Google Pixel 6a vs. Samsung Galaxy A Quantum: Which Mid-Range Phone Reigns Supreme?

The Google Pixel 6a and Samsung Galaxy A Quantum represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Pixel 6a brings Google’s Tensor chip and renowned camera software to a more affordable price point, while the Galaxy A Quantum focuses on security with its integrated QRNG chipset and Samsung’s established ecosystem. This comparison dissects their key differences to 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 delivers significantly better performance and future-proofing, coupled with exceptional camera capabilities. While the Galaxy A Quantum’s QRNG is a unique feature, it doesn’t outweigh the Pixel 6a’s overall package.

PHONES
Phone Names	Samsung Galaxy A Quantum	Google Pixel 6a

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	LTE	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	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	2020, May 14. Released 2020, May 22	2022, May 11
Status	Discontinued	Available. Released 2022, July 21

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions	162.5 x 75.5 x 8.1 mm (6.40 x 2.97 x 0.32 in)	152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight	185 g (6.53 oz)	178 g (6.28 oz)
	-	IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size	6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~88.3% screen-to-body ratio)	6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Super AMOLED Plus	OLED, HDR
	-	Always-on display

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A77 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex A55)	Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Exynos 980 (8 nm), QRNG security chipset	Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPU	Mali-G76 MP5	Mali-G78 MP20
OS	Android 10, One UI 2	Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM
	UFS 2.1	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, panorama, HDR	Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Quad	64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 12 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Single	-	8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/240fps, 1080p@960fps; gyro-EIS	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR, panorama
Single	32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm	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	5.0, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
Radio	No	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, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
	ANT+	-

Battery
Charging	25W wired	18W wired, PD3.0
Type	Li-Po 4500 mAh	Li-Po 4410 mAh

Misc
Colors	Prism Cube Black, Prism Cube Sliver, Prism Cube Blue	Chalk, Charcoal, Sage
Models	SM-A716N, SM-A716SS, SM-A716S	GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
Price	About 500 EUR	$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 94h
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

Samsung Galaxy A Quantum

Superior performance with Google Tensor chipset
Excellent camera quality and image processing
Guaranteed software updates from Google

Charging speed is slower than the A Quantum
Lacks expandable storage

Google Pixel 6a

Unique QRNG security chipset
Faster 25W wired charging
Samsung’s established ecosystem

Older and less powerful Exynos 980 chipset
Potentially limited software update support

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 876 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Galaxy A Quantum. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. While the A Quantum’s panel specifications are unknown, the Pixel 6a’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a superior OLED panel. The lack of high refresh rate on either device is a compromise for the price point, but the Pixel 6a’s superior brightness and contrast give it an edge for media consumption.

Camera Comparison

While both phones likely feature capable cameras, the Pixel 6a benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography. The A Quantum’s camera specs are not detailed enough to make a direct comparison, but the Pixel 6a’s image processing algorithms consistently deliver excellent dynamic range, accurate colors, and impressive low-light performance. The Pixel 6a’s focus on software optimization will likely yield superior results, even with potentially similar sensor sizes. The A Quantum’s security focus doesn’t translate to camera advantages.

Performance

The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) chipset significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A Quantum’s Exynos 980 (8nm). The Tensor’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 cores, provides a substantial performance boost over the A Quantum’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A77 cores. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor also offers improved power efficiency and thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during demanding tasks. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the Pixel 6a.

Battery Life

Both the Pixel 6a and Galaxy A Quantum achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating comparable battery life. However, the Pixel 6a’s 18W charging with PD3.0 support offers a more versatile charging solution, while the A Quantum is limited to 25W wired charging. While 25W is faster, the Pixel 6a’s power delivery standard is more widely compatible. The similar endurance ratings suggest that despite the different chipsets, both phones are optimized for efficient power consumption.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy A Quantum if you prioritize hardware-level security and require a device with a dedicated QRNG for applications like secure key generation or blockchain. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value performance, camera quality, and a clean Android experience with guaranteed software updates. The Pixel 6a is the better all-rounder for everyday use and content creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 980 in the Galaxy A Quantum overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?

The Exynos 980, being an 8nm chip, is more prone to thermal throttling than the 5nm Google Tensor. While it can handle casual gaming, extended sessions with graphically demanding titles may lead to noticeable performance drops as the chip heats up. The Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip is better equipped to maintain sustained performance.

❓ How does the QRNG in the Galaxy A Quantum actually improve security in everyday use?

The Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) provides a more truly random source of numbers for cryptographic keys and security-sensitive applications. This is theoretically more secure than pseudo-random number generators used in most phones. However, the practical benefit for the average user is limited unless they specifically use apps that leverage QRNG for enhanced security, such as blockchain wallets or secure messaging apps.

❓ Is the Pixel 6a’s 18W charging significantly slower than the Galaxy A Quantum’s 25W charging?

While 25W is faster on paper, the difference in real-world charging times isn’t massive. The Pixel 6a’s PD3.0 support allows for optimized charging with compatible chargers, and the overall time to fully charge both devices is comparable. The convenience of PD3.0 compatibility often outweighs the slightly faster peak wattage of the A Quantum.