Google Pixel 6a vs. vivo S10: 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 software support and camera capabilities. While the vivo S10 boasts faster charging, the Pixel 6a’s overall package is more compelling.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | vivo S10 | 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 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 | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 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 | No | 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 370 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
vivo S10
- Superior camera performance thanks to Google’s image processing.
- Google Tensor chip excels in AI and machine learning tasks.
- Guaranteed software updates and long-term support from Google.
- Slower charging speed (18W) compared to the vivo S10.
- No expandable storage option.
Google Pixel 6a
- Faster 44W wired charging for quick top-ups.
- Sleek and modern design.
- Capable Mediatek Dimensity 1100 processor for everyday tasks.
- Camera performance likely lags behind the Pixel 6a.
- Less consistent software update schedule compared to Google.
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’s brightness isn’t specified, the Pixel 6a’s measured output provides a clear advantage in outdoor scenarios. Both displays offer an 'infinite' contrast ratio, typical of OLED panels, but the Pixel 6a’s color accuracy, benefiting from Google’s calibration, is likely superior. The absence of a high refresh rate on either device is a notable omission, focusing instead on power efficiency.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s camera system is a significant strength, leveraging Google’s renowned computational photography algorithms. While specific sensor details aren’t provided for either device, the Pixel 6a’s image processing pipeline excels in dynamic range, detail preservation, and low-light performance. The vivo S10 likely relies more on hardware specifications, but without knowing sensor sizes or aperture values, it’s difficult to assess its capabilities. The Pixel 6a’s focus on software optimization provides a consistent and reliable camera experience, even without top-tier hardware.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip, built on a 5nm process, utilizes a 2+2+4 core configuration with high-performance Cortex-X1 cores clocked at 2.80 GHz. This architecture prioritizes AI and machine learning tasks, resulting in faster image processing and improved voice assistant responsiveness. The vivo S10’s Dimensity 1100, fabricated on a 6nm node, features a more traditional 4+4 core setup with Cortex-A78 cores at 2.6 GHz. While the Dimensity 1100 is a capable performer, the Tensor chip’s architectural advantages and tighter software integration give the Pixel 6a an edge in overall responsiveness and specialized tasks. Both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, but the Pixel 6a benefits from Google’s optimized memory management.
Battery Life
Both the vivo S10 and Google Pixel 6a achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage. However, their charging approaches differ significantly. The vivo S10 supports 44W wired charging, allowing for a much faster 0-100% charge time compared to the Pixel 6a’s 18W charging with PD3.0. This makes the vivo S10 a better choice for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. The Pixel 6a’s efficiency, however, partially offsets the slower charging speed, providing all-day battery life for most users.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo S10 if you prioritize rapid charging and a sleek aesthetic, and frequently engage in tasks where sustained CPU performance isn't critical. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value a superior camera experience, long-term software support, and a processor optimized for machine learning tasks like voice recognition and image processing. The Pixel 6a is the better choice for photography enthusiasts and those invested in the Google ecosystem.