The OnePlus 8T+ 5G and Google Pixel 5a 5G represent compelling options in the mid-range 5G smartphone market. While the Pixel 5a 5G focuses on Google’s renowned computational photography and software experience, the OnePlus 8T+ 5G historically aimed for a balance of performance and features. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device offers the best overall package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software support, the Google Pixel 5a 5G is the better choice. Its exceptional image processing and guaranteed updates outweigh the OnePlus 8T+ 5G’s potential performance edge, given the limited available information on the 8T+’s specifications.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, September. Released 2011, September | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 111.4 x 57.1 x 16.1 mm (4.39 x 2.25 x 0.63 in) | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | - |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 63.8 g (2.22 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| | Flashlight | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.0 inches, 12.4 cm2 (~19.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | OLED, HDR |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 620 |
| OS | - | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64MB ROM, 32MB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Phonebook | 300 entries | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
16 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 1.3 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | - | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, IM | - |
| Sensors | - | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| | Analog TV
MSN, Facebook, Yahoo, Twitter applications
MP3/WAV player
MP4/H.263 player | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Stand-by | Up to 400 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h | - |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery (BL-4L) | Li-Po 4680 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Blue, White | Mostly Black |
| Models | - | G1F8F, G4S1M |
| Price | - | $ 189.00 / C$ 249.99 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 122h
|
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 291303 (v8)
GeekBench: 1337 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
OnePlus 8T+ 5G
- Potentially faster processor than the Pixel 5a 5G
- Likely faster charging speeds (assuming it exceeds 18W)
- OnePlus’ OxygenOS offers customization options
- Limited information available on specifications
- Software update support may be shorter than Google’s
Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Exceptional camera quality thanks to Google’s image processing
- Guaranteed software updates directly from Google
- Solid mid-range performance with the Snapdragon 765G
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Less customization options compared to OxygenOS
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 5a 5G boasts a display capable of reaching 861 nits of peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the OnePlus 8T+ 5G’s display specifications are unknown, OnePlus typically prioritizes high refresh rates in this segment. The Pixel 5a 5G’s infinite (nominal) contrast ratio suggests a strong OLED panel, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors. Without knowing the panel technology or refresh rate of the 8T+, it’s difficult to definitively say which display is superior, but the Pixel 5a’s measured brightness provides a concrete advantage.
Camera Comparison
The Google Pixel 5a 5G is renowned for its computational photography prowess. While sensor size and aperture details are unavailable, Google’s image processing algorithms consistently deliver exceptional results, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The OnePlus 8T+ 5G’s camera specifications are unknown, but OnePlus often focuses on megapixel count rather than image quality. The Pixel 5a 5G’s strength lies in its software optimization, consistently producing detailed and well-balanced images. Without specific details on the 8T+’s camera hardware, the Pixel 5a 5G holds a clear advantage in expected image quality.
Performance
The Google Pixel 5a 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with a prime Kryo 475 core clocked at 2.4 GHz. This chipset provides a solid mid-range performance profile. The OnePlus 8T+ 5G’s chipset remains unspecified, but given its ‘+’ designation, it likely featured a more powerful processor than the 765G. However, without knowing the specific chip, it’s impossible to quantify the performance difference. The Pixel 5a 5G’s 7nm process node offers a good balance of power efficiency and performance, while the OnePlus 8T+ 5G’s potential chipset could offer a more significant performance boost, assuming it’s a newer generation.
Battery Life
Both the OnePlus 8T+ 5G and Google Pixel 5a 5G share an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating comparable battery life. The Pixel 5a 5G supports 18W wired charging with PD2.0. The OnePlus 8T+ 5G’s charging speed is unknown, but OnePlus often includes faster charging solutions in its devices. While the battery capacity isn’t specified for either phone, the similar endurance ratings suggest comparable battery sizes and power efficiency. If the OnePlus 8T+ 5G supports significantly faster charging, it could offer a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus 8T+ 5G if you prioritize raw performance and potentially faster charging speeds (assuming it exceeds the Pixel 5a’s 18W). Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you value a superior camera experience, clean software, and guaranteed software updates directly from Google, even if it means sacrificing some theoretical processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 5a 5G struggle with demanding games?
The Snapdragon 765G is a capable mid-range chipset. While it won’t deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it can handle most popular titles at medium to high settings. Expect some frame rate drops in the most graphically intensive games, but overall the experience should be enjoyable.
❓ How long will the Pixel 5a 5G receive software updates?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the Pixel 5a 5G, starting from its release date. This is a significant advantage over many other Android phones, ensuring your device remains secure and up-to-date for years to come.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Pixel 5a 5G slow compared to other phones?
18W charging is relatively slow compared to some phones that offer 30W or 65W charging. However, it’s sufficient for overnight charging and won’t significantly impact your daily usage. The Pixel 5a 5G prioritizes battery health and longevity over extremely fast charging speeds.
