Google Pixel 6a vs Pixel 5: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Pixel 6a offers a significant performance boost thanks to the Tensor chip and a brighter display, making it the better choice for most users. However, the Pixel 5's wireless charging, reverse charging, and slightly longer battery life might appeal to specific users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Google Pixel 6a | Google Pixel 5 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 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, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada) | 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 |
| 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) | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 258, 260, 261 Sub6/mmWave - GD1YQ |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6 - GTT9Q | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 11 | 2020, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 21 | Available. Released 2020, October 15 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) | 144.7 x 70.4 x 8 mm (5.70 x 2.77 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 151 g (5.33 oz) |
| IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~432 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 87.6 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR | OLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Always-on display | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Google Tensor (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP20 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | UFS 2.1 | |
| 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 | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama | 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, OIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD3.0 | 18W wired, PD2.0 12W wireless 5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4410 mAh | Li-Po 4080 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage | Just Black, Sorta Sage |
| Models | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L | GD1YQ, GTT9Q, G5NZ6 |
| Price | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 | € 181.31 / $ 272.44 / £ 136.00 |
| Pricing | ||
|---|---|---|
| 128GB 8GB RAM | - | $ 194.84 |
| RENEWED | - | $ 253.00 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 94h | Endurance rating 95h |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Google Pixel 6a
- Faster Performance (Tensor Chip)
- Brighter Display
- Latest Google Features
- Improved Image Processing
- No Wireless Charging
- No Reverse Wireless Charging
- Slightly Shorter Battery Life (rated)
Google Pixel 5
- Wireless Charging
- Reverse Wireless Charging
- Slightly Longer Battery Life (rated)
- Established Software Experience
- Slower Performance (Snapdragon 765G)
- Less Bright Display
- Older Chipset
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display at 876 nits compared to the Pixel 5's 699 nits. This makes the 6a easier to view outdoors. Both have excellent contrast ratios (infinite nominal), offering rich colors and deep blacks. The 6a's display is a clear upgrade in terms of brightness.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature excellent cameras, but the Pixel 6a benefits from Google's latest image processing algorithms powered by the Tensor chip. While both offer impressive image quality, the 6a often produces slightly more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Both have excellent computational photography features.
Performance
The Google Tensor chip in the Pixel 6a provides a substantial performance advantage over the Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 5. Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the 6a. The Tensor chip also enables features like faster voice processing and improved AI capabilities.
Battery Life
The Pixel 5 edges out the Pixel 6a slightly in battery endurance, with a rated 95h versus 94h. However, real-world usage can vary. The Pixel 5 also offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, features absent in the 6a. The Pixel 6a supports faster wired charging (PD3.0) than the Pixel 5 (PD2.0).
Buying Guide
The Pixel 6a is ideal for those prioritizing performance, a vibrant display, and the latest Google features. The Pixel 5 is a good option for users who value wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and a slightly more established software experience, especially if they find a good deal.