Google Pixel 3a vs OnePlus 6T: Comparison

The mid-segment flagship market has grown drastically in India thanks to the brands such as OnePlus, Huawei and Vivo that bring premium features at a price much less than their premium counterparts. Launched last year, while the OnePlus 6T commanded the mid-segment for several months, but the search giant is now determined to get some action in that segment and the release of Google Pixel 3a, Google now has a serious contender. In this Google Pixel 3a vs OnePlus 6T comparison, we tell you exactly, what's worth your money.

In the Pixel 3a, Google has bundled few of the high-end features of its flagship Pixel 3 into an affordable alternative, however, OnePlus 6T also have a few tricks up its sleeves. So, can Pixel 3a outshine OnePlus 6T, let’s find out.

Google Pixel 3a vs OnePlus 6T: Display and design aesthetics

The Google Pixel 3a carries the same two-tone design seen in the premium Pixel 3 series which many might find ugly and some could find it good. OnePlus 6T on the other hand is as elegant looking as its predecessor – OnePlus 6, but is 1.27 mm thicker. But, you will get used to it. While this seems like a subtle change, the big changes in the OnePlus 6T comes in the form of screen size.

While Pixel 3a stands at 5.6-inches, the OnePlus 6T at 6.41 inches offers more real estate to view your favourite videos or browse your social media feed. The display technology used in OnePlus 6T is AMOLED which offers great viewing angles, vivid colours than the OLED display of Pixel 3a. The OnePlus 6T offers 2340 x 1080 resolution at 402 ppi, against the 2220 x 1080 resolution of Pixel 3a at 441 ppi.

You will also notice bezels at the top and bottom of Pixel 3a, whereas the OnePlus 6T houses a small ‘teardrop’ notch at the front that houses the front-facing camera. This design difference will make it easy for user to identify both the devices, at a time, when all the smartphone look more or less the same.

OnePlus 6T also misses out few features such as a headphone jack, which is present in the Google Pixel 3a.

Google Pixel 3a vs OnePlus 6T: Specifications and battery

While the Google Pixel 3a is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 processor, the OnePlus 6T on the other hand runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 845. While Snapdragon 670 is a solid mid-range processor from Qualcomm, you will be able to do things faster in OnePlus 6T thanks to Snapdragon 845. Both the smartphones run on Android 9 Pie (the OnePlus 6T runs OxygenOS on top of it). And while they feel similar to use, stock Android lovers should stick to Pixel 3a. Also, Pixel 3a, being a Google device will get updates first.

You will also get additional 2GB or 4GB of RAM depending on the OnePlus 6T variant you choose to purchase as compared to 4GB of RAM in the Google Pixel 3a.

The rear-mounted fingerprint scanner on the Pixel 3a works better than the Face Unlock in OnePlus 6T. If you do not like Face Unlock of OnePlus 6T, the smartphone also offers to secure your device using the finger print scanner which is now integrated onto the screen. The in-display fingerprint scanner of OnePlus 6T is not that fast as compared to the dedicated sensor on the Pixel 3a that unlocks the device instantly.

The OnePlus 6T houses a 3,700mAh unit, which is bigger than the 3,000mAh found in the Pixel 3a. And while having a large screen and a fast processor, it seems like OnePlus 6T needs a large battery but in real life both the smartphone offer a similar battery life – approx. 10 hours on a single charge.

Google Pixel 3a vs OnePlus 6T: Camera

The OnePlus 6T sports a dual rear camera set-up including 16MP and a 20MP. The Google Pixel 3a’s 12.2MP sensor might look like it will fall short in camera expectations, but here it is just another story. Google Pixel 3a's 12.2MP single camera is just incredible and gives OnePlus 6T a run for the cover.

Further, coupled with Google’s HDR+ technology, it will be really hard to take a bad shot with the Pixel 3a’s camera. Other features such as portrait mode, super res zoom and night sight, surely gives Pixel 3a an edge over the OnePlus 6T camera. Another advantage of using Pixel 3a is that you will never miss out on storage to store your memories as Google offers free, unlimited storage on Google Photos.

While OnePlus 6T’s camera can take picture better than the OnePlus 6, but overall, the images are far away from being considered great, especially if you are clicking the same image with Pixel 3a. The software-driven single camera of Pixel 3a works like a masterpiece in almost all scenarios.

Google Pixel 3a vs OnePlus 6T: Summary

The OnePlus 6T ticks almost all the checkboxes – great display, large screen, larger battery life, fast chipset, but for an average user who does not even use these features to their maximum, end up paying higher amount.

On the contrary, the Google Pixel 3a offers all of those of things that too at an affordable price. If mobile photography is your passion, Pixel 3a is the one you should go for.