Google Pixel 7a vs. ZTE Axon 60 Lite: A Detailed Comparison

The Google Pixel 7a and ZTE Axon 60 Lite represent opposite ends of the Android spectrum. The Pixel 7a brings Google’s renowned computational photography and flagship-tier silicon to a more accessible price point, while the Axon 60 Lite focuses on delivering essential features at an ultra-budget price. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.

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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice. Its Tensor G2 chipset delivers significantly faster performance and superior image processing, justifying the price premium. However, the ZTE Axon 60 Lite offers a compelling value proposition for those prioritizing affordability above all else.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE Axon 60 Lite	Google Pixel 7a

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	LTE	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, 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	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	-	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	2024, May 07	2023, May 10
Status	Available. Released 2024, May	Available. Released 2023, May 10

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions	164.2 x 75.3 x 8.6 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.34 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	-	193.5 g (6.84 oz)
	-	IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution	720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size	6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)	6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	OLED, HDR, 90Hz
	-	Always-on display

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Unisoc T606 (12 nm)	Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MP1	Mali-G710 MP7
OS	Android 13	Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades

Memory
Card slot	Unspecified	No
Internal	256GB 4GB RAM	128GB 8GB RAM
	-	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Dual	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens	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
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS

Selfie camera
Features	-	HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP	13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video	Yes	4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	-	No
35mm jack	Yes	No
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE	5.3, A2DP, LE
NFC	Unspecified	Yes
Positioning	GPS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
Radio	Unspecified	No
USB	USB Type-C 2.0	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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer

Battery
Charging	22.5W wired	18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless
Type	5000 mAh	Li-Po 4385 mAh

Misc
Colors	Gold, Blue, Purple	Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral
Models	-	GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8
Price	About 150 EUR	€ 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980

ZTE Axon 60 Lite

Superior camera quality and image processing
Significantly faster performance with Tensor G2
Brighter and smoother display

Higher price point
Slower charging speed compared to Axon 60 Lite

Google Pixel 7a

Very affordable price
Faster wired charging (22.5W)
Functional for basic smartphone tasks

Significantly slower performance
Inferior camera quality
Likely lower display quality

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1070 nits, compared to an assumed lower peak brightness on the Axon 60 Lite (typical of its price bracket). This translates to better visibility outdoors. While the Axon 60 Lite’s panel specifications are not provided, the Pixel 7a’s OLED panel offers superior contrast and color accuracy. The Pixel 7a’s 90Hz refresh rate (not specified for the Axon 60 Lite) also contributes to a smoother user experience, particularly when scrolling through content.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 7a’s camera system is its standout feature. While specific sensor details aren’t provided, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2, elevates image quality significantly. The Pixel 7a excels in low-light conditions and offers features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur. The Axon 60 Lite, while likely offering a serviceable camera for basic snapshots, cannot compete with the Pixel 7a’s image processing capabilities. The absence of OIS on the Axon 60 Lite further limits its low-light performance. We can assume the Axon 60 Lite will include lower-resolution sensors and less sophisticated image processing.

Performance

The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2, fabricated on a 5nm process, features a powerful CPU configuration with 2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 cores and 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 cores. This contrasts sharply with the ZTE Axon 60 Lite’s Unisoc T606 (12nm), which relies on less powerful Cortex-A75 and A55 cores. The Tensor G2’s architectural advantages and smaller fabrication node result in significantly faster processing speeds and improved efficiency, making the Pixel 7a far better suited for gaming, video editing, and multitasking. The Pixel 7a also benefits from faster RAM (likely LPDDR5x) compared to the Axon 60 Lite.

Battery Life

The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating good battery life despite its 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging capabilities. The Axon 60 Lite’s 22.5W wired charging is faster, but its battery capacity is unknown. The Pixel 7a’s more efficient Tensor G2 chipset likely offsets the lower charging wattage, providing comparable real-world battery performance. The Pixel 7a also benefits from optimized power management through Google’s software.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE Axon 60 Lite if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is strictly under $200. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prioritize camera quality, smooth performance for demanding apps, and a more refined software experience, even if it means spending more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Unisoc T606 in the Axon 60 Lite powerful enough for demanding games like Genshin Impact?

The Unisoc T606 is not well-suited for graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact. While it can handle less demanding titles, you'll likely experience significant frame rate drops and lag in more complex games. The Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 provides a much smoother gaming experience.

❓ How does the Pixel 7a's camera perform in very low-light conditions compared to the Axon 60 Lite?

The Pixel 7a excels in low-light photography thanks to its larger sensor (likely) and Google’s Night Sight mode, powered by the Tensor G2. It captures brighter, more detailed images with less noise. The Axon 60 Lite will struggle in low light, producing grainy and underexposed photos.

❓ Does the Pixel 7a support software updates for an extended period?

Yes, the Google Pixel 7a is guaranteed to receive at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates directly from Google, ensuring long-term software support and security.

❓ Is the 7.5W wireless charging on the Pixel 7a significantly slower than the 22.5W wired charging on the Axon 60 Lite?

Yes, 7.5W wireless charging is considerably slower than 22.5W wired charging. However, the Pixel 7a’s more efficient chipset and optimized power management mean it doesn’t require frequent charging, mitigating the slower wireless charging speed.