Google Pixel 6a vs. Google Pixel 7: Which Should You Buy?

The Google Pixel series is a successful and critically acclaimed smartphone series. It is also Google's new flagship series that help it earn a spot in the Android smartphones market. The two latest entries in this series are Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 6a, with a few months difference between their release.

When switching to the Google Pixel series, you might get stuck between Pixel 6a or 7. Both Pixel 6a and 7 have their own strong and weak points. You can read a detailed comparison of both smartphones in this article.

Part 1: Google Pixel 6a vs. Google Pixel 7: Specifications Overview

Google Pixel 6a and Google Pixel 7 are the latest smartphones in the critically acclaimed Google Pixel series. The Google Pixel 6a was released in July 2022, and Google Pixel 7 was released in October 2022. Below is the specs comparison table of Pixel 6a vs. Pixel 7.

Part 2: Pixel 6a vs. Pixel 7: Design and Display

In design, the Pixel 7 is an improved version of the Pixel 6a. It is a bit larger than Pixel 6a with 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm dimensions compared to the 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm of Pixel 6a. In addition, pixel 7 comes with Corning Gorilla Victus Glass on both sides, while Pixel 6a has a plastic backside.

Pixel 6a has IP67 dust/water resistance, and Pixel 7 has IP68 dust/water resistance. The camera strip of Pixel 7 has round edges and an aluminum frame. Two colors for the camera strip and body no longer exist in Pixel 7, as it has one color for the whole body.

The display of Pixel 7 is slightly larger with a 6.3-inch AMOLED compared to the 6.1-inch AMOLED of Pixel 6a. Google Pixel 7 also has a higher screen refresh rate of 90Hz, while the refresh rate in Pixel 6a is capped at 60Hz. Pixel 7 also has higher brightness with a peak brightness of 1400 nits.

Verdict: Google Pixel 7 has a better and more sturdy design than the Pixel 6a. Similarly, it has a larger display, higher refresh rate, and high brightness, making it a better choice.

Part 3: Google Pixel 6a vs. 7: Camera

Regarding cameras, Google Pixel 7 has many improvements over the Pixel 6a. The primary camera of Pixel 7 is 50MP with a wide f/1.9 aperture and 25mm focal length compared to Pixel 6a's 12.2MP camera with f/1.7 aperture and 27mm focal length. Pixel 7 also has laser autofocus.

The ultra-wide camera in both devices is nearly the same, a 12MP with f/2.2 aperture and 114˚ field of view. New camera functions are introduced in Pixel 7, like new 2X zoom, Photo Unblur, Motion Mode, etc. Photo Unblur will help you save blurry photos, while the new zoom significantly improves portrait mode.

The front camera of Pixel 7 has improved to 10.8MP with an increased aperture of f/2.2 and a wider focal length of 21mm. Pixel 6a's front camera is 8MP with f/2.0 aperture and 24mm wide focal length. When comparing front camera results, the Pixel 7 is better due to the improved camera and enhanced processor.

Videography is better in Google Pixel 7 than in Pixel 6a as it gets two new modes. The first one is Cinematic Mode, which helps in blurring the background during video capture. Another one is Motion Mode which provides great stability during video recording while moving.

Verdict: Due to enhanced cameras and a better chipset, Google Pixel 7 is better than the Google Pixel 6a in the camera department.

Part 4: Pixel 6a vs. 7: Chipset and Performance

Although both Google Pixel 6a and Pixel 7 use the Google Tensor chipset, the chipset in Pixel 7 is v2 of the original Google Tensor, which is much better than the original. Google Pixel 7 has an improved CPU compared to Pixel 6a and larger RAM with 8GB to 6GB of Pixel 6a.

Due to a better chipset, improved CPU and GPU, and greater RAM, Google Pixel 7 outperforms the Pixel 6a on all benchmark tests. During Geekbench tests for single tasks, both devices got a close score, with Pixel 7 edging with a 1068 score compared to Pixel 6's score of 1053.

In Geekbench tests for multitasking, Pixel 7 outperforms Pixel 6a, scoring 3149 to 2899. Additionally, during the 3DMark Extreme tests for both high and low settings, the Pixel 7 outshines the Pixel 6a by large margins.

Verdict: Google Pixel 7 has, due to a powerful chipset and more RAM, outperformed the Pixel 6a in every benchmark test. It makes the Pixel 7 an obvious choice over the Pixel 6a.

Part 5: Google Pixel 6a vs. Pixel 7: Battery life and Charging

Comparing the Battery capacities of Pixel 6a vs. 7, you'll find that Google Pixel 7 has a bit smaller battery compared to Pixel 6a. The 4355mAh battery of the Pixel 7 might be smaller than the Pixel 6a's 4410mAh, but it is still more efficient. The battery life timings of both devices are also similar.

Google Pixel 6a supports 18W wired charging, which feels frustratingly slow. Compared to it, Google Pixel 7 supports 20W wired charging with 20W wireless charging. It also supports reverse wireless charging.

Verdict: Although both devices have similar battery timings, the Pixel 7 has a slight edge over the Pixel 6a. Pixel 7 also has a more efficient battery and faster-charging options.

Part 6: Google Pixel 6a vs. Pixel 7: Price

While the price of the Google Pixel 7 is terrific and quite low for a flagship set, the Pixel 6a is still cheaper at $449. With the release of the Pixel 7, the price of the Pixel 6a will likely go down further. However, you will get an option to buy a 256GB variant in Pixel 7.

Verdict: In price comparison, the Google Pixel 6a edges out the Pixel 7 as it is much cheaper than it. If you have a small budget, the Pixel 6a would be a more reasonable choice.

Bonus: Transfer Data to Google Pixel Phone

Regardless of the fact if you choose Google Pixel 6a or 7, you can't leave your old phone data behind. Wondershare MobileTrans is the tool we recommend you use for phone transfer.

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MobileTrans is not a simple data transfer tool but a complete solution to all issues regarding data transfer. It can transfer 18+ types of data between over 6000 Android and iOS devices.

When using MobileTrans to transfer data between your new Pixel 6a or Pixel 7 and your old phone, you won't face any issues. The interface is highly user-friendly, and the procedure is simple and short. In addition, the phone data transfer process is fast and secure.

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• • It allows you to transfer apps from Android to Android and Android to iPhone.
• • If you switch to Pixel 6a or 7 from your iPhone, MobileTrans will allow you to transfer your iCloud data to your new device.
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• • Unlike other tools, it lets you move data between phones even after setting up your new phone.

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Final Verdict

Compared to the Google Pixel 6a, Google Pixel 7 has a better processor, more RAM and storage options, enhanced cameras, and better battery life. However, you will love the Pixel 6a if the price is your primary concern when choosing a new phone.

During the switching process to Pixel 6a or Pixel 7, MobileTrans can help you transfer your data quickly and securely. Aside from phone data transfer, MobileTrans is also an expert option regarding WhatsApp and Music Playlists transfer.

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