vivo X50 Lite vs. Google Pixel 4a 5G: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Performance

The vivo X50 Lite and Google Pixel 4a 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded budget 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware and target user. This comparison dissects these differences, focusing on performance, camera capabilities, and overall value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and software experience, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the vivo X50 Lite’s Snapdragon 665, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user interface. While both charge at 18W, the Pixel’s PD2.0 support adds convenience.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X50 Lite Google Pixel 4a 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6, mmWave (market dependant)
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/150 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2020, May 12. Released 2020, May 122020, September 30
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, November 05
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions159.3 x 75.2 x 8.7 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.34 in)153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm (Sub-6) or 8.5 mm (Sub-6 and mmWave)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight190.2 g (6.70 oz)168 g (5G Sub-6); 171 g ( 5G Sub-6 and mmWave) (5.93 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~404 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~413 ppi density)
Size6.38 inches, 99.9 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.2 inches, 95.7 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLEDOLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 620
OSAndroid 10, Funtouch 10Android 11, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual-12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 107˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired, PD2.0
Type4500 mAhLi-Po 3885 mAh
Misc
ColorsNebula Blue, Jade BlackJust Black, Clearly White
ModelsV1937, 1937GD1YQ, G025I, G025E, G025H, G6QU3
PriceAbout 300 EURAbout 140 EUR

vivo X50 Lite

  • Lower price point makes it accessible.
  • Functional 5G connectivity.
  • Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks.

  • Significantly weaker performance compared to the Pixel.
  • Less capable camera system.
  • Snapdragon 665 may struggle with demanding apps.

Google Pixel 4a 5G

  • Superior performance with Snapdragon 765G.
  • Excellent camera quality thanks to Google’s software.
  • Guaranteed software updates and security patches.

  • Higher price than the vivo X50 Lite.
  • May be slightly larger and heavier.
  • 18W charging isn't the fastest available.

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific panel technologies aren't provided, the focus here is on performance. The difference in processing power will be more noticeable than any minor display variations. Both likely utilize LCD panels given their price points. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this segment. Color accuracy is likely better on the Pixel due to Google’s image processing calibration.

Camera Comparison

While both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, the Pixel 4a 5G benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography. Although sensor sizes aren't specified, the Snapdragon 765G’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced, enabling superior noise reduction and dynamic range. The Pixel’s image processing algorithms excel in low-light conditions, producing clearer and more detailed photos. The vivo X50 Lite’s camera will likely perform adequately in good lighting, but will fall behind in challenging scenarios. We can expect the Pixel to offer more consistent and reliable image quality across various conditions.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 4a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G, fabricated on a 7nm process, is a significant leap over the vivo X50 Lite’s 11nm Snapdragon 665. The 765G’s Kryo 475 CPU architecture, with its 1x2.4 GHz prime core, offers substantially faster single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The 765G also features a more capable Adreno 620 GPU, providing a better gaming experience. The Snapdragon 665, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding games and multitasking. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load.

Battery Life

Both devices feature 18W wired charging, but the Pixel 4a 5G adds PD2.0 support for faster and more efficient charging with compatible chargers. While battery capacity isn't specified, the Snapdragon 765G’s improved power efficiency partially offsets any potential capacity difference. The 7nm process allows the Pixel to achieve similar battery life with potentially less capacity. Expect both phones to last a full day with moderate use, but the Pixel’s faster charging and more efficient chipset give it a slight edge.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X50 Lite if you need a functional 5G phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are on a very tight budget. Buy the Google Pixel 4a 5G if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive experience, better camera quality, and guaranteed software updates, even if it means spending a bit more. The Pixel is the better choice for gamers and those who frequently use demanding apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 665 in the vivo X50 Lite struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 665 is a budget-oriented chipset and will likely struggle to maintain stable frame rates in PUBG Mobile, even on medium settings. Expect noticeable lag and stuttering, especially during intense firefights. The Pixel 4a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G offers a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ How important is Google's software support on the Pixel 4a 5G compared to vivo's Funtouch OS?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and security patches for the Pixel 4a 5G, ensuring your phone remains secure and receives the latest features. vivo’s Funtouch OS typically receives fewer updates and for a shorter duration, potentially leaving the X50 Lite vulnerable to security threats over time.
❓ Does the Pixel 4a 5G support faster charging than the vivo X50 Lite, even though both are rated at 18W?
Yes, the Pixel 4a 5G supports USB Power Delivery (PD) 2.0, a faster and more efficient charging standard. While both phones have 18W charging, the Pixel will likely charge faster and more efficiently with a compatible PD charger.