Google Pixel 6a vs. vivo S10 Pro: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Powerhouses
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a emerges as the stronger choice. Its Google Tensor chip offers a unique blend of AI-powered features and solid performance, coupled with Google’s exceptional camera software. While the vivo S10 Pro boasts faster 44W charging, the Pixel 6a’s overall package and software support provide a more compelling long-term experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | vivo S10 Pro | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 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, 8, 28, 41, 77, 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, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1x | 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, July 15 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 22 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 158.2 x 73.7 x 7.3 mm (6.23 x 2.90 x 0.29 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 + eSIM |
| Weight | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide) | 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 | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | - | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 44W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | 4050 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Gradient Blue, Yellow | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | V2121A | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 500 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
vivo S10 Pro
- Superior camera performance thanks to Google Tensor and software.
- Guaranteed software updates and a clean Android experience.
- More efficient processor (5nm) for better thermal management.
- Slower charging speed (18W) compared to the vivo S10 Pro.
- Potentially less vibrant display tuning.
Google Pixel 6a
- Faster 44W wired charging for quick top-ups.
- Sleek design and aesthetic appeal.
- Capable Mediatek Dimensity 1100 processor for everyday tasks.
- Less advanced image processing capabilities.
- Uncertainty regarding long-term software support.
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a features a display capable of reaching 876 nits of peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the vivo S10 Pro’s display specifications are not provided, the Pixel 6a’s high peak brightness is a significant advantage. Both displays boast an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, typical of OLED panels. The Pixel 6a’s display is likely tuned for color accuracy, a hallmark of Google’s displays, while the vivo S10 Pro may prioritize more vibrant, saturated colors to appeal to a broader audience.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s camera prowess is largely attributed to Google’s computational photography algorithms, powered by the Tensor chip. While sensor specifications aren’t provided for either device, the Pixel 6a’s image processing excels in dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. The vivo S10 Pro likely relies more on hardware capabilities, but without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to assess its image quality relative to the Pixel 6a. The Pixel 6a’s software optimizations are a significant differentiator, consistently delivering excellent results even with potentially smaller sensors.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) utilizes a 2+2+4 core configuration with high-performance Cortex-X1 cores clocked at 2.80 GHz, designed for machine learning tasks and image processing. The vivo S10 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6nm) employs a more traditional 4+4 core setup with Cortex-A78 cores at 2.6 GHz. The 5nm process node of the Tensor chip provides better power efficiency than the 6nm Dimensity 1100, potentially leading to improved sustained performance and thermal management. While the Dimensity 1100 is a capable performer, the Tensor chip’s specialized cores give the Pixel 6a an edge in AI-driven features and camera processing.
Battery Life
Both the Pixel 6a and vivo S10 Pro achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. However, their charging capabilities differ significantly. The vivo S10 Pro supports 44W wired charging, enabling much faster top-ups compared to the Pixel 6a’s 18W charging with PD3.0. While the Pixel 6a’s battery life is respectable, users who prioritize quick charging will find the vivo S10 Pro more convenient. The Pixel 6a’s PD3.0 support ensures compatibility with a wider range of chargers, though at a slower charging rate.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo S10 Pro if you prioritize rapid charging and a sleek aesthetic, and frequently utilize features that benefit from a higher wattage charging solution. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value a clean Android experience, exceptional camera capabilities driven by Google’s computational photography, and guaranteed software updates directly from Google, even if it means slower charging speeds.