Galaxy A50 Vs Google Pixel 6A

Galaxy A50
Galaxy A50
Starting at

Refurbished price:107.00

Versus €349.00 new

See options
Google Pixel 6A
Google Pixel 6A
Starting at

Refurbished price:143.00

Versus €459.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A50 (2019) and the Google Pixel 6A (2022) are both Android smartphones, but they originate from different generations of mobile technology. The Galaxy A50, released earlier, focused on delivering a large Super AMOLED display and a versatile camera setup for its time. In contrast, the Pixel 6A, a more recent offering, emphasizes advanced processing power and computational photography capabilities, alongside a commitment to extended software support.

Scores

Durability

The expected lifespan of these devices differs significantly due to their release timelines and manufacturer support policies.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy A50 was launched in March 2019, while the Google Pixel 6A arrived in July 2022. This three-year difference means the Pixel 6A benefits from more current hardware and a longer support window.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A50 originally ran Android 9 and was upgradable to Android 11, with official software support having concluded. The Pixel 6A launched with Android 12 and is guaranteed to receive OS updates until at least July 2027, and security updates until at least July 2027, offering a considerably longer period of current software and security patches.
  • Repairability and Durability: The Galaxy A50 has a repairability score of approximately 7.0 out of 10, with accessible battery and screen components. The Pixel 6A also scores well for repairability, around 6.5 to 7 out of 10, with its battery being relatively easy to remove. Both devices feature Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection. The Pixel 6A further includes an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, a feature not present on the Galaxy A50.

Year of Release

2019

2022

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones reflect their respective generations, with the newer device offering a more powerful experience.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A50, powered by its internal processor, handles everyday tasks adequately for its release period. Users generally found it to be a decent performer, though not a top-tier device for heavy multitasking or demanding applications. The Pixel 6A, featuring a more advanced processor, delivers a smoother and more responsive experience, capable of handling demanding applications and multitasking with greater ease.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy A50 was available with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, which was sufficient for typical usage at the time. The Pixel 6A comes with 6GB of RAM, which, combined with its efficient processor, contributes to fluid navigation and app switching.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy A50 offered 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card up to 512GB. The Pixel 6A provides 128GB of internal storage but does not support expandable storage.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both devices feature vibrant display technologies, but there are differences in size, brightness, and refresh rate.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Samsung Galaxy A50 features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its deep blacks and rich colors. The Google Pixel 6A has a slightly smaller 6.1-inch OLED display, also offering excellent contrast and color reproduction.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both phones offer Full HD+ resolutions, with the Galaxy A50 at 1080x2340 pixels and the Pixel 6A at 1080x2400 pixels, providing sharp visuals for everyday viewing.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A50 can reach a peak brightness of around 574 nits, making it suitable for most indoor and outdoor conditions. The Pixel 6A offers higher peak brightness, measured at approximately 778 nits with adaptive brightness enabled, which can improve visibility in bright sunlight. Both devices feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Super AMOLED

OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these smartphones approach photography with different philosophies, impacting their overall output.

  • Rear Camera System: The Samsung Galaxy A50 features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 25-megapixel wide lens, an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 5-megapixel depth sensor. The Google Pixel 6A utilizes a dual-camera system with a 12.2-megapixel wide lens and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy A50 performs well in bright lighting conditions, offering versatile shots with its ultrawide lens, but its low-light performance is not its strongest aspect. The Pixel 6A is highly regarded for its computational photography, delivering consistent image quality across various conditions, including strong low-light performance and features like Night Sight, Magic Eraser, and Real Tone.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy A50 records video at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second. The Pixel 6A is capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second. The Galaxy A50 has a mono speaker, while the Pixel 6A offers stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience.

Main camera

25 megapixels

12.2 megapixels

Front camera

25 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements differentiate these two devices in daily use.

  • Connectivity: The Samsung Galaxy A50 supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), and Bluetooth 5.0. The Google Pixel 6A offers more advanced connectivity with 5G support, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2.
  • Ports and Sensors: The Galaxy A50 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-C port. It features an in-display optical fingerprint sensor. The Pixel 6A uses a USB-C 3.1 port but omits the 3.5mm headphone jack. It also has an under-display fingerprint sensor.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy A50 weighs 166 grams and has dimensions of 158.5 x 74.7 x 7.7 mm. The Pixel 6A is slightly heavier at 178 grams and has dimensions of 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.7 mm. The Pixel 6A also boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, providing an extra layer of protection.

Weight

166 g

178 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.1

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy A50 and Google Pixel 6A cater to different user priorities, largely due to their generational gap. Users often praised the Galaxy A50 for its vibrant Super AMOLED display and solid battery life for its time. Its triple camera setup was considered versatile in good lighting, and the inclusion of a headphone jack and expandable storage were appreciated features. However, common criticisms included its performance not being a 'multitasking champion' and its camera struggling in low-light conditions.

The Google Pixel 6A, on the other hand, received acclaim for its powerful processing capabilities, which ensure smooth performance across demanding applications. Its camera system, driven by advanced computational photography, is a frequent highlight, delivering impressive results in various lighting scenarios. Users also value its extended software support and the added durability of an IP67 rating. Some users noted the 60Hz refresh rate as a potential drawback compared to other devices released around the same time.

Users prioritizing a larger, vibrant display and the flexibility of expandable storage may find the Galaxy A50 suitable, especially for general media consumption and light use. Conversely, users who value strong, consistent camera performance, robust processing power for demanding tasks, and a longer period of software updates will likely find the Pixel 6A better aligned with their needs. For those considering a more sustainable choice, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, extending their lifecycle and reducing electronic waste.

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