Google Pixel 7a vs Pixel 6a: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Pixel 7a offers a brighter display, a slightly faster Tensor G2 chip, and improved camera processing. However, the Pixel 6a boasts significantly better battery life. If camera and display are priorities, the 7a wins; if longevity is key, the 6a remains a strong contender.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Google Pixel 7a | 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, 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, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada) |
| 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, 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 / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / 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, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 10 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May 10 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 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 | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) | 178 g (6.28 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 (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR, 90Hz | 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 | 128GB 6GB 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 | 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 | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama | 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 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC | 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 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 | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 4385 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Google Pixel 7a
- Brighter Display
- Slightly Faster Performance (Tensor G2)
- Improved Camera Processing
- More Modern Design
- Shorter Battery Life
- Higher Price
Google Pixel 6a
- Excellent Battery Life
- Lower Price
- Proven Reliability
- Compact Size
- Less Bright Display
- Slightly Older Processor
- Less Refined Camera Processing
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a's display shines with a measured peak brightness of 1070 nits, significantly brighter than the Pixel 6a's 876 nits. This makes the 7a much easier to view outdoors in direct sunlight. While the Pixel 6a boasts an 'infinite' contrast ratio (a nominal value), the 7a's improved brightness provides a more noticeable real-world benefit.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a builds upon the Pixel 6a's already excellent camera capabilities. While specific sensor details are similar, Google's computational photography advancements in the Tensor G2 provide improved image processing, resulting in better dynamic range, more accurate colors, and enhanced low-light performance. Video capabilities are also slightly improved on the 7a.
Performance
Both phones utilize Google's Tensor chips, but the 7a features the Tensor G2. While the core architecture is similar, the G2 offers a slight performance boost, particularly in AI and machine learning tasks. Expect smoother performance in demanding apps and faster image processing on the 7a.
Battery Life
This is where the Pixel 6a truly shines. With an endurance rating of 94 hours, it significantly outlasts the Pixel 7a's 76 hours. If battery life is a top priority, the Pixel 6a is the clear winner.
Buying Guide
The Pixel 7a is ideal for users who prioritize a vibrant display, slightly improved performance, and the latest camera features. The Pixel 6a is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who value long battery life and a proven track record of reliable performance.