Pixel 7a: Google code confirms numerous upgrades for company's next mid-range smartphone

Kuba Wojciechowski continues to reveal details about unreleased Pixel smartphones, having drawn the attention of Google developers. Principally, Wojciechowski has written about 'Lynx', rumoured to be the Pixel 7 Ultra, as well as the Pixel Tablet, the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro. However, the leaker recently provided details about the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a chipset that Qualcomm is expected to reveal within the next few days at its annual summit.

Subsequently, Wojciechowski has outlined that Lynx may actually be the codename for the Pixel 7a, not the mythical Pixel 7 Ultra, with Google tying the codename to 'Pixel 22 Mid-range'. Unsurprisingly, the Pixel 7a will not launch with better cameras than the Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro. Instead, the leaker claims that Google has removed some flagship hardware from newer Lynx revisions to make it a Pixel 6a successor. Specifically, the ISOCELL GN1 primary camera has made way for the IMX787, a 64 MP sensor that Sony released earlier this year. For reference, the IMX787 has already reached shelves via the Nubia Z40 Pro and the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra, along with the limited-run LG Velvet 2 Pro.

Conversely, the IMX712 remains, albeit only for ultra-wide-angle optics with no secondary telephoto lens. The Pixel a series should receive upgrades in other areas too, such as a high refresh rate display and wireless charging support. Purportedly, Google has equipped Lynx with a 90 Hz and 1080p display produced by Samsung, presumably an OLED panel. In short, the Pixel 7a promises to be a significant upgrade over the Pixel 6a, with a Google Tensor G2 chipset to add to the improved cameras, faster display and wireless charging capabilities described above. The Pixel 7a should arrive in early 2023, with an introduction at I/O 2023 likely at this stage.

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