The much-anticipated launch of Google’s Pixel 7a is just a few weeks away, with rumors suggesting that it will debut at Google I/O 2023 on May 10. This upcoming smartphone is poised to be the successor to Google’s popular Pixel 6a, which was widely regarded as the best-value phone of 2022. Fortunately, we now have information regarding the price of the Pixel 7a, thanks to a reliable retail source.
According to the latest report from 9to5Google, it has been confirmed that the upcoming Pixel 7a will be priced at $499, representing a $50 bump from the price of its predecessor last year. The rumored price is just $100 less than an entry-level Pixel 7.
In the previous year of 2022, Google released the Pixel 6a with a price tag of $449, featuring a similar appearance to the Pixel 6 but with outdated hardware and some other limitations. Despite this, the $150 price reduction compared to the Pixel 6 made it a worthwhile purchase.
If the rumored price of $499 for the Pixel 7a turns out to be true, it could lead to confusion among consumers and make Google’s product portfolio too complex. While the Pixel 7a is expected to have significant upgrades, including a 90Hz refresh rate and improved camera hardware, it will still be inferior to the Pixel 7. As a result, potential buyers may opt for the Pixel 7 instead of the 7a if they see both phones on a store shelf.
It’s true that this pricing strategy represents a significant shift for Google, which has traditionally focused on providing exceptional value in its Pixel A-series phones. For example, the Pixel 4a was priced at only $349, which set it apart from both the Pixel 4 and Pixel 5 series in terms of affordability and value. The $50 increase for the Pixel 7a could potentially blur the lines between the A-series and higher-end Pixel phones, which may cause confusion for buyers.
Google Pixel 7a
— jon prosser (@jon_prosser) April 17, 2023
Charcoal, Snow, Sea (light blue), and Coral (Google Store only)
Announcement: May 10, available for purchase immediately
6a will not be discontinued.
The Pixel 7a is expected to hit retail stores in a couple of weeks, and more details are likely to be revealed soon. According to Jon Prosser, the Pixel 7a will be available for purchase on May 10, just after Google I/O. However, the street date for the device is May 11, which means that customers won’t be able to get it in-store or delivered until then. Prosser also mentioned that the phone will be sold exclusively in a “Coral” color option on the Google Store, in addition to the colors that have already been leaked.
There’s no official explanation from Google yet, but it’s possible that the company is investing more in the Pixel 7a’s features and hardware, which could justify the increase in price. Additionally, the current global semiconductor shortage may be impacting production costs, leading to higher prices across the board for electronics. However, until we hear more from Google, it’s all speculation.
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