Google Pixel 7a vs. T-Mobile REVVL 7: A Detailed Comparison

The Google Pixel 7a has established itself as the go-to mid-range camera phone, but T-Mobile's REVVL 7 offers a compelling alternative at a significantly lower price point. This comparison dives deep into the hardware differences, focusing on how the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the REVVL 7 stacks up against the Tensor G2 in the Pixel 7a, and whether the Pixel's AI-powered features justify the cost.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice, offering a dramatically better camera experience and smoother performance thanks to the Tensor G2. However, the T-Mobile REVVL 7 provides excellent value for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize efficiency and don't need cutting-edge features.

PHONES
Phone Names T-Mobile REVVL 7 Google Pixel 7a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 711, 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 bands25, 41, 66, 71, 77 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / 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
Announced2024, May 132023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, JuneAvailable. Released 2023, May 10
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions167.4 x 77.5 x 9.1 mm (6.59 x 3.05 x 0.36 in)152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight206 g (7.27 oz)193.5 g (6.84 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120HzOLED, HDR, 90Hz
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 710Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 14Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal128GB 6GB 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, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging15W wired, PD3.0, QC318W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 4385 mAh
Misc
ColorsArctic GrayCharcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral
Models-GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8
PriceAbout 190 EUR€ 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980
SAR1.14 W/kg (head)     1.12 W/kg (body)-

T-Mobile REVVL 7

  • Superior camera performance with Google's AI features
  • Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Tensor G2
  • Brighter and smoother display with 90Hz refresh rate

  • Higher price point
  • May experience some thermal throttling under sustained load

Google Pixel 7a

  • Significantly more affordable
  • Efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor
  • Supports fast charging standards (PD3.0, QC3)

  • Inferior camera quality
  • Less powerful processor for demanding tasks

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1070 nits, compared to an assumed lower peak brightness on the REVVL 7 (typical of its price bracket). While the REVVL 7's display specs are not provided, the Pixel 7a's brightness ensures excellent visibility outdoors. Both likely utilize OLED panels, but the Pixel 7a's higher resolution and brightness contribute to a more vibrant and detailed viewing experience. The Pixel 7a also benefits from a 90Hz refresh rate, not found on the REVVL 7, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 7a excels in camera capabilities, leveraging Google's computational photography expertise. While specific sensor details are missing for the REVVL 7, it's reasonable to assume a more basic camera system. The Pixel 7a's image processing, powered by the Tensor G2, delivers superior dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. Features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur are exclusive to the Pixel and provide significant editing advantages. The REVVL 7 will likely suffice for casual snapshots, but won't match the Pixel 7a's image quality or versatility.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Tensor G2 (5nm) in the Pixel 7a features a prime Cortex-X1 core clocked at 2.85 GHz, designed for peak performance, alongside Cortex-A78 and A55 cores. The REVVL 7's Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) uses Cortex-A78 and A55 cores, but with lower clock speeds (2.2 GHz and 1.8 GHz respectively). The 5nm process node of the Tensor G2 provides better power efficiency and thermal headroom than the 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, translating to sustained performance during demanding tasks. The Pixel 7a's more powerful CPU and GPU will deliver a noticeably smoother experience in gaming and multitasking.

Battery Life

The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, suggesting good battery life despite its more powerful processor. The REVVL 7's battery capacity is unknown, but its less demanding chipset and 4nm process should contribute to respectable longevity. The Pixel 7a supports 18W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging, while the REVVL 7 offers 15W wired charging with PD3.0 and QC3 support. While the charging speeds are relatively similar, the Pixel 7a's wireless charging adds convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the T-Mobile REVVL 7 if you need a reliable, affordable smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and social media, and you're willing to compromise on camera quality and processing power. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prioritize camera performance, AI-powered features like Magic Eraser, and a smoother, more responsive user experience, even if it means spending more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the REVVL 7 struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is capable of running many games, graphically demanding titles like Genshin Impact will likely require significant settings reductions to achieve playable frame rates on the REVVL 7. The Pixel 7a's Tensor G2 offers a much smoother gaming experience with higher graphical fidelity.
❓ How much of a difference will the Tensor G2's AI features make in everyday use on the Pixel 7a?
The Tensor G2's AI capabilities significantly enhance the user experience. Features like Magic Eraser for removing unwanted objects from photos, Photo Unblur for restoring old pictures, and improved voice recognition make a noticeable difference in daily tasks. These features are not available on the REVVL 7.
❓ Is the REVVL 7 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing?
Yes, the REVVL 7 is an excellent choice for users with basic needs. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor is more than capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly and efficiently, and its lower price point makes it a very attractive option.
❓ Does the Pixel 7a support software updates for a longer period than the REVVL 7?
Yes, the Google Pixel 7a is guaranteed to receive Android OS updates and security patches for a longer duration than the T-Mobile REVVL 7. Google typically provides several years of software support for its Pixel devices, ensuring a more secure and up-to-date experience.