Google Pixel 5a 5G vs Pixel 7a: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Pixel 7a is the clear winner, offering a significantly improved chipset, brighter display, and enhanced camera capabilities. While the 5a 5G boasts impressive battery life, the 7a's advancements in performance and features justify its higher price point for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Google Pixel 5a 5G | Google Pixel 7a |
| 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, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3 |
| 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, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 17 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 26 | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| 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 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 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 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| 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 (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB 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 | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| 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 | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| 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, tri-band |
| 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 7.5W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 4680 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Mostly Black | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | G1F8F, G4S1M | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | $ 189.00 / C$ 249.99 | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 122h | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 291303 (v8) GeekBench: 1337 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Exceptional battery life
- Clean Android experience
- Good value for the price (when discounted)
- Reliable 5G connectivity
- Older chipset - slower performance
- Less bright display
- No wireless charging
- Larger and heavier design
Google Pixel 7a
- Significantly faster performance
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Improved camera system
- Wireless charging support
- Modern design
- Shorter battery life than 5a 5G
- Higher price point
- Tensor G2 can sometimes exhibit thermal throttling
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a's display shines with a measured peak brightness of 1070 nits, significantly brighter than the 5a 5G's 861 nits. Both offer excellent contrast (the 5a 5G boasts a nominal 'infinite' ratio), but the 7a's brightness makes it more usable outdoors. The 7a also features a slightly smaller, more modern design.
Camera Comparison
While both Pixels are known for their excellent cameras, the Pixel 7a takes a clear lead. It benefits from Google's latest image processing algorithms and hardware improvements, resulting in better dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. The 7a also offers improved video recording capabilities.
Performance
The Pixel 7a's Google Tensor G2 chipset (5nm) is a substantial upgrade over the 5a 5G's Snapdragon 765G 5G (7nm). The Tensor G2's Cortex-X1 core delivers noticeably faster performance for demanding tasks and smoother multitasking. The 7a handles gaming and AI-powered features with ease, while the 5a 5G can feel a bit sluggish at times.
Battery Life
The Pixel 5a 5G holds a surprising advantage in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 122 hours. The Pixel 7a's rating is 76 hours. However, the 7a supports faster charging (PD3.0) and wireless charging (7.5W), which can offset the difference in endurance.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G? Those on a tight budget who prioritize long battery life and a reliable, albeit older, Pixel experience. Who should buy the Google Pixel 7a? Anyone seeking a modern, faster phone with a superior camera, brighter display, and the latest Google features.