Google Pixel 6a vs Nothing Phone 1: Full Comparison

This week, the Google Pixel 6a series debuted in India. The tech giant's most recent smartphone, the Google Pixel 6a, was unveiled at the Google I/O developers conference in May. In an unexpected move, Google has now disclosed the smartphone's price and pre-order information, despite not having previously indicated any plans to introduce the device in the Indian market. The company has additionally revealed that Google Buds Pro TWS earphones are now available in India. The Google Pixel 6a, for those who are unaware, is a member of the Google Pixel 6 series, which also includes the Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro. As of yet, Google has only officially introduced the Google Pixel 6a in India. The new Google Pixel 6a squarely competes with Nothing Phone, a UK-based company run by Carl Pei, in terms of features and price (1). Here is a comparison of the specifications of the Google Pixel 6a and Nothing Phone 1, in case you're wondering how these two reasonably priced premium smartphones from Google and Nothing compare to one another.

Google Pixel 6a vs Nothing Phone (1): Design

The Pixel 6a has a dual-tone design with a camera bar, as described by Google. A metal frame supports it. The back is made of plastic. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers protection on the front. The rear of the phone (1) is transparent and equipped with customizable LED lights, or "glyph interface." While the remainder of the frame is composed of plastic, 50% of it is produced from bio-based or post-consumer recycled materials. The outside frame is constructed entirely of recycled aluminum. It has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the front. Both phones lack a micro-SD card port and a headphone jack.

Google Pixel 6a vs Nothing Phone (1): Display

The 6.1-inch OLED screen on the Pixel 6a boasts a 1080p resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. The 6.55-inch 120Hz OLED screen on the phone supports HDR10+ playback and has a 1080p resolution. For biometrics, both phones incorporate in-screen fingerprint readers.

Google Pixel 6a vs Nothing Phone (1): Processor

The Google Pixel 6a's internal Tensor chipset, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage power the device from the inside out. In the Nothing Phone (1), the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ chipset is combined with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

Google Pixel 6a vs Nothing Phone (1): RAM and storage

The Pixel 6a has 6GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS storage as standard. Up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage are available with Phone (1).

Google Pixel 6a vs Nothing Phone (1): Software

The Pixel 6a comes pre-installed with Android 12 and, according to Google, will be "among the first Android smartphones to receive the future Android 13 update." It will receive security updates for up to five years. Phone 2 runs the proprietary operating system Nothing OS, which is based on Android and is used by Phone 1. It is eligible for three years of major OS updates and up to four years of security updates.

Google Pixel 6a vs Nothing Phone (1): Rear camera setup

The Pixel 6a boasts two cameras: a 12.2 MP main camera with an f1.7 dual-pixel and optical image stabilization, and a second 12 MP ultrawide camera. Video recording in 4K@60fps is supported. A 50MP Sony IMX766 primary sensor is housed behind an f/1.88 lens with OIS and EIS on the phone's back, along with a second 50MP sensor and an ultrawide lens with a field of view of 114 degrees. It can go up to 4K at 30fps.

Google Pixel 6a vs Nothing Phone (1): Front camera

While the Phone 1 boasts a 16MP selfie camera, the Pixel 6a features an 8MP front camera.

Google Pixel 6a vs Nothing Phone (1): Price and availability 

The cost of the Pixel 6a in India is set at Rs 43,999 for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. In India, Phone 1 starts at Rs 32,999 for an 8GB RAM and 128GB storage model.Additionally, the phone is offered in 8GB/256GB and 12GB/256GB versions for Rs. 35,999 and Rs. 36,999.

Google Pixel 6a vs Nothing Phone (1): Battery and Fast Charge

In this review, we pit the Google Pixel 6a against the Nothing Phone (1), pitting these two comparably priced phones against one another in a battle of the mid-rangers. We finally have the Pixel 6a. Just before pre-orders open and after two weeks of rigorous testing, Henry is prepared to explain why he believes this to be the new greatest mid-ranger on the market. The Pixel 6a was first announced exactly two months ago. Dom has also been testing out the Nothing Phone (1), which is priced the same but has a radically different appearance and different specifications. Can it dethrone the Pixel 6a and survive its own hype campaign? Other competitors at a similar price point are the OnePlus Nord 2T, the iPhone SE, and the Samsung Galaxy A53. The 4,306mAh battery inside the Google Pixel 6a supports 18W charging. The 4,500 mAh battery powering the Nothing Phone (1), on the other hand, supports 33W rapid charging.

Google Pixel 6a vs Nothing Phone (1): Final Verdict

The Nothing Phone (1) accurately replicates the colors of a scene, as stated in the video. However, the gadget lacks the exposure metering and HDR capability of the Pixel 6a. Additionally, I preferred the wide-angle and selfie cameras on the 6a. So, if you care most about a phone's photography abilities, the Pixel 6a is the best choice.