TCL 60R vs Google Pixel 7a: A Deep Dive into Budget and Mid-Range Contenders

The TCL 60R and Google Pixel 7a represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$400 smartphone market. The TCL 60R prioritizes endurance 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 delivers the best overall experience.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing battery life and value, the TCL 60R emerges as the winner. Its exceptional 52:48h endurance rating and lower price point outweigh the Pixel 7a’s superior processing power and camera features. However, the Pixel 7a is the better choice for those deeply invested in the Google ecosystem and demanding a more refined software experience.

PHONES
Phone Names TCL 60R 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)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-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 15, up to 1 major Android upgradesAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 4GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual-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
Single50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.5", 0.8µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens-
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), accelerometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging10W wired18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless
Type5200 mAhLi-Po 4385 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace Gray, Pure WhiteCharcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral
ModelsT519HGWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8
Price£ 96.99€ 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980
EU LABEL
Battery52:48h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass B (180 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

TCL 60R

  • Exceptional battery life (52:48h endurance)
  • More affordable price point
  • Decent performance for everyday tasks

  • Slower charging speed (10W)
  • Less powerful chipset compared to Pixel 7a
  • Camera likely inferior to Pixel 7a

Google Pixel 7a

  • Powerful Google Tensor G2 chipset
  • Excellent camera quality and features
  • Bright and vibrant OLED display

  • Shorter battery life compared to TCL 60R
  • Higher price point
  • Wireless charging is slow (7.5W)

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1070 nits, compared to the TCL 60R’s unspecified brightness. This translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While the TCL 60R’s panel technology isn’t detailed, the Pixel 7a’s OLED panel offers richer colors and deeper blacks. The Pixel 7a’s smaller size (6.1” vs 6.56”) also contributes to a higher pixel density, potentially resulting in a sharper image, though this is less impactful than the brightness difference. Bezels are likely comparable given the price points, and color accuracy data is unavailable for both.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a key differentiator. While specific sensor sizes aren’t provided, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2, elevates image quality significantly. The Pixel 7a excels in low-light photography and offers advanced features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur. The TCL 60R’s camera capabilities are less defined, and likely focus on providing acceptable results in good lighting conditions. The absence of details regarding OIS on the TCL 60R suggests it may struggle with image stabilization in challenging scenarios. The Pixel 7a’s video recording capabilities are also expected to be superior, benefiting from the Tensor G2’s image signal processor.

Performance

The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 chipset, fabricated on a 5nm process, offers a clear performance advantage over the TCL 60R’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm). The Tensor G2’s CPU configuration – 2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1, 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 – is more powerful than the Dimensity 6300’s 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. This difference is particularly noticeable in demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. The 5nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While both phones likely feature adequate RAM, the Pixel 7a’s optimized software and tighter hardware-software integration provide a smoother overall experience.

Battery Life

The TCL 60R’s standout feature is its exceptional battery endurance, rated at 52:48h. This is significantly longer than the Pixel 7a’s older 76h rating. While the Pixel 7a supports faster wired charging at 18W with PD3.0 and 7.5W wireless charging, the TCL 60R is limited to 10W wired charging. However, the TCL 60R’s larger battery capacity and efficient chipset likely offset the slower charging speed for most users. The Pixel 7a’s wireless charging is a convenience feature, but the TCL 60R’s longevity is a more substantial benefit for power users.

Buying Guide

Buy the TCL 60R if you need a phone that lasts all day (and then some) on a single charge, and if maximizing value for your money is paramount. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, stream media, and engage in light social media use. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prioritize camera quality, a smooth and responsive user interface powered by Google’s Tensor G2, and access to timely software updates and exclusive Pixel features. It’s best suited for photography enthusiasts and those who rely heavily on Google services.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 in the TCL 60R struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Dimensity 6300 is capable of running Genshin Impact, you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable frame rate. The Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 will provide a smoother experience at higher settings, but both phones are not designed for maximum graphical fidelity in demanding titles.
❓ How does the Pixel 7a’s software update commitment compare to TCL’s update policy?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the Pixel 7a. TCL’s update policy is less consistent and typically offers fewer years of support. This is a significant advantage for the Pixel 7a, ensuring long-term security and access to new features.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Pixel 7a a substantial improvement over the TCL 60R’s 10W charging?
While 18W is faster, the TCL 60R’s larger battery and efficient chipset mean the slower charging speed is less of a concern. A full charge will take longer on the TCL 60R, but the extended battery life reduces the frequency of charging.