Intro
If you are looking for a budget Android phone in 2023, these are two of the options that stand out the most: the $450 Samsung Galaxy A54 5G and the upcoming Google Pixel 7a, which is expected to land at about the same price.
But what are the differences and which of these two is a better choice?
The Galaxy comes with a much improved processor, a more refined design with a glass back, it’s got a better camera system with stabilized 4K video recording, and it packs what for many is a familiar Samsung user interface and four years of major software updates.
*This article relies on preliminary information from leaks and rumors about the yet unreleased Pixel 7a.
- Galaxy has a slightly better screen quality
- Pixel expected to have the faster chip
- Pixel expected to have better camera quality
- Galaxy supports 4 years of software updates vs 3 on Pixel
- Galaxy to have faster charging speeds
- No wireless charging on either one
Table of Contents:
Design and Display Quality
Both have a character, the Pixel is the more compact one
When it comes to design, the Galaxy A54 5G looks a lot like Samsung’s flagship S series with those separate camera lenses on its back and it now features a glass back, an upgrade from previous generations that were made out of plastic.
The Pixel also has its own signature look with that camera bar on the back and we like that both phones have some character. We don’t yet know much about the materials used on the Pixel, but the previous model had a plastic back and the new one might also have a plastic rear side.
On the front, both have a screen with a discreet punch-hole selfie camera, but the borders around the screen are noticeably larger on the Galaxy and it also has a quite noticeable “chin”.
For biometrics, both rely on an optical type fingerprint scanner embedded in the display. We are hoping that the one on the Pixel 7a will be faster than in previous generations where it was sluggish and required a harder press to work.
Performance and Software
Pixel is expected to come with a flagship-grade chip
The Galaxy steps it up to a Samsung-made Exynos 1380 processor which brings big improvements in multi-core performance and GPU performance, but it is still no match for the expected Google-made Tensor G2 chip in the Pixel 7a. The latter is after all a flagship grade chip, even if not quite as fast as the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
Keep in mind that the Galaxy A54 5G also has a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a feature missing on most phones, including the Pixel 7a.
Another notable difference between these two is just in the software they run. The Galaxy sports Samsung’s latest One UI 5.1 interface on top of Android 13, while the Pixel launches with a clean version of Android 13. Both work equally fine and while there are a few exclusive features with the Samsung software, many people would actually prefer the cleaner and more refined look with the Pixel.
For software updates, Samsung deserves a lot of praise as it promises 4 years of major updates compared to just 3 years on the Pixel. The Pixel, however, will get those updates on day one, while you still have to wait for a few months until Samsung delivers its updates.
And as for connectivity, both phones have 5G with support for all major US carriers, so no need to sweat over this one.
Camera
Galaxy gets improvements, but don’t expect it to beat the Pixel
The Galaxy A54 5G comes with a triple camera system, while the Pixel 7a only features two rear cameras, but since the third camera on the Galaxy is a macro camera that will see limited use, both phones will mainly rely on a similar main + ultra-wide camera combination.
But will it match the typically outstanding Google Pixel in the camera game?
We would not have our hopes that high as the Pixel is known for incredible dynamic range and great computational photography on par with flagships both during the day and at night.
But let’s wait out and see.
Audio Quality and Haptics
Both phones rely on a main bottom firing speaker and a secondary speaker located in the earpiece for audio output.
We have not yet tested the audio quality coming out of those loudspeakers, so check back here when we have completed the reviews to get the full scoop.
You will not find a 3.5mm headphone jack on either of these phones.
Battery Life and Charging
Galaxy has the theoretical advantage
The Galaxy comes with a 5,000 mAh battery, while we still don’t know the exact battery capacity of the Pixel 7a, but we don’t expect a huge change from the 4,410 mAh battery we saw on the previous generation Pixel 6a, so chances are it will be a smaller battery.
This could give the Galaxy a sizable advantage in battery life.
In terms of charging, there is no wireless charging support on either phone and you also don’t get a charging brick in the box with either phone.
Specs Comparison
Take a look at the main specs differences between the Galaxy A54 5G and the Pixel 7a laid out below:
| Specs | Galaxy A54 5G | Pixel 7a |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions and Weight | 158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm, 202 g | unknown |
| Screen | 6.4″ OLED 1080p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate Gorilla Glass 5 | 6.1″ OLED 1080p resolution, 90Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5nm) |
| RAM, Storage and Prices | US: 6/128GB for $450 8/256GB available in UK, RoW | 6/128GB, unknown price |
| Cameras | 50MP main cam (f/1.8) 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2) 5MP macro cam (f/2.4) 32MP front cam (f/2.2) | 64MP main cam 12MP ultra-wide – 13MP front cam |
| Battery Size | 5,000 mAh | unknown |
| Charging Speeds | 25W wired charging no wireless charging | unknown |
Summary
At the end of the day, these two are clearly among the best budget phones to buy in 2023.
The Pixel 7a is still way out in the future, but when it launches in the middle of the year, it is expected to have an advantage in performance power and the camera, while the Galaxy on the other hand shapes up to be the phone with the longer battery life, faster charging speeds and longer software updates.
Don’t forget about the difference in software too as the Galaxy comes with Samsung’s custom One UI skin which is its own look, while the Pixel runs on a clean version of Android with a different styling.
So… which one would you go for?
