Google or Samsung? Pixel 6a or Galaxy A53? It can be tough deciding. but we’ve compared the Pixel 6a and Galaxy A53 to help you choose.
Midrange phones are everywhere these days, and if you’re looking for the one for you, you might find yourself struggling to choose between the freshly minted Google Pixel 6a and Samsung’s latest midrange offering, the Galaxy A53 5G. With its Google Tensor chip, 4,410mAh battery, and 6.1-inch OLED display, the Pixel 6a might seem like an excellent choice if stock Android is your thing. But don’t discount the Galaxy A53’s 6.5-inch Super AMOLED 120Hz display, Exynos 1280 processor, and up to 256GB of onboard storage. We’ve done the hard work and compared the Google Pixel 6a versus the Samsung Galaxy A53 across six core categories to help you decide which is the one for you. Read on to find out. The first thing you’ll notice about the Google Pixel 6a is just how similar it looks to the Pixel 6. Though past A-series Pixel phones had a more budget vibe (take the Pixel 4a, for example), the Pixel 6a matches the Pixel 6 in good looks, with the same tactile alloy frame as the Pixel 6 and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass. Where it does differ is its 3D thermoformed composite back, common for Android phones in the sub-$500 sector. There’s also no capacitive fingerprint sensor to the rear, as you get an in-display fingerprint sensor instead, and you’ll notice the 3.5mm headphone jack is missing. Over to the Samsung Galaxy A53 and its plastic-feeling chassis. The textured rear panel feels good to hold, with plenty of grip. Taking center stage on the front is an Infinity O hole-punch selfie cam, and the rear camera module blends nicely into its surroundings. It feels substantial in your hand, and pretty chunky too — not a bad thing. There’s a caveat here, though: It’s not the easiest phone to use one-handed, particularly if your hands are on the smaller side, though it is pretty light, weighing in at just 189 grams. When it comes to displays, the Pixel 6a packs a 6.1-inch OLED flat display with 2400 x 1080 resolution. The refresh rate is a rather disappointing 60Hz, not great in a market where 90Hz and 120Hz have become the norm, and bad news if you’re planning on playing the latest games on your Pixel. The Galaxy A53’s larger 6.5-inch Super AMOLED Full HD+ display has the same 2400 x 1080 resolution but you’re benefitting from a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate here. That said, you shouldn’t notice too much difference in smoothness and responsiveness unless you’re playing the latest demanding games or multitasking on your phone. Both phones also have an IP67 rating, meaning they can be safely submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. We think both phones look pretty sleek and boast excellent displays, but we’re giving this round to the Galaxy A53 for that 120Hz refresh rate and slightly larger display, plus those vibrant blue and peach colorways. If you prefer a slightly smaller screen and don’t play the latest games on your phone, you may want to opt for the Pixel 6a. Winner: Samsung Galaxy A53
The two phones have several noticeable differences in this category. The Pixel 6a is powered by a Google Tensor chip, with 6GB of RAM. This is the same processor found in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, capable of playing the most demanding games, multitasking, and switching between apps with ease.
