Google Pixel 6a vs TCL 20 R 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 chipset delivers significantly faster performance and superior image processing, justifying the price premium. However, the TCL 20 R 5G remains a compelling option for those prioritizing affordability and basic 5G functionality.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 20 R 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 | 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 78 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 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat13 400/100 Mbps, 5G 2.7 Gbps DL | 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 | 2021, September 07 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 23 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75 x 9 mm (6.47 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 11, TCL UI | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | T767H | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 180 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
TCL 20 R 5G
- Significantly faster performance with Google Tensor
- Superior camera quality and image processing
- Faster charging with PD3.0 support
- Higher price point
- May lack expandable storage
Google Pixel 6a
- More affordable price
- 5G connectivity
- Decent battery life
- Slower performance with Dimensity 700
- Less refined camera system
- Slower charging speed
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 876 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the TCL 20 R 5G. This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays likely utilize OLED technology (based on the Pixel 6a’s 'infinite' contrast ratio), the Pixel 6a’s superior brightness and Google’s image processing likely result in more vibrant and accurate colors. The TCL 20 R 5G’s display specs are less defined, suggesting a more basic panel aimed at cost reduction.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature multi-camera systems, the Pixel 6a’s image processing capabilities, powered by the Tensor chip, are a major differentiator. Google’s computational photography excels in dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. The TCL 20 R 5G’s camera system, while functional, will likely lack the same level of refinement. Without specific sensor size information for the TCL 20 R 5G, it’s safe to assume the Pixel 6a’s main sensor is larger and captures more light, resulting in superior image quality. The Pixel 6a’s focus on software optimization will deliver consistently better results.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) is a substantial upgrade over the TCL 20 R 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm). The Tensor’s octa-core configuration, featuring Cortex-X1 cores clocked at 2.80 GHz, provides a significant performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks and AI processing. The Dimensity 700, while capable for everyday use, will struggle with demanding games and multitasking. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor also contributes to better power efficiency and thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The Pixel 6a’s likely use of faster LPDDR5 RAM further enhances performance.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting comparable battery life despite differing charging speeds. The Pixel 6a supports 18W wired charging with PD3.0, allowing for faster top-ups compared to the TCL 20 R 5G’s 10W charging. While the overall battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Tensor chip’s improved power efficiency likely offsets any potential capacity differences. The Pixel 6a’s faster charging is a practical advantage for users who need to quickly replenish their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 20 R 5G if you need a truly budget-friendly 5G phone and prioritize basic functionality over performance. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse the web, use social media, and make calls. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value a smooth, responsive user experience, excellent camera quality, and guaranteed software updates, even if it means spending a bit more.