itel P55 vs. Google Pixel 6a: A Deep Dive into Budget and Brains

The smartphone landscape is increasingly segmented, with compelling options at every price point. We're comparing the itel P55, a budget-focused device aiming for affordability, against the Google Pixel 6a, a former flagship known for its intelligent features and strong camera. This isn't a simple spec-sheet comparison; it's about understanding where each phone excels and who benefits most from its strengths.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera quality, software experience, and long-term support, the Google Pixel 6a is the clear winner. However, the itel P55 presents a compelling option for those on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and battery life over premium features.

PHONES
Phone Names itel P55 Google Pixel 6a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 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)
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / 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
Announced2024, January 262022, May 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, January 31Available. Released 2022, July 21
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions8.0 mm thickness152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)178 g (6.28 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 104.6 cm26.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzOLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc T606 (12 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MP1Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 13Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 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
FeaturesDual-LED flash, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single50 MP Auxiliary lens8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
VideoYes4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
BluetoothYes5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANYesWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired, PD3.0
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 4410 mAh
Misc
ColorsAurora Blue, Brilliant Gold, Moonlit Black, Starry PurpleChalk, Charcoal, Sage
ModelsA666L, A666LN, P666LGX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
Price-$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 94h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

itel P55

  • Extremely affordable price point
  • Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful processor
  • Simple and straightforward user experience

  • Significantly weaker performance compared to the Pixel 6a
  • Inferior camera quality
  • Limited software updates and support

Google Pixel 6a

  • Powerful Google Tensor chip for smooth performance
  • Excellent camera quality with Google’s computational photography
  • Guaranteed software updates and long-term support

  • Higher price compared to the itel P55
  • May experience some thermal throttling under heavy load
  • Charging speed is relatively slow compared to some competitors

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display, peaking at 876 nits, compared to the itel P55 (brightness unspecified). This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize LCD panels given their price points, the Pixel 6a’s infinite (nominal) contrast ratio suggests superior black levels. The itel P55’s display specs are minimal, suggesting a focus on cost reduction rather than visual fidelity. Users who consume a lot of media outdoors will greatly benefit from the Pixel 6a’s brighter screen.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6a’s camera system is a major advantage. While specific sensor details aren’t provided in the context data, Google’s computational photography prowess is well-known. The Pixel 6a excels in dynamic range, low-light performance, and image stabilization. The itel P55’s camera specs are not detailed enough to make a meaningful comparison, but given its price point, it’s unlikely to compete with the Pixel 6a’s image quality. The Pixel 6a’s image processing algorithms will benefit users who frequently take photos in challenging conditions.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) is a flagship-level processor featuring a Cortex-X1 prime core clocked at 2.80 GHz, designed for demanding tasks and AI processing. The itel P55 utilizes the Unisoc T606 (12nm), an entry-level chipset with a Cortex-A75 prime core at 1.6 GHz. This architectural difference is substantial; the Tensor’s 5nm process is far more efficient, delivering more performance per watt and reducing thermal throttling. The Pixel 6a will handle multitasking, gaming, and camera processing with ease, while the itel P55 will struggle with more intensive applications. The Pixel 6a’s LPDDR5 RAM (spec not provided for itel P55) further enhances responsiveness.

Battery Life

Interestingly, both phones share an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the significant chipset differences. However, this is likely due to the itel P55’s less demanding processor and potentially larger battery capacity (unspecified). Both support 18W wired charging, but the Pixel 6a adds PD3.0 support for faster and more efficient charging with compatible chargers. While both achieve similar endurance, the Pixel 6a’s faster charging and more efficient processor offer a more convenient user experience.

Buying Guide

Buy the itel P55 if you need a reliable, extremely affordable smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and battery life is paramount. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prefer a superior camera experience, a smoother and more intelligent software experience powered by the Google Tensor chip, and guaranteed software updates for years to come, even if it means a higher upfront cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Unisoc T606 in the itel P55 struggle with popular apps like TikTok or Instagram?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 is an entry-level chipset. While it can handle basic social media tasks, you may experience noticeable lag or slowdowns when using apps like TikTok or Instagram, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. The Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip will provide a much smoother experience.
❓ How does the Pixel 6a's software support compare to the itel P55?
Google guarantees several years of software updates and security patches for the Pixel 6a, ensuring your phone remains secure and receives new features. The itel P55, being a budget device, will likely receive limited software support, potentially leaving it vulnerable to security threats over time.
❓ Is the 18W charging on both phones equally fast in practice?
While both support 18W charging, the Pixel 6a’s inclusion of PD3.0 allows for more efficient charging with compatible chargers, potentially reducing charging times slightly. However, the difference is unlikely to be dramatic.