Huawei nova 10 vs Google Pixel 6a: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Powerhouses
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 6a emerges as the stronger choice. Its Google Tensor chip, coupled with Google’s image processing, consistently delivers superior photos. However, the Huawei nova 10’s 66W charging is a significant advantage for those who value speed and convenience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Huawei nova 10 | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe | 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 04 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 10 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 73.9 x 6.9 mm (6.39 x 2.91 x 0.27 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 168 g (5.93 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10 | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 670 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 670) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 4G (6 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 (China), EMUI 12 (Europe), no Google Play Services | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB 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 | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 60 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 60 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) | 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/a/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Virtual proximity sensing | - | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 66W wired 5W reverse wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Green, Violet | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | NCO-AL00, NCO-LX1, NCO-LX3 | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 500 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Huawei nova 10
- 66W fast charging significantly reduces downtime.
- Sleek and modern design aesthetic.
- Potentially competitive price point.
- Snapdragon 778G is a generation behind the Tensor chip.
- Limited information on camera sensor and image quality.
- Huawei ecosystem and potential software limitations.
Google Pixel 6a
- Google Tensor chip delivers strong performance and AI capabilities.
- Exceptional camera quality and computational photography.
- Clean Android experience with guaranteed software updates.
- Slower 18W charging compared to the nova 10.
- Design is less visually striking than the nova 10.
- May not be ideal for heavy gaming due to thermal constraints.
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a boasts a measured peak brightness of 876 nits, offering excellent visibility in outdoor conditions. While the nova 10’s display specifications aren’t provided, Huawei typically focuses on color accuracy in this segment. The Pixel 6a’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio, typical of OLED panels, provides deeper blacks and a more vibrant image. The lack of LTPO technology on either device means refresh rates are likely fixed, impacting smoothness compared to higher-end phones. The Pixel 6a’s brightness advantage is a key differentiator for outdoor usability.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s camera prowess is largely attributed to Google’s computational photography, leveraging the Tensor chip’s image signal processor. While sensor sizes aren’t specified, the Pixel 6a’s reputation for excellent dynamic range and low-light performance is well-established. The nova 10’s camera specifications are missing, making a direct comparison difficult. However, Huawei often emphasizes high megapixel counts, which don’t always translate to better image quality. The Pixel 6a’s consistent image processing and reliable performance give it a clear advantage in this category.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Google Pixel 6a utilizes Google’s in-house Tensor chip (5nm), while the Huawei nova 10 features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G (6nm). The Tensor chip, with its Cortex-X1 prime core clocked at 2.80 GHz, offers a performance edge in demanding tasks and AI-related workloads. The Snapdragon 778G, while capable, is a generation behind and built on a slightly larger node. The Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip also benefits from Google’s software optimizations. While both phones likely offer sufficient performance for everyday tasks, the Pixel 6a will handle intensive gaming and multitasking more smoothly.
Battery Life
Both the Huawei nova 10 and Google Pixel 6a achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The nova 10’s 66W wired charging is significantly faster than the Pixel 6a’s 18W wired charging with PD3.0. This means the nova 10 can replenish its battery from 0-100% in a fraction of the time. While the Pixel 6a’s battery life is respectable, the nova 10’s charging speed offers a substantial convenience factor.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova 10 if you need exceptionally fast charging and a stylish design are paramount, and you're comfortable with the limitations of the Huawei ecosystem. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prioritize a clean Android experience, outstanding camera performance, and guaranteed software updates directly from Google. The Pixel 6a is the better choice for users deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem.