Google Pixel 7a vs Pixel 6: A Detailed Comparison

Google's Pixel line consistently delivers exceptional camera performance and a clean Android experience. But with the Pixel 7a and Pixel 6 both vying for your attention, choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Pixel 7a offers a brighter display and a more modern chipset at a lower price. However, the Pixel 6 boasts faster wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and slightly better battery endurance. For budget-conscious users prioritizing display and performance, the 7a wins; otherwise, the 6 remains a compelling option.

PHONES
Phone Names	Google Pixel 7a	Google Pixel 6

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, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ	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 - GB7N6, G9S9B16
5G bands	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - G9S9B
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, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GB7N6

Launch
Announced	2023, May 10	2021, October 19
Status	Available. Released 2023, May 10	Available. Released 2021, October 28

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back	Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions	152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in)	158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm (6.24 x 2.94 x 0.35 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight	193.5 g (6.84 oz)	207 g (7.30 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 (~411 ppi density)
Size	6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)	6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	OLED, HDR, 90Hz	AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
	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	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Dual	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	50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 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
Video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR, panorama	HDR, panorama
Single	13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm	8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video	4K@30fps, 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	5.3, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
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 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	18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless	Wired (based on 30W charger), PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 21W wireless Reverse wireless
Type	Li-Po 4385 mAh	Li-Ion 4614 mAh

Misc
Colors	Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral	Sorta Seafoam, Kinda Coral, Stormy Black
Models	GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8	GB7N6, G9S9B16, G9S9B, GR1YH
Price	€ 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980	$ 172.48 / C$ 238.84 / £ 169.99 / € 191.89 / ₹ 23,719

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 86h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	-26.9 LUFS (Good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 676831 (v9) GeekBench: 2899 (v5.1) GFXBench: 57fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Google Pixel 7a

Brighter Display
More Modern Chipset (Tensor G2)
More Affordable
Compact Size

Slower Wireless Charging
No Reverse Wireless Charging
Slightly Shorter Battery Life

Google Pixel 6

Longer Battery Life
Faster Wireless Charging (21W)
Reverse Wireless Charging
Slightly Larger Screen

Older Chipset (Tensor)
Less Bright Display
Higher Price

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7a features a measured peak brightness of 1070 nits, significantly brighter than the Pixel 6's nominal 'infinite' contrast ratio. While the Pixel 6's contrast is excellent, the 7a's brightness provides better visibility in direct sunlight. Both offer vibrant colors and sharp details, but the 7a has a clear edge in outdoor usability.

Camera Comparison

Both Pixels excel in photography, thanks to Google's computational photography prowess. While specific camera hardware differs (e.g., sensor sizes), the image quality is remarkably similar in most scenarios. The 7a benefits from software optimizations on the G2, potentially leading to slightly improved processing. Both offer excellent video recording capabilities.

Performance

The Pixel 7a's Tensor G2 chipset offers a modest performance boost over the Pixel 6's Tensor chip. While both are capable of handling everyday tasks and demanding apps, the G2 provides slightly snappier responsiveness and improved efficiency. The 7a's Cortex-X1 core is clocked slightly higher, contributing to this difference.

Battery Life

The Pixel 6 holds a slight advantage in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 86 hours compared to the Pixel 7a's 76 hours. However, the difference is not substantial in real-world usage. The Pixel 6 also supports faster wireless charging (21W vs 7.5W) and reverse wireless charging, features absent in the 7a.

Buying Guide

The Google Pixel 7a is ideal for users seeking a compact, affordable flagship with a fantastic camera and a vibrant display. It's perfect for those on a budget who still want a premium Pixel experience. The Google Pixel 6 is a better choice for users who value longer battery life, faster wireless charging (including reverse wireless), and a slightly larger screen, and are willing to spend a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Pixel 7a worth the upgrade from a Pixel 5?

Yes, the Pixel 7a offers a significant upgrade in display brightness, performance, and camera software. It's a worthwhile upgrade for Pixel 5 owners.

❓ Can the Pixel 6 still compete with newer phones?

Absolutely! The Pixel 6 remains a capable device with excellent camera performance and a clean Android experience. Its longer battery life and faster charging are still appealing features.