Google Pixel 7a pricing leak sours mood on mid-ranger appeal

As revealed yesterday, Google will unveil the Pixel 7a on May 10 at I/O. The mid-range phone is expected to be widely available for purchase within 24 hours of its launch, but leaked pricing of the phone may well have dampened the excitement for those waiting for the release of the Pixel 6a's successor.

According to 9to5Google, the Pixel 7a is expected to be priced at US$499 in the US, presumably for the sole 128 GB SKU. While an MSRP of US$499 doesn't seem particularly high, it still represents a US$50 increase over last year's Pixel 6a. Admittedly, though, the Pixel 7a will offer a 90 Hz display, a new 64 MP camera, and an ultra-wide-angle shooter as improvements over the Pixel 6a. Some may consider those features worth the price bump but it's important to point out that the Pixel 4a cost just US$349 when it launched back in 2020. 

It's particularly egregious, however, that Google's own Pixel 7, a better device than the Pixel 7a, can be had brand new for even less than the 7a is expected to cost. To be exact, the vanilla Pixel 7 is available right now for just US$449. That's also the same price tag carried by Samsung's new Galaxy A54, for what it's worth. It's hard to argue with the idea of the Pixel 7a offering less value than expected at a US$499 MSRP. Thankfully, though, the Pixel 6a is expected to still be available for purchase even after the 7a launches, likely at a reduced price point. 

Buy the Google Pixel 7 on Amazon.