Google Pixel 7a vs Oppo Reno9: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Champions
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 7a emerges as the stronger choice. Its superior camera system, powered by the Tensor G2, consistently delivers exceptional image quality. While the Reno9 boasts significantly faster charging, the Pixel 7a’s balanced performance and software experience provide a more refined overall package.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Oppo Reno9 | Google Pixel 7a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1x | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 24 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 02 | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 74.2 x 7.2 mm (6.39 x 2.92 x 0.28 in) | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 174 g (6.14 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Asahi Glass AGC DT-Star2 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~89.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM), 950 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 13, ColorOS 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 - 512GB UFS 2.2 - 256GB | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm, AF | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Panorama, HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | - | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, PD, QC2, 33% in 10 min, 100% in 44 min Reverse wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Pink gradient, Red | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | PHM110 | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | About 600 EUR | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
Oppo Reno9
- Superior camera performance thanks to Tensor G2 and Google’s software.
- Faster processor for demanding tasks and future-proofing.
- Guaranteed software updates and a clean Android experience.
- Significantly slower charging speed (18W).
- Potentially lower battery life compared to Reno9 (depending on capacity).
Google Pixel 7a
- Blazing-fast 67W wired charging.
- Sleek design and potentially a vibrant AMOLED display.
- Good performance for everyday tasks with the Snapdragon 778G 5G.
- Less powerful processor compared to the Tensor G2.
- Likely inferior camera performance, especially in low light.
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a boasts a measured peak brightness of 1070 nits, offering excellent visibility in direct sunlight. While the Reno9’s display specifications aren’t provided, Oppo typically utilizes AMOLED panels in this range, likely offering vibrant colors. However, the Pixel 7a’s higher peak brightness is a tangible advantage for outdoor use. The absence of LTPO technology on either device suggests both will rely on adaptive refresh rate scaling rather than variable refresh rates for power efficiency. Bezels are likely comparable, given both phones target a similar price bracket.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a’s camera system is its standout feature. While specific sensor details are missing for both, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2, elevates image quality significantly. The Reno9 likely relies on more traditional image processing techniques. The Pixel 7a’s image processing excels in dynamic range and low-light performance. Ignoring the typical 2MP macro lens found on many phones, the Pixel 7a’s focus on software optimization and potentially a larger main sensor (details unavailable) gives it a clear edge. Video capabilities are also likely superior on the Pixel 7a due to the Tensor G2’s dedicated image signal processor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 (5nm) features a prime Cortex-X1 core clocked at 2.85 GHz, designed for peak performance. This contrasts with the Oppo Reno9’s Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm), which utilizes a Cortex-A78 prime core at 2.4 GHz. The Tensor G2’s more advanced architecture and smaller node size translate to superior processing power, particularly in AI-driven tasks like image processing. While the 6nm process of the Snapdragon 778G offers good efficiency, the Tensor G2’s performance advantage is noticeable. Both phones utilize an octa-core configuration, but the Pixel’s core arrangement is geared towards more demanding workloads.
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating respectable battery life. The Reno9’s battery capacity is not specified, but its 67W wired charging is a significant advantage. This allows for a 33% charge in just 10 minutes and a full charge in 44 minutes. The Pixel 7a’s 18W charging is considerably slower. While the Pixel 7a’s endurance rating suggests efficient power management, the Reno9’s charging speed is a compelling feature for users who prioritize quick top-ups. The Pixel 7a also offers 7.5W wireless charging, a feature absent on the Reno9.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Reno9 if you prioritize charging speed above all else and frequently find yourself needing to top up quickly. Its 67W charging is a game-changer. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you value camera quality, a clean software experience with guaranteed updates, and a more powerful processor for demanding tasks. The Pixel 7a is the better all-rounder for the average smartphone user.