Device Diff: what changes between two iPhones, Pixels, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches or AirPods

Updates & AISame

Updates guaranteed until
No longer updated (same on both)
What does this mean?
The month Google's update promise for this phone runs until: new Android versions and security fixes. Google lists Pixel 5a and earlier as no longer getting these updates.
Google counts the years from the month the phone first went on sale on the US Google Store, not from the day you buy it, so a phone bought later or used has fewer years left. Pixel 8 and later get 7 years; Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a and Pixel Fold get 5.
Matters most if: You plan to keep the phone for years, or you're buying one used.
Android at launch
Android 11 (same on both)
What does this mean?
The version of Android, Google's phone software, that was installed when the phone first came out.
A Pixel moves to newer Android versions through updates, so this shows where it started, not what it runs today.
Gemini Nano on the phone
Not confirmed (same on both)
What does this mean?
Gemini Nano is the version of Google's Gemini AI built to run on the phone itself, not on Google's servers.
Features that use it, such as summaries in the Recorder app or suggested replies in the Gboard keyboard, can work without an internet connection. Google says running it on the phone helps keep sensitive data from leaving the device.
Matters most if: You want AI features that work offline or keep your data on the phone.

Price1 change

Price check

Pixel 5a (5G) — launched at $449

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Launch price (US)
$499›$449−$50
What does this mean?
What Google charged in the US when the phone launched, for the version with the least storage, before sales tax.
This is not what it costs today: check the used and refurbished links for current prices. If Google has not confirmed a price, the site shows "Price not confirmed by Google".

Battery1 gain

Battery capacity
3885 mAh›4680 mAh
What does this mean?
How much charge the battery holds, measured in mAh (milliamp-hours). Google lists a typical figure, its estimate from testing, and a lower minimum; we show the typical one.
A bigger number stores more energy, but how long a charge lasts also depends on which features you use. Google says Pixel 8a and later batteries are designed to keep at least 80% of their capacity for about 1,000 charge cycles when charged as Google recommends.
Battery life (Google's figure)
All-day battery (same on both)
What does this mean?
Google's estimate of how many hours a full charge lasts, based on its own lab tests.
Google tests an average Pixel user's mix of calls, mobile data, standby, web browsing, audio and YouTube. Longer figures, such as "up to 100-hour", need Extreme Battery Saver, which turns off many features. Google notes your battery life may be lower.
Matters most if: You are often away from a charger all day.

CameraSame

Rear cameras
2 (same on both)
What does this mean?
How many cameras are on the back. Each one is a separate lens for a different view: wide (the main camera), ultrawide and telephoto (zoom), depending on the model.
More cameras let you switch between a wide scene and a zoomed-in view using real lenses instead of cutting out part of the picture.
Main camera
12.2 MP (same on both)
What does this mean?
The resolution of the main camera's sensor in megapixels (MP), meaning millions of light-catching dots. Google notes this number is for the sensor, not always for the photo you get.
With default settings, the saved photo can be smaller than the sensor's count; on models that list High-Res, you can save full-size photos.
Matters most if: You want full-size photos for large prints or for cropping later.
Ultra wide camera
16 MP (same on both)
What does this mean?
The resolution in megapixels (MP) of the ultrawide camera: the lens that fits the most into the frame.
Use it for group photos, rooms and landscapes when you can't step back. On models whose specs say 'with Macro Focus', it also takes close-ups.
Matters most if: You shoot group photos, small rooms, or close-ups of food and flowers.
Telephoto camera
None (same on both)
What does this mean?
The resolution in megapixels (MP) of the telephoto camera: a separate zoom lens that sees far-away things as if you were closer. "None" means the phone has no telephoto camera.
At the telephoto's own zoom level, the photo comes from a real lens instead of a cropped, enlarged image.
Matters most if: You photograph kids' sports, concerts, pets or wildlife from a distance.
Optical zoom
None (same on both)
What does this mean?
How far the telephoto lens zooms on its own compared with the main camera (1x), for example '5x optical zoom'. It comes purely from a lens, with no software zoom.
At this level the lens does the zooming, so no part of the image is cut away. The 'optical quality' steps some models list, such as 10x, come from Super Res Zoom software, not extra lenses.
Matters most if: You compare zoom between phones: compare this row, not the 'up to' figures.
Digital zoom (most)
Not stated by Google (same on both)
What does this mean?
The farthest the camera can zoom, with software doing the work beyond what the lenses reach. Google calls it Super Res Zoom, Super Zoom or Pro Zoom depending on the model.
Past the lens's own zoom, the camera relies on software to build the picture, and Google notes results at the highest levels may vary. Pro Zoom uses generative AI to fill in details, so parts of the photo are created rather than recorded.
Matters most if: You zoom far and need the photo to show exactly what was there, such as a sign.
More in the glossary →
Front camera
8 MP (same on both)
What does this mean?
The resolution in megapixels (MP) of the selfie camera on the front.
Google also lists the selfie camera's field of view; a wider view fits more people into a group selfie. Fold models have a second selfie camera on the inner screen.
Video (best)
4K 60 fps (same on both)
What does this mean?
The highest video quality the rear camera records. 4K and 8K describe the picture size (8K is larger), and fps (frames per second) is how many still images make up each second.
On Pro models that list 8K, it comes from Video Boost, which Google says uses AI upscaling in the cloud: it needs Google Photos backup turned on and can take a long time.
Matters most if: You film a lot, or you do not use Google Photos backup.

