iQOO Z9s Pro vs Google Pixel 7a: A Deep Dive into Performance, Camera, and Value
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing camera quality and a polished software experience, the Google Pixel 7a remains the stronger choice. However, the iQOO Z9s Pro delivers significantly faster charging and a more powerful chipset for gaming, making it ideal for mobile gamers and those who demand quick power-ups.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | vivo iQOO Z9s Pro | Google Pixel 7a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 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 bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3 |
| 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, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 21 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 23 | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75 x 7.5 or 8.0 mm | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 185 g or 190 g (6.53 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Schott Xensation | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2392 pixels (~388 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.77 inches, 110.9 cm2 (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 4500 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 720 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, Funtouch 14 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (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 |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, OIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 80W wired, 50% in 21 min 7.5W reverse wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 5500 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Flamboyant Orange, Luxe Marble | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | I2305 | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | About 270 EUR | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
vivo iQOO Z9s Pro
- 80W Superfast Charging: Significantly reduces charging time.
- Snapdragon 7 Gen 3: Offers strong gaming performance.
- Potentially Lower Price: iQOO typically focuses on value.
- Camera System Unknown: Likely inferior to the Pixel 7a.
- Software Experience: iQOO’s Funtouch OS may not appeal to all.
Google Pixel 7a
- Exceptional Camera: Google’s computational photography is best-in-class.
- Clean Android Experience: Guaranteed updates and a bloatware-free interface.
- Tensor G2 AI Features: Magic Eraser, Call Screen, and other smart features.
- Slow Charging: 18W charging is significantly slower than the iQOO.
- Less Powerful Chipset: Tensor G2 prioritizes AI over raw performance.
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a boasts a measured peak brightness of 1070 nits, providing excellent visibility in direct sunlight. While the iQOO Z9s Pro’s display specifications are not provided, it’s likely to be slightly dimmer. The Pixel 7a’s OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, a standard in this price range. The absence of LTPO technology on either device means refresh rates are likely fixed, impacting battery efficiency during dynamic content viewing. Bezels appear comparable based on available imagery, and both devices likely utilize similar color accuracy profiles.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a’s camera system is its standout feature. While specific sensor details aren’t provided, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2’s image signal processor, consistently delivers excellent image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The iQOO Z9s Pro’s camera specifications are not detailed, making a direct comparison difficult. However, given its focus on value, it’s likely to prioritize megapixel count over sensor size and image processing sophistication. The Pixel 7a’s video capabilities are also expected to be superior, benefiting from Google’s advanced stabilization and dynamic range algorithms. The absence of details on the iQOO’s OIS suggests it may lack the stabilization capabilities of the Pixel.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iQOO Z9s Pro utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm), featuring an octa-core configuration with a prime Cortex-A715 core clocked at 2.63 GHz. This 4nm process node offers improved power efficiency compared to the Google Tensor G2’s 5nm process. The Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2, while featuring a faster Cortex-X1 prime core (2.85 GHz), is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks rather than raw CPU/GPU horsepower. The iQOO’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is expected to deliver superior sustained gaming performance due to better thermal management and a more powerful Adreno GPU. The iQOO’s likely use of LPDDR5x RAM further enhances memory bandwidth, benefiting multitasking and gaming.
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a boasts an endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating solid battery life. However, the iQOO Z9s Pro’s 80W wired charging is a game-changer. It can reach 50% charge in just 21 minutes, significantly reducing downtime. The Pixel 7a’s 18W charging, while supporting PD3.0, is considerably slower. While the iQOO Z9s Pro’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. Both devices offer 7.5W reverse wired charging, a convenient feature for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Z9s Pro if you need blazing-fast 80W charging, prioritize gaming performance, and frequently engage in demanding mobile games. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prefer a superior camera system, a clean and consistently updated Android experience, and value Google’s AI-powered features like Magic Eraser and Call Screen.