TCL 60 vs Google Pixel 7a: A Deep Dive into Value and Performance

The TCL 60 and Google Pixel 7a represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The TCL 60 prioritizes exceptional battery life and affordability, while the Pixel 7a leverages Google’s Tensor G2 chip and renowned camera capabilities. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing all-day battery life and a budget-friendly price, the TCL 60 is the clear winner. However, the Google Pixel 7a delivers a superior camera experience and smoother performance thanks to its Tensor G2 chipset, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts and those invested in the Google ecosystem.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 60 Google Pixel 7a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8
Launch
Announced2025, March 032023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, MayAvailable. Released 2023, May 10
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions165.6 x 76.2 x 8.2 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.32 in)152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)193.5 g (6.84 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 5Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 480 nits (typ)OLED, HDR, 90Hz
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 15Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal256GB 6GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.5", 0.7µm, PDAF 5 MP, (ultrawide)64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless
Type5200 mAhLi-Po 4385 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace Gray, Midnight BlueCharcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral
ModelsT521HGWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8
PriceAbout 170 EUR€ 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980
EU LABEL
Battery52:47h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass B (180 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

TCL 60

  • Exceptional battery life (52:47h endurance)
  • Long battery lifespan (1000 charge cycles)
  • More affordable price point

  • Less powerful processor
  • Inferior camera system
  • Slower charging speeds

Google Pixel 7a

  • Superior performance with Google Tensor G2
  • Excellent camera quality and image processing
  • Faster charging with wireless charging support

  • Shorter battery life
  • Higher price
  • Potential for software bloat (depending on user preference)

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1070 nits, compared to the TCL 60’s unspecified peak brightness. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While the TCL 60’s panel technology isn’t detailed, the Pixel 7a’s OLED panel offers superior contrast and color accuracy. The absence of LTPO on either device suggests neither offers adaptive refresh rates, a feature increasingly common in this price bracket. Bezels appear comparable based on available imagery, but the Pixel 7a’s smaller overall size may contribute to a slightly more immersive viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a key differentiator. While specific sensor sizes aren’t provided, Google’s computational photography prowess, combined with its image processing algorithms, consistently delivers excellent image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The TCL 60’s camera capabilities are less defined, and likely focus on providing acceptable results for casual photography. The Pixel 7a’s video recording capabilities are also expected to be superior, benefiting from the Tensor G2’s image signal processor. The TCL 60’s camera is likely adequate for social media sharing, but won’t compete with the Pixel 7a’s detail and dynamic range.

Performance

The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2, fabricated on a 5nm process, holds a clear architectural advantage over the TCL 60’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm). The Tensor G2’s Cortex-X1 prime core, clocked at 2.85 GHz, significantly outperforms the TCL 60’s Cortex-A76 cores at 2.4 GHz. This difference is noticeable in demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. The Pixel 7a’s chipset also benefits from Google’s dedicated AI processing capabilities. While the TCL 60’s Dimensity 6300 is a capable chip for everyday tasks, it won’t match the Pixel 7a’s sustained performance under load. RAM specifications are not provided for either device, but the Pixel 7a likely benefits from optimized memory management due to Google’s software integration.

Battery Life

The TCL 60’s standout feature is its exceptional battery endurance, rated at 52:47 hours. This is significantly longer than the Pixel 7a’s reported 76 hours (note: this is an older rating and likely based on different testing methodologies). However, the Pixel 7a offers faster charging with 18W wired charging and the added convenience of 7.5W wireless charging, utilizing PD3.0 for optimized power delivery. The TCL 60 is limited to 18W wired charging. The TCL 60’s 1000 charge cycle rating suggests a longer lifespan for the battery itself, potentially mitigating the impact of slower charging speeds over the long term.

Buying Guide

Buy the TCL 60 if you need a phone that consistently lasts well over a day on a single charge and value affordability above all else. It’s perfect for travelers, commuters, or anyone who dislikes frequent charging. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prioritize camera quality, a fluid user experience powered by Google’s software, and access to timely updates, even if it means compromising slightly on battery endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 in the TCL 60 struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Dimensity 6300 is capable, Genshin Impact and similar demanding titles will likely require reduced graphics settings for a smooth experience. The TCL 60’s thermal management may also lead to some throttling during extended gaming sessions, impacting sustained performance. The Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 offers a more comfortable gaming experience at higher settings.
❓ How does the Pixel 7a’s camera perform in low-light conditions compared to other phones in this price range?
The Pixel 7a excels in low-light photography thanks to Google’s Night Sight mode and the Tensor G2’s image processing capabilities. It consistently outperforms competitors in this price bracket, capturing detailed and well-exposed images with minimal noise. The TCL 60’s low-light performance is likely adequate, but won’t match the Pixel 7a’s quality.
❓ Is the 7.5W wireless charging on the Pixel 7a significantly slower than the 18W wired charging?
Yes, 7.5W wireless charging is considerably slower than 18W wired charging. Expect a full charge via wireless to take several hours. However, the convenience of wireless charging can be valuable for users who prefer not to deal with cables.