LG G7 One vs. Google Pixel 6a: A Detailed Comparison of Two Distinct Approaches

The LG G7 One, representing a high-end 2018 experience, now finds itself competing with the 2022 Google Pixel 6a. This isn't a direct generational battle; it's a clash between a flagship-class chip from a bygone era and Google's first-generation Tensor silicon. We'll dissect the key differences to determine which phone provides the most compelling experience in today's market.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 6a emerges as the better choice. While the LG G7 One boasts a capable Snapdragon 835, the Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor chip, coupled with superior software support and a brighter display, delivers a more modern and refined user experience. The Pixel 6a’s longevity and camera capabilities are key advantages.

PHONES
Phone Names LG G7 One Google Pixel 6a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 201, 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
Announced2018, August. Released 2018, October2022, May 11
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, July 21
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions153.2 x 71.9 x 7.9 mm (6.03 x 2.83 x 0.31 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-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight156 g (5.50 oz)178 g (6.28 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) MIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditionsIP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~563 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, HDR10OLED, HDR
 Always-on displayAlways-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo)Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 540Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10, Android OneAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB 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
FeaturesLaser AF, LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/1.6, 31mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video4K@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (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
 32-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired, QC3 Wireless (USA)18W wired, PD3.0
TypeLi-Po 3000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4410 mAh
Misc
ColorsNew Aurora Black, New Moroccan BlueChalk, Charcoal, Sage
ModelsLMQ910UM, LM-Q910, LM-X510K, LM-Q927L, LM-X510SGX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
PriceAbout 350 EUR$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 94h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

LG G7 One

  • Potentially lower purchase price
  • Snapdragon 835 still capable for everyday tasks
  • May offer expandable storage (depending on variant)

  • Limited software update support
  • Older chipset architecture
  • Likely inferior display brightness and contrast

Google Pixel 6a

  • Long-term software support from Google
  • Superior camera performance and image processing
  • Brighter and more vibrant display
  • More efficient Google Tensor chipset

  • May be slightly more expensive
  • No expandable storage
  • Potential for software bugs (common with new chips)

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a’s display significantly outperforms the LG G7 One’s in terms of brightness, reaching a measured 876 nits. This makes it far more usable outdoors. While the LG G7 One’s display specs aren’t provided, it’s reasonable to assume it falls short of this peak brightness. The Pixel 6a also boasts an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting a superior OLED panel. The LG G7 One likely uses an LCD, which typically has lower contrast. Both devices lack high refresh rate displays, a common omission in this price bracket.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6a’s camera system, while details are limited in the provided data, benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography. The Pixel series is known for its excellent image processing, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The LG G7 One’s camera capabilities, while respectable for its time, are unlikely to match the Pixel 6a’s image quality. The Pixel 6a’s software algorithms likely compensate for any potential hardware limitations, delivering consistently impressive results. We can assume the Pixel 6a has superior dynamic range and low-light performance.

Performance

The Google Tensor chip, fabricated on a 5nm process, represents a substantial architectural leap over the LG G7 One’s 10nm Snapdragon 835. The Tensor’s octa-core configuration, featuring Cortex-X1 performance cores, delivers significantly faster processing speeds (2.80 GHz) compared to the Snapdragon 835’s Kryo cores (2.45 GHz). While the Snapdragon 835 was a flagship chip in its time, the Tensor’s more efficient process node and newer core designs translate to better sustained performance and thermal management. The Pixel 6a benefits from Google’s software optimizations, further enhancing its performance.

Battery Life

Both the LG G7 One and Pixel 6a achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. However, the Pixel 6a’s adoption of PD3.0 charging offers potentially faster and more efficient charging compared to the LG G7 One’s QC3 standard. While both support 18W wired charging, the charging protocol differences could result in slightly quicker top-ups for the Pixel 6a. The efficiency gains of the Tensor chip also contribute to comparable battery life despite potentially lower battery capacity.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG G7 One if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are comfortable with a device that will likely receive limited software updates. It's a good option for users who need a solid performer for basic tasks and don't rely heavily on the latest features. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value long-term software support, a superior camera experience, and the benefits of Google’s Tensor chip, including enhanced AI features and a brighter, more visible display in sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 835 in the LG G7 One still good enough for gaming in 2024?
The Snapdragon 835 can handle many mobile games, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings in demanding titles. The Google Tensor in the Pixel 6a offers a more consistent and smoother gaming experience, especially with newer games optimized for its architecture. Thermal throttling may also be more pronounced on the LG G7 One during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How long will the Pixel 6a receive software and security updates?
Google typically provides at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for its Pixel devices. The Pixel 6a launched in 2022, meaning it will continue to receive updates well into 2027, offering significantly longer support than the LG G7 One, which is likely nearing the end of its software lifecycle.
❓ Does the Pixel 6a support faster charging than the LG G7 One, even though both are rated for 18W?
Yes. The Pixel 6a utilizes the PD3.0 charging standard, which is more efficient and allows for better communication between the charger and the phone. This can result in slightly faster charging times and reduced heat generation compared to the LG G7 One’s QC3 standard, even at the same wattage.