Google Pixel 7a vs HMD Pulse 2 Pro: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice. Its Tensor G2 chipset provides significantly faster performance and unlocks advanced features like Google’s AI-powered camera capabilities. While the HMD Pulse 2 Pro offers a compelling value proposition, the Pixel 7a’s overall experience is substantially more refined and capable.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | HMD Pulse 2 Pro | 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 | LTE | 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, 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 | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | 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 | 2025, September 01 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Coming soon. Exp. release 2025, December | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.54 x 3.02 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 + eSIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 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 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~384 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.72 inches, 110.9 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T615 (12 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), AF, OIS 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 | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | 5000 mAh, user replaceable | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Glacier Green, Dark Blue | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | - | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
HMD Pulse 2 Pro
- Superior performance with Google Tensor G2
- Exceptional camera quality and AI features
- Brighter and smoother display
- Slower wired charging (18W)
- Higher price point
Google Pixel 7a
- More affordable price
- Faster wired charging (20W)
- Clean Android experience
- Significantly weaker performance
- Inferior camera quality
- Likely lower display brightness and refresh rate
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1070 nits, compared to an assumed lower brightness on the HMD Pulse 2 Pro (spec not provided, but typical for this price segment). This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While the Pulse 2 Pro’s display specs are unknown, the Pixel 7a’s OLED panel offers superior contrast and color accuracy. The Pixel 7a also benefits from a 90Hz refresh rate (not specified for the Pulse 2 Pro), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a clear standout. While specific sensor details aren’t provided, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2’s image signal processor (ISP), elevates image quality significantly. The Pixel 7a excels in low-light photography and offers features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur. The HMD Pulse 2 Pro’s camera, while functional, will likely struggle to match the Pixel 7a’s dynamic range, detail, and overall image quality. The Pixel 7a’s video capabilities are also superior, offering better stabilization and dynamic range.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Google Pixel 7a’s Google Tensor G2, fabricated on a 5nm process, features a tri-cluster configuration with high-performance Cortex-X1 cores clocked at 2.85 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the HMD Pulse 2 Pro’s Unisoc T615 (12nm), which relies on older Cortex-A75 and A55 cores clocked at lower frequencies. The Tensor G2’s advanced architecture and smaller process node deliver significantly faster CPU and GPU performance, making the Pixel 7a far more capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The Pixel 7a also benefits from faster RAM (likely LPDDR5x vs. the Pulse 2 Pro’s likely LPDDR4X), further improving responsiveness.
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, suggesting efficient power management despite its powerful processor. It supports 18W wired charging with PD3.0 and 7.5W wireless charging. The HMD Pulse 2 Pro offers 20W wired charging, which is faster than the Pixel 7a’s wired charging, but lacks wireless charging. While the Pulse 2 Pro’s battery capacity is unknown, the Pixel 7a’s efficient chipset and software optimization likely result in comparable real-world battery life, despite the faster charging speed of the Pulse 2 Pro.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Pulse 2 Pro if you prioritize affordability above all else and need a reliable device for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. You’ll appreciate its straightforward Android experience and decent battery life. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you value camera quality, smooth performance for demanding apps, and access to Google’s latest software features and AI enhancements. It’s the better choice for users who want a premium experience without the flagship price tag.