Google Pixel 6a vs. vivo X80 Lite: A Detailed Comparison

The Google Pixel 6a and vivo X80 Lite represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Pixel 6a brings Google’s Tensor chip and renowned computational photography to a more accessible price point, while the vivo X80 Lite focuses on a balanced feature set with a focus on fast charging and a bright display. This comparison dives deep into the specifications and real-world implications of each device to determine which one best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice. Its Google Tensor chip delivers significantly better performance and future-proofs the device with advanced AI capabilities. While the vivo X80 Lite boasts faster 44W charging, the Pixel 6a’s superior processing power and camera experience justify the trade-off.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X80 Lite 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, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 411, 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, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 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 / HSPA / 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
Announced2022, September 222022, May 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, September 22Available. Released 2022, July 21
Body
BuildGlass front, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions159.2 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)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight186 g (6.56 oz)178 g (6.28 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2404 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.44 inches, 100.0 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)OLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-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)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUMali-G68 MC4Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 12, Funtouch 12Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal256GB 8GB 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
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Triple64 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)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, HDR1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
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/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 Color changing back panel color-
Battery
Charging44W wired, 61% in 30 min18W wired, PD3.0
Type4500 mAhLi-Po 4410 mAh
Misc
ColorsDiamond Black, Sunrise GoldChalk, Charcoal, Sage
ModelsV2208GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
Price-$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999
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 X80 Lite

  • Superior processing power with Google Tensor
  • Exceptional camera quality and software features
  • Long-term software support from Google

  • Slower charging speed (18W)
  • Lower battery endurance rating compared to X80 Lite

Google Pixel 6a

  • Faster 44W wired charging
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility
  • Competitive price point

  • Less powerful Mediatek Dimensity 900 chipset
  • Inferior image processing compared to Pixel 6a

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a features a display capable of reaching 876 nits of peak brightness, noticeably exceeding the vivo X80 Lite’s 781 nits. This translates to better visibility in direct sunlight for the Pixel 6a. Both displays share an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, typical for OLED panels. While neither device boasts a high refresh rate, the Pixel 6a’s higher peak brightness provides a more vibrant and usable experience in bright environments. The X80 Lite’s brightness is still respectable, but the Pixel 6a has a clear advantage.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems, but Google’s computational photography gives the Pixel 6a a significant edge. While both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, the Pixel 6a leverages the Tensor chip’s image signal processor (ISP) for superior noise reduction, dynamic range, and detail in photos and videos. The Pixel 6a’s software algorithms, like Magic Eraser, further enhance the camera experience. Without specific sensor size details, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but Google’s image processing is a known strength. The X80 Lite likely relies more on hardware and less on software for image quality.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a is powered by the Google Tensor (5nm), while the vivo X80 Lite utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6nm). The Tensor chip, with its Cortex-X1 prime core clocked at 2.80 GHz, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Dimensity 900’s Cortex-A78 core at 2.4 GHz. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor also contributes to better power efficiency. This means the Pixel 6a will handle demanding tasks like video editing and gaming with greater ease and potentially less thermal throttling. The Dimensity 900 is still a capable chip for everyday tasks, but it falls behind in raw processing power.

Battery Life

The vivo X80 Lite boasts a 120-hour endurance rating, while the Pixel 6a manages 94 hours. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story. The X80 Lite achieves this partly through its 44W wired charging, capable of reaching 61% charge in just 30 minutes. The Pixel 6a’s 18W charging with PD3.0 is considerably slower. While the Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip is more power-hungry, the difference in endurance is partially offset by the efficiency gains from the 5nm process. The X80 Lite is the clear winner for users who prioritize quick top-ups, but the Pixel 6a’s battery life is still adequate for a full day of moderate use.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X80 Lite if you prioritize rapid charging and a very bright display for outdoor visibility, and are less concerned with demanding gaming or extensive photo editing. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value a smoother, more responsive user experience, exceptional camera capabilities powered by Google’s image processing, and long-term software support.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Google Tensor chip in the Pixel 6a get hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Tensor chip is powerful, it can generate heat during prolonged, demanding tasks like gaming. However, Google has implemented thermal management solutions to prevent significant throttling. Expect some warmth, but not to the point of severely impacting performance. The 5nm process helps mitigate heat compared to older chipsets.
❓ How does the Pixel 6a's camera perform in low-light conditions compared to the vivo X80 Lite?
The Pixel 6a excels in low-light photography thanks to Google’s Night Sight mode and the Tensor chip’s image processing capabilities. It captures brighter, more detailed images with less noise than the vivo X80 Lite, which relies more on hardware and less on computational photography. Expect significantly better low-light results from the Pixel 6a.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Pixel 6a slow compared to the vivo X80 Lite's 44W?
Yes, 18W is considerably slower than 44W. The vivo X80 Lite can gain a significant charge in a short amount of time, while the Pixel 6a will take much longer to fully charge. However, the Pixel 6a’s battery life is still sufficient for a full day of use for most users, mitigating the slower charging speed.