vivo X60 vs Google Pixel 5a 5G: A Deep Dive into Performance, Battery, and Value

The vivo X60 and Google Pixel 5a 5G represent distinct approaches to the mid-range 5G smartphone market. The X60 prioritizes raw processing power with its Snapdragon 870, while the Pixel 5a 5G focuses on a balanced experience centered around Google’s computational photography and efficient battery management. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing performance and gaming, the vivo X60 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 870 delivers significantly faster processing speeds. However, the Google Pixel 5a 5G offers a compelling package for those valuing battery life, Google’s software experience, and a consistently excellent camera, making it ideal for everyday users.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X60 Google Pixel 5a 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, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International1, 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 bands1, 3, 7, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - International1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021, March 222021, August 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 02Available. Released 2021, August 26
Body
BuildGlass front (Schott Xensation Up), glass back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back
Dimensions159.6 x 75 x 7.4 mm (6.28 x 2.95 x 0.29 in)156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight176 g (6.21 oz)183 g (6.46 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionSchott Xensation UpCorning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+OLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 620
OSAndroid 11, Funtouch 11.1Android 11, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
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, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
FeaturesZeiss optics, color spectrum sensor, Pixel Shift, LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.5, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide)-
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavICGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
RadioNoNo
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, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging33W wired18W wired, PD2.0
Type4300 mAhLi-Po 4680 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight Black, Shimmer BlueMostly Black
ModelsV2045G1F8F, G4S1M
PriceAbout 550 EUR$ 189.00 / C$ 249.99
SAR0.35 W/kg (head)     0.63 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 122h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Performance- AnTuTu: 291303 (v8) GeekBench: 1337 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo X60

  • Significantly faster processor for gaming and multitasking
  • Faster 33W wired charging
  • Potentially more versatile camera system (depending on specs)

  • Battery life may be slightly less than Pixel 5a 5G under heavy load
  • Software experience may not be as refined as Pixel’s

Google Pixel 5a 5G

  • Excellent camera quality with Google’s computational photography
  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Clean and streamlined Android software experience

  • Slower processor compared to the vivo X60
  • Slower 18W charging

Display Comparison

The Pixel 5a 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 861 nits, which translates to better outdoor visibility compared to the X60 (brightness data unavailable). Both displays feature an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels. While the X60’s panel specifications are not provided, the Pixel 5a 5G’s brightness advantage is a tangible benefit for users frequently exposed to sunlight. The lack of high refresh rate on either device is a notable omission in today’s market.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 5a 5G leverages Google’s renowned computational photography prowess, consistently delivering excellent image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. While specific sensor details for the X60 are unavailable, the Pixel 5a 5G’s image processing algorithms excel at dynamic range and noise reduction. The X60 may offer more flexibility with its camera system (depending on its lens configuration), but the Pixel 5a 5G’s consistent results and user-friendly interface make it a strong contender. We're ignoring the likely presence of low-resolution auxiliary cameras on both devices.

Performance

The vivo X60’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) significantly outperforms the Pixel 5a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G 5G (7nm). The 870’s octa-core CPU, with its 3.2 GHz Kryo 585 prime core, provides a substantial boost in single-core and multi-core performance compared to the 765G’s 2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime core. This difference is particularly noticeable in demanding tasks like gaming and video rendering. The X60 is better equipped for sustained workloads due to the more powerful chipset, potentially leading to less throttling. While both use a 7nm process, the architectural improvements in the 870 yield superior performance.

Battery Life

Both the vivo X60 and Google Pixel 5a 5G achieve an endurance rating of 122 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the X60’s 33W wired charging is significantly faster than the Pixel 5a 5G’s 18W wired charging with PD2.0. This means the X60 can replenish its battery much quicker, minimizing downtime. While the endurance rating is similar, the faster charging speed gives the X60 an edge for users who frequently need to top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X60 if you need a phone capable of handling demanding games, video editing, or multitasking without slowdowns. Its superior chipset and faster performance are ideal for power users. Buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G if you prefer a streamlined software experience, exceptional camera quality in all lighting conditions, and long-lasting battery life, even if it means sacrificing some raw processing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 5a 5G struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 765G can run Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable frame rate. The X60’s Snapdragon 870 will provide a significantly smoother experience at higher settings.
❓ How does the software update policy differ between the vivo X60 and the Google Pixel 5a 5G?
The Google Pixel 5a 5G is guaranteed to receive timely Android updates and security patches directly from Google for a longer period (typically 3 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates). vivo’s update policy is less predictable and may vary by region.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the vivo X60 a significant advantage over the Pixel 5a 5G's 18W charging?
Yes, 33W charging allows the X60 to charge much faster. Expect a full charge in approximately 60-75 minutes, while the Pixel 5a 5G will take closer to 90-120 minutes. This difference is noticeable for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.