Google Pixel 6a vs. T-Mobile REVVL 5G: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice. Its Google Tensor chip provides significantly faster performance and a more refined software experience, complemented by a better camera system. However, the T-Mobile REVVL 5G remains a viable option for budget-conscious consumers prioritizing 5G access above all else.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | T-Mobile REVVL 5G | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 12, 13, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 | 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 | 2, 25, 41, 66, 71 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, August 27. Released 2020, September 04 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.2 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 3.00 x 0.37 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 | 215 g (7.58 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765 5G (7 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 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 |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP | 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 | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Nebula Black | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | T790W, T790Z | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 340 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
T-Mobile REVVL 5G
- Significantly faster performance with Google Tensor chip
- Superior camera quality and computational photography features
- Long-term software support and updates from Google
- Higher price point compared to the REVVL 5G
- May not offer expandable storage
Google Pixel 6a
- More affordable price point
- 5G connectivity
- Functional and reliable for basic smartphone tasks
- Slower performance with Snapdragon 765 5G
- Less capable camera system
- Limited software support and updates
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 876 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the REVVL 5G. While both likely utilize OLED panels, the Pixel 6a’s higher brightness translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. The Pixel 6a’s 'infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a superior viewing experience with deeper blacks. The REVVL 5G’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a more basic panel focused on cost reduction.
Camera Comparison
While detailed camera specs are limited for the REVVL 5G, the Pixel 6a’s camera system benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography. The Tensor chip’s image signal processor (ISP) enables features like Magic Eraser and Real Tone, enhancing image quality and providing unique editing capabilities. The Pixel 6a’s image processing style prioritizes dynamic range and accurate color reproduction. The REVVL 5G likely relies on more basic image processing algorithms, resulting in less refined photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of details regarding OIS or sensor size on the REVVL 5G further suggests a less sophisticated camera experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) is a significant leap ahead of the REVVL 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 5G (7nm). The Tensor’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 cores, provides substantially more processing power than the REVVL 5G’s 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime core. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Pixel 6a. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The REVVL 5G’s Snapdragon 765G is adequate for everyday tasks but will struggle with demanding games or applications.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Pixel 6a’s 18W wired charging with PD3.0 support offers a faster and more efficient charging experience than the REVVL 5G’s charging capabilities (unspecified). While both phones offer all-day battery life for moderate users, the Pixel 6a’s faster charging allows for quicker top-ups when needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the T-Mobile REVVL 5G if you need a functional 5G smartphone on a very tight budget and prioritize network connectivity over processing power or camera quality. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value a smooth, responsive user experience, excellent camera capabilities, and long-term software support, even if it means spending a bit more.