vivo S15e vs. Google Pixel 6a: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Champions
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing computational photography and a clean software experience, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice. However, users who frequently game or need incredibly fast charging will find the vivo S15e a more compelling option, despite its less refined software.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | vivo S15e | 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, 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 | 2022, April 25 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 30 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.7 x 73.6 x 8.5 mm (6.29 x 2.90 x 0.33 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 | 190 g (6.70 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 2404 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.0 cm2 (~85.1% 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 (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 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 | Exynos 1080 (5 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP10 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean | 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 | - | 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 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 |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | - | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | 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 | 66W wired, 50% in 18 min | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | 4700 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver/Pink | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | V2190A | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 300 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
vivo S15e
- 66W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Exynos 1080 offers strong raw processing power.
- Potentially more RAM options for improved multitasking.
- Software experience may not be as refined as the Pixel 6a.
- Camera performance likely lags behind the Pixel 6a’s computational photography.
Google Pixel 6a
- Google Tensor chip excels in AI and machine learning tasks.
- Exceptional camera performance with Google’s image processing.
- Guaranteed software updates and a clean Android experience.
- Slower 18W charging is a significant drawback.
- May not offer the same level of raw processing power as the S15e.
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 6a boasts a measured peak brightness of 876 nits, providing excellent visibility outdoors. While the S15e’s display specs are not provided, vivo typically focuses on color accuracy in this segment. The Pixel 6a’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a strong OLED panel, likely offering deeper blacks than the S15e. Without knowing the S15e’s panel type, it’s difficult to assess its color gamut coverage or HDR capabilities, but the Pixel 6a holds a clear advantage in measured brightness.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s camera prowess is well-documented, leveraging Google’s computational photography expertise. While specific sensor details are missing for both phones, the Pixel 6a’s image processing pipeline is a significant advantage. The S15e’s camera system is likely competent, but without knowing sensor sizes or aperture values, it’s difficult to assess its low-light performance. The Pixel 6a’s focus on software-driven image quality will likely result in more consistent and pleasing photos, especially in challenging conditions. We can assume the S15e will lean towards a more vibrant, saturated look, typical of vivo’s image processing.
Performance
Both phones utilize 5nm chipsets, but their architectures differ significantly. The Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor features 2x Cortex-X1 cores for peak performance, geared towards AI and machine learning tasks, while the S15e’s Exynos 1080 relies on 1x Cortex-A78 and 3x Cortex-A78 cores. This suggests the Tensor will excel in tasks like image processing and voice recognition. The S15e’s CPU configuration, while still powerful, may prioritize sustained performance over burst speeds. The Pixel 6a’s Tensor also benefits from Google’s software optimization, potentially mitigating any theoretical hardware disadvantages. The S15e's CPU clock speeds are slightly higher on some cores, but the architectural differences are more impactful.
Battery Life
Both the vivo S15e and Google Pixel 6a achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating similar overall battery life despite differing approaches. The Pixel 6a’s endurance is achieved with a smaller battery, relying on the efficiency of the Tensor chip and software optimization. The S15e compensates with its incredibly fast 66W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 18 minutes. The Pixel 6a’s 18W charging with PD3.0 is significantly slower, requiring considerably more time for a full charge. This charging speed disparity is a major differentiator, favoring the S15e for users who prioritize minimizing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo S15e if you need blazing-fast 66W charging to minimize downtime and prioritize raw processing power for demanding applications. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prefer a streamlined Android experience, exceptional image processing, and guaranteed software updates directly from Google, even if it means slower charging.