Google Pixel 6a vs. vivo S10e: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Champions
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the stronger choice. Its Google Tensor chip delivers superior processing power and AI capabilities, translating to a smoother overall experience and exceptional camera performance. While the vivo S10e boasts faster 44W charging, the Pixel 6a’s software and long-term support offer greater value.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | vivo S10e | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 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, 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, October 18 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 20 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.3 x 7.5 mm (6.33 x 2.93 x 0.30 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 | 175 g (6.17 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 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, HDR | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | 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 | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 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 dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 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 | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Aurora | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | V2130A | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 320 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
vivo S10e
- Superior processing power with Google Tensor
- Exceptional camera performance and software optimization
- Guaranteed software updates and long-term support
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- No high refresh rate display
Google Pixel 6a
- Extremely fast 44W wired charging
- Potentially lighter and more ergonomic design
- Competitive price point
- Less powerful processor (Dimensity 900)
- Inferior camera processing compared to Pixel 6a
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s display shines with a measured peak brightness of 876 nits, offering excellent visibility outdoors, a metric the vivo S10e’s specs don’t directly address. While the S10e’s panel details are missing, the Pixel 6a’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a strong OLED experience. The lack of high refresh rate on either device is a compromise for the price point, but the Pixel 6a’s superior brightness gives it an edge for outdoor usability.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a leverages Google’s renowned computational photography, a feature not explicitly matched by the vivo S10e’s specifications. While sensor details are absent for the S10e, the Pixel 6a’s image processing excels in dynamic range and low-light performance. The absence of details on the S10e’s camera suggests a more conventional approach, likely relying on hardware rather than software enhancements. The Pixel 6a’s focus on software optimization provides a consistent and high-quality photographic experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. Google’s Tensor (5nm) significantly outperforms the vivo S10e’s MediaTek Dimensity 900 (6nm) in CPU performance, boasting 2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 cores versus the S10e’s 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in demanding applications. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While the Dimensity 900 is capable, the Tensor provides a more future-proof experience.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating comparable battery life despite differing charging speeds. However, the vivo S10e’s 44W wired charging (with PD3.0 support) is significantly faster than the Pixel 6a’s 18W charging. This means the S10e can replenish its battery much quicker, a crucial advantage for users who need a fast top-up. The Pixel 6a prioritizes efficiency and software optimization to maximize battery life, while the S10e focuses on minimizing downtime through rapid charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo S10e if you prioritize extremely fast charging and a lighter, potentially more ergonomic design. It’s a good fit for users who frequently top up their phones and value a streamlined user experience. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value computational photography, a clean Android experience with guaranteed updates, and a more powerful processor for demanding tasks and future-proofing.