Google is expected to unveil a new Pixel 8a phone at next month’s I/O conference, but if you’re willing to buy last year’s model, a new sale has knocked the Pixel 7a down to the lowest price we’ve tracked. The phone is now on sale for $349, which is $150 less than Google’s list price and $25 less than the lowest price we’ve seen in recent months. The only better deal we’ve found for the unlocked model is one that requires you to trade in another device. The discount applies to black, light blue, and white colorways and is available at multiple retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Google Online Store. Google says the offer will last until May 4.
Photography: Sam Rutherford/Engadget
This is a new low for unlocked versions of Google’s mid-range smartphones.
Amazon $349
The Pixel 7a is the top budget pick in our guide to the best Android phones, with Engadget’s Sam Rutherford giving it a 90 in our review last May. When it’s discounted to this extent, it’s still a great value. Its camera is still better than everything else in this price range, and it still offers a largely unbloated version of Android. Its Tensor G2 can run hot at times, but is still fast enough for everyday tasks. While it won’t be as up-to-date as the flagship Pixel 8, it will still receive operating system updates until May 2026 and security updates until May 2028.
The mostly plastic design and 6.1-inch OLED display are a step below more expensive devices, but at this price it should be acceptable. The latter can run at a 90Hz refresh rate, which again isn’t quite up to par with the top models, but makes scrolling feel smoother than many budget Android phones. Along these lines, the fact that the Pixel 7a supports wireless charging is welcome, although it tops out at a relatively slow 7.5W. Battery life is great, but not class-leading overall, and wired charging isn’t the fastest either (18W).
If you don’t need a new phone right now, it still makes sense to see if Google follows tradition and releases a new A-series phone in a few weeks.Had a series of Pixel 8a leaked in the past few times months, all of which suggests that this device will be closer to the current Pixel 8. If you’re looking to upgrade today and have to stay on a tighter budget, we expect this deal to still be worth it after I/O. It’s also worth noting that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro sell for $549 and $799 respectively, although neither price is an all-time low.
follow @EngadgetDeals on twitter and Subscribe to the Engadget Deals Newsletter Get the latest tech deals and buying advice.
