Google Pixel 7a vs. ZTE nubia Focus: A Detailed Comparison

The Google Pixel 7a has established itself as a benchmark for camera quality in the mid-range segment. However, the ZTE nubia Focus enters the arena with a focus on efficiency, powered by a Unisoc chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, helping you determine which best suits your priorities.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice. Its Tensor G2 chipset delivers significantly better performance, and its camera system is in a different league. While the nubia Focus offers a potentially more efficient processor, the Pixel 7a’s overall experience is more polished and capable.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia Focus Google Pixel 7a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 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 bandsSA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / 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
Announced2024, February 282023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, Q2Available. Released 2023, May 10
Body
BuildGlass front, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.6 x 74.9 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.95 x 0.34 in)152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight205.5 g (7.27 oz)193.5 g (6.84 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz (90Hz - LATAM)OLED, HDR, 90Hz
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 3x Cortex-A76 & 4x Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc T760 (6 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G57Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 14Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDRDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) or 8 MP, (wide)13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
VideoYes4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging22.5W or 33W wired18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 4385 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Gold, CoralCharcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral
ModelsZ2455GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8
PriceAbout 200 EUR€ 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980

ZTE nubia Focus

  • Superior camera performance with Google’s computational photography.
  • Faster and more efficient Google Tensor G2 chipset.
  • Brighter and smoother display with a likely 90Hz refresh rate.

  • Slower wired charging speed (18W).
  • Potentially shorter battery life compared to the nubia Focus.

Google Pixel 7a

  • Faster wired charging (22.5W/33W).
  • Potentially better battery efficiency with the Unisoc T760.
  • More affordable price point (likely).

  • Significantly weaker performance compared to the Tensor G2.
  • Inferior camera system with limited image processing capabilities.

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1070 nits, compared to an unstated value for the nubia Focus. This brightness advantage translates to better visibility outdoors. While the nubia Focus’s panel technology isn’t specified, the Pixel 7a’s OLED panel delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel 7a’s 90Hz refresh rate (implied by its segment) also provides a smoother scrolling experience than the likely 60Hz panel on the nubia Focus.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 7a’s camera system is a clear standout. While specific sensor details are missing for the nubia Focus, the Pixel 7a leverages Google’s computational photography expertise. The Pixel 7a excels in dynamic range, low-light performance, and overall image quality. The Tensor G2’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role in processing images, delivering consistently excellent results. The nubia Focus likely relies on more basic image processing, resulting in less refined photos. The absence of details on the nubia Focus’s camera suggests it won’t compete with the Pixel 7a’s capabilities.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2, fabricated on a 5nm process, features a prime Cortex-X1 core clocked at 2.85 GHz, offering substantial performance gains over the Unisoc T760 in the nubia Focus. The T760, built on a 6nm node, utilizes older Cortex-A76 cores, resulting in lower single-core and multi-core scores. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Pixel 7a. The Tensor G2 also benefits from Google’s dedicated machine learning capabilities, enhancing features like voice recognition and image processing.

Battery Life

The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating solid battery life despite its 18W charging. The nubia Focus offers faster charging options at 22.5W or 33W, potentially allowing for quicker top-ups. However, the Pixel 7a’s more efficient chipset and software optimization may offset the charging speed difference in real-world usage. The Pixel 7a also supports 7.5W wireless charging, a feature absent on the nubia Focus.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE nubia Focus if you prioritize long-term efficiency and are comfortable with a less refined software experience. It’s a good option for users who primarily need a reliable phone for basic tasks and value battery life over raw power. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you demand a top-tier camera, smooth performance for demanding apps, and Google’s signature software features, even if it means slightly less battery endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Unisoc T760 in the nubia Focus struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Unisoc T760 is not designed for high-end gaming. While it can handle less demanding titles, Genshin Impact and similar games will likely experience significant frame rate drops and require reduced graphics settings for playable performance. The Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 offers a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ How does the Pixel 7a's camera perform in low-light conditions compared to other phones in this price range?
The Pixel 7a excels in low-light photography, consistently outperforming competitors in its price bracket. Google’s Night Sight mode utilizes advanced computational photography to capture bright, detailed images with minimal noise, even in extremely dark environments. The nubia Focus is unlikely to match this level of performance.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Pixel 7a slow compared to the nubia Focus's 33W charging?
While 33W is faster on paper, the Pixel 7a’s software optimization and efficient chipset mean the real-world charging difference may not be as significant as it appears. Furthermore, the Pixel 7a offers the convenience of 7.5W wireless charging, which the nubia Focus lacks.