vivo X70 vs. Google Pixel 6a: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Champions

The vivo X70 and Google Pixel 6a represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The X70, with its Mediatek Dimensity 1200, aims for raw performance, while the Pixel 6a leverages Google’s Tensor chip and software prowess. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device best suits your priorities.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing computational photography and long-term software support, the Google Pixel 6a emerges as the winner. However, the vivo X70’s faster charging and potentially higher sustained performance in demanding tasks make it a strong contender for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X70 Google Pixel 6a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International1, 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 bands1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - International1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada)
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / 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
Announced2021, September 092022, May 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 30Available. Released 2022, July 21
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions160.1 x 75.4 x 7.6 mm (6.30 x 2.97 x 0.30 in)152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight181/182 g (6.42 oz)178 g (6.28 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+OLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 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)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch OS 14 (International), OriginOS (China)Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 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
FeaturesZeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, Pixel Shift, dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Quad40 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF 12 MP, f/2.0, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm-
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
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 NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavICGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging44W wired 5W reverse wired18W wired, PD3.0
Type4400 mAhLi-Po 4410 mAh
Misc
ColorsCosmic Black, Aurora Dawn, WhiteChalk, Charcoal, Sage
ModelsV2133A, V2104GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
PriceAbout 520 EUR$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 94h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

vivo X70

  • Faster 44W wired charging
  • Potentially higher sustained CPU performance
  • 5W reverse wired charging

  • Software update support may be less consistent
  • Camera image processing may not be as refined as Pixel

Google Pixel 6a

  • Exceptional camera image processing
  • Guaranteed software updates from Google
  • Optimized for Google’s AI features

  • Slower 18W wired charging
  • Less powerful GPU for demanding games

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 876 nits, which translates to better outdoor visibility compared to the X70 (brightness data unavailable). While the X70’s panel specifics are unknown, the Pixel 6a’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a superior OLED experience. Both phones likely utilize OLED technology, but the Pixel 6a’s higher peak brightness is a tangible advantage for users frequently exposed to sunlight. The lack of high refresh rate on either device is a notable omission in this price bracket.

Camera Comparison

Both phones excel in photography, but approach it differently. The Pixel 6a leverages Google’s renowned computational photography, extracting detail and dynamic range through software. While the X70’s camera specs are not detailed, vivo often focuses on hardware – larger sensors and advanced optics. The Pixel 6a’s image processing is known for its realistic color reproduction and excellent low-light performance. The X70 may offer more versatility with potentially more manual controls, but the Pixel 6a’s consistent results and software features are a significant draw. The absence of telephoto lenses on both phones limits optical zoom capabilities.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo X70’s Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6nm) features a tri-cluster configuration with a high-clocked Cortex-A78 core at 3.0 GHz, geared towards peak performance. Conversely, the Google Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip (5nm) prioritizes AI and machine learning tasks. The 5nm process node of the Tensor chip offers better power efficiency, potentially leading to improved sustained performance and thermal management. While the X70’s CPU clock speeds appear higher on paper, the Tensor’s architecture and dedicated AI cores give it an edge in tasks like image processing and voice recognition. The Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip is also optimized for Google’s software features.

Battery Life

Both the vivo X70 and Google Pixel 6a achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, their charging approaches differ significantly. The X70 supports 44W wired charging, allowing for a much faster 0-100% charge compared to the Pixel 6a’s 18W wired charging with PD3.0. The X70 also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Pixel 6a. While both phones provide all-day battery life for typical usage, the X70’s faster charging is a clear convenience advantage.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X70 if you need consistently fast performance for gaming or demanding applications and value quicker charging speeds. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prioritize a clean Android experience, exceptional camera image processing, and guaranteed software updates directly from Google. The Pixel 6a is the better choice for those deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 1200 in the vivo X70 throttle under sustained load, like during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 1200 is a capable chip, but its thermal performance can be a concern under prolonged heavy load. While the 6nm process helps, it may experience some throttling, potentially reducing frame rates in demanding games. The Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip, built on a 5nm process, is generally more efficient and less prone to throttling.
❓ How does Google’s software support for the Pixel 6a compare to vivo’s update policy for the X70?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the Pixel 6a, ensuring long-term software support and security. Vivo’s update policy is typically less consistent and may vary by region. Pixel 6a users can expect a more reliable and prolonged software experience.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between the 44W vivo X70 and the 18W Pixel 6a significant in real-world use?
Yes, the difference is substantial. The X70 can fully charge much faster, reducing downtime. While the Pixel 6a will still charge overnight, the X70 provides a quick top-up when you’re short on time. A full charge on the X70 will take approximately 60-70 minutes, while the Pixel 6a will take over 90 minutes.