Google Pixel 5a 5G vs Oppo A94: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Contenders
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 5a 5G is the superior choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, delivers noticeably better performance than the Oppo A94’s MediaTek Helio P95. While the Oppo A94 boasts faster 30W charging, the Pixel 5a’s optimized software and camera capabilities provide a more well-rounded experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Oppo A94 | Google Pixel 5a 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 05 | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 11 | Available. Released 2021, August 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 160.1 x 73.2 x 7.8 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.31 in) | 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 | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 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 (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 800 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6779V Helio P95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GM9446 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | 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 | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 4310 mAh | Li-Po 4680 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Fluid Black, Fantastic Purple | Mostly Black |
| Models | CPH2203 | G1F8F, G4S1M |
| Price | About 160 EUR | $ 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) |
Oppo A94
- Faster 30W wired charging
- Potentially more camera features (details unknown)
- Oppo’s ColorOS offers extensive customization
- Less powerful and efficient MediaTek Helio P95 chipset
- Likely inferior camera image processing
- Software updates may be less frequent
Google Pixel 5a 5G
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 765G chipset
- Superior camera image processing and software features
- Guaranteed software updates directly from Google
- Slower 18W charging
- Less customization options in stock Android
- May lack some niche features found in ColorOS
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 5a 5G features a display capable of reaching 861 nits of peak brightness, a significant advantage over what we’d expect from the Oppo A94, which lacks published brightness data. While both phones offer an 'infinite' contrast ratio (typical for OLED/AMOLED panels), the Pixel 5a’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. The lack of high refresh rate on either device is a common compromise in this price bracket, but the Pixel’s color accuracy, benefiting from Google’s calibration, is likely superior.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature multi-camera systems, the Pixel 5a 5G’s strength lies in Google’s computational photography prowess. Although specific sensor details are missing for the Oppo A94, the Pixel 5a 5G benefits from Google’s image processing algorithms, delivering consistently excellent photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Pixel’s software-driven HDR and Night Sight modes are industry-leading. The Oppo A94 may offer more camera features on paper, but the Pixel’s image quality is likely to be more reliable and pleasing to the eye.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones lies in their chipsets. The Pixel 5a 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, fabricated on a 7nm process, offers a substantial architectural advantage over the Oppo A94’s 12nm MediaTek Helio P95. The Snapdragon 765G’s Kryo CPU cores (1x2.4 GHz Prime, 1x2.2 GHz Gold, 6x1.8 GHz Silver) are more efficient and powerful than the Helio P95’s (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better sustained performance during gaming. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling under load.
Battery Life
Both the Oppo A94 and Google Pixel 5a 5G achieve an endurance rating of 122 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite differing battery capacities (not specified for the Oppo A94). However, the charging speeds differ significantly. The Oppo A94 supports 30W wired charging, allowing for a much faster 0-100% charge compared to the Pixel 5a 5G’s 18W charging with PD2.0. While the Pixel 5a’s battery life is comparable, users who frequently need to top up their phone quickly will appreciate the Oppo A94’s faster charging capabilities.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A94 if you prioritize extremely fast charging and are heavily invested in the Oppo ecosystem. Its 30W charging will get you back up and running quicker. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you value a smoother user experience, superior camera performance, and guaranteed software updates directly from Google, even if it means slightly slower charging speeds.