Google Pixel 7a release date and availability: Where can you get the phone?

The budget model of Google’s smartphone lineup has been available for a few weeks now, and despite a slight price hike over its predecessor, it has lived up to big expectations. We’ve even dubbed it the best cheap Android phone so far in 2023. Here’s the lowdown on how the Google Pixel 7a release date played out and some useful info about its availability.

Pixel 7a release date: When did the phone make its debut?

The Google Pixel 7a launched on May 10 during the Google I/O event. It was introduced during the keynote address that opened the developer conference, along with the other new products in the Google lineup.

Android Authority and other publications had been anticipating that May 10 would be the launch date for some time prior. A combination of reputable leaks in the months leading up to the event and teasers on social media from Google itself left little room for doubt. And while the launch dates of previous Pixel A devices have jumped about somewhat, the Pixel 3a was announced in May, as was last year’s Pixel 6a. The latter was almost the exact same day last year, and the date of the 2023 Google I/O event was no secret.

A trusted source had also previously revealed some details of Google’s 2023-2025 roadmap to us. While the roadmap was to be confirmed, it did indicate that Google intends to launch the Pixel 7a — codenamed “lynx” internally — at this I/O event.

Was the Pixel 7a available at launch?

In a surprise move, Google did make the Pixel 7a available to buy immediately without a pre-order period. It appeared from online retailers soon after launch and was available to buy in stores from May 11.

This is something of a departure from Google’s previous release schedules. Last year, the Pixel 6a was not released until July 28 — more than two months after it was announced. Google didn’t specify a reason for this, but there were rumors that the delay was down to the global chip shortage. The three previous generations of Pixel A devices hit the shelves within a few weeks of being announced, but there was still a pre-order period.

An immediate release is refreshing and seems sensible to us. Last year, there were less than three months between the release of the Pixel 6a and the Pixel 7 series. It’s true that the two types of Pixel devices are aimed at slightly different buyers, but it still seems a bit unusual not to space out the releases to keep Pixel phones in the public consciousness for more of the year.

What is the Pixel 7a’s price?

The Pixel 7a is priced at $499 in the US, CAD$599 in Canada, €509 in Europe, and £449 in the UK.

The US price is $50 more than the Pixel 6a, which in turn is going to be reduced in price to $349 permanently. The price increase from its direct predecessor is easily explainable by inflation and the upgraded Tensor chip, but what remains to be seen is whether buyers will go for it over its big brother. With the Pixel 7 at a retail price of $599 and often available for less during sales, the Pixel 7a will need to justify why you shouldn’t pay an extra $100 for the additional features of the flagship phone.

It didn’t take long to start seeing a discount on the device, with an on-page coupon on Amazon reducing the price by $50 on May 18. If the Pixel 7a is being squeezed by the relative affordability of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 6a, then we might expect to see more and deeper discounts soon. You can also avoid paying the full asking price by getting the phone on a carrier plan or by trading in your old device.

Where can you buy the Pixel 7a?

Many retailers are stocking the Google Pixel 7a, offering some incentives.

If you buy it directly from Google, you can save money by trading in your old device, and you can also save on Google accessories if you bundle them in. Both Amazon and Best Buy were originally offering a free $50 gift card with your purchase post-launch, and we even saw a $50 off coupon from Amazon earlier today.

The three major carriers all have big discounts available if you pick up the new phone and add a line of service or upgrade your current plan. For instance, AT&T allows you to pay just $2 per month when you pair it with an eligible plan.

What other products did Google announce at the Pixel 7a launch event?

The Pixel 7a wasn’t the only hardware unveiled at Google I/O on May 10.

We saw the launch of the long-awaited Pixel Fold, and it’s about time. Google is a little late to the foldable party. Samsung is already on its fourth generation of the Z Fold and Z Flip phones, and the likes of HUAWEI, OPPO, HONOR, and Motorola also have devices available. Some would claim it was worth the wait for the slimmest foldable on the market. It boasts a 7.6-inch 120Hz immersive display unfolded, The same Tensor G2 SoC chip as the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, as well as familiar camera sensors for which Google devices are famous. The device is now available for pre-order and will ship later this month.

The Pixel Tablet also made an appearance at Google I/O 2023. Building on its experience of making Pixel phones and smart home devices, Google designed the Pixel Tablet to be used as a traditional table or smart home display, with features such as motion tracking during video calls. It’s also available now.

Where is the Pixel 7a available?

While not available everywhere, the Pixel 7a got a global release and features in most of the biggest smartphone markets, such as the US, Canada, India, Europe, and the UK.

This chimes with the Pixel 6a and the Pixel 7 series, which were released in the US, Canada, several European countries, Australia, and parts of Asia. The former was also Google’s first smartphone release in India for a couple of years, and the latter also went on sale in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands. In all, the Pixel 7 was available in 17 countries globally, and the same nations have the chance to buy the Pixel 7a.

FAQs