Google Pixel 6a vs Oppo Reno8 4G: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Contenders

The Google Pixel 6a and Oppo Reno8 4G represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Pixel 6a brings Google’s Tensor chip and renowned computational photography to a more accessible price point, while the Reno8 4G focuses on a sleek design and fast charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice. Its Google Tensor chipset provides a significantly faster and more responsive experience, coupled with Google’s excellent software support and camera capabilities. While the Oppo Reno8 4G boasts faster 33W charging, it can't match the Pixel 6a's overall performance.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Reno8 4G Google Pixel 6a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 401, 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, 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, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / 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
Announced2022, August 172022, May 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, August 26Available. Released 2022, July 21
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions159.9 x 73.2 x 7.7 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)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight182 g (6.42 oz)178 g (6.28 oz)
 IPX4 water resistant RGB ring light around the camera (notifications, charging progress)IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionPanda GlassCorning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM), 800 nits (peak)OLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 12, ColorOS 12.1Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 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
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Triple64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF 2 MP, f/3.3, (microscope) Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanorama, HDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging33W wired 5W reverse wired18W wired, PD3.0
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4410 mAh
Misc
ColorsDawnlight Gold, Starlight BlackChalk, Charcoal, Sage
ModelsCPH2457GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
PriceAbout 330 EUR$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 94h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

Oppo Reno8 4G

  • Significantly faster performance with Google Tensor chip
  • Superior camera image processing and quality
  • Guaranteed software updates and long-term support

  • Slower 18W charging
  • May be slightly more expensive

Google Pixel 6a

  • Faster 33W charging
  • Potentially lighter and more compact design
  • 5W reverse wired charging

  • Substantially slower performance with Snapdragon 680
  • Less capable camera system
  • Potentially shorter software support lifespan

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a features an OLED display capable of reaching 876 nits of peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even outdoors. While the Reno8 4G’s display specifications aren’t provided, Oppo typically utilizes AMOLED panels in this range. The Pixel 6a’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio, typical of OLED technology, delivers deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. The lack of high refresh rate on either device is a notable omission, but the Pixel 6a’s superior brightness gives it an edge for outdoor use.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6a benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography prowess, leveraging the Tensor chip’s image signal processor (ISP). While specific sensor details aren’t provided in the context data, Pixel phones consistently deliver exceptional image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Reno8 4G’s camera specifications are also limited, but Oppo often emphasizes portrait modes and video capabilities. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but the Pixel 6a’s software processing is likely to provide a more consistent and refined image quality across various scenarios. We can safely assume the Pixel 6a will excel in dynamic range and low-light performance.

Performance

This is where the two phones diverge dramatically. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor chip, built on a 5nm process, features a tri-cluster configuration with 2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 cores for peak performance, 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 cores for sustained tasks, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency. This contrasts sharply with the Oppo Reno8 4G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm), which utilizes a more modest octa-core setup with 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold and 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver cores. The Tensor chip’s architectural advantages and smaller node size translate to significantly faster CPU and GPU performance, making the Pixel 6a far better suited for demanding applications and gaming. The Reno8 4G will handle everyday tasks adequately, but will struggle with more intensive workloads.

Battery Life

Both the Pixel 6a and Oppo Reno8 4G achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, their charging capabilities differ significantly. The Oppo Reno8 4G supports 33W wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging, allowing for quicker top-ups. The Pixel 6a is limited to 18W wired charging with PD3.0. While the Pixel 6a’s endurance is solid, the Reno8 4G’s faster charging will be more convenient for users who frequently need to replenish their battery quickly. A full charge on the Reno8 4G will take considerably less time than on the Pixel 6a.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno8 4G if you prioritize a lightweight design and extremely fast charging, and your usage primarily revolves around social media, messaging, and light web browsing. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you demand strong performance for multitasking, gaming, and photography, and value long-term software support and Google’s unique features.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 680 in the Oppo Reno8 4G struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680 is a mid-range chipset and will likely struggle to deliver a smooth experience in demanding games like Genshin Impact, even at lower settings. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential overheating. The Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip is far better equipped to handle such titles.
❓ How does Google's software support compare between the Pixel 6a and the Oppo Reno8 4G?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the Pixel 6a, ensuring long-term software support and security. Oppo’s software update policy is typically shorter, usually offering 2 years of major Android updates and 3-4 years of security patches. This makes the Pixel 6a a more future-proof investment.
❓ Is the 5W reverse wired charging on the Oppo Reno8 4G useful for topping up accessories like earbuds?
While 5W reverse wired charging is a convenient feature, it's quite slow. It can be used to provide a small emergency charge to accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch, but don't expect a significant boost in battery life. It's more of a niche feature than a primary selling point.