HMD Pulse+ vs Google Pixel 7a: A Deep Dive into Budget and Mid-Range Android
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice. Its Google Tensor G2 chipset delivers significantly faster performance and superior image processing, justifying the price premium. However, the HMD Pulse+ offers compelling value for those prioritizing basic functionality and extended battery life on a tight budget.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | HMD Pulse+ | 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 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 | 2024, April 24 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April 29 | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 75 x 8.5 mm (6.43 x 2.95 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 | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~265 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.65 inches, 106.2 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 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 T606 (12 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 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 |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO | 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 | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | 5000 mAh, user replaceable | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Apricot Crush, Midnight Blue, Glacier Green | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | - | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
HMD Pulse+
- Extremely affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset
- Clean Android experience (likely)
- Significantly slower performance
- Inferior camera quality
- Slow 10W charging
Google Pixel 7a
- Powerful Google Tensor G2 chipset
- Excellent camera with Google’s image processing
- Faster 18W charging with PD3.0 and wireless charging
- Higher price tag
- Potentially shorter battery life than Pulse+ (though still good)
- May experience some software bloat (though minimal)
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1070 nits, compared to an expected lower peak brightness on the HMD Pulse+. This difference translates to better visibility outdoors. While the Pulse+’s panel specifics are unknown, the 7a’s likely OLED panel offers superior contrast and color accuracy. The Pixel 7a’s 90Hz refresh rate (not specified for the Pulse+) also contributes to a smoother scrolling experience, though the Pulse+ likely operates at a standard 60Hz.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a clear advantage. While specific sensor details are not provided, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2, elevates image quality significantly. The Pixel 7a excels in low-light conditions and offers features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur. The HMD Pulse+’s camera, while functional, will likely produce less detailed and dynamic images, particularly in challenging lighting scenarios. The absence of OIS on the Pulse+ further limits its low-light capabilities.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Google Pixel 7a’s Google Tensor G2 (5nm) chipset, with its Cortex-X1 and A78 cores clocked at 2.85GHz and 2.35GHz respectively, is in a different league than the HMD Pulse+'s Unisoc T606 (12nm). The Tensor G2’s architecture allows for faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and more demanding gaming. The Unisoc T606, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with resource-intensive applications. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor G2 also provides better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, suggesting excellent battery life despite its more powerful processor. The HMD Pulse+’s battery capacity is unknown, but its less demanding chipset and 10W charging suggest it may offer comparable or even slightly longer battery life in some scenarios. However, the Pixel 7a’s 18W charging with PD3.0 and 7.5W wireless charging provides significantly faster and more convenient charging options.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Pulse+ if you need a reliable, long-lasting phone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light browsing, and are unwilling to spend more than $200. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prioritize a smooth user experience, excellent camera quality, and access to Google’s latest software features, even if it means spending closer to $400.