Google has just formalized its new mid-range smartphone, the Pixel 6a. This model will be offered for pre-order on July 21, at a price of 459 euros. We wanted to compare it to other smartphones positioned with similar prices and currently on sale. We chose the Samsung A53 5G, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+, the Xiaomi 11T and the Oppo Reno 6.
Here is the summary table of the characteristics of the five terminals:
Now let’s review the different elements of the Pixel 6a:
- Processor
Google is not like most manufacturers who choose less powerful SoCs for the less expensive versions of their smartphones.
The Pixel 6a benefits from the same Tensor chip as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. In terms of performance, it takes the lead over competing terminals. During the Pixel 6 test, we obtained an AnTuTu score of 589,004 points, compared to 373,288 points for the Galaxy A53 and 370,750 points for the Oppo Reno 6. Note that the gain is particularly in GPU performance. - Memory / Storage
With 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, the Pixel 6a is about average for what you can get at this price. Note that Google’s previous model – the Pixel 5a – has the same quantities. However, two models in our selection have 8 GB of RAM, which can be interesting if you use a lot of apps at the same time. Nevertheless, the RAM requirements on a smartphone also depend a lot on optimization, especially between hardware and software. Here we can imagine that Google is in business… - Screen
Google is disappointing with a screen smaller than that of Pixel 5a (6.1 inches against 6.34 inches) and which remains with a display frequency of 60 Hz, when other models offer 90 Hz, even 120 Hz. that the models in our selection all have the same definition of 2400 x 1080 pixels. - Battery / charging
Compared to the Pixel 5a, Google does not improve the battery capacity and even does the opposite: 4410 mAh instead of 4680 mAh. Only the Oppo Reno 6 has a smaller battery. This choice can be explained by the better energy performance of the SoC Tensor, but we will have to wait for the autonomy tests to confirm this hypothesis.
On the other hand, the charging power remains at 18 W while manufacturers such as Oppo and Xiaomi deliver their terminals with chargers of 65 W and more. Besides, the charger is not provided by Google. - Wireless communications
All the models in our selection are 5G, but the Pixel 6a is the only one to offer Wi-Fi 6E, as well as Bluetooth 5.2. By comparison, the Pixel 5a has Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0.
Also see video:
- photo modules
No evolution of the main module which remains in 12.2 megapixels, as for the Pixel 5a, which pales in comparison to the 64 megapixels and more of the competition.
However, Google has demonstrated with the Pixel 4a that you can take excellent photos without having to increase the number of pixels in the sensor. Especially since Google’s secret weapon is computational photography, where algorithms are used to compensate for hardware weaknesses, whenever possible.
The ultra wide-angle module is evolving. Its definition decreases and goes from 16 to 12 megapixels, which remains superior to the 8 megapixels of other models. But this reduction in the number of pixels is not necessarily a bad thing. It comes with larger pixels, at 1.25 microns, compared to 1 micron for the Pixel 5a. Bottom line, the sensor should receive more light and offer more detail. The front module remains at 8 megapixels. - Other Features
Google obliges, the Pixel 6a comes directly with Android 12 and benefits from five years of security updates. The smartphone has the Titan M2 security chip and a fingerprint reader under the screen, which avoids placing your finger on the back of the device as is the case with the Pixel 5a. Finally, the terminal is waterproof (IP67 certification) like the 5a model and the Samsung Galaxy A53.