Google Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Google Pixel 7a 5G

Our Verdict: The Pixel 7a 5G and the Pixel 11 Pro XL are three years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The 7a 5G leads on camera hardware with a 64MP main sensor to the 11 Pro XL's 50MP, and the 11 Pro XL packs the bigger battery, 5115mAh against 4385mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The 11 Pro XL has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.1" and sharper at 482 PPI, and storage goes higher on the 11 Pro XL, up to 1TB against 128GB. Coming from the 7a 5G, the 11 Pro XL is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.

Buying outright, the 7a 5G starts at £145 SIM-free.

Expert Rating
3.8
10 reviews
4.3
10 reviews
Screen
6.8" 6.1"
Display
LTPO OLED OLED
Resolution
1344 x 2992 1080 x 2400
Pixels Per Inch
482 431
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 64 Megapixels
Front Camera
42 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G6 (2 nm) Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
Battery
5,115 mAh 4,385 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB
OS
Android 17 Android 13
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth
6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.2, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
162.7 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm
Weight
226 grams 193 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP67 - Dust and water resistant
Contracts
£29.99/mo (£199.00 upfront) -
SIM-free
£1099.00 £144.99
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Google Pixel 11 Pro XL Google Pixel 7a 5G Google Pixel 7a 5G
Expert Rating 3.8
10 reviews
4.3
10 reviews
Screen 6.8" 6.1"
Display LTPO OLED OLED
Resolution 1344 x 2992 1080 x 2400
Pixels Per Inch 482 431
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 64 Megapixels
Front Camera 42 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G6 (2 nm) Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
Battery 5,115 mAh 4,385 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB
OS Android 17 Android 13
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth 6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.2, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 162.7 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm
Weight 226 grams 193 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) IP67 - Dust and water resistant
Contracts £29.99/mo
£199.00 upfront
-
SIM-free £1099.00 £144.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL
Google Pixel 11 Pro XL

24 Months

256GB

Obsidian

100GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£29.99 a month, £199 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10 off)

Google Pixel 7a 5G
Google Pixel 7a 5G

128GB

Charcoal Black

Refurbished

From £144.99

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL or Google Pixel 7a 5G?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Google Pixel 7a 5G's 6.1", the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL has the sharper display at 482 pixels per inch versus 431, and the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL uses a LTPO OLED panel while the Google Pixel 7a 5G has a OLED.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL or Google Pixel 7a 5G?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 7a 5G has a 64 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL or Google Pixel 7a 5G?

The Google Pixel 7a 5G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £144.99.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and Google Pixel 7a 5G?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Google Pixel 7a 5G comes in 128GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and Google Pixel 7a 5G use?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G6 (2 nm), while the Google Pixel 7a 5G uses the Google Tensor G2 (5 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL or Google Pixel 7a 5G?

The Google Pixel 7a 5G is the more portable of the two: it's 33g lighter at 193 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is slimmer at 8.5mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL or Google Pixel 7a 5G?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is rated IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min), while the Google Pixel 7a 5G is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant.

What operating system do the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and Google Pixel 7a 5G run?

The Google Pixel 11 Pro XL runs Android 17 and the Google Pixel 7a 5G runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.