Google Pixel 6a vs Oppo Reno8: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Champions

The Google Pixel 6a and Oppo Reno8 represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Pixel 6a leverages Google’s Tensor chip and renowned computational photography, while the Reno8 prioritizes blazing-fast 80W charging and a powerful Mediatek Dimensity 1300 processor. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 6a is the stronger choice. However, the Oppo Reno8’s significantly faster charging and brighter display make it ideal for users who demand convenience and media consumption on the go.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Reno8 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, 411, 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
Announced2022, July 182022, May 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, July 25Available. Released 2022, July 21
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions160.6 x 73.4 x 7.7 mm (6.32 x 2.89 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
Weight179 g (6.31 oz)178 g (6.28 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.9% 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 (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1300 (6 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14, ColorOS 14Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 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
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 23mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanorama, HDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 23mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
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/6, 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
Charging80W wired, 50% in 11 min, 100% in 28 min Reverse wired18W wired, PD3.0
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4410 mAh
Misc
ColorsShimmer Gold, Shimmer BlackChalk, Charcoal, Sage
ModelsCPH2359GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
Price£ 279.99 / € 158.14 / ₹ 24,999$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 105h Endurance rating 94h
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -28.7 LUFS (Average) -
Performance AnTuTu: 619610a (v9) GeekBench: 2694 (v5.1) GFXBench: 42fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

Oppo Reno8

  • Superior camera image processing
  • Clean and timely software updates
  • Brighter display for outdoor use

  • Significantly slower charging speed
  • Less powerful chipset for demanding tasks

Google Pixel 6a

  • Blazing-fast 80W charging
  • Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 1300 processor
  • Reverse wired charging capability

  • Dimmer display compared to the Pixel 6a
  • Less refined software experience

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 876 nits compared to the Reno8’s 633 nits. This translates to superior outdoor visibility, a crucial advantage for users frequently exposed to sunlight. Both displays share an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, but the Reno8’s lower peak brightness may result in washed-out colors in bright environments. While neither phone specifies refresh rate, the Pixel 6a’s OLED panel is likely to offer better color accuracy and viewing angles, though this is not explicitly stated in the provided data.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are listed as having photo and video capabilities, but the provided data lacks specifics. However, Google’s Pixel line is renowned for its computational photography prowess, leveraging the Tensor chip to deliver exceptional image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. While the Reno8 likely offers a capable camera system, it’s unlikely to match the Pixel 6a’s software-driven enhancements. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but Google’s image processing algorithms are a significant advantage.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Google Pixel 6a utilizes Google’s in-house Tensor chip (5nm), while the Oppo Reno8 features the Mediatek Dimensity 1300 (6nm). The Tensor chip, with its Cortex-X1 prime core clocked at 2.80 GHz, is designed for AI and machine learning tasks, enhancing features like voice recognition and image processing. The Dimensity 1300, with its Cortex-A78 cores, focuses on raw processing power. The 6nm process of the Dimensity 1300 *should* offer better efficiency than the 5nm Tensor, but the Tensor’s architecture is optimized for Google’s software. Both phones feature an octa-core CPU, but the Tensor’s core configuration suggests a stronger focus on peak performance, while the Dimensity 1300 aims for sustained performance across all cores.

Battery Life

The Oppo Reno8’s 80W wired charging is a game-changer, achieving 50% charge in just 11 minutes and a full charge in 28 minutes. This drastically reduces downtime compared to the Pixel 6a’s 18W charging, which utilizes the PD3.0 standard. While the Reno8 has a slightly lower endurance rating (105h vs 94h), the significantly faster charging mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery capacity. The Reno8 also offers reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Pixel 6a, adding to its convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno8 if you need incredibly fast charging – topping up from zero to full in under 30 minutes – and a display that remains easily visible in bright sunlight. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prioritize a clean software experience, exceptional image processing, and long-term software support directly from Google, even if it means slower charging and a less vibrant screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 1300 in the Oppo Reno8 get hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the 6nm process should aid in thermal efficiency, the Reno8’s sustained performance under heavy load is not explicitly detailed. However, Mediatek’s Dimensity chips generally perform well in thermal management, and the Reno8’s larger chassis may provide adequate cooling. User reviews would be needed to confirm real-world performance.
❓ How does Google's Tensor chip impact the Pixel 6a's long-term software support?
Google’s Tensor chip is tightly integrated with its software ecosystem, allowing for optimized performance and features. This integration also enables Google to provide guaranteed software updates and security patches for an extended period – typically 3 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates – ensuring the Pixel 6a remains secure and up-to-date.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Pixel 6a slow enough to be a major inconvenience?
Yes, the 18W charging on the Pixel 6a is considerably slower than the Reno8’s 80W charging. A full charge will take significantly longer, potentially requiring overnight charging. This is a major trade-off for Pixel 6a buyers who prioritize convenience.