Google Pixel 6a vs BLU G72 Max: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Google Pixel 6a, a former flagship contender, now finds itself in a competitive mid-range space. The BLU G72 Max aims to undercut it significantly on price. This comparison dissects the core differences – from processing power to camera capabilities – to determine which phone delivers the best experience for your money.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the clear winner. Its Google Tensor chip provides a dramatically faster and more responsive experience, coupled with superior camera processing. However, the BLU G72 Max is a viable option for those prioritizing a larger display and absolute lowest cost.

PHONES
Phone Names	BLU G72 Max	Google Pixel 6a

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada)
5G bands	-	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada)
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	-	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International)

Launch
Announced	2023, February 04	2022, May 11
Status	Available. Released 2023, February 04	Available. Released 2022, July 21

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions	168.3 x 78.8 x 9.9 mm (6.63 x 3.10 x 0.39 in)	152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight	209 g (7.37 oz)	178 g (6.28 oz)
	-	IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~258 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size	6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)	6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz	OLED, HDR
	-	Always-on display

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)	Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm)	Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPU	PowerVR GE8320	Mali-G78 MP20
OS	Android 12	Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC	No
Internal	128GB 4GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM
	-	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Dual	-	12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm
Features	LED flash	Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP	8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Triple	13 MP, (wide), AF 2 other unspecified cameras	-
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS

Selfie camera
Features	-	HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP	8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	No
35mm jack	Yes	No
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	Yes
Positioning	GPS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
Radio	Unspecified	No
USB	USB Type-C 2.0	USB Type-C 3.1
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer

Battery
Charging	-	18W wired, PD3.0
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 4410 mAh

Misc
Colors	Gray, Mint, Orange	Chalk, Charcoal, Sage
Models	-	GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
Price	-	$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 94h
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

BLU G72 Max

Significantly faster processor with Google Tensor
Superior camera performance and image processing
Faster charging with PD3.0 support

Higher price point
Smaller display compared to BLU G72 Max

Google Pixel 6a

Lower price
Potentially larger display size
Acceptable battery life

Slow and inefficient processor
Inferior camera quality
Likely slower charging speeds

Display Comparison

The BLU G72 Max doesn't list display specs beyond size, while the Pixel 6a boasts a measured peak brightness of 876 nits. This significant difference means the Pixel 6a will be far more usable in direct sunlight. The Pixel 6a’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio (typical for OLED panels) also delivers deeper blacks and more vibrant colors compared to what is likely an LCD panel on the G72 Max. While the G72 Max may offer a larger screen real estate, the Pixel 6a’s superior panel technology provides a better viewing experience overall.

Camera Comparison

While both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, the Pixel 6a’s image processing capabilities, powered by the Tensor chip, are a major advantage. Google’s computational photography is renowned for its dynamic range and detail. The BLU G72 Max’s camera performance will likely be adequate for casual snapshots, but it won’t match the Pixel 6a’s consistently high-quality results, especially in low-light conditions. Without specific sensor details for the G72 Max, it’s safe to assume it lacks the advanced features like OIS found in many Pixel models.

Performance

The performance gap is substantial. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor chip, built on a 5nm process, features a prime Cortex-X1 core clocked at 2.80 GHz, alongside Cortex-A76 and A55 cores. This architecture is leagues ahead of the BLU G72 Max’s Mediatek Helio G37 (12nm) with its four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor chip also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained tasks. The Pixel 6a will handle demanding apps and games with ease, while the G72 Max will struggle with anything beyond basic usage.

Battery Life

Both devices share an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite potentially different battery capacities. However, the Pixel 6a supports 18W wired charging with PD3.0, offering faster and more efficient charging compared to the likely slower and less standardized charging solution on the BLU G72 Max. The faster charging speed means less downtime and quicker top-ups throughout the day.

Buying Guide

Buy the BLU G72 Max if you need a large screen on an extremely tight budget and prioritize basic smartphone functionality over performance. You'll be sacrificing camera quality and speed. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value a smooth, responsive user experience, excellent camera capabilities, and long-term software support, even if it means spending more upfront.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G37 in the BLU G72 Max sufficient for playing modern mobile games?

The Mediatek Helio G37 is a budget-oriented chipset. While it can handle some mobile games, you'll likely need to lower graphics settings and expect lower frame rates, especially in demanding titles. The Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor will provide a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.

❓ How does the Pixel 6a's software support compare to the BLU G72 Max?

Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the Pixel 6a. BLU, as a smaller manufacturer, typically offers limited software support. Expect fewer updates and a shorter lifespan for the BLU G72 Max.

❓ Does the Pixel 6a's Tensor chip get hot during extended use?

The Google Tensor chip is known to run warm under heavy load, but Google's thermal management is generally effective at preventing significant throttling. While it may get warmer than some other chips, it's unlikely to become uncomfortably hot during typical use. The G72 Max's Helio G37 will likely struggle more with heat due to its less efficient 12nm process.