Google Pixel 6a vs. ZTE Boost Max+: A Performance and Display Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice. Its Google Tensor chipset delivers dramatically faster performance, a brighter and more vibrant display, and a significantly better user experience. While the ZTE Boost Max+ may be more affordable, the Pixel 6a’s value proposition is far stronger.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE Boost Max+ | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA | 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 | - | 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) |
| EDGE | Yes | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | 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 | 2015, July. Released 2015, July | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 82.6 x 10.2 mm (6.5 x 3.25 x 0.40 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 194.8 g (6.88 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~258 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 89.6 cm2 (~65.7% 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 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB 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 flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 1 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Yes | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Talk time | Up to 16 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3400 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gold | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | - | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 180 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
ZTE Boost Max+
- Significantly faster performance with Google Tensor
- Brighter and higher-quality display
- Superior camera capabilities with Google’s image processing
- Faster charging with PD3.0
- Higher upfront cost
- May be slightly larger and heavier
Google Pixel 6a
- Lower upfront cost
- Potentially longer battery life due to less demanding hardware (though endurance rating is the same)
- May be more compact
- Significantly slower performance
- Inferior display quality
- Likely a less capable camera system
- Limited software support
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly more advanced display. With a measured peak brightness of 876 nits, it easily outshines the ZTE Boost Max+ (brightness data unavailable). The Pixel 6a’s infinite (nominal) contrast ratio ensures deep blacks and vibrant colors, enhancing the viewing experience for videos and photos. While the Boost Max+’s display specs are limited, it’s reasonable to assume it lacks the color accuracy and brightness of the Pixel 6a, making it less suitable for outdoor use or media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the ZTE Boost Max+ are unavailable, but given its market positioning, it’s unlikely to compete with the Pixel 6a. The Pixel 6a benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography, delivering excellent image quality in various lighting conditions. While sensor size and aperture data are missing for both, the Pixel 6a’s image processing capabilities will likely result in sharper, more detailed, and more dynamic photos. The absence of detailed camera specs for the Boost Max+ suggests a focus on basic functionality rather than photographic excellence.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU with Cortex-X1 and Cortex-A76 cores, is in a different league than the ZTE Boost Max+'s quad-core 1.2 GHz processor. The Tensor chip’s 5nm fabrication process provides superior power efficiency and thermal management, allowing for sustained performance during demanding tasks. The Pixel 6a will handle multitasking, gaming, and resource-intensive apps with ease, while the Boost Max+ will likely struggle with even moderate workloads.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Pixel 6a’s 18W wired charging with PD3.0 support offers faster and more efficient charging compared to the Boost Max+ (charging specs unavailable). This means less downtime and quicker top-ups when needed. While both phones offer similar endurance, the Pixel 6a’s faster charging provides a practical advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Boost Max+ if you absolutely need the lowest possible upfront cost and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prioritize performance, a high-quality display, a capable camera, and long-term software support. The Pixel 6a is ideal for users who stream video, play mobile games, or rely on their phone for productivity.