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Lab Benchmark Battle

Pixel 5a vs Pixel 6a

Direct side-by-side battle analyzing hardware specifications, benchmark percentiles, battery endurance, and category performance advantages.

Smartphone Battle
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe across ⇄
Google · 2021

Pixel 5a

Pixel 5a
72/ 100
Launch MSRP$449 USD
Google · 2022

Pixel 6a

Pixel 6a
70/ 100
Launch MSRP$449 USD
WHO WINS WHERE

WHY IS Pixel 5a BETTER THAN Pixel 6a?

Tap an area on the radar to inspect category hardware facts

Pixel 5aWinner 🏆
Pixel 6a

BIGGEST HARDWARE DIFFERENCES

Margin Delta
SPEC FACTORPixel 5aPixel 6aLEADER
Refresh Rate60Hz60Hz60Hz
Battery Capacity4,680 mAh4,410 mAh+4,680 mAh
Wired Fast Charging18W18W18W
Main Camera Sensor12.2 MP12 MP12.2 MP
Screen Display Size6.34"6.1"6.34"
Chassis Weight183g178g178g Lightest

Which Phone Should You Buy: Key Reasons & Hardware Advantages

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Reasons to buy Pixel 5a:
  • ✓Larger 4,680 mAh battery capacity (+270 mAh more capacity)
  • ✓12.2MP primary camera sensor with 4K/120fps video recording
  • ✓6.34" display with 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate
Reasons to buy Pixel 6a:
  • ✓5g lighter chassis (178g) optimized for one-handed ergonomics
  • ✓12MP primary camera sensor with 4K/120fps video recording
  • ✓6.1" display with 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate

How Do the Specifications Compare Side-by-Side?

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SpecificationPixel 5aPixel 6a
1. Display & Screen🏆 Pixel 5a Wins Display
Screen Type & TechOLEDAMOLED
Screen Size6.34"6.1"
Resolution & Density2400x1080 (413 ppi)2400x1080 (429 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz ProMotion60 Hz ProMotion
Brightness450 nits peak800 nits peak
Screen ProtectionScratch-resistant glassScratch-resistant glass
2. Platform & Performance🏆 Pixel 5a Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorHigh performance SoC High performance SoC
CPU CoresMulti-core high performanceMulti-core high performance
GPU GraphicsIntegrated GraphicsIntegrated Graphics
Operating SystemAndroid 11Android 12
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory6 GB LPDDR6 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage128GB128GB
Storage SpeedHigh-speed flashHigh-speed flash
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 Pixel 5a Wins Camera
Primary Camera12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS12 MP, f/1.7, OIS, Sony IMX363
Telephoto ZoomNone (Digital zoom only)None (Digital zoom only)
Ultrawide Camera16 MP, f/2.212 MP, f/2.2
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video Recording Capabilities
Main Camera Video
4K@60fps1080p@240fpsHDR
4K@60fps1080p@240fpsHDR
Front Video
4K@60fps1080p@60fpsgyro-EIS
4K@60fps1080p@60fpsgyro-EIS
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens8 MP, f/28 MP, f/2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Pixel 6a Lightest Chassis
Dimensions156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm
Weight183 g178 g
Build MaterialsGlass front, metal/glass frameGlass front, metal/glass frame
SIM TypeNano-SIM / eSIM supportNano-SIM / eSIM support
Water ResistanceIP67IP67
8. Battery & Charging🏆 Pixel 5a Wins Battery
Battery Capacity4,680 mAh4,410 mAh
Wired Fast Charging18W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless ChargingNot supportedNot supported
Reverse ChargingReverse wireless chargingReverse wireless charging
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerStereo speakersStereo speakers
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity & Comms
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth5.05.2
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 2.0USB-C 3.2
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsBiometric fingerprint/face, accelerometer, gyro, compassBiometric fingerprint/face, accelerometer, gyro, compass
Satellite FeaturesEmergency SOS via satellite (select markets)Emergency SOS via satellite (select markets)
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsStandard finishesStandard finishes
Launch Price$449$449
Editorial Lab Verdict

Pixel 5a edges ahead with a BeastScore of 72.0/100

After comprehensive hardware benchmark comparisons, Pixel 5a ranks as the overall top pick in this matchup. Key differentiators include its superior specifications and verified build advantages.

When to choose Pixel 5a:
Higher overall BeastScore: 72.0 vs top rival 70.4 · Larger battery capacity: 4,680 mAh (+270 mAh more)
When to choose Pixel 6a:
Brighter screen: 800 nits peak vs 450 nits
Upgrade GuideOwn the Pixel 5a? See if upgrading to the Pixel 6a is worth it
Read the Verdict →
Quick Answers

Frequently Asked Questions: Pixel 5a vs Pixel 6a

Which is better: Pixel 5a or Pixel 6a?

Pixel 5a leads with an overall BeastScore of 72.0/100 compared to Pixel 6a (70.4/100), driven by advantages in Higher overall BeastScore: 72.0 vs top rival 70.4 and Larger battery capacity: 4,680 mAh (+270 mAh more).

What are the primary battery and display differences between Pixel 5a and Pixel 6a?

Pixel 5a is equipped with a 6.34-inch display and 4680 mAh battery, while Pixel 6a features a 6.1-inch display and 4410 mAh battery.

How do the performance capabilities compare between Pixel 5a and Pixel 6a?

In objective hardware benchmarks, Pixel 5a achieves a 72/100 performance score, while Pixel 6a scores 72/100.

Editorial Coverage & Benchmarks

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