Product test
Oneplus 13 review: reliable in the rain and on long days
by Michelle Brändle
OnePlus Nord vs. Google Pixel 4a: Above-average mid-range smartphones tested
30.11.2020
Translation: machine translated
In terms of price and performance, you can buy both the Google Pixel 4a and the OnePlus Nord without hesitation. However, I am undecided as to which one I like better. That's why both smartphones can score points in the test, which will hopefully make my decision easier in the end.
While Google only offers the Pixel 4a in one colour and one storage size, you can choose between three colours and three storage variants with the OnePlus Nord. However, not every version is available in every colour and, of course, the price increases with more memory and moves away from the Pixel 4a.
Technology is more important than size
No points here. It's too much a matter of taste.
The OnePlus Nord is not larger on a whim, but because it has a larger display. 6.44 inches compared to 5.81 inches on the Pixel 4a. The resolution is almost identical at 2400×1080 to 2340×1080 pixels and the slightly higher pixel density of the 4a - 443 ppi compared to 408 ppi on the Nord - is not visible to the naked eye.
1:0 in favour of the OnePlus Nord.
It's only a short way from the display to the fingerprint sensor. At least on the OnePlus Nord. It is hidden under the display - a friendly graphic tells me where I have to place my finger to unlock it. This usually works perfectly, but the sensor on the back of the Pixel 4a is even more reliable and easier to reach when I hold the smartphone in my hand. That's not enough for me to award it a point.
Different hardware, similar performance
The OnePlus Nord is slightly ahead in terms of performance on paper. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset has eight processing cores, just like the Snapdragon 730G in the Pixel 4a, but one of them is clocked higher in the 765G. I didn't notice any relevant differences in performance when using the two smartphones. Not when navigating through the menu, not when installing apps and not when launching apps.
Although the OnePlus Nord scores more points in the Geekbench test - 613 (single) and 1959 (multi) compared to 553 and 1537 for the Pixel 4a - it has an unfair advantage. The most expensive model variant with 12 gigabytes of RAM was available to me for the test. Like the Pixel, the cheapest variant only has 6 gigabytes and I expect the benchmark values to be even closer together.
In short: the performance is identical and that's why there is a point for both.
2:1 in favour of the OnePlus Nord.
Four against one: the cameras
The Nord has four cameras: a wide-angle lens, a telephoto lens and a macro lens as well as a significantly higher resolution of 48 megapixels for the main camera than the Pixel 4a. Google only equips its smartphone with one camera. Sounds like a no-brainer. But it's not, because the software now plays just as important a role in smartphone cameras as the lenses.
I'll start with the main camera. Here, both smartphones deliver images with a resolution of twelve megapixels. In terms of colour, I like the Pixel better; in direct comparison, there is more yellow in the image on the OnePlus. Although this provides more warmth, it is less realistic. The level of detail is equally good on both. I can't see any difference worth mentioning here.
The evaluation of the shots is similar when I use the 2x zoom offered in each case. Here, the Pixel with its software has no disadvantage compared to the telephoto lens of the OnePlus.
I notice that the Pixel's HDR mode compensates for differences in brightness better in strong backlighting. The software also ensures a higher level of detail in the sample images taken at 2x zoom. The differences were not so clear in other lighting conditions.
In night mode, the OnePlus continues to mix more yellow into the image. However, in view of the street lighting in the city, this looks more realistic than the very white and therefore cool-looking image of the Pixel 4a. Both smartphones get a lot out of the residual light and the level of detail is similar.
This changes in the camera's standard mode. Here I see the pixel in front. Its images then have more detail and are more pleasing in terms of colour in direct comparison, even if they still appear very cool.
Selfies at night are not really convincing. I'll spare you the example pictures. Instead, I'll show you what else you can do in night mode. The Pixel 4a has a 2x zoom and the OnePlus Nord has a wide-angle camera.
There is a big difference in the resolution of the front cameras. With 32 to 8 megapixels, the OnePlus Nord seems to have a clear advantage here. But when I not only look at the photos on the smartphone display, but also enlarge them on the computer, the impression that the Pixel 4a has a better level of detail for selfies is confirmed. I also like its colour reproduction a little better.
You can find all photos in original resolution here.
Portraits are similarly good with both cameras, cutting people out of the background. This applies to the main camera, but also to the front camera, albeit with minor limitations. The outline of the person is not always captured 100 per cent. However, it is not noticeable that the Pixel only works with software here and OnePlus still has data from a second lens at its disposal.
While the OnePlus Nord's macro lens allows you to get very close to subjects, the image quality of the 2-megapixel camera is not worthy of further attention.
The cameras on both smartphones are at a very similar and high level. Overall, I think the Pixel is slightly ahead in terms of quality. It is also impressive that it can do everything with one camera lens. The OnePlus can only claim wide-angle photos as a unique selling point. The Pixel also has a 2x zoom and the manufacturer could have done without the macro lens.
Since I don't necessarily need a wide-angle camera, that gives the Pixel one point.
So it's a draw. 2:2. I fear the decision could end up being closer than I had hoped.
Android is not always the same
Summarised: The functions are almost identical, but the higher reliability of updates and fewer pre-installed apps give the Pixel a point in its favour.
3:2 in favour of the Pixel. The tide has turned. But there is still one important point. The battery.
Everyone wants bigger batteries
Google has not repeated the mistake of the Pixel 4 with the Pixel 4a. Its battery has a usable capacity of 3140 mAh, which is still small compared to the OnePlus Nord with 4115 mAh. I get through the day with both in everyday use. The OnePlus Nord doesn't manage a second day, but even though its larger and brighter display means higher consumption is to be expected, I'm still a little more relaxed about the evening than with the Pixel 4a.
One point for the OnePlus Nord. So it's 3:3 - great, now it's down to the details.
Both smartphones have a USB-C port for charging and, together with their power supply unit, have fast-charging technology for quick recharging in between uses. Speaking of connections: If you want to connect your headphones with a cable and 3.5 mm plug, the OnePlus Nord is out. Only USB-C headphones will fit here. However, the Pixel 4a still has a 3.5 mm jack.
Conclusion: a close decision
I think it's a tie on points, but I promised you a decision. In the end, it was the details that tipped the scales in favour of the Pixel 4a. They range from the size and the fingerprint sensor to the software updates, the camera and the lower price. I'm willing to accept small compromises in the battery, 5G and other areas.
Jan Johannsen
Senior Editor
Jan.Johannsen@galaxus.deWhen I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.
