Google Pixel 6a vs Pixel 7: A Detailed Comparison

The Google Pixel 6a and Pixel 7 are both excellent smartphones, offering a blend of Google's signature software and competitive hardware. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Pixel 7 edges out the 6a with a brighter display, faster processor, improved camera capabilities, and wireless charging. However, the 6a remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a fantastic Pixel experience. The Pixel 7 is the overall winner, but the 6a offers incredible value.

PHONES
Phone Names	Google Pixel 6a	Google Pixel 7

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 800 / 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, 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, 38, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - GQML3
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, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - GQML3
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, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GVU6C

Launch
Announced	2022, May 11	2022, October 06
Status	Available. Released 2022, July 21	Available. Released 2022, October 13

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back	Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions	152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)	155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm (6.13 x 2.88 x 0.34 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight	178 g (6.28 oz)	197 g (6.95 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 Victus
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~416 ppi density)
Size	6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.3 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	OLED, HDR	AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1400 nits (peak)
	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 (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Google Tensor (5 nm)	Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPU	Mali-G78 MP20	Mali-G710 MP7
OS	Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades	Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	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	50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm
Features	Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama	Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm	10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm
Video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR

Selfie camera
Features	HDR, panorama	HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm	10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps

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	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 3.1	USB Type-C 3.2
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/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct

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

Battery
Charging	18W wired, PD3.0	20W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 20W wireless Reverse wireless
Type	Li-Po 4410 mAh	Li-Ion 4355 mAh

Misc
Colors	Chalk, Charcoal, Sage	Obsidian, Lemongrass, Snow
Models	GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L	GVU6C, GQML3, GO3Z5
Price	$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999	€ 199.00 / $ 179.26 / £ 189.99 / ₹ 28,499

Tests
Battery life	Endurance rating 94h	Endurance rating 96h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	-26.2 LUFS (Good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 813114 (v9) GeekBench: 3288 (v5.1) GFXBench: 59fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Google Pixel 6a

Excellent value
Clean Android experience
Great camera for the price
Compact and lightweight

Slower processor than Pixel 7
Less bright display
No wireless charging
Slower wired charging

Google Pixel 7

Brighter display
Faster processor (Tensor G2)
Improved camera features
Wireless charging
Faster wired charging

Higher price
Slightly larger and heavier than Pixel 6a

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7 boasts a significantly brighter display at 974 nits compared to the 6a's 876 nits. While both offer excellent color accuracy and contrast (both listed as 'Infinite' nominal), the Pixel 7's increased brightness makes it more comfortable to use outdoors. Both utilize OLED technology for vibrant colors and deep blacks.

Camera Comparison

While both Pixels offer excellent camera performance thanks to Google's computational photography, the Pixel 7 has an edge. It generally captures slightly better images in various lighting conditions and offers improved zoom capabilities. Both phones feature excellent image processing and produce consistently great photos and videos.

Performance

The Pixel 7's Tensor G2 chip provides a noticeable performance boost over the Pixel 6a's Tensor chip. The G2 features updated CPU cores (Cortex-X1 and A78 vs. Cortex-X1 and A76) and improved machine learning capabilities, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and enhanced AI features. Both phones handle everyday tasks with ease, but the 7 excels in more demanding scenarios.

Battery Life

Both phones offer similar endurance ratings (94h vs 96h), suggesting comparable battery life in real-world usage. However, the Pixel 7's faster 20W wired charging and the addition of 20W wireless charging provide more convenient charging options.

Buying Guide

The Google Pixel 6a is ideal for users on a tighter budget who prioritize a clean Android experience, reliable performance for everyday tasks, and a great camera. The Google Pixel 7 is perfect for those who want the latest features, a more powerful processor, a brighter display, enhanced camera capabilities (including improved zoom), and the convenience of wireless charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Pixel 7 worth the extra money over the Pixel 6a?

If you prioritize a brighter display, faster performance, and wireless charging, the Pixel 7 is worth the upgrade. However, if you're on a budget and happy with a slightly older processor and wired charging, the Pixel 6a remains an excellent choice.

❓ Which Pixel has the better camera?

The Pixel 7 generally has the better camera due to its improved processing and zoom capabilities. Both phones take excellent photos, but the 7 offers a slight edge in overall image quality.