Google Pixel 7a vs Nothing Phone (2a)
The Verdict
Google Pixel 7a and Nothing Phone 2a target different priorities within the budget segment. Pixel 7a leverages Google's computational photography expertise with its Tensor G2 chip, delivering superior low-light performance and real-time translation features, plus faster 18W charging and wireless capability. Its 6.1-inch OLED display offers excellent color accuracy at 90Hz, though the 4385mAh battery is modest. Nothing Phone 2a counters with a larger 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen, more generous 5000mAh battery, faster 45W wired charging, and dual 50MP cameras with higher resolution sensors. However, it uses the slower Dimensity 7200 Pro chip, lacks wireless charging, and has weaker IP54 water resistance versus IP67. Display brightness slightly favors Pixel (1400 vs 1300 nits). For photography enthusiasts prioritizing computational power and long-term software support, Pixel 7a edges ahead. Budget-conscious buyers wanting larger screens, faster charging, and better battery endurance should choose Nothing Phone 2a. Pixel 7a wins on overall polish and camera prowess.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 7a if…
- →Flagship Tensor G2 chip at mid-range price
- →64 MP main camera greatly improved over Pixel 6a
- →Five years of OS and security updates
Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) if…
- →Distinctive transparent design with Glyph Interface
- →Clean Nothing OS with minimal bloat
- →Solid 50 MP dual camera setup
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 7a
Pros
- Flagship Tensor G2 chip at mid-range price
- 64 MP main camera greatly improved over Pixel 6a
- Five years of OS and security updates
- Wireless charging added vs previous generation
- Compact and easy to use one-handed
Cons
- Only one storage option (128 GB)
- Slow 18W wired charging
- Plastic back feels less premium than glass
- No telephoto camera
- 90Hz capped (not adaptive)
Nothing Phone (2a)
Pros
- Distinctive transparent design with Glyph Interface
- Clean Nothing OS with minimal bloat
- Solid 50 MP dual camera setup
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Plastic build at this price
- No wireless charging
- Only IP54 splash resistance
- Mid-tier Dimensity chipset rather than Snapdragon
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 7a | Nothing Phone (2a) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 | Android 14, Nothing OS 2.5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 193.5 g | 190 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 | Plastic frame, plastic back |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP54 |
| Dimensions | 152.4 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.6 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 64 MP, f/1.89, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.88, OIS, Samsung GN9 |
| Front camera | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 32 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP, f/2.2, 120-degree | 50 MP, f/2.2, 114-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB / 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4385 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W (Qi) | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | OLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2412 x 1084 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1400 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 + 6x2.0 GHz A510) |
| GPU | Mali-G710 MP7 | Mali-G610 MC4 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G2 | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Google products or all Nothing products. View full details for the Google Pixel 7a or the Nothing Phone (2a).
