Google Pixel 7a vs Samsung Galaxy A17 4G: A Detailed Comparison

The Google Pixel 7a and Samsung Galaxy A17 4G represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Pixel 7a brings Google’s computational photography and Tensor G2 chip to a more accessible price point, while the Galaxy A17 4G prioritizes long-lasting battery life and a dependable user experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice, offering significantly faster performance and a class-leading camera experience. However, the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is a compelling option for those prioritizing exceptional battery endurance and a lower upfront cost, even if it means sacrificing processing power.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy A17 4G Google Pixel 7a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 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
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / 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
Announced2025, September 182023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, September 18Available. Released 2023, May 10
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.4 x 77.9 x 7.5 mm (6.47 x 3.07 x 0.30 in)152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)193.5 g (6.84 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus+, Mohs level 5Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 90HzOLED, HDR, 90Hz
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 7Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 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
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF, OIS 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioFM radio (market/region dependent)No
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging25W wired18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 4385 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Gray, Light blueCharcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral
ModelsSM-A175F, SM-A175F/DS, SM-A175M, SM-A175M/DS, SM-A175F/DSBGWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8
Price€ 145.00 / $ 171.20 / £ 138.00€ 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980
SAR EU0.37 W/kg (head)     1.18 W/kg (body)-
EU LABEL
Battery51:33h endurance, 1200 cycles-
EnergyClass A-
Free fallClass B (180 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Samsung Galaxy A17 4G

  • Exceptional battery life and longevity (51:33h endurance, 1200 cycles)
  • Faster 25W wired charging
  • More affordable price point

  • Significantly slower processor than the Pixel 7a
  • Inferior camera performance

Google Pixel 7a

  • Powerful Google Tensor G2 processor
  • Superior camera quality and features
  • Brighter and more vibrant display (1070 nits)
  • Wireless charging support

  • Shorter battery life compared to the A17 4G
  • Slower 18W wired charging

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1070 nits, compared to the A17 4G (brightness data unavailable, but expected to be lower based on market segment). This brightness advantage translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While the A17 4G’s panel technology isn’t specified, the Pixel 7a likely utilizes an OLED panel offering superior contrast and color accuracy. Bezels are expected to be slimmer on the Pixel 7a, contributing to a more modern aesthetic.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a clear standout. While specific sensor details are missing for both, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2, elevates image quality significantly. The Pixel 7a excels in dynamic range, low-light performance, and overall image processing. The A17 4G likely relies more on hardware limitations, and while capable, won’t match the Pixel’s image quality. The Pixel 7a also offers superior video recording capabilities. We can assume the A17 4G includes standard features like portrait mode, but the Pixel 7a’s Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur features provide unique editing advantages.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2, fabricated on a 5nm process, features a prime Cortex-X1 core clocked at 2.85 GHz, delivering substantially higher peak performance than the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm). The Helio G99’s octa-core configuration, with its Cortex-A76 cores peaking at 2.2 GHz, is adequate for everyday tasks, but will struggle with demanding games and multitasking compared to the Tensor G2. The Tensor G2 also benefits from Google’s machine learning capabilities, enhancing features like voice recognition and image processing. The Pixel 7a likely utilizes faster LPDDR5x RAM, further boosting performance.

Battery Life

Battery life is where the Galaxy A17 4G shines. Its impressive 51:33h endurance rating, coupled with 1200 charge cycles, indicates exceptional longevity. The Pixel 7a’s older 76h endurance rating is still respectable, but falls short of the A17 4G. The A17 4G’s 25W wired charging is faster than the Pixel 7a’s 18W wired charging (with PD3.0 support), allowing for quicker top-ups. The Pixel 7a adds the convenience of 7.5W wireless charging, a feature absent on the A17 4G.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy A17 4G if you need a phone that can reliably last through two full days of moderate use and value affordability above all else. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prioritize a smooth, responsive user experience, exceptional camera capabilities, and access to Google’s latest software features, even if it means charging more frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Galaxy A17 4G struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Helio G99 is a capable chip for everyday tasks, but it will likely struggle to maintain consistent frame rates in demanding games like Genshin Impact, even on medium settings. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential overheating during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How does the Pixel 7a's camera perform in low-light conditions compared to the Galaxy A17 4G?
The Pixel 7a excels in low-light photography thanks to its larger sensor (likely) and Google’s Night Sight mode. It captures significantly brighter and more detailed images with less noise compared to the Galaxy A17 4G, which will produce softer images with more visible grain in challenging lighting conditions.
❓ Is the 7.5W wireless charging on the Pixel 7a significantly slower than the 18W wired charging?
Yes, 7.5W wireless charging is considerably slower than 18W wired charging. A full charge via wireless charging will take several hours, while wired charging will be much faster. Wireless charging is primarily for convenience, not speed.
❓ Given the A17 4G's long battery life, is the screen quality a significant compromise?
While the A17 4G prioritizes battery life, the screen quality is likely a compromise. It won't match the Pixel 7a's brightness or color accuracy. If you frequently consume media outdoors or are sensitive to display quality, the Pixel 7a is a better choice.