Google Pixel 6a vs. vivo V25: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Champions
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a emerges as the stronger choice. Its Google Tensor chip provides a smoother, more intelligent experience, and its camera consistently delivers exceptional image quality. While the vivo V25 boasts faster charging, the Pixel 6a’s software and overall refinement offer greater long-term value.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | vivo V25 | 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, 5, 8, 38, 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, 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 / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 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, August 17 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 21 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 74.2 x 7.8 mm (6.27 x 2.92 x 0.31 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| Color changing back panel color | 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 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | 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 12, Funtouch 12 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| - | 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 | 50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, HDR | 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, 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, 61% in 30 min | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Elegant Black, Sunrise Gold, Surfing Blue | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | V2202 | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 350 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| SAR | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.24 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 120h | Endurance rating 94h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | -28.3 LUFS (Average) | - |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 461428 (v9) GeekBench: 2023 (v5.1) GFXBench: 21fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
vivo V25
- Faster and more efficient processor (Google Tensor)
- Superior camera image processing
- Clean and timely Android updates
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Lower peak brightness than vivo V25
Google Pixel 6a
- Very fast 44W charging
- Brighter display for outdoor use
- Longer battery endurance rating
- Less powerful processor (Dimensity 900)
- Potentially less refined software experience
Display Comparison
The vivo V25 features a display capable of reaching 781 nits of peak brightness, while the Pixel 6a pushes this to 876 nits. This 95-nit difference translates to noticeably better visibility in direct sunlight for the Pixel 6a. Both displays share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, typical of OLED panels. However, the Pixel 6a’s higher peak brightness is a significant advantage for outdoor users. While neither specification details refresh rate, the Pixel 6a’s display is generally considered more color accurate, benefiting from Google’s display calibration.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer photo and video capabilities, the Pixel 6a’s camera system benefits significantly from Google’s computational photography expertise. Although sensor sizes aren’t specified, the Pixel 6a’s image processing algorithms excel in dynamic range, noise reduction, and detail preservation. The vivo V25 likely focuses on more saturated, visually appealing images out of the box, appealing to a different aesthetic. The absence of detailed camera specs on both sides makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Pixel 6a’s software advantage is a key differentiator.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the vivo V25 utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6nm) and the Pixel 6a is powered by Google’s in-house Tensor (5nm). The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor chip provides a clear advantage in power efficiency and thermal management compared to the Dimensity 900’s 6nm process. The Pixel 6a’s CPU configuration – 2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 – is architecturally superior to the vivo V25’s 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55, offering faster single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the Pixel 6a.
Battery Life
The vivo V25 boasts an endurance rating of 120 hours, while the Pixel 6a manages 94 hours. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story. The vivo V25 compensates for a potentially smaller battery capacity with its 44W wired charging, achieving 61% charge in just 30 minutes. The Pixel 6a’s 18W charging, while supporting PD3.0, is considerably slower. This means the vivo V25 is more forgiving if you frequently run low on battery and need a quick top-up, despite the Pixel 6a’s better overall efficiency due to the Tensor chip.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo V25 if you prioritize rapid charging and a very bright display for outdoor visibility, and frequently consume media. Its 44W charging capability significantly reduces downtime. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value a clean Android experience, exceptional camera performance powered by Google’s computational photography, and a more powerful processor for demanding tasks and future software updates.