Google Pixel 7a vs. vivo Y78: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Contenders
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice. Its Tensor G2 chipset provides significantly better performance, and its camera system is in a different league. However, the vivo Y78 offers compelling value for those prioritizing 5G connectivity and faster charging on a tighter budget.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | vivo Y78 | Google Pixel 7a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1x | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 29 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June 10 | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 74.8 x 7.9 mm (6.47 x 2.94 x 0.31 in) | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 177 g (6.24 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1300 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 13, Funtouch 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF, OIS 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 44W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Flare Black, Dreamy Gold | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | - | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
vivo Y78
- Superior camera performance with Google’s image processing
- Significantly faster and more capable Tensor G2 chipset
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Slower 18W charging
- Higher price point
Google Pixel 7a
- Faster 44W wired charging
- More affordable price
- Dedicated 5G connectivity
- Less powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Inferior camera performance
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1070 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the vivo Y78. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize OLED panels, the Pixel 7a’s higher brightness and Google’s color calibration expertise will deliver a more vibrant and accurate viewing experience. The Y78’s display specs are less defined, suggesting a focus on cost reduction rather than premium visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a’s camera system is its standout feature. While specific sensor details are missing for both, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2, elevates image quality significantly. The Pixel 7a excels in low-light photography and dynamic range. The vivo Y78 likely relies more on hardware and less on software processing, resulting in less refined images. The absence of details regarding OIS on the Y78 suggests it may lack the stabilization capabilities of the Pixel 7a, impacting video recording and low-light performance. We can assume the Pixel 7a will offer a more versatile and consistently high-quality camera experience.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2, built on a 5nm process, features a tri-cluster configuration with high-performance Cortex-X1 cores, offering a significant advantage over the vivo Y78’s Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm). The Tensor G2’s architecture is designed for AI and machine learning tasks, enhancing features like voice recognition and image processing. The Snapdragon 695, while capable for everyday tasks, will struggle with demanding games and multitasking compared to the Pixel 7a. The Pixel 7a’s likely use of faster LPDDR5x RAM further contributes to its performance edge.
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating strong battery life despite its 18W charging. The vivo Y78 counters with a faster 44W wired charging solution, allowing for quicker top-ups. While the Y78’s battery capacity is unknown, the faster charging speed is a clear advantage for users who prioritize minimizing downtime. The Pixel 7a supports PD3.0 and 7.5W wireless charging, offering additional convenience, but the charging speed is considerably slower than the Y78’s wired charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y78 if you need a reliable 5G phone with fast 44W charging and prioritize affordability above all else. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and make occasional calls. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you value a superior camera experience, smoother performance for demanding apps, and Google’s software features, even if it means sacrificing charging speed and paying a premium.