affordable option including the same custom Tensor SoC found in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. As you may expect, the Pixel 6a was a success. After all, it gave Android fans one chance to have Google’s expertise and reliable software support for a few fewer bucks. Now, it seems that the company is already doing the preparations for a Pixel 7a series. We may see more than one smartphone, after all, Amazon suggests the launch of the “Google Pixel 7a” family.
Google Pixel 7a XL or Google Pixel 7a mini?
The e-commerce company is reportedly allowing users to subscribe for the upcoming “Google Pixel 7a Familly Launch Announcement”. If it’s a family, then we’re seeing more than just the Pixel 7a, right? That’s an assumption, but only time will tell if we’re going to see a Pro variant or an XL model this time around.
To recall, Google introduced the range of mid-range Pixels with the Pixel 3a series. This lineup had the Google Pixel 3a and the Google Pixel 3a XL. However, the company scrapped the XL variant even on the standard flagship series. So it didn’t make much sense for them to keep launching the variant in the lineup. However, in 2021, the company brought the “better” variant with the Pixel 6 Pro. So, Google may be preparing a larger model for the next year. Or perhaps, we’ll see the rumored Google Pixel 7a mini. Even though, it may turn into a failure.
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The launch of a Google Pixel 7a XL would make perfect sense. After all, you can easily tell that the Pixel series is Google’s response to Apple’s iPhone. This year, Apple introduced the iPhone 14 Plus. It’s a lesser variant that sits alongside, the equally-lesser iPhone 14. Google may offer the Pixel 7a XL as a direct response to the iPhone 14 Plus. Of course, you need to digest this with a pinch of salt. Maybe, everything is just a misunderstanding on Amazon’s part.
Back on a possible Google Pixel 7a mini, it would also serve as a response to the iPhone mini lineup. However, it would be a very risky move. After all, Apple failed with the iPhone mini-series. There wasn’t a strong demand to justify the existence of this device. So, the Cupertino firm ultimately dropped it to make a Plus, larger, model.
The timing of the release
Another curious fact is the timing of this. We don’t think that the Pixel 7a series is coming anytime soon. Or at least, not before May 2023. The current Pixel 6a is less than six months old and is still selling pretty well. The device appeared a lot in leaks and rumors ahead of the launch. This is just the beginning of the Pixel 7a. So we expect more leaks to come ahead of a consistent launch date.
Some rumors point to an early 2023 release. As per reports, Google has ordered around 4 million units of its upcoming a-series smartphone. Anyway, “early 2023” still depends on the view. It could mean the first quarter of 2023, but can also mean the first half of 2023. For now, we’ll have to wait.
Worth noting, that there are also rumors pointing to the launch of a foldable Google phone, and also a new Pixel tablet.