Screen2 changes

Screen size
6.2 in›6.34 in
What does this mean?
The screen size, measured corner to corner (diagonally) in inches. 1 inch is 25.4 mm.
Google measures the screen as if its corners were square, so the visible area is a little smaller. On Fold models, this is the large inner screen; the outside screen has its own row.
Resolution
1080 x 2340›2400 x 1080
What does this mean?
How many dots (pixels) make up the screen, written as width x height.
On screens of the same size, more pixels show text and photos in finer detail. Fold models have one figure for the inner screen and one for the cover screen.
Screen type
OLED (same on both)
What does this mean?
The type of screen. 'Actua', 'Super Actua' and 'Super Actua Flex' (the folding inner screen) are Google's own names; the panel type, such as OLED or LTPO OLED, is listed next to them.
The name alone does not tell you how bright or sharp a screen is, so compare the brightness, resolution and refresh rate rows.
Refresh rate (most)
Not stated by Google (same on both)
What does this mean?
How many times per second the screen redraws the picture, in hertz (Hz). 120 Hz means up to 120 times a second.
A higher rate makes scrolling and switching apps look smoother. Google says a higher refresh rate uses more battery, and Battery Saver turns Smooth Display off.
Matters most if: You scroll social feeds, read long pages or play fast games.
Smooth Display
Not stated by Google (same on both)
What does this mean?
The range of refresh rates the screen moves between on its own, which Google calls Smooth Display. '1-120 Hz' means it can slow to once per second; '60-120 Hz' never drops below 60.
Google says the display adjusts automatically for viewing and battery performance, and higher rates use more battery.
Matters most if: You care about battery life as well as smooth scrolling.
Peak brightness
Not stated by Google (same on both)
What does this mean?
The brightest the screen can get, in nits (a unit of screen brightness; higher is brighter). Google measures this peak with only 5% of the screen's pixels lit.
Google says a high peak brightness makes the screen easy to see in direct sunlight. With the whole screen lit, Google lists a lower HDR figure, for example 2400 nits on Pixel 11 Pro against 3600 nits peak.
Matters most if: You use your phone outdoors a lot, such as for maps or photos in sunlight.

