Google Pixel 6a vs. ZTE Blade V40: A Detailed Comparison of Performance and Value

The Google Pixel 6a disrupted the mid-range market with its flagship-level Tensor chip, but at what cost? The ZTE Blade V40 offers a compelling alternative, leveraging MediaTek's Dimensity 700 to deliver a solid experience at a significantly lower price point. This comparison dives deep into the key differences to help you decide which phone best suits your needs.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice. Its Google Tensor chip provides a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience, coupled with Google’s exceptional camera processing. However, the ZTE Blade V40 represents excellent value for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize affordability over raw performance.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE Blade V40	Google Pixel 6a

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, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada)
5G bands	SA/NSA	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, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	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	2022, February 28	2022, May 11
Status	Available. Released 2023, January	Available. Released 2022, July 21

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions	-	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	-	178 g (6.28 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 (~395 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2	6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	OLED, HDR
	-	Always-on display

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)	Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Mali-G78 MP20
OS	Android 12	Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC	No
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM	128GB 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
Features	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)	8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Triple	48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS

Selfie camera
Features	-	HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)	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	Yes	5.2, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes (market/region dependent)	Yes
Positioning	GPS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
Radio	Unspecified	No
USB	USB Type-C 2.0	USB Type-C 3.1
WLAN	Yes	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

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
Type	Li-Po 6000 mAh	Li-Po 4410 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, Blue	Chalk, Charcoal, Sage
Models	-	GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
Price	-	$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 94h
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

ZTE Blade V40

Superior performance with Google Tensor chip
Exceptional camera quality and image processing
Guaranteed software updates and support

Higher price point
Slightly slower charging than ZTE Blade V40

Google Pixel 6a

Significantly more affordable
Faster wired charging (22.5W)
Decent battery life

Less powerful processor
Inferior camera performance

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 876 nits, compared to the ZTE Blade V40’s unspecified brightness. This makes the Pixel 6a far more usable outdoors in direct sunlight. While both phones likely utilize LCD panels (given the price points), the Pixel 6a’s infinite contrast ratio suggests superior black levels, enhancing the viewing experience. The Blade V40’s display specs are minimal, suggesting a focus on cost reduction rather than visual fidelity.

Camera Comparison

While both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, the Pixel 6a’s image processing capabilities, powered by the Tensor chip, are a major advantage. Google’s computational photography excels in dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. The ZTE Blade V40’s camera specs are not detailed enough to make a direct comparison, but given its price point, it’s unlikely to match the Pixel 6a’s image quality. The Pixel 6a’s focus will be on delivering consistently excellent photos with minimal effort, while the Blade V40 will likely require more user intervention to achieve acceptable results.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) is a substantial upgrade over the ZTE Blade V40’s MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm). The Tensor’s Cortex-X1 prime core, clocked at 2.80 GHz, provides a significant performance boost in demanding tasks. The Dimensity 700, while capable, is geared towards efficient everyday use. The Tensor’s 5nm process also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Pixel 6a will handle graphically intensive games and multitasking with greater ease.

Battery Life

Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating similar overall battery life despite differing battery capacities (not specified for the Blade V40). However, the Pixel 6a’s 18W charging with PD3.0 offers a more versatile and potentially faster charging experience than the Blade V40’s 22.5W wired charging. The Pixel 6a’s power efficiency, thanks to the Tensor chip, likely contributes to its comparable endurance despite potentially having a smaller battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE Blade V40 if you need a reliable, affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. It’s ideal for users who prioritize battery life and don’t demand high-end gaming or photography capabilities. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prefer a premium experience with a powerful processor, exceptional camera quality, and guaranteed software updates, even if it means spending more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the MediaTek Dimensity 700 in the ZTE Blade V40 struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?

Yes, the Dimensity 700 is a capable chip for everyday tasks, but it will likely struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact. Expect lower frame rates and potentially noticeable lag, even on lower settings. The Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor chip is far better equipped to handle such games.

❓ How does Google's software support compare between the Pixel 6a and the ZTE Blade V40?

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. ZTE’s update policy for the Blade V40 is less clear and typically shorter, meaning it will likely receive fewer updates and become vulnerable to security threats sooner.

❓ Is the 18W charging on the Pixel 6a significantly slower than the 22.5W charging on the ZTE Blade V40?

While the ZTE Blade V40 has higher wattage charging, the Pixel 6a’s support for PD3.0 allows for more efficient charging. In practice, the difference in 0-100% charge times may not be substantial, and the Pixel 6a’s optimized charging algorithms can help preserve battery health.