Realme 12 vs Google Pixel 7a: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Powerhouses
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice. Its Tensor G2 chip, while not the fastest, delivers a smooth experience and unlocks Google’s computational photography magic. However, the Realme 12 offers significantly faster charging and a competitive price, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Realme 12 | Google Pixel 7a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - GWKK3, G0DZQ |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GHL1X, G82U8 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, March 06 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, March 06 | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 76.1 x 7.7 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.30 in) | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 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 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 800 nits (typ), 950 nits (HBM) | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 50% in 30 min | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Twilight Purple, Woodland Green | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | RMX3999 | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | ₹ 15,999 | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
Realme 12
- 45W SuperVOOC Charging: Extremely fast charging speeds.
- Competitive Price: Offers excellent value for money.
- Realme UI: Feature-rich and customizable software.
- Dimensity 6100+ Performance: Not as powerful as the Tensor G2.
- Camera: Likely inferior to the Pixel 7a in image quality.
Google Pixel 7a
- Tensor G2 Chipset: Excellent AI and image processing capabilities.
- Superior Camera: Renowned for its computational photography.
- Clean Android Experience: Stock Android with timely updates.
- Slower Charging: 18W charging is significantly slower than the Realme 12.
- Higher Price: More expensive than the Realme 12.
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a boasts a measured peak brightness of 1070 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the Realme 12’s display specifications aren’t provided, Realme typically uses AMOLED panels in this segment, offering vibrant colors. The Pixel 7a’s display is likely to have superior color accuracy due to Google’s calibration. The absence of LTPO technology on either device suggests both will rely on adaptive refresh rate switching rather than variable refresh rates for power efficiency. Bezels are likely comparable, with both aiming for a modern, immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a is renowned for its computational photography capabilities, driven by the Tensor G2’s image signal processor. While specific sensor details are missing for both, Google’s software optimization consistently delivers excellent dynamic range and detail, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Realme 12’s camera performance will likely be good for its price point, but it won’t match the Pixel 7a’s image processing prowess. The Pixel 7a’s video capabilities are also expected to be superior, benefiting from Google’s advanced stabilization and encoding algorithms. Ignoring the likely presence of a 2MP macro lens on the Realme 12, the main sensor and image processing are where the Pixel 7a shines.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2, fabricated on a 5nm process, features a prime Cortex-X1 core clocked at 2.85 GHz, promising strong single-core performance. The Realme 12’s Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) utilizes a Cortex-A76 core at 2.2 GHz. While the Tensor G2 has a clock speed advantage, the 5nm process offers better power efficiency. The Pixel 7a’s CPU configuration (2x2.85GHz Cortex-X1, 2x2.35GHz Cortex-A78, 4x1.80GHz Cortex-A55) is more sophisticated than the Realme 12’s (2x2.2GHz Cortex-A76, 6x2.0GHz Cortex-A55), suggesting superior multitasking and demanding application performance. The Realme 12 will likely be sufficient for everyday tasks, but the Pixel 7a will handle more intensive workloads with greater ease.
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a boasts an endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating solid battery life. The Realme 12 compensates for potentially smaller battery capacity with its 45W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 30 minutes. The Pixel 7a’s 18W charging, while supporting PD3.0, is significantly slower. The Realme 12’s faster charging is a major advantage for users who need quick top-ups, while the Pixel 7a prioritizes overall endurance. The inclusion of 7.5W wireless charging on the Pixel 7a offers convenience, but it’s considerably slower than the Realme 12’s wired charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 12 if you need rapid 45W charging, prioritize value for money, and are comfortable with Realme UI. It’s ideal for users who frequently top up their phones and want a device that won’t break the bank. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prefer a clean Android experience, exceptional camera performance (especially in low light), and benefit from Google’s AI-powered features, even if it means slower charging and a slightly higher price.