Google Pixel 2 XL vs. Pixel 7a: A Generational Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Pixel 7a is the clear winner. While the Pixel 2 XL boasts impressive endurance, the 7a's superior performance, significantly improved camera, faster charging, and modern features make it a worthwhile upgrade, despite a slight dip in battery life.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Google Pixel 2 XL | Google Pixel 7a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat15 800/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2017, October 04. Released 2017, October 17 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum/glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (6.22 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2880 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~538 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.6 cm2 (~76.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | P-OLED | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 540 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 11 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Features | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12.2 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps (gyro-EIS), 1080p@30/60/120fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@240fps (gyro-EIS) | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.4, 25mm (wide), 1/3.2", 1.4µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10.5W wired (capped), PD2.0 | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 3520 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Just Black, Black & White | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | G011C | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | About 520 EUR | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | Noise - 93.7 / Crosstalk - 79.7 | - |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 88h | - |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: ∞ | - |
| Loudspeaker | Voice 66dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 78dB | - |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 206711 (v7) GeekBench: 6055 (v4.4) GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Google Pixel 2 XL
- Excellent camera for its time
- Clean Android experience
- Good value on the used market
- Decent battery life (when new)
- Outdated processor
- Dim display
- No wireless charging
- Battery degradation likely
- Limited software updates
Google Pixel 7a
- Flagship-level performance
- Exceptional camera
- Bright and vibrant display
- Fast charging (wired & wireless)
- Modern features
- Guaranteed software updates
- Battery life slightly less than the original 2 XL
- Can get warm under heavy load
- Price higher than used 2 XL
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a's display is a significant upgrade. While the Pixel 2 XL's contrast ratio is theoretically infinite (likely due to OLED technology), its brightness is considerably lower. The 7a's 1070 nits max brightness makes it much more usable outdoors and offers a more vibrant viewing experience. Resolution is similar, but the 7a's panel is simply more modern and brighter.
Camera Comparison
While both Pixels are known for their cameras, the Pixel 7a takes a massive leap forward. The 7a features a more advanced sensor and Google's latest image processing algorithms, resulting in sharper, more detailed photos with better dynamic range and low-light performance. Video capabilities are also significantly improved on the 7a. The 2 XL's camera was excellent for its time, but it's simply outdated compared to the 7a.
Performance
The Pixel 7a's Google Tensor G2 chipset blows the Snapdragon 835 in the Pixel 2 XL out of the water. The Tensor G2's newer architecture and 5nm process provide significantly faster processing speeds and improved efficiency. Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading, and better overall responsiveness on the 7a. The 2 XL still holds up reasonably well for basic tasks, but struggles with demanding games and applications.
Battery Life
The Pixel 2 XL initially had a higher endurance rating (88h) compared to the Pixel 7a (76h). However, this is a misleading metric as it doesn't account for real-world usage and the 2 XL's battery has degraded over time. The 7a's battery, combined with the Tensor G2's efficiency, provides a more reliable all-day battery life. The 7a also supports faster 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging, while the 2 XL is capped at 10.5W wired and lacks wireless charging.
Buying Guide
The Pixel 2 XL is for those seeking a budget Android experience with a decent camera and are comfortable with an older device. The Pixel 7a is ideal for users wanting a flagship-like experience, excellent camera capabilities, and modern features without breaking the bank.