Google Pixel 7a vs. HMD Touch 4G: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Google Pixel 7a aims to deliver a flagship-adjacent experience at a mid-range price, leveraging Google's Tensor G2 chip and renowned camera software. The HMD Touch 4G, on the other hand, represents a more traditional budget approach. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, focusing on where each excels and who will benefit most from their respective strengths.
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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 Touch 4G offers a lower price point, the performance gap is substantial, making the Pixel 7a a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing speed and features.

PHONES
Phone Names HMD Touch 4G Google Pixel 7a
Network
2G bandsGSM 900 / 1800GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 411, 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
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / 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
Announced2025, October 072023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, October 07Available. Released 2023, May 10
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions102.3 x 61.9 x 10.9 mm (4.03 x 2.44 x 0.43 in)152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight100 g (3.53 oz)193.5 g (6.84 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~125 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size3.2 inches, 31.7 cm2 (~50.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDOLED, HDR, 90Hz
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPU-Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc T127Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPU-Mali-G710 MP7
OSRTOS TouchAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDHCNo
Internal64MB 128MB RAM128GB 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
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single2 MP-
VideoYes4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single-13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video-4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioWireless FM radioNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band
Features
Sensors-Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging-18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless
TypeLi-Ion 1950 mAhLi-Po 4385 mAh
Misc
ColorsDark Blue, CyanCharcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral
ModelsTA-1692GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8
PriceAbout 40 EUR€ 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980

HMD Touch 4G

  • Significantly faster performance with the Google Tensor G2
  • Superior camera quality and Google's AI features
  • Excellent battery life and wireless charging support

  • Higher price point compared to the HMD Touch 4G
  • Charging speed is not the fastest available

Google Pixel 7a

  • More affordable price
  • Functional for basic smartphone tasks
  • Potentially longer physical battery life due to lower power demands

  • Substantially slower performance
  • Limited camera capabilities
  • Likely slower charging and no wireless charging

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1070 nits. This translates to superior visibility outdoors under direct sunlight compared to the HMD Touch 4G, whose brightness is not specified but is likely considerably lower given its budget positioning. While both likely utilize OLED panels, the Pixel 7a’s higher brightness and potentially better color calibration (typical of Pixel devices) will offer a more vibrant and accurate viewing experience. The absence of LTPO technology in either device suggests neither offers adaptive refresh rates, a feature found in higher-end smartphones.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a major differentiator. 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 photography and offers features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur. The HMD Touch 4G’s camera capabilities are likely more basic, focusing on providing acceptable images in good lighting conditions. The absence of details regarding OIS or advanced features suggests a simpler camera experience. The Pixel 7a’s video recording capabilities will also be superior, benefiting from the Tensor G2’s image signal processor.

Performance

The performance disparity is stark. The Google Pixel 7a’s Google Tensor G2 (5nm) is a flagship-class chipset featuring a tri-cluster configuration with high-performance Cortex-X1 cores. This architecture allows for rapid app loading, smooth multitasking, and capable gaming. In contrast, the HMD Touch 4G is powered by the Unisoc T127, a significantly less powerful processor designed for basic smartphone functions. The Tensor G2’s 5nm fabrication process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained workloads. Users demanding responsiveness and the ability to run demanding applications will find the Pixel 7a far more suitable.

Battery Life

The Pixel 7a achieves an impressive endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating excellent battery life despite its 18W charging. The inclusion of PD3.0 and 7.5W wireless charging adds convenience. The HMD Touch 4G’s battery capacity and charging speed are not specified, but given its budget nature, it likely offers a smaller battery and slower charging. While the Pixel 7a’s 18W charging isn’t the fastest available, the combination of efficient power management from the Tensor G2 and the larger battery capacity results in a more reliable and longer-lasting experience.

Buying Guide

Buy the HMD Touch 4G if you need a functional, basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. You're willing to compromise on performance and camera quality for affordability. 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 more upfront. You value long-term software support and a more capable device.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Unisoc T127 in the HMD Touch 4G capable of running popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the HMD Touch 4G can likely *launch* PUBG Mobile, the Unisoc T127’s limited processing power will result in low frame rates, significant lag, and a generally poor gaming experience. It’s not designed for demanding games and is better suited for simpler applications.
❓ How does the Pixel 7a's Tensor G2 handle long-term performance? Will it throttle under heavy load?
The Google Tensor G2, built on a 5nm process, is designed for efficient thermal management. While some throttling is inevitable during prolonged, intensive tasks like video recording or gaming, the Tensor G2 generally maintains consistent performance for longer periods than processors found in similarly priced devices. Google’s software optimizations also contribute to mitigating thermal throttling.
❓ Does the Pixel 7a support software updates for a long period?
Yes, Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the Pixel 7a. This is a significant advantage over the HMD Touch 4G, which will likely receive limited software support, potentially leaving it vulnerable to security risks over time.