The OnePlus 9E and Google Pixel 5a 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded mid-range 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a smooth experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches to achieving this goal. The 9E prioritizes value, while the Pixel 5a 5G leans into Google’s software and camera expertise. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing display quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 5a 5G is the better choice. However, the OnePlus 9E offers a compelling value proposition, delivering solid performance at a potentially lower price point, making it ideal for budget-conscious users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 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 | SA/NSA | 1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1024/150 Mbps, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2021, August 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | - | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | - | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 | 6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | OLED, HDR |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619L | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| 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, HDR, panorama | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4680 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue; other colours | 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 9E
- Potentially lower price point
- Solid 5G connectivity
- Capable performance for everyday tasks
- Less powerful chipset than the Pixel 5a 5G
- Unspecified display brightness and refresh rate
- Likely inferior camera performance
Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Brighter, higher-quality display
- More powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset
- Exceptional camera performance with Google’s software
- Potentially higher price
- Charging speed is relatively slow (18W)
- May not be as aggressively priced as the OnePlus 9E
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 5a 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 861 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the OnePlus 9E. This higher brightness translates to better outdoor visibility. While both displays have an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the Pixel 5a 5G’s superior brightness is a clear advantage. The lack of high refresh rate information for the 9E suggests the Pixel 5a 5G likely offers a smoother visual experience, assuming it utilizes a standard 60Hz panel. The Pixel 5a 5G’s display is a clear winner for media consumption and outdoor use.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs for the OnePlus 9E, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, Google’s Pixel phones are renowned for their computational photography prowess. The Pixel 5a 5G leverages Google’s image processing algorithms to deliver exceptional image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. While sensor size and aperture data are missing for both, the Pixel’s software optimization is a significant advantage. The 9E likely relies more on hardware, and without knowing its sensor details, it’s unlikely to match the Pixel’s consistently excellent results. We can assume the Pixel 5a 5G will offer superior dynamic range and low-light performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the OnePlus 9E utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G (8nm), while the Pixel 5a 5G features the Snapdragon 765G 5G (7nm). The 765G, built on a smaller 7nm process, generally offers better performance and efficiency. Its CPU configuration – a 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime core, 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold, and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver – is more robust than the 9E’s 2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold and 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Pixel 5a 5G. While both support 5G, the 765G’s integrated modem is generally considered more mature and reliable. The 9E’s 8nm process is less efficient, potentially leading to more heat generation under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both the OnePlus 9E and Google Pixel 5a 5G share an endurance rating of 122 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life. However, the Pixel 5a 5G supports 18W wired charging with PD2.0, offering a standardized and relatively quick charging experience. Charging speed for the OnePlus 9E is unspecified, but given its focus on value, it may be slower. The similar endurance ratings suggest that despite the potentially less efficient chipset in the 9E, software optimization and battery capacity are well-matched. The Pixel 5a 5G’s PD2.0 support provides greater compatibility with a wider range of chargers.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus 9E if you need a reliable 5G phone for everyday tasks and light gaming, and prioritize getting the most performance for your money. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you prefer a superior display, exceptional camera capabilities powered by Google’s computational photography, and guaranteed software updates directly from Google.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 690 in the OnePlus 9E struggle with graphically demanding games?
The Snapdragon 690 is capable of handling most mobile games, but it will likely require lower graphics settings for smoother gameplay in titles like PUBG or Genshin Impact. The Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 5a 5G offers a noticeable performance boost for gaming, allowing for higher settings and more consistent frame rates.
❓ How does Google’s software support compare to OnePlus’s for the Pixel 5a 5G and OnePlus 9E?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security patches for the Pixel 5a 5G, ensuring long-term software support. OnePlus typically provides 2 years of major Android updates and 3 years of security patches, meaning the Pixel 5a 5G will remain up-to-date for a longer period.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Pixel 5a 5G slow compared to other phones?
While 18W isn't the fastest charging available, it's adequate for topping up the battery overnight or during downtime. The Pixel 5a 5G’s PD2.0 support ensures compatibility with a wide range of chargers. The OnePlus 9E’s charging speed is unknown, but it may be slower, potentially offsetting the benefits of a similar battery capacity.
