Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2 vs Google Pixel 5a 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Powerhouses
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw processing power and enhanced security features, the Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2 is the better choice. However, the Google Pixel 5a 5G delivers a more refined, all-around experience with excellent camera performance and comparable battery life, making it ideal for everyday users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2 | Google Pixel 5a 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | 78 Sub6 | 1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 13 | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 23 | Available. Released 2021, August 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back |
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 73.8 x 8.1 mm (6.37 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 176 g (6.21 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~524 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~90.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR |
| 120Hz@FHD / 60Hz@QHD refresh rate | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm), QRNG security chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 (700 MHz) | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 11, One UI 3.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 10 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4680 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Violet | Mostly Black |
| Models | SM-A826S | G1F8F, G4S1M |
| Price | About 520 EUR | $ 189.00 / C$ 249.99 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 122h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 291303 (v8) GeekBench: 1337 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2
- Significantly more powerful Snapdragon 855+ processor
- Faster 25W wired charging
- Enhanced security with QRNG chipset
- Older chipset architecture
- Limited information on camera specifications
Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Excellent camera performance and image processing
- Long battery life with efficient Snapdragon 765G
- Clean and streamlined Android experience
- Less powerful processor compared to the Quantum 2
- Slower 18W charging speed
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 5a 5G boasts a display capable of reaching 861 nits of peak brightness, offering excellent visibility in outdoor conditions. While the Quantum 2’s display specifications are not provided, Samsung typically employs high-quality OLED panels. The Pixel 5a’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio, typical of OLED technology, ensures deep blacks and vibrant colors. The lack of high refresh rate on either device is notable, focusing instead on power efficiency. The Pixel 5a’s brightness advantage is a key differentiator for outdoor usability.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 5a 5G is renowned for its computational photography prowess, leveraging Google’s image processing algorithms. While specific sensor details for the Quantum 2 are unavailable, the Pixel 5a’s image processing excels in dynamic range and low-light performance. The absence of detailed camera specs for the Quantum 2 makes a direct sensor comparison difficult, but the Pixel 5a’s consistent image quality is a major strength. The Pixel 5a’s software optimizations likely compensate for any hardware limitations, delivering superior results for casual users.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2’s Snapdragon 855+ chipset, built on a 7nm process, significantly outperforms the Pixel 5a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G (also 7nm) in raw CPU and GPU power. The 855+ features an octa-core configuration with a prime Kryo 485 core clocked at 2.96 GHz, compared to the 765G’s 2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime core. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance on the Quantum 2. However, the 765G’s efficiency may result in better sustained performance under heavy load, mitigating thermal throttling. The Quantum 2 also includes a QRNG (Quantum Random Number Generator) security chipset, providing a hardware-based security layer not found in the Pixel 5a.
Battery Life
Both the Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2 and Google Pixel 5a 5G achieve an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage. However, the charging speeds differ significantly. The Quantum 2 supports 25W wired charging, while the Pixel 5a 5G is limited to 18W with PD2.0 support. This means the Quantum 2 can recharge faster, potentially offsetting any slight differences in battery capacity. The Pixel 5a’s efficiency, coupled with its software optimizations, contributes to its impressive endurance despite the slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Quantum 2 if you need a phone capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, and if the integrated QRNG security chipset is a priority. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you prefer a streamlined Android experience, exceptional camera quality, and long-lasting battery life without sacrificing 5G connectivity. The Pixel 5a is the better option for those who value simplicity and consistent performance.