Google Pixel 6a vs Oppo A73 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Contenders

The mid-range 5G market is fiercely competitive, and the Google Pixel 6a and Oppo A73 5G represent compelling options at different price points. The Pixel 6a brings Google’s Tensor chip and renowned camera processing to a more accessible price, while the Oppo A73 5G focuses on delivering 5G connectivity and a functional feature set at an even lower cost. This comparison dives deep into the hardware and software differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice. Its Google Tensor chipset offers significantly better performance and future-proofing, coupled with Google’s exceptional camera software. While the Oppo A73 5G provides 5G connectivity at a lower price, the performance gap is substantial.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo A73 5G Google Pixel 6a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 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 bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada)
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / 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
Announced2020, November 4. Released 2020, November 42022, May 11
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, July 21
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions162.2 x 75 x 7.9 mm (6.39 x 2.95 x 0.31 in)152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight177 g (6.24 oz)178 g (6.28 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ)OLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC3Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 12, ColorOS 12Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 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
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Triple16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, aptX HD, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFC-Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired, PD3.0
TypeLi-Po 4040 mAhLi-Po 4410 mAh
Misc
ColorsNavy Black, NeonChalk, Charcoal, Sage
ModelsCPH2161GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
PriceAbout 240 EUR$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 94h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

Oppo A73 5G

  • Superior performance with Google Tensor chipset
  • Excellent camera quality and software features
  • Long-term software support from Google

  • Higher price point than Oppo A73 5G
  • Charging speed is standard at 18W

Google Pixel 6a

  • More affordable price
  • 5G connectivity
  • Decent battery life

  • Significantly weaker performance
  • Less capable camera system
  • Limited software update support

Display Comparison

The Google Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 876 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Oppo A73 5G. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. While both displays offer an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the Pixel 6a’s superior brightness and Google’s color calibration likely result in a more vibrant and accurate viewing experience. The Oppo A73 5G’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a more basic panel.

Camera Comparison

While both phones likely feature multi-camera systems, the Pixel 6a’s strength lies in Google’s computational photography. The Pixel 6a benefits from Google’s image processing algorithms, delivering consistently excellent photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Oppo A73 5G’s camera performance is likely more dependent on the hardware itself, and without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to assess its capabilities. The Pixel 6a’s software features like Magic Eraser and Real Tone further enhance its photographic capabilities.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Oppo A73 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7nm). The Tensor’s CPU configuration – 2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 – provides a significant performance advantage over the Dimensity 720’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor also contributes to better power efficiency and thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. This means the Pixel 6a will handle demanding tasks like video editing and gaming with greater ease.

Battery Life

Both the Oppo A73 5G and Google Pixel 6a achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, the Pixel 6a supports PD3.0 charging alongside 18W wired charging, potentially offering faster and more efficient charging compared to the Oppo A73 5G’s standard 18W wired charging. The Tensor chip’s improved power efficiency also contributes to the Pixel 6a’s strong battery performance despite its demanding processing capabilities.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo A73 5G if you prioritize affordability and basic 5G connectivity above all else, and are willing to compromise on processing power and camera quality. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value a smooth user experience, excellent camera capabilities, and long-term software support, even if it means spending a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 720 in the Oppo A73 5G struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Dimensity 720 is a mid-range chipset and will likely struggle to deliver a smooth experience in graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact, even at lower settings. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential overheating. The Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor is far better equipped to handle such titles.
❓ How does Google's software support compare between the Pixel 6a and the Oppo A73 5G?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the Pixel 6a. Oppo typically provides fewer years of software support for its A-series devices, meaning the Pixel 6a will remain secure and feature-rich for a longer period.
❓ Is the 18W charging on both phones considered slow by today's standards?
Yes, 18W charging is relatively slow compared to the 30W, 65W, or even 120W charging solutions found on other smartphones. While it will still charge the phones overnight, it will take considerably longer to reach a full charge compared to faster charging technologies. The Pixel 6a's PD3.0 support offers slightly more efficient charging.