Pixel 7 ‘compact’ – AKA Pixel 7a – could be just over the horizon
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We’re expecting Google to finally get around to launching the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro next month, having confirmed their existence in May – but we now have news of a smaller Pixel variant also arriving in the UK. not-too-distant future.
This is from Digital Chat Station (opens in new tab), a tipster with a respectable track record for accurate leaks. Unfortunately, we don’t actually get that much information about the device, other than a code name: Neila.
The phone will apparently have a single circular opening for the selfie camera, which is in line with the Pixel 7. The back of the phone will also apparently follow the trend of recent Pixels, with an extruded bar on the back that houses the cameras. the backside.
Size Matters
What we don’t have here is an indication of how compact this smaller phone will be. The Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch screen and the Pixel 6 Pro has a 6.71-inch screen, while the flagship Pixel 7 handsets are expected to fit those dimensions quite well.
Could this new phone be the Google Pixel 7a? The Pixel 6a has a smaller 6.1-inch screen anyway – but the leak uses the word “flagship” (via Google Translate at least), suggesting it won’t be a more affordable mid-range like the Pixel 6a is.
There’s been whispers in recent months about both a smaller Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Ultra, but so far Google has only confirmed the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. We’ll have to wait and see what else might appear in the same series.
Analysis: small usually doesn’t sell
As the tipster Digital Chat Station points out, there is some volatility when it comes to selling smaller phones in different markets. Remember, Apple launched the iPhone 13 mini last year but replaced it this year with the much larger iPhone 14 Plus.
Phone sizes continue to grow into what would previously have been described as ‘phablet’ territory. Launched just six years ago in 2016, the original Google Pixel came with a 5-inch display that would feel small by today’s standards.
A smaller screen means a phone takes up less space in a bag or pocket; it also means it’s easier to operate with one hand. On the other hand, less can fit on the screen at once – whether that’s a document, a website, or a social media feed.
Foldable phones may be the answer, with larger screens when opened and more compact form factors when closed. If we are to believe the rumors, Google is preparing a foldable Pixel phone, as well as this more compact Neila model.