Realme 11 vs Google Pixel 6a: A Detailed Comparison for Budget-Conscious Buyers
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a smooth software experience and excellent image processing, the Google Pixel 6a remains a strong contender. However, the Realme 11’s significantly faster 67W charging and newer Dimensity 6100+ chipset offer a compelling alternative, especially for those who frequently top up their phones and value raw speed.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Realme 11 | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada) |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1x | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 31 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July 31 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76 x 8.1 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.32 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (HBM) | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Panorama, HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, 23mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | - | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, 0-50% in 17 min | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black (Glory Black), Sunrise Gold (Glory Gold) | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | RMX3780 | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 230 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Realme 11
- 67W SuperVOOC Charging: Extremely fast top-ups.
- Newer Dimensity 6100+ Chipset: Potential for longer software support.
- Competitive Price: Offers good value for the hardware.
- Camera Details Missing: Image quality is uncertain without more information.
- Realme UI: Can be perceived as bloated compared to stock Android.
Google Pixel 6a
- Google Tensor Chip: Excellent image processing and AI features.
- Clean Android Experience: Smooth, bloatware-free software.
- Proven Camera Performance: Renowned for its computational photography.
- Slower 18W Charging: Significantly longer charging times.
- Older Chipset: May not receive software updates for as long.
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 6a boasts a display capable of reaching 876 nits of peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the Realme 11’s peak brightness isn’t specified, the Pixel 6a’s measured output provides a clear advantage in outdoor scenarios. Both displays feature an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, typical of OLED panels. However, the Realme 11’s display technology isn’t detailed, leaving the Pixel 6a with a known advantage in brightness and potentially color accuracy, given Google’s display calibration expertise.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s strength lies in its computational photography prowess, driven by the Tensor chip. While specific sensor details for the Realme 11 are missing, the Pixel 6a’s image processing algorithms are renowned for their dynamic range and detail. The absence of details regarding OIS on the Realme 11 suggests the Pixel 6a likely has an advantage in low-light photography and video stabilization. The Pixel 6a’s focus on software-based enhancements will likely deliver more consistently pleasing results, even with potentially similar hardware.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Google Pixel 6a utilizes Google’s in-house Tensor chip (5nm), while the Realme 11 features the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm). The Tensor’s CPU configuration – 2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 – offers higher peak clock speeds on its prime cores compared to the Realme 11’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. The 5nm process of the Tensor also suggests better power efficiency. However, the Dimensity 6100+’s 6nm process is still efficient, and its newer architecture may offer improvements in sustained performance and graphics. The Pixel 6a benefits from Google’s software optimization, but the Realme 11’s chipset is a generation newer, potentially offering longer-term software support.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The Realme 11’s 67W wired charging can take it from 0-50% in just 17 minutes, a significant advantage over the Pixel 6a’s 18W charging with PD3.0. While the Pixel 6a’s battery life is respectable, the Realme 11’s faster charging mitigates any concerns about running low on power, making it ideal for users who dislike long charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 11 if you need blazing-fast charging, prioritize a newer chipset for potentially longer software support, and frequently engage in tasks that benefit from quicker processing. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prefer Google’s clean Android experience, exceptional computational photography, and a phone with a proven track record for software updates and long-term usability.