Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 6a: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Pixel 7 offers a brighter display, faster performance thanks to the Tensor G2, and slightly better camera capabilities. However, the Pixel 6a remains a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize value and a compact design. The Pixel 7 is the overall winner, but the 6a is a strong contender.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Google Pixel 7 | Google Pixel 6a |
| 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, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - GQML3 | 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, 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 | 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 / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 06 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 13 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm (6.13 x 2.88 x 0.34 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 | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~416 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1400 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR |
| Always-on display | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G710 MP7 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 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 | 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 | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 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, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-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 | 20W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 20W wireless Reverse wireless | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 4355 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Obsidian, Lemongrass, Snow | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | GVU6C, GQML3, GO3Z5 | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | € 199.00 / $ 179.26 / £ 189.99 / ₹ 28,499 | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 96h | Endurance rating 94h |
| 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 7
- Brighter Display
- Faster Performance (Tensor G2)
- Slightly Better Camera
- Faster Charging (20W)
- Higher Price
- Larger Size
Google Pixel 6a
- More Affordable
- Compact Design
- Excellent Value
- Clean Android Experience
- Slightly Slower Performance
- Less Bright Display
- Slower Charging (18W)
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7 boasts a significantly brighter display at 974 nits compared to the Pixel 6a's 876 nits. Both offer excellent contrast ratios (Infinite, nominally), but the Pixel 7's increased brightness makes it easier to view outdoors and in bright sunlight. Color accuracy is excellent on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Both Pixels deliver exceptional camera performance for their respective price points. The Pixel 7 generally captures slightly more detailed photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Both benefit from Google's excellent image processing algorithms, producing vibrant and accurate colors. The Pixel 7 also has a wider range of camera features and computational photography capabilities.
Performance
The Pixel 7's Tensor G2 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Pixel 6a's Tensor chip. While both offer smooth everyday performance, the Pixel 7 handles demanding tasks and games more efficiently. The G2 also brings improvements to AI and machine learning features.
Battery Life
Both phones offer impressive battery life, with endurance ratings of 96h and 94h respectively. In real-world usage, you can expect all-day battery life from both devices. The Pixel 7 supports slightly faster charging (20W wired vs 18W), but neither phone includes a charger in the box.
Buying Guide
The Google Pixel 7 is ideal for users who want a premium experience with a top-tier display, faster performance, and the latest features. It's perfect for photography enthusiasts and those who demand the best. The Pixel 6a is a great choice for those on a tighter budget who still want a clean Android experience, excellent camera performance for the price, and a compact form factor.