Pixel 7 ‘compact’ – AKA Pixel 7a – could be just over the horizon
We expect Google to finally unveil the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro next month, and confirmed their existence in May – but we now have word that a smaller Pixel variant could also appear in the not-too-distant future future.
this comes from digital chat station (opens in new tab), a tipster with a proven track record of accurate leaks. Unfortunately, we don’t actually get all the information about the device, save for one codename: Neila.
The phone will apparently have a circular hole for the selfie camera, which is in line with the Pixel 7. The rear of the phone will also apparently follow the recent Pixel trend, with a squeeze bar on the back to house the rear camera.
Size matters
We don’t have any indication here how compact this smaller phone will become. The Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch screen, the Pixel 6 Pro has a 6.71-inch screen, and the flagship Pixel 7 phones are expected to match those sizes pretty well.
Is this new phone a Google Pixel 7a? After all, the Pixel 6a has a smaller 6.1-inch display — but the leak uses the word “flagship” (translated by Google anyway), suggesting it won’t be a more affordable mid-ranger like the Pixel 6a.
Rumors of the smaller Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Ultra have been around for the past few months, but so far, Google has only confirmed the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. We’ll have to wait and see what else comes out in the same series.
Analysis: The trumpet is generally not sold
As the tipster Digital Chat Station points out, there is some volatility when it comes to selling small phones in different markets. Remember, Apple launched the iPhone 13 mini last year, but this year replaced it with the larger iPhone 14 Plus.
Phone size continues to climb into what was previously described as a “phablet.” The original Google Pixel launched in 2016 only six years ago with a 5-inch display that would feel small by today’s standards.
A smaller screen means the phone takes up less space in a bag or pocket; it also means it’s easier to operate with one hand. In contrast, this means that less content can be displayed on the screen at the same time – whether it’s a document, a website or a social media feed.
A foldable phone could be the answer, offering a larger screen when open and a more compact form factor when closed. If rumors are to be believed, Google is preparing a foldable Pixel phone along with this more compact Neila phone.
