OnePlus 3T vs Google Pixel 7a: A Detailed Showdown

The OnePlus 3T was a flagship killer in its time, offering premium features at a competitive price. Now, the Google Pixel 7a continues Google's tradition of delivering exceptional camera performance and a clean Android experience. But which phone is the better choice in 2024?
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Google Pixel 7a is the clear winner. While the OnePlus 3T boasts impressive endurance, the Pixel 7a's superior camera, modern processor, brighter display, and wireless charging make it a more compelling and future-proof option, despite the 3T's longevity.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus 3T Google Pixel 7a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - North AmericaHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 30 - North America1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - Global model1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8
Launch
Announced2016, November. Released 2016, November2023, May 10
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2023, May 10
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions152.7 x 74.7 x 7.4 mm (6.01 x 2.94 x 0.29 in)152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight158 g (5.57 oz)193.5 g (6.84 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 4Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~73.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOptic AMOLEDOLED, HDR, 90Hz
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUQuad-core (2x2.35 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 530Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie)Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual-64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", 1.12µm, PDAF, OIS-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps, Auto HDR4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, aptX HD, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging20W wired18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless
TypeLi-Ion 3400 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4385 mAh
Misc
ColorsGunmetal, Soft Gold, Midnight BlackCharcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral
ModelsA3010, A3003GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8
PriceAbout 440 EUR€ 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980
SAR0.99 W/kg (head)     0.65 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Audio quality Noise-94.3dB / Crosstalk -93.4dB-
Battery life Endurance rating 83h -
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.232 (sunlight)-
Loudspeaker Voice 61dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 78dB -
Performance AnTuTu: 171678 (v7) GFXBench: 20fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

OnePlus 3T

  • Exceptional battery life
  • Compact size
  • Good value (used)

  • Outdated processor
  • Dim display
  • No wireless charging
  • Older software support

Google Pixel 7a

  • Excellent camera
  • Smooth performance
  • Clean Android experience
  • Wireless charging
  • Bright display

  • Slower charging than some competitors
  • Can be pricey

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7a's display is significantly better. Its 1070 nits peak brightness offers excellent visibility outdoors, a feature the OnePlus 3T lacks. While the 3T's contrast ratio is impressive (especially in nominal conditions), the Pixel 7a's overall visual experience is superior due to its brightness and color accuracy. The 3T's display is adequate but feels dated.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 7a's camera is a standout feature. Google's computational photography is unmatched, delivering stunning images with excellent dynamic range and detail. The OnePlus 3T's camera is decent for its age, but it struggles in low light and lacks the advanced features of the Pixel 7a. The Pixel 7a consistently produces better photos and videos.

Performance

The Google Pixel 7a's Google Tensor G2 chipset blows the Snapdragon 821 in the OnePlus 3T out of the water. The Tensor G2's octa-core architecture and 5nm process provide significantly faster processing speeds and improved efficiency. The 3T still handles basic tasks well, but the Pixel 7a offers a much smoother and more responsive experience, especially with demanding apps and games.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 3T's endurance rating of 83h is remarkable, showcasing its excellent battery life. However, the Pixel 7a's 76h is still very respectable. While the 3T has a slight edge in raw endurance, the Pixel 7a's more efficient processor and modern power management contribute to a more balanced battery experience.

Buying Guide

The OnePlus 3T is for those seeking a budget-friendly, long-lasting device primarily for basic tasks and who don't prioritize camera quality or modern features. The Google Pixel 7a is ideal for users who value a fantastic camera, smooth performance, a clean Android experience, and appreciate features like wireless charging and a brighter display.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the OnePlus 3T still worth buying?
Only if you're on a very tight budget and primarily need a phone for basic tasks. Be aware of its limitations in performance and camera quality.
❓ Does the Pixel 7a have a good camera?
Yes, the Pixel 7a has one of the best smartphone cameras in its price range, thanks to Google's advanced image processing.
❓ What is the charging speed of each phone?
The OnePlus 3T supports 20W wired charging, while the Pixel 7a supports 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging.