Google Pixel 6a vs Pixel 5a 5G: The Ultimate Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Pixel 6a wins on performance thanks to the Tensor chip, offering a noticeably faster experience. However, the Pixel 5a 5G boasts superior battery life and 5G connectivity. If speed and future-proofing are priorities, the 6a is the better pick; otherwise, the 5a 5G remains a compelling option.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Google Pixel 6a | Google Pixel 5a 5G |
| 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, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / 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) | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 11 | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 21 | Available. Released 2021, August 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 183 g (6.46 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 (~429 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR | OLED, HDR |
| 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 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 | 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 |
| 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 | 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), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| 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 |
| Type | Li-Po 4410 mAh | Li-Po 4680 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage | Mostly Black |
| Models | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L | G1F8F, G4S1M |
| Price | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 | $ 189.00 / C$ 249.99 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 94h | Endurance rating 122h |
| 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 6a
- Faster performance (Google Tensor)
- Ultrawide lens
- Slightly brighter display
- Modern design
- Magic Eraser & Real Tone
- Shorter battery life
- Slower charging
- No 5G in some regions
Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Longer battery life
- 5G connectivity
- Lower price
- Excellent camera
- Slower performance (Snapdragon 765G)
- No ultrawide lens
- Older design
Display Comparison
Both phones feature OLED displays with excellent color accuracy and contrast. The Pixel 6a edges out the 5a 5G with a slightly higher peak brightness (876 nits vs 861 nits), making it a bit easier to see in direct sunlight. Both have a nominal infinite contrast ratio, typical of OLED panels. The 6a's display also feels more modern with its smaller bezels.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer excellent camera performance thanks to Google's computational photography. While both have a 12.2MP main sensor, the Pixel 6a benefits from the Tensor chip's image processing capabilities, resulting in slightly better dynamic range and low-light performance. The 6a also includes an ultrawide lens, which the 5a 5G lacks. Both offer fantastic portrait mode and video recording.
Performance
This is where the Pixel 6a truly shines. The Google Tensor chip is significantly faster than the Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 5a 5G. Expect smoother app loading, quicker multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 6a. The Tensor chip also enables features like Magic Eraser and Real Tone.
Battery Life
The Pixel 5a 5G takes the lead in battery life. Its larger battery and more efficient processor allow it to last considerably longer on a single charge (122h endurance rating vs 94h). While the Pixel 6a supports PD3.0 charging, both phones are limited to 18W wired charging, which is relatively slow compared to some competitors.
Buying Guide
The Google Pixel 6a is ideal for users who prioritize performance, a modern design, and the latest Google features. It's great for multitasking, gaming, and those who want a responsive experience. The Pixel 5a 5G is a better choice for those on a tighter budget who value long battery life and 5G connectivity, and don't need the absolute fastest performance.