So you’re looking for a new phone, and know it’s a coin flip between Apple and Google. Smart move: No other phone maker has a total say on both hardware and software.

But you are on a budget. So what is it going to be – the recently revealed Pixel 6a, or the familiar yet up-to-date iPhone SE? We’re here to help.

Google’s latest hasn’t hit our test bench yet, but we’ve spent a lot of time with the iPhone, and scoured the specialized sheets. Here’s which handset deserves your money.

Google Pixel 6a vs. iPhone SE (2022): Price and Release Date

The iPhone SE is available for purchase now. 64GB Variant Will Set You Back £419/$429, There are also larger 128GB and 256GB versions, which cost £469/$479 and £569/$579 respectively.

Google Pixel 6a is set to be released this summer. Google hasn’t confirmed exact dates for availability, but has revealed that the only 128GB version will cost £399/$449,

Google Pixel 6a vs iPhone SE (2022): Technical Specifications

Design: Glass or Metal?

The updated, 2022 version of the iPhone SE looks the same as the previous one – and the one before it. It’s effectively using the same styling as the iPhone 8, which was launched five years ago. The thick screen bezels and TouchID home button make it look older than the newer Apple models.

This is a far cry from the Pixel 6a, which shares its design with two other current-gen phones from Google. There’s a camera bar on the back to cover the full width of the phone, and a front that’s almost entirely the screen. It looks like a modern smartphone in every way.

The Google phone is bigger in all three directions and weighs more. If you’re into something slim and light-colored, the iPhone is a better choice. But keep in mind that everyone who sees you with it will know you’re cheap on Apple’s entry-level handset.

Screen: Size matters

Is bigger always better? Probably not if you prefer a smaller phone. The iPhone SE is one of only a few smaller screen options, with a 4.7in display that fits comfortably in almost any hand. Meanwhile, the Pixel has a bigger 6.1-inch panel.

The iPhone’s 16:9 aspect ratio, large screen bezels, and TouchID home button mean there’s not really much between the two phones, though, for the most screens for your cash, the Pixel is a clear winner.

Google’s phone has higher resolution, and features an OLED panel with punchier colors and better contrast. However, there’s no refresh rate advantage: Both handsets are limited to 60Hz.

Camera: Double or Nothing

The Pixel 6a has a dual-lens rear camera, but the iPhone SE works with just one. Game over, isn’t it? Well, it’s not that easy. Apple’s A15 Bionic chip delivers stellar image processing with better HDR and better low-light video recording.

Of course, Google has some algorithms of its own. Low-light shooting is a feature, and there are also tools like the Magic Eraser to remove photobombers.

Both phones use a 12MP main snapper, so there’s no clear advantage on pixel count. The Pixel 6a’s ultrawide makes your scene fit more into the shot, of course. We haven’t seen its camera capabilities in person yet, so aren’t quite ready to declare a winner just yet.

Performance: no power loss

Both phones have domestic silicone. Google has used the Tensor chip previously seen in the more expensive Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, so the 6a should be able to blitz anything available in the Google Play Store right now.

Apple added its A15 Bionic CPU to the SE this year, putting it on par with the highest priced iPhone 13. This chip is an absolute monster, regularly topping the benchmark table and comfortably running the latest version of iOS.

The Pixel 6a will be no slouch, but if processing power and gaming grunt are your top priority, we think the iPhone takes the lead here.

Battery: This is what you do with it

On paper, this might seem like a clear victory for Google. The Pixel 6a packs a 4300mAh battery, while the iPhone SE packs a smaller 2018mAh cell.

However, Apple has really worked its magic with iOS to extend battery life. The iPhone SE is good for 15 hours of video playback, putting it on a par with the more expensive iPhone 12 mini.

Google’s effort doesn’t have wireless charging, while the iPhone supports 7.5W top-up on a compatible Qi charging plate. Where cable is concerned, however, Google takes the lead. It manages 30W of rapid charging, with the iPhone only capable of reaching 20W.

Both the phones will comfortably last you a whole day without plugging in.

Initial Verdict: Benefiting Google?

Apple’s most affordable model was updated earlier this year, but apart from the performance and battery boost, it was a minor refresh. It’s still rocking a smaller, lower-resolution display, with chunkier bezels for the TouchID home button. While it can take good pictures thanks to Apple’s clever processing, there’s still only one rear camera.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 6a is a whole lot more modern. It shares a design with the more expensive Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, has a larger, higher-resolution display and an ultrawide camera, in addition to a capable main snapper.

There are some areas where Apple still has an edge, and its more tightly controlled operating system is undeniably slow. But if you’re not already deep with iOS, at this early stage we think the Pixel 6a looks like the better handset overall.

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