HMD Crest 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 presents a compelling alternative for those on a tight budget who value a functional, everyday smartphone without sacrificing essential features.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | HMD Crest | 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 | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens | 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 |
| 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 | Midnight Blue | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | - | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | $ 155.75 / ₹ 12,990 | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
HMD Crest
- Faster 33W wired charging
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional and reliable for basic tasks
- Significantly less powerful processor
- Likely inferior camera performance
- Limited software update support
Google Pixel 7a
- Superior performance with Google Tensor G2
- Excellent camera quality and image processing
- Guaranteed software updates and features
- Slower 18W wired charging
- Higher price point
- May experience some thermal throttling under heavy load
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1070 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the HMD Crest’s display specifications are not provided, it’s likely to be considerably dimmer. The Pixel 7a’s display technology, though not LTPO, offers vibrant colors and good viewing angles. The lack of detailed display specs for the Crest makes a direct comparison difficult, but it’s reasonable to assume a more basic panel is used to keep costs down.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a major selling point. While specific sensor details aren’t provided, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2, delivers exceptional image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The HMD Crest’s camera specifications are not detailed enough to make a meaningful comparison, but it’s unlikely to match the Pixel 7a’s image processing capabilities. The Pixel 7a’s video recording capabilities are also expected to be superior, benefiting from the Tensor G2’s dedicated image signal processor (ISP).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 7a’s Google Tensor G2 (5nm) is a substantial upgrade over the HMD Crest’s Unisoc T760 (6nm). The Tensor G2 features a prime Cortex-X1 core clocked at 2.85 GHz, alongside A78 performance cores, providing significantly faster processing speeds for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. The Unisoc T760, while capable for everyday use, relies on older Cortex-A76 cores and a less efficient 6nm process, resulting in lower peak performance and potentially more thermal throttling. The Pixel 7a’s likely use of faster LPDDR5x RAM further enhances its multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, suggesting good battery life despite its 18W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging. The HMD Crest offers faster 33W wired charging, which could potentially offset a smaller battery capacity (spec not provided). However, the Tensor G2’s 5nm efficiency may allow the Pixel 7a to achieve comparable or even better real-world battery performance, despite the slower charging speed. The inclusion of PD3.0 on the Pixel 7a also offers wider charger compatibility.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Crest if you need a reliable, no-frills smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is the primary concern. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prioritize a superior camera system, smooth performance for demanding apps, and guaranteed software updates, and are willing to spend a bit more for a premium experience.