While we are waiting for the new Pixel 7 lineup coming this fall, Google just launched a brand new affordable Pixel: the Google Pixel 6a. The new handset is much more impressive if compared to its predecessor because it comes with a high-end hardware department instead of a midrange one. Further, Big G adopted the same original design scheme as the Pixel 6 lineup. There is a lot to say about the new device, but does it really offer a higher value than its predecessor? In this comparison we will analyze the specifications of the Google Pixel 5a 5G and the Google Pixel 6a, then highlight all the main differences in order to let you know which one is the best for your actual needs.

Google Pixel 5a 5G vs Google Pixel 6a

Google Pixel 5a 5G Google Pixel 6a
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT 154.9 x 73.7 x 7.6 mm, 183 g 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm, 178 g
DISPLAY  6.34 inches, 1080 x 2400p (Full HD+), OLED  6.1 inches, 1080 x 2400p (Full HD+), OLED
PROCESSOR Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, octa-core 2.4 GHz Google Tensor, octa-core 2.8 GHz
MEMORY 6 GB RAM, 128 GB 6 GB RAM, 128 GB
SOFTWARE  Android 11  Android 12
CONNECTIVITY  Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS  Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS
CAMERA Dual 12.2 + 16 MP, f/1.7 + f/2.2
8 MP f/2.0 front camera		 Dual 12.2 + 12 MP, f/1.7 + f/2.2
8 MP f/2.0 front camera
BATTERY  4680 mAh, fast charging 18W  4410 mAh, fast charging 18W
ADDITIONAL FEATURES Dual SIM slot, 5G Dual SIM slot, 5G

Design

As already mentioned above, the new Google Pixel 6a adopts a new design language that is the same as the Pixel 6 lineup. You get a horizontal camera module, but you should also notice that the materials used are cheaper. While the Pixel 5a 5G has a full aluminum unibody design, the new handset comes with a plastic back and an aluminum frame. Both are dustproof and water resistant thanks to the IP67 certification, but the old model is more interesting in terms of build quality, even though it is definitely uglier when it comes to the look. So what do you prefer? Is it better to have a beautiful look or sturdier materials?

 

Display

The displays of these two models come with almost the same specifications. They are OLED panels with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and the HDR certification, protected by Gorilla Glass 3. What changes is the diagonal and the position of the punch hole: the Google Pixel 6a has a smaller 6.1-inch panel and a punch hole placed centrally, while the Google Pixel 5a 5G comes with a punch hole placed on the top left corner and a bigger 6.34-inch display. So the 5a 5G is more comfortable for gaming and productivity, but the 6a is more compact and easier to use with one hand and to keep in a pocket.

 

Specs & Software

The main advantage of the Google Pixel 6a is its hardware superiority. It is powered by the flagship-class Google Tensor main platform, the same used in the vanilla Pixel 6 and in the Pixel 6 Pro, built at 5 nm and running at a max frequency of 2.8 GHz. The Google Tensor is the first proprietary chipset released by Google and it is able to compete with the Snapdragon 888 by Qualcomm in terms of CPU and GPU performance. The SoC is paired with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of native storage. You get the same memory configuration with the Google Pixel 5a 5G, but with a weaker chipset: the midrange-class Snapdragon 765G mobile platform. Even though it is not mentioned in the name of the 6a, both the devices support 5G connectivity. The Google Pixel 6a runs Android 12 out of the box so it will get longer software support because the 5a 5G ships with Android 11 and already received one major update.

 

Camera

Both these handsets are equipped with a dual rear camera and they have the same main sensor: a 12.2 MP shooter with OIS. It is a pretty old sensor but it still manages to capture great photos. The difference is in the ultrawide camera: the Google Pixel 6a gets a 12 MP ultrawide lens, while the Google Pixel 5a 5G has 16 MP and a slightly wider FOV.

 

 

Battery

Last but not least, the battery: thanks to its bigger dimensions, the Google Pixel 5a 5G contains a bigger battery with a capacity of 4680 mAh. So with this device, you can get longer battery life in a lot of scenarios, even though its chipset is built with an inferior production process.

 

Price

Google Pixel 6a and Pixel 5a 5G hitten the shelves with a listing prices around €450/$450 (the prices vary depending on the markets). The Google Pixel 6a wins the comparison thanks to its better chipset, in-display fingerprint reader, and Android 12 out of the box, but its predecessor still has a lot to offer, such as a bigger display and battery, as well as an aluminum unibody design. Which one would you pick?

 

Google Pixel 5a 5G vs Google Pixel 6a: PRO and CONS

Google Pixel 6a

PRO

  • In-display fingerprint reader
  • Better chipset
  • More compact
  • Android 12 out of the box

CONS

  • Smaller battery

 

Google Pixel 5a 5G

PRO

  • Bigger battery
  • Wider availability (for now)
  • Wider display
  • 16 MP ultrawide camera

CONS

  • Inferior hardware

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