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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) vs Google Pixel 7a
The Google Pixel 7a is the smarter buy for most people, thanks to its stunning 64MP camera and vibrant 6.1" OLED display. The Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) offers a compact design and is the budget entry into the iPhone ecosystem, but its dated 4.7" LCD screen falls short against the Pixel's vibrant display. You'll love the Pixel 7a if you're into photography or gaming; its 90Hz refresh rate makes everything feel smoother, especially when scrolling through apps or gaming sessions in 2026.
📱 Display: 4.7" vs 6.1"⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 2018 mAh vs 4385 mAh
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5
(225)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
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Google Pixel 7a
★4.5
(1,343)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Google Pixel 7a
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4.7"
Google Pixel 7a
6.1"Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
60Hz
Google Pixel 7a
90Hz (Smooth Display)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Google Pixel 7a
Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
RAMKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4GB
Google Pixel 7a
8GB LPDDR5Winner
Storage
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Google Pixel 7a
128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)Winner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Google Pixel 7a
64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8xWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
No (Not supported)
Google Pixel 7a
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
2,018mAh (Approximate)
Google Pixel 7a
4,385mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Google Pixel 7a
7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.09 oz (144 g)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
6.83 oz (193.5 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Google Pixel 7a
6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Google Pixel 7a
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Google Pixel 7a
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) vs Google Pixel 7a
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5(225)Best Buy
Google Pixel 7a
★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
| Criterion | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) | Google Pixel 7a |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(225)Best Buy | ★4.5(1,343)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022) | 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028) |
Processor | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor |
Graphics | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G710 MP7 |
RAM | 4GB | 8GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe | 128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 4.7" | 6.1" |
Screen Type | Retina HD LCD (IPS) | OLED, 90Hz, HDR |
Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 625 nits (Typical) | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x | 64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | No (Not supported) | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps | 4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps | 13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps |
Battery | 2,018mAh (Approximate) | 4,385mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning | 18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included) |
Wireless Charging | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) | 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
Durability | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) | 6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm) |
Weight | 5.09 oz (144 g) | 6.83 oz (193.5 g) |
Biometrics | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support | Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One |
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Rating:★4.5(225)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM:4GB
Storage:64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Display Size:4.7"
Screen Type:Retina HD LCD (IPS)
Resolution:1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:625 nits (Typical)
Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps
Front Camera:7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps
Battery:2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wired Charging:20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass
Dimensions:5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Weight:5.09 oz (144 g)
Biometrics:Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button)
Extras:Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- • Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
- • A15 Bionic chip provides flagship-level performance for the price
- • Retains the classic Touch ID Home button (preferred by some users)
- • IP67 water resistance rating is rare in the budget category
✗ Cons:
- • Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- • Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
- • Base storage starts at a low 64GB
- • No Night Mode for the camera (struggles in low light)
- • Lacks 5G mmWave support (Sub-6 GHz only) unlike main iPhone models
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Google Pixel 7a
Rating:★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
RAM:8GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Display Size:6.1"
Screen Type:OLED, 90Hz, HDR
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi
Refresh Rate:90Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps
Battery:4,385mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included)
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions:6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Weight:6.83 oz (193.5 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading still photography with 64MP sensor and Google computational magic
- • Tensor G2 chip brings flagship-level AI features (Voice Typing, Magic Eraser) to mid-range
- • 90Hz OLED display is a significant upgrade over previous A-series 60Hz panels
- • Includes wireless charging (7.5W), a rarity in this price segment
- • Compact, ergonomic size with IP67 water/dust resistance
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower/less reliable than ultrasonic ones
- • Battery life is average; Tensor G2 can run warm under load
- • Large bezels relative to screen size compared to the Pixel 8a or Galaxy S23 FE
- • Only one storage option (128GB) with no microSD expansion
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 7a is the better buy for most people - its 64MP camera crushes the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)'s 12MP sensor. That said, grab the iPhone SE if you prefer a smaller device at 5.09oz - it’s lighter and offers a compact design.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you want a lightweight phone at 5.09oz, you prefer iOS and its ecosystem, or you need a compact device that's easy to use with one hand.
Choose the Google Pixel 7a if: you shoot a lot of photos with its 64MP camera, you enjoy watching HDR content on a vibrant 6.1" display, or you need longer battery life with 4,385mAh.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) excels if you value most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Google Pixel 7a is better if you prioritize class-leading still photography with 64mp sensor and google computational magic. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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