Google Pixel 6a vs. ZTE Blade 11 Prime: A Tale of Two Budgets
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the clear winner. Its Google Tensor chip delivers significantly faster performance and superior image processing, justifying the price difference. However, the ZTE Blade 11 Prime offers a compelling value proposition for those prioritizing wireless charging and a lower upfront cost.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE Blade 11 Prime | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 66 | 1, 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 bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada) |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / 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 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 27 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 27 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 166 x 76 x 8.7 mm (6.54 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | 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 |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 16 MP, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless Reverse wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Sky Blue | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | - | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 160 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
ZTE Blade 11 Prime
- Significantly faster processor with Google Tensor
- Superior camera performance and image processing
- Long-term software support from Google
- Lacks wireless charging
- Higher price point than the ZTE Blade 11 Prime
Google Pixel 6a
- Wireless charging capability
- Reverse wired charging
- Lower price point
- Slow processor and limited performance
- Inferior camera quality
- Limited software updates
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 876 nits measured, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Blade 11 Prime. This translates to better visibility outdoors. While both phones likely utilize LCD panels given their price points, the Pixel 6a’s infinite (nominal) contrast ratio suggests superior black levels. The Blade 11 Prime’s display specifications are minimal, suggesting a focus on cost reduction rather than visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s camera system is a major advantage. While specific sensor details are missing for both phones, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor chip, elevates image quality significantly. The Blade 11 Prime likely relies on simpler image processing, resulting in less dynamic range and detail. The Pixel 6a’s image processing excels in low-light conditions and offers features like Magic Eraser, unavailable on the Blade 11 Prime. Ignoring the likely low-resolution macro lens on the Blade 11 Prime, the Pixel 6a’s overall camera experience is in a different league.
Performance
The performance gap is substantial. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor chip, built on a 5nm process, features a tri-cluster configuration with high-performance Cortex-X1 cores clocked at 2.80 GHz. This is a world apart from the ZTE Blade 11 Prime’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm) and its Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. The Tensor chip’s architecture allows for significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The P22 is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with demanding games or resource-intensive applications. The 5nm process of the Tensor also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite differing internal capacities. However, the Pixel 6a’s 18W wired charging with PD3.0 support is faster and more efficient than the Blade 11 Prime’s combination of wireless and reverse wired charging. While the Blade 11 Prime offers the convenience of wireless charging, the Pixel 6a’s faster wired charging allows for quicker top-ups when needed. The lack of PD3.0 on the Blade 11 Prime suggests slower charging speeds even with a compatible charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade 11 Prime if you need a functional smartphone with wireless charging capabilities on an extremely tight budget and aren't concerned with demanding applications or high-quality photography. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prioritize a smooth user experience, excellent camera performance, and long-term software support, even if it means sacrificing wireless charging.