Google Pixel 6a vs. Infinix Hot 20 5G: A Detailed Comparison

The Google Pixel 6a brought flagship-level image processing and Google’s Tensor chip to a more accessible price point. Now, the Infinix Hot 20 5G enters the arena, aiming to disrupt the budget 5G market. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, focusing on performance, display quality, and overall value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice, offering a significantly faster processor, a brighter and more refined display, and Google’s renowned camera software. However, the Infinix Hot 20 5G provides a compelling option for those prioritizing 5G connectivity on a very tight budget.

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix Hot 20 5G Google Pixel 6a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 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 bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada)
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / 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
Announced2022, October 062022, May 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, October 06Available. Released 2022, July 21
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions166.3 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.55 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight204 g (7.20 oz)178 g (6.28 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nitsOLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 12, XOS 10.6Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens12.2 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
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flashHDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (except 64/4 option)Yes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired 5W reverse wired18W wired, PD3.0
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 4410 mAh
Misc
ColorsRacing Black, Space Blue, Blaster GreenChalk, Charcoal, Sage
ModelsX666, X666BGX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
PriceAbout 240 EUR$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 94h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

Infinix Hot 20 5G

  • Superior processor performance with Google Tensor
  • Brighter and more accurate display
  • Exceptional camera quality and image processing

  • Higher price point
  • No expandable storage

Google Pixel 6a

  • Affordable price point
  • 5G connectivity
  • Reverse wired charging

  • Less powerful processor
  • Inferior display quality
  • Less refined camera performance

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 876 nits, compared to an unstated brightness for the Infinix Hot 20 5G. This translates to better visibility outdoors. While both likely utilize OLED panels (based on the Pixel 6a’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio), the Pixel 6a’s superior brightness and color calibration provide a more vibrant and accurate viewing experience. The lack of high refresh rate on either device is a compromise at this price point, but the Pixel 6a’s panel quality is a clear advantage.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6a’s camera prowess is largely attributed to Google’s computational photography. While sensor sizes aren’t specified, the Pixel 6a’s image processing pipeline consistently delivers excellent dynamic range and detail. The Infinix Hot 20 5G likely relies more heavily on hardware, but without the software optimization of the Pixel. The absence of OIS on the Infinix is a disadvantage in low-light conditions. The Pixel 6a’s focus on software optimization makes it the clear winner for photography enthusiasts.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Infinix Hot 20 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 810 (6nm). Tensor’s Cortex-X1 prime core, clocked at 2.80 GHz, delivers significantly faster single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and responsiveness. While the Dimensity 810 is capable for everyday tasks, the Tensor chip excels in AI-driven features like image processing and voice recognition. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting the slightly smaller battery capacity.

Battery Life

Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting comparable real-world battery life despite potentially different battery capacities. However, the Pixel 6a benefits from the more efficient Google Tensor chip. Both support 18W wired charging, but the Pixel 6a adds PD3.0 support, potentially allowing for faster charging with compatible chargers. The 5W reverse wired charging on the Infinix Hot 20 5G is a niche feature for emergency top-ups of other devices.

Buying Guide

Buy the Infinix Hot 20 5G if you absolutely need 5G connectivity and are constrained by a budget under $200. It’s a practical choice for basic smartphone tasks and streaming. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value performance, camera quality, and a smoother user experience, and are willing to spend more for a device that will last longer and handle demanding applications with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the MediaTek Dimensity 810 in the Infinix Hot 20 5G struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Dimensity 810 is a mid-range chipset and will likely require significant graphics settings reductions to achieve playable frame rates in demanding titles like Genshin Impact. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip offers a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ How does Google’s software update commitment differ between the Pixel 6a and the Infinix Hot 20 5G?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the Pixel 6a, ensuring long-term software support and security. Infinix’s update policy is less consistent, typically offering fewer major Android updates and shorter security update windows. This makes the Pixel 6a a more future-proof investment.
❓ Is the 18W charging on both phones considered slow by today's standards?
Yes, 18W charging is relatively slow compared to the 30W, 65W, or even 120W charging solutions found on other phones. While both phones will charge overnight, expect a 0-100% charge to take around 2-3 hours. The Pixel 6a’s PD3.0 support may offer slightly faster charging with compatible chargers.