Here’s why Nothing CEO Carl Pei thinks Nothing Phone (1) is better than Google Pixel 6a

Both the Nothing Phone (1) and the Google Pixel 6a are popular mid-range smartphones that came out in India in 2022.

On Twitter, the user asked, “Other than the Glyph interface, how is it better than the Pixel 6a?” The CEO responded by saying that he finds the comparison between both smartphones “odd”, going on to call the Google Pixel 6a an “entry-level phone” and the Nothing Phone (1) a flagship.

He added that the Nothing Phone (1)’s bill of materials (BOM) cost is much higher than that of the Google Pixel 6a.

I find it odd that Nothing Phone (1) gets compared to the Pixel 6a. It’s a good device, but has a completely different positioning and value proposition.

6a is Pixel’s entry level smartphone. Phone (1) is our flagship smartphone. The BOM (bill of material) cost to build the… https://t.co/8SgQBiY6lv

— Carl Pei (@getpeid) March 17, 2023

Carl Pei on how the Nothing Phone (1) is better than the Google Pixel 6a

The Nothing CEO began by citing the Nothing Phone (1)’s symmetrical bezels surrounding the screen, which give it a more streamlined appearance than the Google Pixel 6a’s protruding chin. He also emphasised how the Gorilla Glass 5 back cover on the Nothing Phone (1) makes it feel more premium than the plastic back on the Google Pixel 6a. Also, the speedier performance is due to a superior processor, as per Pei. FYI, the Google Pixel 6a is powered by the Google Tensor chipset, and the Nothing Phone (1) is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 778+ 5G.

Pei goes on to add that the Phone (1)’s improved camera hardware is another perk. He does, however, acknowledge that, in terms of software, the Nothing Phone (1) lags behind the Google Pixel 6a. He also points out that the Google Pixel 6a’s display refresh rate is only 60Hz, compared to the Nothing Phone (1)’s 120Hz, which significantly affects the fluidity of scrolling.

The Nothing Phone (1) also features a larger display at a 6.55-inch compared to the 6.1-inch display seen in the Google Pixel 6a. In terms of software, Pei said he prefers Nothing OS over Pure Android. He claimed that the Nothing Phone (1)’s OS has better aesthetics and optimisation/polish/finesse than Pure Android, though both are commendable.