Google Pixel 7a vs Samsung Galaxy A05: A Detailed Comparison

The Google Pixel 7a and Samsung Galaxy A05 represent opposite ends of the Android spectrum. The Pixel 7a brings Google’s computational photography and Tensor G2 processing to a mid-range price, while the Galaxy A05 focuses on affordability with a more basic feature set. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice. Its Tensor G2 chipset delivers significantly faster performance and superior camera capabilities. While the Galaxy A05 offers a lower price point, the Pixel 7a’s overall experience justifies the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy A05 Google Pixel 7a
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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 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, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -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
Announced2023, September 252023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, October 15Available. Released 2023, May 10
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.08 x 0.35 in)152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)193.5 g (6.84 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypePLS LCDOLED, HDR, 90Hz
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G85 (12 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, AF Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Video1080p@30/60fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
VideoYes4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging25W wired18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4385 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Silver, Light GreenCharcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral
ModelsSM-A055F, SM-A055F/DS, SM-A055M, SM-A055M/DSGWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8
Price$ 100.00 / C$ 119.94 / £ 67.98 / € 96.07€ 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980
SAR EU0.41 W/kg (head)     1.19 W/kg (body)-

Samsung Galaxy A05

  • Faster processor for smoother performance
  • Superior camera quality with Google’s image processing
  • Brighter and more vibrant display

  • Higher price point
  • Slower charging speed (18W)

Google Pixel 7a

  • More affordable price
  • Faster wired charging (25W)
  • Potentially longer battery life due to lower power consumption

  • Significantly slower processor
  • Inferior camera quality
  • Less vibrant display

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1070 nits, compared to the Galaxy A05’s unspecified brightness. This translates to better visibility outdoors. While the A05’s panel type isn’t specified, it’s likely a standard LCD, lacking the color accuracy and contrast of the Pixel 7a’s OLED. The Pixel 7a’s 90Hz refresh rate (not specified for A05) also contributes to a smoother scrolling experience, though the A05 may prioritize battery life with a 60Hz panel.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 7a excels in camera performance thanks to Google’s renowned computational photography. While specific sensor details aren’t provided, the Pixel 7a’s image processing algorithms compensate for potentially smaller sensors, delivering excellent dynamic range and low-light performance. The Galaxy A05’s camera system is likely more basic, focusing on affordability rather than image quality. The A05 may include a 2MP macro lens, which often produces underwhelming results, while the Pixel 7a prioritizes a strong primary sensor and intelligent software.

Performance

The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 (5nm) features a prime Cortex-X1 core clocked at 2.85 GHz, alongside A78 and A55 cores, offering a significant leap in processing power over the Galaxy A05’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). The Helio G85, with its Cortex-A75 and A55 cores, is geared towards efficiency but struggles with demanding tasks. The Tensor G2’s 5nm fabrication process also provides better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. This means the Pixel 7a will handle gaming and multitasking far more effectively.

Battery Life

The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating solid battery life despite its 18W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging. The Galaxy A05 counters with 25W wired charging, potentially offering faster top-ups, but its battery capacity isn’t specified. The Tensor G2’s efficiency helps mitigate the lower charging wattage, while the A05’s Helio G85 may require more frequent charging due to its lower efficiency.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05 if you prioritize extreme affordability and need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you value a high-quality camera, smooth performance for demanding apps, and Google’s intelligent software features, even if it means spending more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the MediaTek Helio G85 in the Galaxy A05 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG?
Yes, the Helio G85 is a budget-focused chipset. While it can run PUBG, you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a playable frame rate. Expect occasional stuttering and longer loading times compared to the Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2.
❓ Is the 7.5W wireless charging on the Pixel 7a significantly slower than the 25W wired charging on the Galaxy A05?
Yes, 7.5W wireless charging is considerably slower than 25W wired charging. A full wireless charge on the Pixel 7a will take several hours, while the Galaxy A05 can reach a full charge much faster via its wired connection. However, the convenience of wireless charging may be preferable for some users.
❓ How does Google's software support compare to Samsung's for these devices?
The Pixel 7a benefits from Google's guaranteed software updates and feature drops for at least 3 years, ensuring a longer lifespan with the latest Android features. Samsung typically offers fewer years of software support for the A05 series, potentially leaving it vulnerable to security risks sooner.