Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 vs Google Pixel 6a: A Generational Clash

The Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 3G was a powerhouse tablet in its time, offering a large display and S Pen functionality. Now, we pit it against the Google Pixel 6a, a modern smartphone known for its camera and software. Can a tablet from 2014 compete with a current-generation phone?
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Pixel 6a decisively wins. While the Note Pro 12.2 offers a larger screen, the Pixel 6a's superior performance, modern camera, and longer software support make it the clear choice for most users. It's a generational leap in technology.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 3G Google Pixel 6a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands-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, 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 21.1/5.76 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPAGSM / 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
Announced2014, January. Released 2014, March2022, May 11
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, July 21
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions295.5 x 204 x 8 mm (11.63 x 8.03 x 0.31 in)152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIMMicro-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight753 g (1.66 lb)178 g (6.28 oz)
 StylusIP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution2560 x 1600 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~247 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size12.2 inches, 431.6 cm2 (~71.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper clear LCDOLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A15 & 4x1.3 GHz Cortex-A7)Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetExynos 5420 Octa (28 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUMali-T628 MP6Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 4.4 (KitKat), TouchWiz UIAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 -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
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, AF8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single2 MP8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBmicroUSB 3.0 (MHL TV-out), OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging-18W wired, PD3.0
Music playUp to 131 h-
Talk timeUp to 12 h (multimedia) (2G) / Up to 54 h (3G)-
TypeLi-Ion 9500 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4410 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, WhiteChalk, Charcoal, Sage
ModelsSM-P901GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
PriceAbout 640 EUR$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999
SAR1.58 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU0.67 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 94h
Camera Photo / Video-
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 3G

  • Large 12.2-inch display
  • S Pen support for note-taking
  • Good resolution display

  • Outdated processor
  • Older software support
  • Less impressive camera
  • Shorter battery life

Google Pixel 6a

  • Modern Google Tensor chip
  • Excellent camera with computational photography
  • Long battery life
  • Clean Android experience
  • Bright and vibrant display

  • Smaller screen size
  • No S Pen support

Display Comparison

The Note Pro 12.2 boasts a massive 12.2-inch Super AMOLED display, ideal for multitasking and media consumption. However, the Pixel 6a's 6.1-inch OLED display shines with 876 nits of brightness and an infinite contrast ratio, offering a more vibrant and modern viewing experience. The Note Pro's resolution is good, but the Pixel 6a's color accuracy and brightness are superior.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6a's camera is a major advantage. Google's computational photography is renowned, delivering excellent image quality in various conditions. The Note Pro's camera is adequate for basic photos, but it lacks the detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance of the Pixel 6a.

Performance

The Pixel 6a's Google Tensor chip is significantly faster than the Exynos 5420 Octa in the Note Pro. The Tensor's Cortex-X1 core provides a substantial performance boost for demanding tasks and gaming. The Note Pro's chipset, while capable for its time, struggles to keep up with modern apps and games.

Battery Life

The Pixel 6a's endurance rating of 94h is exceptional, indicating excellent battery life. While the Note Pro 12.2 has a large battery, its older hardware and less efficient processor result in shorter battery life compared to the Pixel 6a.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 3G if you specifically need a large tablet for note-taking with the S Pen and are okay with older hardware. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you want a reliable, modern smartphone with a great camera and clean Android experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Note Pro 12.2 still worth buying?
Only if you specifically need a large tablet with S Pen support and are comfortable with older hardware and limited software updates.
❓ Which device has better software support?
The Google Pixel 6a receives guaranteed software updates and security patches for a longer period, making it a more secure and future-proof choice.