Google Pixel 6A Vs Google Pixel 7 Pro

Google Pixel 6A
Google Pixel 6A
Starting at

Refurbished price:£107.00

Versus £459.00 new

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Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£169.75

Versus £899.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Google Pixel 6A, released in July 2022, and the Google Pixel 7 Pro, launched in October 2022, represent distinct offerings within Google's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the Android platform, providing a clean and intuitive software experience, they cater to different user preferences through variations in their physical size, display technology, camera systems, and overall processing capabilities.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical construction.

  • Release Timeline: The Pixel 6A was introduced in July 2022, making it slightly older than the Pixel 7 Pro, which arrived in October 2022.
  • Software Support: Both the Pixel 6A and Pixel 7 Pro are guaranteed to receive five years of operating system updates and five years of security updates from their respective launch dates. This means the Pixel 6A will receive OS updates until July 2027, and the Pixel 7 Pro until October 2027, ensuring a consistent and secure software experience for an extended period.
  • Build Materials: The Pixel 6A features a Gorilla Glass 3 front, an aluminum frame, and a plastic back, offering IP67 dust and water resistance. The Pixel 7 Pro, on the other hand, utilizes more robust Gorilla Glass Victus for both its front and back, coupled with a recycled aluminum frame, and boasts a slightly higher IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. This suggests the Pixel 7 Pro may offer a marginal advantage in terms of physical resilience against drops and submersion.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components, impacting everything from app responsiveness to battery endurance.

  • Processing Power: The Pixel 6A is equipped with Google's first-generation Tensor processor, while the Pixel 7 Pro features the second-generation Tensor G2. This newer processor in the 7 Pro provides enhanced capabilities, particularly in areas leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, leading to a more responsive overall experience. Both processors handle everyday tasks smoothly, but the 7 Pro offers more headroom for demanding applications and complex computations.
  • Memory and Storage: The Pixel 6A comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The Pixel 7 Pro offers more flexibility with options for 8GB or 12GB of RAM and storage configurations of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB. The increased RAM in the 7 Pro can contribute to smoother multitasking and better performance with numerous apps open simultaneously.
  • Battery Behavior: The Pixel 6A houses a 4410 mAh battery, which users generally report provides reliable all-day power with moderate usage, thanks to efficient software optimization. The Pixel 7 Pro has a larger 5000 mAh battery. Despite its higher-resolution, higher refresh rate display, many users find the 7 Pro's battery capable of lasting through a full day of heavy use.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and these two Pixel models offer distinct visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Pixel 6A features a 6.1-inch OLED display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a larger 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display, offering a more expansive viewing area.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Pixel 6A has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in a clear image with approximately 429 pixels per inch. The Pixel 7 Pro steps up with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, contributing to even sharper details, especially noticeable on its larger screen.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: A key difference lies in the refresh rate; the Pixel 6A operates at a standard 60Hz, which is suitable for most daily tasks. The Pixel 7 Pro, however, features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, allowing for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, and also offers higher peak brightness for better visibility in bright outdoor conditions.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1440 x 3120

Screen type

OLED

LTPO AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both Pixel phones are recognized for their photographic capabilities, leveraging Google's computational photography expertise, though the Pro model offers more advanced hardware.

  • Rear Camera System: The Pixel 6A includes a dual-camera setup with a 12.2 MP wide lens and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. It is praised for producing consistently good photos with excellent detail and color accuracy, even in challenging lighting, largely due to its software processing. The Pixel 7 Pro elevates this with a triple-camera system, featuring a 50 MP wide lens, a 12 MP ultrawide lens with autofocus, and a 48 MP telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom and up to 30x Super Res Zoom. This telephoto lens provides significant versatility for capturing distant subjects.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: Both devices excel in low-light photography, with the Pixel 7 Pro showing improvements in capturing images faster in dim conditions. For video recording, both can capture 4K footage, with the Pixel 7 Pro offering 10-bit HDR video capture. While both offer good video quality, some users note that the 7 Pro's video performance, while improved, may not always match the very best in the market.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The Pixel 6A has an 8 MP front camera, which is considered adequate for selfies and video calls. The Pixel 7 Pro features a 10.8 MP front camera, offering slightly more detail. Both phones are equipped with stereo speakers, providing a balanced audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

12.2 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

8 megapixels

10.8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features and design elements differentiate these two Pixel smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Pixel 6A and Pixel 7 Pro support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. Both also utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: The Pixel 6A relies on an under-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Pixel 7 Pro offers both an under-display fingerprint sensor and Face Unlock, providing users with more options for quick and convenient access.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Pixel 6A is the more compact and lighter device, measuring 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm and weighing 178g. This makes it more comfortable for one-handed use and pocketability. The Pixel 7 Pro is larger and heavier at 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm and 212g, which some users find less ergonomic for extended use. The 7 Pro's curved display edges also contribute to a different in-hand feel compared to the 6A's flat screen.

Weight

250 g

212 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Google Pixel 6A frequently highlights its compact size, making it a preferred choice for those who value a smaller, more manageable device. Many users praise its camera for delivering excellent still photographs, often rivaling more expensive phones, and appreciate its reliable battery life for daily use. The smooth, unadulterated Android software experience is also a common point of satisfaction.

Conversely, some criticisms of the Pixel 6A revolve around its 60Hz display, which can feel less fluid compared to devices with higher refresh rates, and its older camera hardware, despite Google's strong software optimization. The absence of wireless charging is also noted by some users.

The Google Pixel 7 Pro receives considerable acclaim for its advanced camera system, particularly its telephoto lens and improved low-light capabilities, which allow for greater photographic versatility. Its vibrant, high-refresh-rate display and strong overall performance are also frequently lauded. The inclusion of Face Unlock alongside the fingerprint sensor is a welcome addition for many.

However, the Pixel 7 Pro's larger size and increased weight can be a drawback for users who prefer a more compact phone, with some finding it less comfortable for one-handed operation. While its video capabilities are good, some users suggest they do not consistently match the very best in the market, and the device can occasionally become warm during intensive tasks.

For users prioritizing a compact form factor, a highly capable point-and-shoot camera for stills, and a smooth everyday software experience without needing the absolute latest display technology or advanced zoom features, the Pixel 6A may be a well-suited option. Those who value a larger, more immersive display, a comprehensive and advanced camera system including telephoto zoom, and the latest performance for demanding applications will likely find the Pixel 7 Pro aligns better with their needs. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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