Design & buttons3 changes · 1 unconfirmed

Weight
168 g›183 g
What does this mean?
How much the phone weighs in grams (g); about 28 g is 1 ounce.
You feel the weight most when you hold the phone up for a long time, such as reading or filming. Google notes that weight can vary by configuration and manufacturing process.
Size (mm)
153.9 x 74 x 8.2›156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8
What does this mean?
The phone's size in millimeters (mm): height x width x depth (thickness). 25.4 mm is 1 inch.
Height and width tell you whether it fits your pocket and hand; depth is how thick it is. For Fold models, Google gives figures folded and unfolded.
Materials
Soft touch polycarbonate unibody; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass›Premium metal unibody; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass
What does this mean?
What the outside of the phone is made of: the cover glass over the screen, the back and the frame around the edge.
Google names the glass type, such as Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Google says the phone isn't drop proof, and drop damage isn't covered under warranty.
Water and dust resistance
Not stated by Google›IP67
What does this mean?
A standard code for how well the phone keeps out dust and water. The first digit is dust (6 means dust-tight) and the second is water; IPX8, used on some Fold models, has a water rating only.
Google's guide says IP67 means fresh water up to 1 meter (about 3.3 feet) deep for 30 minutes, and IP68 deeper than 1 meter. Google still says not to take the phone into a pool, shower or bathtub, and that water resistance wears off over time.
Unlock
Fingerprint Unlock (on the back) (same on both)
What does this mean?
Ways to unlock the phone with your body instead of typing a PIN. Fingerprint Unlock reads your finger, and Face Unlock uses a model of your face stored on the phone.
Depending on the model, the fingerprint sensor is under the screen, in the power button (Pixel Fold) or on the back. Google says Face Unlock may not work in low light or with sunglasses, and may be less secure than a strong PIN.
Headphone jack
Yes (same on both)
What does this mean?
Whether the phone has a 3.5 mm socket for wired headphones (the standard round headphone plug).
Google says all Pixel phones work with USB-C and Bluetooth headphones; on Pixels without the jack, a 3.5 mm plug needs an adapter.

Charging & connections1 change · 1 unconfirmed

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2x2 MIMO›Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2x2 MIMODifferent
What does this mean?
The Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7. 6E and 7 can also use the 6 GHz band, which Google describes as less crowded.
Google says actual speeds also depend on your internet provider. On some models the Wi-Fi generation or the 6 GHz band depends on local rules, so availability varies by country or region.
Matters most if: You have, or plan to buy, a Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 router.
mmWave 5G
No›Not confirmed
What does this mean?
mmWave ("millimeter wave") is a high-band type of 5G. The more common type, Sub-6, uses frequencies below 6 GHz. Only some versions of some Pixel models can use mmWave.
You need a carrier with mmWave 5G where you use the phone; the carrier's network decides which type the phone uses. Availability varies by country or region.
Matters most if: Your carrier offers mmWave 5G where you live or work.
More in the glossary →
USB-C port
USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 1 (same on both)
What does this mean?
The USB version Google lists for the phone's USB-C port, such as USB 3.2 on recent Pixels or USB 2.0 on Pixel 3a. It concerns moving data over a cable, such as copying files to a computer.
Google lists the version but no transfer speed. Charging speed is listed separately.
Wired charging
18W fast charging (same on both)
What does this mean?
How fast the phone charges with a cable. W (watts) measures how much power a charger delivers; for recent Pixels, Google states how much of the battery fills in about 30 minutes with a charger of a given wattage.
For example, Pixel 11 reaches up to 55% in about 30 minutes with a 30W or higher USB-C PPS charger. Recent Pixels come with a cable but no charger, and Google says real charging may be slower.
Matters most if: You often need a quick top-up before heading out.
Wireless charging
None (same on both)
What does this mean?
How fast the phone charges on a wireless charging pad, in W (watts). Pixels with wireless charging use Qi, a wireless charging standard.
The top speed usually needs a specific charger: for up to 25W on Pixel 11 phones, Google recommends its Pixelsnap Charger with a 35W or higher power adapter.
Qi2 magnetic charging (Pixelsnap)
No (same on both)
What does this mean?
Qi2 is a wireless charging standard with magnets that hold the charger in the right spot. Pixelsnap is Google's name for Qi2 magnets and accessories, from the Pixel 10 series (not Pixel 10a).
The charger snaps onto the back and lines itself up, and magnetic accessories attach the same way. With a case, use a Qi2-compatible one; Google says non-magnetic cases give weak or no attachment.
Matters most if: You want a charger or stand that snaps onto the phone.
More in the glossary →
Battery Share
Not confirmed (same on both)
What does this mean?
Battery Share lets the phone wirelessly charge another device, such as earbuds, placed on its back.
It works only with devices that support Qi wireless charging, and Google says it uses a lot of the Pixel's own battery. You can set a level at which it switches off.
Matters most if: You carry wireless earbuds and want to top them up away from a charger.
Bluetooth
v5.0 (same on both)
What does this mean?
Bluetooth connects wireless accessories, such as earbuds and watches, to the phone. The number Google lists, such as v5.3 or v6, is the Bluetooth version.
On Pixel 8 and later, two or more people can listen from the same phone on their own earbuds, but only with Bluetooth LE Audio models.
Ultra Wideband
Not confirmed (same on both)
What does this mean?
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) is a radio chip that measures how far away another UWB device is and in which direction. It only works with another device that also has UWB.
With a tracker tag that has UWB, such as Google's Pixel Tag, the Find Hub app can show distance and direction cues to find keys or a bag.
Matters most if: You use tracker tags to find keys or bags.
eSIM
Yes (same on both)
What does this mean?
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into the phone: it connects you to your carrier without a SIM card. "Dual eSIM" means two eSIMs can be active at once, for example a work line and a personal line.
Whether you can use eSIM, or two at once, depends on your carrier. Availability varies by country or region.
Matters most if: You travel abroad or want two phone lines on one phone.
SIM card slot
Yes (same on both)
What does this mean?
A tray for the nano SIM card from your carrier. Some regional versions have no tray and work only with eSIM.
With a tray, you can move the SIM card from your current phone instead of getting a new one. Availability varies by country or region.
Matters most if: Your carrier does not offer eSIM, or you often move a SIM card between phones.
FeliCa
Not confirmed (same on both)
What does this mean?
FeliCa is the contactless chip behind Osaifu-Keitai, the tap-to-pay service used in Japan for transit cards such as Suica and e-money such as WAON.
On Pixel 10 and earlier, including Pixel 10a, only the model sold in Japan has it; on Pixel 11 and later, Google says FeliCa turns on only if the phone's first setup is done on a Japanese mobile network.
Matters most if: You live in Japan, or want to use Suica or other Osaifu-Keitai services.
More in the glossary →

