HTC U23 vs Google Pixel 7a: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Champions
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 7a is the clear winner. Its Tensor G2 chip, combined with Google’s computational photography, consistently delivers superior images. However, the HTC U23 offers a compelling alternative for those seeking faster charging and potentially better thermal management.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | HTC U23 | Google Pixel 7a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 39, 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, 7, 20, 28, 41, 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 | 2023, July 17 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July 26 | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 166.6 x 77.1 x 8.9 mm (6.56 x 3.04 x 0.35 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 | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 120Hz | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 644 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 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 | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.0 | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | 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 | 30W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wireless Reverse wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 4600 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Aqua Blue, Roland Violet | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | - | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | - | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
HTC U23
- Faster 30W wired charging
- Wireless and reverse wireless charging support
- Potentially better thermal management due to Snapdragon 7 Gen 1's efficiency
- Likely inferior camera performance compared to Pixel 7a
- Less powerful processor than Google Tensor G2
Google Pixel 7a
- Superior camera quality and image processing
- Powerful Google Tensor G2 processor with AI capabilities
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Slower 18W wired charging
- No wireless charging support
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1070 nits, compared to an assumed lower peak brightness on the HTC U23 (data unavailable). This makes the Pixel 7a more usable in direct sunlight. While both likely utilize OLED panels, the Pixel 7a’s brightness advantage is a key differentiator. The U23’s display specs are less defined, making a detailed comparison of color accuracy and panel technology difficult without further testing. Bezels are likely comparable given the similar overall phone sizes.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a is expected to excel in camera performance due to Google’s renowned computational photography. While specific sensor details are missing for both phones, the Pixel 7a’s image processing pipeline consistently delivers excellent dynamic range and detail. The Tensor G2’s dedicated image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role in this. The HTC U23’s camera performance is less predictable without detailed sensor information. The Pixel 7a’s video capabilities are also likely superior, benefiting from the Tensor G2’s processing power and advanced stabilization algorithms. We can assume both phones will have capable main sensors, but the software processing is where the Pixel 7a will shine.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Pixel 7a’s Google Tensor G2 (5nm) features a Cortex-X1 prime core clocked at 2.85GHz, offering a performance advantage over the HTC U23’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm). The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 utilizes a Cortex-A710 prime core at 2.4GHz. While the 4nm process of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 offers improved efficiency, the Tensor G2’s architectural advantages and higher clock speeds translate to faster application loading and smoother multitasking. The Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 also benefits from dedicated AI cores, enhancing features like voice recognition and image processing. The U23's CPU configuration (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) suggests a focus on sustained performance, but likely falls short of the Tensor G2’s peak capabilities.
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, suggesting good battery life despite its 18W wired charging. The HTC U23 offers faster 30W wired charging, potentially reducing charge times significantly. The U23 also includes 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging, features absent on the Pixel 7a. While the Pixel 7a’s battery capacity is unknown, the endurance rating suggests efficient power management. The U23’s faster charging and wireless capabilities provide greater convenience, but the Pixel 7a’s overall endurance may compensate for the slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC U23 if you need faster charging speeds (30W vs 18W) and value the flexibility of reverse wireless charging. It’s a good choice for users who frequently top up their phone and appreciate a more open Android experience. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prioritize camera performance, seamless software updates, and Google’s AI-powered features like Magic Eraser and Call Screen. It’s ideal for users deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem.