Google has brought back its renowned mid-range smartphone, and the Pixel 7a emerges as a bona fide rival to top-tier flagships. Despite being positioned as the American tech giant’s default affordable offering for 2023, it fulfills nearly all the crucial criteria.
By now, Google has nearly achieved perfection when it comes to mid-range smartphones. The Pixel 7a takes the strengths of its predecessor and elevates them to a new level, truly deserving the label of a “flagship killer.” It boasts a wide range of notable enhancements that are sure to impress, all while maintaining an affordable price point.
Fortunately, the Pixel 7a strikes a balance between affordability and solid build quality. Despite its affordable nature, Google has ensured that the device doesn’t compromise on durability. So, as the summer season approaches, you can confidently bring your Pixel 7a to the beach without major concerns. However, it’s always advisable to take precautionary measures to protect any electronic device from potential damage caused by sand, water, or excessive heat.
The Pixel 7a boasts an IP67 certification, which signifies its water and dust resistance. However, it’s important to understand that the device is designed to be “resistant” rather than completely waterproof. In practical terms, this means the Pixel 7a can endure being submerged in water up to a maximum depth of 1 meter for a duration of 30 minutes.
There are a few noteworthy points to consider. Firstly, it’s crucial to emphasize that the advertised level of protection applies primarily to brand-new Pixel 7a units. Over time, the smartphone may become more vulnerable to water and dust damage. Secondly, it’s essential to be aware that not all liquids are compatible with the device’s resistance capabilities. Exposure to substances like salt water can still pose significant risks and cause harm to the Pixel 7a.
In addition to the IP67 certification, which guarantees water and dust resistance, there are a few more details to consider regarding the Pixel 7a’s durability.
Water Resistance: The IP67 rating ensures that the Pixel 7a can withstand immersion in water up to a depth of 1 meter for a maximum duration of 30 minutes. This means you don’t have to worry about accidental spills or light water exposure, such as rain or splashes from a pool. However, it’s important to note that water damage is not covered under warranty, so it’s still advisable to exercise caution around water.
Aging and Degradation: Over time, the water and dust resistance of any device can degrade due to wear and tear. The seals and gaskets that provide protection may become less effective, making the device more vulnerable to water and dust damage. It’s a good idea to handle the Pixel 7a with care and avoid unnecessary exposure to liquids and dusty environments, especially as the device gets older.
Liquid Compatibility: While the Pixel 7a is designed to withstand everyday water encounters, it’s important to remember that certain liquids can still cause damage. Substances like salt water, soapy water, or other corrosive liquids can be harmful to the device. It’s best to avoid exposing the Pixel 7a to such liquids to prevent potential damage.
Precautionary Measures: While the Pixel 7a offers water and dust resistance, it’s wise to take some precautions to keep your device safe. For instance, if you plan to take it to the beach, it’s recommended to avoid direct exposure to sand or salt water. Using a protective case or pouch can provide an extra layer of defense against potential damage.
To provide some background, the ingress protection (IP) index is a measure used to evaluate a device’s ability to withstand accidental damage caused by liquids, dust, and small particles like sand. An IP certification typically comprises two digits, with the first digit indicating dust resistance and the second digit representing water resistance.
In the case of the Pixel 7a, the first digit ‘6’ signifies comprehensive protection against dust, ensuring that no dust particles can penetrate the device and compromise its functionality. This high level of dust resistance ensures the internal components remain well-protected.
Moving on to water resistance, the second digit ‘7’ denotes the Pixel 7a’s ability to withstand water immersion. Specifically, the device is designed to survive complete submersion in water up to a depth of 1 meter for a duration of 30 minutes. This rating highlights the device’s capability to resist water damage, providing peace of mind in situations where accidental water exposure may occur.
By understanding the significance of both digits in the IP67 certification, we can ascertain that the Pixel 7a offers excellent defense against dust and a commendable degree of water resistance. This makes it a reliable choice for everyday use, even in environments where dust or water exposure is likely.