OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G vs Google Pixel 6a: The Ultimate Showdown
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Pixel 6a wins overall thanks to its superior camera, smoother software experience, and Google Tensor chip. The Nord CE 2 5G offers faster charging and a slightly more vibrant display, but falls short in key areas. If photography and software are priorities, the Pixel 6a is the clear choice.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe | 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe | 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 17 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 22 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.2 x 7.8 mm (6.32 x 2.88 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-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| UFS 2.2 | 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 65W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray Mirror, Bahama Blue | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | IV2201 | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | £ 99.00 / € 182.18 | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G
- Faster Charging (65W)
- Vibrant AMOLED Display
- More Affordable
- 5G Connectivity
- Weaker Performance
- Less Impressive Camera
- Plastic Build
- No Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 6a
- Exceptional Camera
- Clean Android Experience
- Google Tensor Chip
- Guaranteed Software Updates
- High Brightness Display
- Slower Charging (18W)
- 60Hz Refresh Rate
- Less Powerful Speakers
- More Expensive
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G boasts a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Pixel 6a features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and a measured peak brightness of 876 nits, making it easily viewable outdoors. While the Nord CE 2 5G has a higher refresh rate, the Pixel 6a's brightness gives it an edge in sunlight readability.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a's camera is a standout feature. Its 12.2MP main sensor and advanced image processing algorithms deliver exceptional image quality, particularly in low light. The Nord CE 2 5G's camera system is decent, but lacks the Pixel's computational photography prowess. The Pixel 6a consistently produces better photos with more accurate colors and dynamic range.
Performance
The Pixel 6a's Google Tensor chip provides significantly better performance than the Nord CE 2 5G's Mediatek Dimensity 900. The Tensor chip handles demanding tasks and games with ease, while the Nord CE 2 5G can occasionally show some lag. The Pixel 6a's CPU architecture (Cortex-X1) is also more powerful than the Nord CE 2 5G's Cortex-A78.
Battery Life
Both phones offer impressive battery life, with the Pixel 6a achieving an endurance rating of 94 hours. The Nord CE 2 5G's battery capacity is slightly larger, but the Pixel 6a's efficient Tensor chip helps it last longer. The Nord CE 2 5G's 65W charging is a significant advantage, allowing it to charge much faster than the Pixel 6a's 18W charging.
Buying Guide
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is ideal for users who prioritize fast charging, a vibrant display, and a more budget-friendly price point. The Google Pixel 6a is perfect for those who value exceptional camera performance, a clean Android experience, and guaranteed software updates.