Google Pixel 5a 5G vs Pixel 6a: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Pixel 6a wins overall thanks to its significantly faster Google Tensor chip, improved camera processing, and slightly brighter display. While the 5a 5G boasts slightly better battery endurance, the 6a's performance and features justify its price premium for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Google Pixel 5a 5G | 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 | 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, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 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, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 17 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 26 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR | OLED, HDR |
| Always-on display | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB 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 16 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm | 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, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm | 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, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD2.0 | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 4680 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Mostly Black | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | G1F8F, G4S1M | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | $ 189.00 / C$ 249.99 | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 122h | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 291303 (v8) GeekBench: 1337 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Excellent battery life
- More affordable
- Familiar Snapdragon performance
- Good camera
- Slower processor
- Older design
- No wireless charging
Google Pixel 6a
- Faster Google Tensor chip
- Improved camera processing
- Slightly brighter display
- More modern design
- Magic Eraser and Real Tone
- Slightly shorter battery life
- No wireless charging
- Can get warm under heavy load
Display Comparison
Both phones feature OLED displays with excellent color accuracy and infinite contrast ratios. The Pixel 6a edges out the 5a 5G with a slightly higher peak brightness of 876 nits versus 861 nits, making it a bit easier to see in direct sunlight. Both have a 6.1-inch size and FHD+ resolution.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer excellent image quality thanks to Google's computational photography, the Pixel 6a's camera benefits from the Tensor chip's improved image processing. Expect slightly better dynamic range, more accurate colors, and enhanced low-light performance on the 6a. Both have a 12.2MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide.
Performance
This is where the Pixel 6a truly shines. The Google Tensor chip offers a substantial performance boost over the Snapdragon 765G in the 5a 5G. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the 6a. The Tensor chip also enables features like Magic Eraser and Real Tone.
Battery Life
The Pixel 5a 5G holds a slight advantage in battery life, with an endurance rating of 122 hours compared to the Pixel 6a's 94 hours. However, the 6a's more efficient Tensor chip helps mitigate this difference, and real-world usage often shows a smaller gap. Both support 18W wired charging, but lack wireless charging.
Buying Guide
The Pixel 5a 5G is a good choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a familiar Snapdragon experience. The Pixel 6a is ideal for those seeking a faster processor, better camera capabilities, and a more modern design, even if it means a slightly shorter battery life.