A few weeks ago, the long-awaited reduced model of the Google Pixel 6 family landed in Spain. A device that has generated a lot of expectation because the one corresponding to the previous generation did not reach the Spanish market and precisely for this reason there are many who think in betting on the Google Pixel 6a.
This smartphone from the American company comes with a series of very interesting features that place it in the premium mid-range. However, there are certain aspects in which it leaves much to be desired and for this reason we are going to compare them with the best mid-range of the rest of the main brands in the industry to assess whether or not it is worth it.
The Google Pixel 6a has serious competitors
Before delving into the comparisons, it is important to mention the features that this great G phone boasts to know in advance what type of terminal we have in front of us for a price of 459 euros on all platforms.
First of all, the screen of the Google Pixel 6a uses an AMOLED panel with a refresh rate of 60 Hz and compatible with HDR10 + technology for higher video quality. As a brain it integrates a Tensor chip developed by the Internet giant itself that, in addition to inhuman power, guarantees connection to 5G networks.
Its weight is 178 grams, so we are talking about a light smartphone, but whose battery is close to the usual standard thanks to its 4,410 mAh power with support for 18W fast charging. This means that you will have many hours of autonomy, being close to the day of use.
We arrive at the most outstanding section of the Pixel 6a: its photographic results . In this sense, it is necessary to indicate that the camera achieves results that compete from you to you with the Apple iPhone 13 . So we can get an idea of what its 12 MP main sensor with optical stabilization offers. Now that we know practically everything about this mobile, it is time to see if it is up to the task.
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
The South Korean brand is one of the greats in the industry and the overall quality of its smartphones is the norm. Samsung‘s best mid-range is the Galaxy A53 5G that hit the market this year and boasts a 120 Hz Super AMOLED panel developed by the company itself. Power is not short with an Exynos 1280 that guarantees excellent performance when it comes to opening applications at full speed or playing without suffering cuts.
Its battery manages to reach 5,000 mAh and has support for 25W fast charging. The 64 MP camera offers above average images in this price range, although it does not stand out excessively. However, given the price of 349 euros on offer for the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, we believe that it is a more balanced option in every way, especially if the photographic section is not important to you, since this dynamic will be repeated in all cases.
Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G
Xiaomi is the leading company in value for money and for this reason its mid-range devices have incredible specifications, as the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G for 344 euros on Amazon demonstrates. A phone that could be close to being considered a premium mid-range because it boasts an AMOLED screen with also 120 Hz .
The most striking feature is perhaps the 120W fast charge to reach 100% in about 15 minutes, although it also has a 108 MP main lens, but that is far from offering what the Google Pixel 6a camera shows. The CPU inside is a MediaTek Dimensity 920 which, while it performs well overall, doesn’t achieve what Google’s Tensor chip achieves.
POCO X4 Pro 5G
After the independence of Xiaomi, POCO returns to the fray with its new generation of smartphones and among them is the POCO X4 Pro. This model with the surname Pro lives up to its name with a Snapdragon 695 processor that ensures guaranteed performance, but far from the power of the Tensor chip, a trend that is repeating itself and will repeat itself in all the following devices.
It also has a 120Hz AMOLED screen along with a 5,000mAh battery and 67W fast charging . Features above what the Google Pixel 6a offers, which reigns again in the photographic aspect despite the 108 MP lens that the POCO X4 Pro boasts for 269 euros.
Xiaomi 12Lite
We already know that when Xiaomi plans to launch its generational Lite model, it has little of Lite. Mainly, because with only 173 grams of weight, the Xiaomi 12 Lite includes a 4,300 mAh battery with a 67W fast charge and a Snapdragon 778G CPU for 449 euros . So you have battery power to squeeze the most out of your device while also getting to experience the amazing performance of the Qualcomm chip.
Again we come across a 120 Hz AMOLED panel and a 108 MP main camera . This means at the image level it is well above the Google Pixel 6a, as well as in terms of battery, although again in terms of power and photography it is quite far from the Google phone.
OnePlus Nord 2T
If OnePlus is known for something, it is for the experience of its high-end terminals, but its range of intermediate mobile phones also has a lot to offer. This is demonstrated by the qualities of the OnePlus Nord 2T, which brings with it an AMOLED screen with HDR10 + compatibility and 90 Hz . The one in charge of supplying power is a Dimension 1300 that goes like a train thanks in part to the 8 GB of RAM.
Its battery is 4,500 mAh and boasts 80W fast charging to reach 100% in approximately 20 minutes. The results of its 50 MP lens are surprising, although it does not achieve what the Pixel 6a does, it does not have much to envy either. The problem is that its price is 409 euros in its base version.
OPPO Find X5 Lite
Finally, we go with OPPO‘s featherweight, which, in the same way as the previous case, also incorporates a 90 Hz AMOLED panel , although this time with a Dimensity 900. The quality of video playback is only present in the refresh rate, while the MediaTek chip does not reach the sole of the shoes to Google’s Tensor.
Once again we find the 4,500 mAh battery standard with 65W fast charging, in addition to a camera module featuring a 64 MP lens that leaves much to be desired at night. An alternative that for a base price of 450 euros may not be the best option.
Which mobile to choose
Choosing the ideal smartphone is not easy at all and that is why we have tried to expose the key characteristics of each device so that you can take it into account. For our part, we believe that for what the OPPO Find X5 Lite, OnePlus Nord 2T and Xiaomi 12 Lite cost, they are left out of the opportunity to fight the Google Pixel 6a. This is because, despite performing well in every way, the only palpable difference is the refresh rate and fast charging speeds , while in power and photography the Google phone is above.
Instead, there are three other terminals that make the decision somewhat more difficult for us. We are talking about the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G and POCO X3 Pro , where the first is the bet most similar to the Pixel 6a for a lower price, while the other two enjoy a much higher value for money, since the Redmi receives a cost of 443 euros and the POCO of 265 euros. Two amounts very far from the 459 of the terminal of the Mountain View company.
Surely we would bet on the Samsung Galaxy A53 , since it is the most similar proposal and with a difference of 100 euros less in its price. However, if you want to spend less and enjoy a quality device, the Redmi and the POCO are great options. Of course, you must take into account the photographic section, since if you are a user who usually takes many photos, perhaps these last two will not suit you.