Google Pixel 6a vs. HTC Desire 20+: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Android Phones
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice. Its Google Tensor chip delivers significantly faster performance and superior AI capabilities, while its camera consistently produces better images. While the Desire 20+ offers a lower entry price, the Pixel 6a’s overall experience justifies the cost difference.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | HTC Desire 20+ | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada) |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada) |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A, Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 19 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, October 22 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 75.7 x 9 mm (6.49 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.16 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) 5 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | - | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired, QC4 | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Dawn Orange, Twilight Black, Blue | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | - | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 250 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
HTC Desire 20+
- Superior performance with Google Tensor chip
- Excellent camera quality and image processing
- Guaranteed software updates and long-term support
- Higher price point compared to the Desire 20+
- Charging speed is not the fastest on the market
Google Pixel 6a
- More affordable price
- Decent battery life
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Significantly slower performance
- Inferior camera quality
- Limited software update support
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 876 nits measured, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Desire 20+. This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. While both phones likely utilize OLED panels (based on the Pixel 6a’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio), the Pixel 6a’s display is expected to offer superior color accuracy and viewing angles due to Google’s display calibration. The Desire 20+’s display specs are less defined, suggesting a more basic panel.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s camera system is a clear winner, leveraging Google’s computational photography expertise. While specific sensor details are missing for the Desire 20+, the Pixel 6a’s image processing algorithms consistently deliver superior dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. The Pixel 6a’s focus on software optimization allows it to outperform phones with theoretically superior hardware. The Desire 20+ likely relies more heavily on hardware limitations, resulting in less refined images. Ignoring the likely presence of low-resolution auxiliary cameras on the Desire 20+, the Pixel 6a’s image processing is the key differentiator.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor, built on a 5nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the HTC Desire 20+'s Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm). Tensor’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 cores, provides a significant performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks and AI processing. The Snapdragon 720G, while capable, is geared towards efficiency and struggles with demanding applications. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Pixel 6a. The Pixel 6a also benefits from faster RAM, likely LPDDR5, further enhancing responsiveness.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting comparable battery life despite the Pixel 6a’s more powerful processor. This indicates efficient power management on both devices. However, the Pixel 6a’s 18W charging with PD3.0 support is faster and more versatile than the Desire 20+'s 15W charging with QC4. While neither offers blazing-fast charging, the Pixel 6a will likely reach a usable charge level quicker.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC Desire 20+ if you prioritize affordability above all else and need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value performance, camera quality, and long-term software support, and are willing to spend a bit more for a smoother, more capable experience.