SafetySame

Satellite SOS
No (same on both)
What does this mean?
Lets you text emergency services through a satellite when you have no mobile network and no Wi-Fi. Google lists it on Pixel 9 and later, except Pixel 9a.
You need a clear view of the sky, and Google says emergency services should reply by text within a few minutes. Google includes the service at no extra charge for the first 2 years after activation.
Matters most if: You hike, camp or drive through places with no mobile coverage.
More in the glossary →
Car Crash Detection
Yes (same on both)
What does this mean?
The phone can sense a possible severe car crash, using its location, motion sensors and nearby sounds. If you do not respond within 60 seconds, it tries to call emergency services and shares your approximate location.
You turn it on in the Personal Safety app. Google says it needs a SIM, does not work while roaming, in Airplane mode or with Battery Saver on, and may not detect all crashes.
Matters most if: You drive often, especially alone.
More in the glossary →

Chip & storageSame

Chip
Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (same on both)
What does this mean?
The main processor: the part that runs apps, camera processing and on-device AI. Pixel 6 and later use Google's own Google Tensor chips; earlier Pixels used Qualcomm Snapdragon chips.
Tensor generations are numbered, from the first Tensor in Pixel 6 to Tensor G6 in Pixel 11. A newer phone can have an older chip: Pixel 10a uses Tensor G4, the chip in Pixel 9.
Matters most if: You are choosing between an "a" model and a main model from the same year.
More in the glossary →
Security chip
Titan M (same on both)
What does this mean?
A separate chip that guards your lock screen passcode and the keys that unlock your data. Titan M started on Pixel 3; Titan M2 came with Pixel 6 and Titan M3 with Pixel 11.
Google says it limits how many passcode guesses someone can try, making a lost or stolen phone hard to unlock, and stops attempts to roll Android back to an older version that may have security holes.
More in the glossary →
RAM
6 GB (same on both)
What does this mean?
RAM is the phone's short-term working memory for the apps running right now, measured in GB (gigabytes).
More RAM lets more apps stay open in the background. RAM is separate from storage, which holds your apps, photos and files. On some Pixels it depends on the storage size: Pixel 11 Pro has 12 GB with 256 GB of storage and 16 GB with 512 GB or 1 TB.
Storage options
128 GB (same on both)
What does this mean?
How much space the phone has for apps, photos, videos and files, in GB (gigabytes) or TB (terabytes; 1 TB is 1,000 GB).
Each storage size is sold at its own price, so pick enough for the photos and videos you keep on the phone. You get less usable space than the number shown, because Google lists capacity before formatting.

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