T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G vs. Google Pixel 5a 5G: Which Budget 5G Phone Reigns Supreme?

The T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G and Google Pixel 5a 5G represent compelling options in the sub-$300 5G smartphone space. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core hardware and software approaches. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 5a 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset and Google's computational photography deliver consistently better images, while its 861 nits display provides a brighter viewing experience. However, the REVVL V+ 5G offers a competitive package for those focused on raw value.

PHONES
Phone Names T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G Google Pixel 5a 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 711, 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 bands25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021, July 01. Released 2021, July 122021, August 17
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, August 26
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back
Dimensions173.7 x 77.5 x 7.1 mm (6.84 x 3.05 x 0.28 in)156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight-183 g (6.46 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1640 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~257 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density)
Size6.82 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDOLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 620
OSAndroid 11Android 11, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotUnspecifiedNo
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 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
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Triple16 MP, (wide), AF 5 MP, (ultrawide) 2 MP-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16 MP8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
BluetoothYes5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBYesUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANYesWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired, PD2.0
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4680 mAh
Misc
ColorsNebula BlackMostly Black
Models-G1F8F, G4S1M
PriceAbout 170 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)

T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G

  • More affordable price point
  • Decent 5G connectivity
  • Functional for basic smartphone tasks

  • Inferior camera performance
  • Less refined software experience
  • Display brightness and quality are likely lower

Google Pixel 5a 5G

  • Superior camera quality and image processing
  • Brighter and more vibrant display
  • Optimized software and long-term support

  • Slightly higher price
  • Charging speed is similar to the REVVL V+ 5G despite PD2.0
  • May not be available through all carriers

Display Comparison

The Google Pixel 5a 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 861 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the REVVL V+ 5G. This translates to better visibility outdoors. While both likely utilize OLED panels, the Pixel 5a’s infinite contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and more vivid colors. The REVVL V+ 5G’s display specifications are less detailed, leaving questions about color accuracy and viewing angles unanswered. The Pixel 5a’s superior brightness is a clear advantage for media consumption and everyday use.

Camera Comparison

The Google Pixel 5a 5G’s camera prowess is largely attributed to Google’s exceptional image processing algorithms, even with a likely similar main sensor size to the REVVL V+ 5G. While specific sensor details are missing for the REVVL V+ 5G, the Pixel 5a’s computational photography excels in dynamic range, low-light performance, and overall image clarity. The REVVL V+ 5G’s camera system is likely more reliant on hardware, potentially resulting in less refined images. The absence of detailed camera specs for the REVVL V+ 5G suggests it doesn’t offer the same level of photographic sophistication as the Pixel 5a.

Performance

Both phones employ 7nm process nodes, but the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 5a 5G features a more sophisticated CPU architecture. Its Kryo 475 Prime core, clocked at 2.4 GHz, offers a performance edge over the REVVL V+ 5G’s Dimensity 700, which relies on a dual-core Cortex-A76 setup peaking at 2.2 GHz. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon’s tri-cluster design (Prime, Gold, Silver) allows for more efficient task allocation. This difference will be noticeable in demanding applications and multitasking scenarios, favoring the Pixel 5a 5G. Both devices likely share 6GB of RAM, but the Pixel 5a benefits from Qualcomm’s optimized memory controller.

Battery Life

Both the T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G and Google Pixel 5a 5G share an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. Both support 18W wired charging, but the Pixel 5a 5G adds PD2.0 support, potentially enabling faster charging with compatible chargers. While the mAh capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Pixel 5a’s optimized power management, stemming from the Snapdragon 765G chipset and Google’s software, likely contributes to its efficient battery performance. The inclusion of PD2.0 gives the Pixel 5a a slight edge in charging convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G if you need a functional 5G phone with decent performance for basic tasks and prioritize affordability above all else. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you prefer a superior camera experience, a brighter and more vibrant display, and the benefits of Google’s software and long-term support, even if it means spending slightly more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 700 in the REVVL V+ 5G struggle with graphically intensive games?
While the Dimensity 700 is capable of handling most mobile games, it may require lower graphics settings for demanding titles. The Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 5a 5G offers a more consistent gaming experience due to its more powerful GPU and optimized thermal management.
❓ How does Google’s software support compare to T-Mobile’s for the REVVL V+ 5G?
Google provides guaranteed software updates and security patches for the Pixel 5a 5G for a longer period than T-Mobile typically offers for the REVVL V+ 5G. This means the Pixel 5a 5G will remain secure and receive new features for a more extended lifespan.
❓ Is the 18W charging on either phone considered fast charging in 2024?
18W charging is relatively slow by 2024 standards. While it will charge the phones overnight, it won't provide a significant boost in a short amount of time. The Pixel 5a's PD2.0 support may offer slightly faster charging with a compatible charger, but both phones lag behind competitors offering 30W or higher charging speeds.