Nokia X100 vs Google Pixel 6a: A Head-to-Head Showdown

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Nokia X100 and Google Pixel 6a are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at accessible price points, but cater to slightly different needs. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one deserves your money.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Google Pixel 6a decisively wins thanks to its superior Tensor chip, exceptional camera, and vibrant display. While the Nokia X100 offers 5G connectivity and a larger screen, the Pixel 6a's overall performance and software experience make it the better choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Nokia X100	Google Pixel 6a

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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 20, 25, 26, 38, 39, 40, 41, 71	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	25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA	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, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / 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
Announced	2021, November 09	2022, May 11
Status	Available. Released 2021, November 19	Available. Released 2022, July 21

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions	171.4 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm (6.75 x 3.14 x 0.36 in)	152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight	217 g (7.65 oz)	178 g (6.28 oz)
	-	IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	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 (~78.6% screen-to-body ratio)	6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	OLED, HDR
	-	Always-on display

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)	Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)	Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPU	Adreno 619	Mali-G78 MP20
OS	Android 11	Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC	No
Internal	128GB 6GB 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	Zeiss optics, LED flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Quad	48 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Single	16 MP, (wide)	8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video	Yes	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS

Selfie camera
Features	-	HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, (wide)	8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	No
35mm jack	Yes	No
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive	5.2, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
Radio	FM radio	No
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG	USB Type-C 3.1
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer

Battery
Charging	18W wired, QC3	18W wired, PD3.0
Type	Li-Po 4470 mAh	Li-Po 4410 mAh

Misc
Colors	Midnight Blue	Chalk, Charcoal, Sage
Models	-	GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
Price	About 220 EUR	$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 94h
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

Nokia X100

Larger Display
5G Connectivity
Competitive Price
Clean Android Experience

Weaker Processor
Less Impressive Camera
Lower Display Brightness
Slower Charging

Google Pixel 6a

Powerful Google Tensor Chip
Exceptional Camera
Bright and Vibrant Display
Clean Android Experience
Guaranteed Updates

Smaller Battery Capacity (relative to screen size)
Slower Charging
Less Expandable Storage

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display (876 nits) compared to the X100, offering better visibility outdoors. Its 'Infinite' contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and richer colors. While the X100 has a larger screen, the Pixel 6a's superior panel quality gives it the edge.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6a's camera is a standout feature, leveraging Google's computational photography expertise to deliver exceptional image quality. The X100's camera is decent, but lacks the Pixel's dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. The Pixel 6a consistently produces better photos.

Performance

Here, the Pixel 6a shines. The Google Tensor chip is considerably more powerful than the Snapdragon 480, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The X100's performance is adequate for everyday tasks, but struggles with demanding games or applications.

Battery Life

Both phones offer similar battery capacity, but the Pixel 6a's endurance rating of 94h suggests more efficient power management. While the X100's battery life is respectable, the Pixel 6a likely provides slightly longer usage between charges.

Buying Guide

The Nokia X100 is a good option for users prioritizing a larger display and 5G connectivity on a tighter budget. The Google Pixel 6a is ideal for those who value a premium camera, smooth performance, and a clean Android experience, even if it means slightly less battery capacity.