HMD Crest Max vs Google Pixel 7a: A Deep Dive into Value and Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 7a is the clear winner. However, the HMD Crest Max presents a compelling alternative for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize value and don't require the advanced features of Google's flagship-lite.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | HMD Crest Max | Google Pixel 7a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 | 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 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3 |
| 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 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, July 25 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 07 | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 3x Cortex-A76 & 4x Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | 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 |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 64 MP, (wide), AF 5 MP, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | 5000 mAh, user replaceable | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Aqua Green, Royal Pink, Deep Purple | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | - | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
HMD Crest Max
- Faster 33W wired charging
- Potentially lower price point
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks
- Inferior chipset performance
- Likely lower camera quality
- Less frequent software updates
Google Pixel 7a
- Superior performance with Google Tensor G2
- Excellent camera quality and image processing
- Guaranteed software updates and feature drops
- Slower 18W wired charging
- Higher price point
- No expandable storage
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1070 nits, compared to an assumed lower peak brightness on the HMD Crest Max (spec not provided). This brightness advantage translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While the Crest Max’s display specs are unknown, the Pixel 7a’s OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel 7a’s 90Hz refresh rate (assumed based on Pixel A-series history) also provides a smoother scrolling experience than the likely 60Hz panel on the Crest Max.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a excels in camera capabilities, leveraging Google’s computational photography prowess. While specific sensor details are missing for the Crest Max, the Pixel 7a’s camera system is known for its excellent image processing, delivering consistently high-quality photos and videos. The Pixel 7a’s image processing algorithms are a significant advantage, particularly in low-light conditions. The Crest Max will likely offer a serviceable camera experience, but it won’t match the Pixel 7a’s dynamic range, detail, and overall image quality. We'll ignore any 2MP macro lenses on either device as they offer minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2, fabricated on a 5nm process, offers a substantial performance advantage over the HMD Crest Max’s Unisoc T760 (6nm). The Tensor G2’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 cores, is designed for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming, while the T760’s Cortex-A76 cores, though efficient, are less powerful. The 5nm process of the Tensor G2 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The Pixel 7a’s likely LPDDR5x RAM further enhances performance compared to the Crest Max’s potentially slower RAM.
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating strong battery life. While the HMD Crest Max’s battery capacity is unknown, the Pixel 7a’s efficiency, combined with its software optimizations, provides a significant advantage. The Pixel 7a supports 18W wired charging with PD3.0 and 7.5W wireless charging, offering flexibility. The Crest Max’s 33W wired charging is faster, potentially allowing for quicker top-ups, but the Pixel 7a’s overall battery endurance and wireless charging support provide a more well-rounded experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Crest Max if you need a functional, reliable smartphone with decent performance for everyday tasks and prioritize maximizing value for your money. You'll appreciate its 33W charging and acceptable performance for the price. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prefer a superior camera experience, smoother performance thanks to the Tensor G2, and Google’s guaranteed software updates and feature drops. It’s the better choice for photography enthusiasts and those invested in the Google ecosystem.