OnePlus Nord N20 5G vs Google Pixel 6a: The Ultimate Showdown

Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the OnePlus Nord N20 5G and the Google Pixel 6a. Both offer compelling features at competitive prices, but which one reigns supreme?

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Pixel 6a takes the crown thanks to its superior camera, smoother performance powered by the Tensor chip, and brighter display. While the Nord N20 5G boasts impressive battery life and faster charging, the Pixel 6a's overall package is more polished and delivers a better user experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	OnePlus Nord N20 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, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 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	2, 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat15 800/200 Mbps, 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	2022, April 28	2022, May 11
Status	Available. Released 2022, April 28	Available. Released 2022, July 21

Body
Build	Glass front (Schott Xensation Up), plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions	159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 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	173 g (6.10 oz)	178 g (6.28 oz)
	-	IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)

Display
Protection	Schott Xensation Up	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 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)	6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED	OLED, HDR
	Always-on display	Always-on display

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)	Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)	Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPU	Adreno 619	Mali-G78 MP20
OS	Android 11, OxygenOS 11	Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	No
Internal	128GB 6GB 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, (wide)	8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Triple	64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.4, (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	5.2, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
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/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

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

Battery
Charging	33W wired	18W wired, PD3.0
Type	Li-Po 4500 mAh	Li-Po 4410 mAh

Misc
Colors	Blue	Chalk, Charcoal, Sage
Models	GN2200, CPH2459	GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
Price	About 120 EUR	$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999

Tests
Battery life	Endurance rating 129h	Endurance rating 94h
Display	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Performance	AnTuTu: 316974 (v8), 380672 (v9) GeekBench: 1945 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	-

OnePlus Nord N20 5G

Excellent battery life
Fast charging (33W)
Competitive price
5G connectivity

Less powerful processor
Mediocre camera
Lower display brightness

Google Pixel 6a

Outstanding camera
Smooth performance (Google Tensor)
Bright display
Clean Android experience
Guaranteed software updates

Slower charging (18W)
Shorter battery life compared to Nord N20 5G
Less premium design

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a's display shines with a measured 876 nits of peak brightness, significantly outperforming the Nord N20 5G's 647 nits. Both offer excellent contrast ratios (infinite nominal), but the Pixel 6a's higher brightness makes it more comfortable to use outdoors. Color accuracy is generally good on both, though the Pixel 6a often exhibits slightly more vibrant colors.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6a's camera is a standout feature. Google's computational photography expertise delivers exceptional image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Nord N20 5G's camera is decent, but it doesn't match the Pixel 6a's dynamic range, detail, and overall image processing. The Pixel 6a also offers features like Cinematic Blur.

Performance

Here, the Google Pixel 6a pulls ahead. Its Google Tensor chip provides noticeably faster and smoother performance compared to the Snapdragon 695 5G in the Nord N20 5G. Everyday tasks, multitasking, and even gaming feel more responsive on the Pixel 6a. The Tensor chip also enables advanced features like Magic Eraser and Real Tone.

Battery Life

The OnePlus Nord N20 5G holds a slight edge in battery endurance, boasting an impressive 129h endurance rating compared to the Pixel 6a's 94h. However, the Pixel 6a supports PD3.0 fast charging, which can partially offset the difference in endurance. The Nord N20 5G's 33W charging is faster than the Pixel 6a's 18W.

Buying Guide

The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is ideal for users prioritizing battery life and fast charging on a budget. The Google Pixel 6a is perfect for those who value a top-tier camera, clean Android experience, and guaranteed software updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better software support?

The Google Pixel 6a guarantees faster and longer software updates directly from Google, providing a more secure and up-to-date experience.

❓ Is the Pixel 6a worth the extra cost?

If camera quality and performance are your priorities, the Pixel 6a is definitely worth the extra investment. However, if you're on a tight budget and prioritize battery life, the Nord N20 5G remains a solid choice.