Google Pixel 6a vs Oppo Reno8 Z: Which Mid-Range Phone Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a emerges as the stronger choice. Its Google Tensor chip delivers significantly superior performance and image processing capabilities, justifying the slightly slower charging. While the Reno8 Z offers faster charging and a potentially more eye-catching design, the Pixel 6a’s overall experience is more refined.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Oppo Reno8 Z | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 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 | 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, 77, 78 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, LTE, 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, August 04 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 04 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.9 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) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 181 g (6.38 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| RGB ring lights around the cameras (notifications, charging progress) | 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, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | OLED, HDR |
| - | 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 12, ColorOS 12.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 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/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 720p@30/120fps, EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm | 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, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, 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, 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, proximity, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD, 31% in 15 min, 100% in 63 min Reverse wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Starlight Black, Dawnlight Gold | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | - | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 350 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Oppo Reno8 Z
- Superior performance with Google Tensor chip
- Exceptional camera quality and image processing
- Guaranteed software updates from Google
- Excellent outdoor visibility with 876 nits brightness
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Potentially less stylish design (subjective)
Google Pixel 6a
- Faster 33W wired charging
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Potentially more eye-catching design
- 5G connectivity with Snapdragon 695
- Significantly lower performance compared to Tensor
- Less advanced camera processing capabilities
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a boasts a peak brightness of 876 nits, a measured value indicating excellent outdoor visibility, while the Reno8 Z’s display specifications are not provided. The Pixel 6a’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio suggests a true OLED panel, delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors. Without comparable data for the Reno8 Z, it’s difficult to assess its color accuracy or viewing angles, but its market positioning suggests it likely utilizes an AMOLED panel as well. The Pixel 6a’s display is likely the superior option due to the measured brightness and confirmed OLED technology.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s camera prowess is largely attributed to Google’s image processing algorithms running on the Tensor chip. While specific sensor details aren’t provided, Google’s history suggests a focus on computational photography. The Reno8 Z’s camera specifications are also limited, making a direct sensor comparison impossible. However, the Pixel 6a’s ability to deliver exceptional image quality in various lighting conditions, particularly in low light, is a significant advantage. The Tensor chip’s dedicated image signal processor (ISP) enhances detail, reduces noise, and improves dynamic range, features likely exceeding the Reno8 Z’s capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Google Pixel 6a is powered by the Google Tensor (5nm), while the Oppo Reno8 Z uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm). The Tensor’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 cores, provides a substantial performance advantage over the Reno8 Z’s 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold cores. The 5nm process node of the Tensor also contributes to better power efficiency. While the Reno8 Z’s 6nm node is efficient, it can’t match the Tensor’s raw processing power. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Pixel 6a.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting comparable battery life despite differing charging speeds. The Pixel 6a utilizes an 18W wired charging solution, while the Reno8 Z supports 33W wired charging. This means the Reno8 Z can charge from 0-100% in 63 minutes, while the Pixel 6a will take longer. However, the Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip, while powerful, is optimized for efficiency, offsetting the slower charging speed with comparable real-world battery performance. The Reno8 Z’s reverse wired charging is a unique feature not found on the Pixel 6a, offering convenience for charging accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Reno8 Z if you prioritize rapid 33W charging and a lighter, potentially more stylish design. It’s ideal for users who frequently top up their phones and value aesthetics. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you demand superior performance, exceptional camera quality powered by Google’s computational photography, and guaranteed software updates directly from Google. This phone is best for photography enthusiasts and those who want a smooth, long-lasting software experience.