Google’s I/O conference has traditionally focused on software, but the big announcements at the 2023 event were all hardware.
The all-new Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet were joined by an upgraded Pixel 7a, the latest version of Google’s competitive mid-range phone. As our 9/10 review shows, it strikes a really good balance between premium features and affordability, even if there’s a slight price rise compared to last year.
With the Pixel 7a on sale now, here’s everything you need to know about buying one in the US and UK.
Where to buy the Google Pixel 7a in the US
There are several retailers selling the Pixel 7a in the US. Here are your SIM-free options:
- Amazon
- Best Buy – $50-100 off when activated on same day as purchase (on Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T or Google Fi)
On contract, head to the following:
- T-Mobile – from $20.84 per month for 24 months, but full price of phone paid back via bill credits over course of contract (aside from sales tax)
- AT&T
- Verizon – from $2 per month (with eligible trade in) or $14.45 per month (without trade in) for 36 months, but full price of phone paid back via bill credits over course of contract (unlimited plans only)
Where to buy the Google Pixel 7a in the UK
In the UK, here’s where to buy the phone SIM-free:
On contract, all plans include free Pixel Buds A:
- EE – from £30 per month with £100 upfront
- O2 – pre-built plans from £30 per month with £41.63 upfront, one or two free subscriptions
- Vodafone – from £29 per month with £19 upfront
- Three – from £10 with no upfront costs (36-month contract)
- iD Mobile (uses Three network) – from £21.99 per month with no upfront costs
- Mobile Phones Direct – from £21 per month with no upfront costs, Vodafone and O2 available
- Mobiles.co.uk – from £18 per month with no upfront costs, Vodafone and iD Mobile available
Here are the top UK contract deals right now:
Dominic Preston / Foundry
When was the Google Pixel 7a released?
The Pixel 7a was officially announced at Google’s I/O keynote on 10 May 2023.
Unlike most phones, there was no pre-order phase, so it went on sale immediately. You can buy one right now.
How much did the Google Pixel 7a cost launch?
Google kept things simple when it came to Pixel 7a pricing. There’s only one model, with 8GB of 128GB, which cost $499/£449 at launch.
For context, that’s a $50/£50 jump compared to 2022’s Pixel 6a, but the upgrades on the new model will make this worth it for many people.
Not 100% sure on the Pixel 7a yet? Here’s how it compares to the best mid-range phones and best Android phones.
Author: Anyron Copeman, Senior Staff Writer
As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.