Realme 13 Pro vs Google Pixel 7a: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Performance

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme 13 Pro and Google Pixel 7a represent compelling options. The Pixel 7a, leveraging Google’s Tensor G2 chip, focuses on AI-powered features and camera prowess. The Realme 13 Pro, powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, aims for a balance of performance and value, with a focus on faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right phone.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 7a is the better choice. However, the Realme 13 Pro offers significantly faster charging and a potentially smoother gaming experience due to its more efficient chipset, making it ideal for power users and gamers on a budget.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme 13 Pro Google Pixel 7a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 411, 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 bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / 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
Announced2024, July 302023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, August 06Available. Released 2023, May 10
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions161.3 x 73.9 x 8.2 or 8.4 mm152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight183.5 g or 188 g (6.49 oz)193.5 g (6.84 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 7iCorning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~90.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 600 nits (typ), 1200 nits (HBM), 2000 nits (peak)OLED, HDR, 90Hz
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 710Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 14, Realme UI 5.0Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 22mm (wide)13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYes, 360˚ (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging45W wired, 50% in 27 min18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless
Type5200 mAhLi-Po 4385 mAh
Misc
ColorsMonet Gold, Emerald Green, Monet PurpleCharcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral
ModelsRMX3990GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8
Price$ 499.00 / ₹ 18,500€ 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980

Realme 13 Pro

  • Superior camera quality and image processing
  • Clean and streamlined Android software with guaranteed updates
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility
  • Excellent AI-powered features (Magic Eraser, Real Tone)

  • Slower charging speed (18W)
  • Potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load

Google Pixel 7a

  • Faster 45W wired charging
  • More power-efficient chipset (Snapdragon 7s Gen 2)
  • Potentially smoother gaming experience
  • More customizable Android experience

  • Likely inferior camera performance compared to Pixel 7a
  • Software updates may be less frequent

Display Comparison

The Google Pixel 7a boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1070 nits, which translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. While the Realme 13 Pro’s display specifications are currently unavailable, Realme typically employs AMOLED panels. The Pixel 7a’s brightness advantage is significant for outdoor users. The Pixel 7a’s display technology is likely to offer excellent color accuracy, a hallmark of Google’s displays, while the Realme 13 Pro’s panel will likely focus on vibrant colors, appealing to a different aesthetic preference.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 7a is renowned for its camera capabilities, leveraging Google’s computational photography expertise. While specific sensor details are missing for the Realme 13 Pro, the Pixel 7a’s image processing is a key differentiator. Google’s algorithms excel in dynamic range, noise reduction, and color accuracy. The Pixel 7a’s video capabilities are also likely to be superior, benefiting from the Tensor G2’s image signal processor. The Realme 13 Pro will likely offer a versatile camera system, but it will struggle to match the Pixel 7a’s consistently high image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. We expect the Pixel 7a to have superior low-light performance.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 (5nm) features a prime Cortex-X1 core clocked at 2.85 GHz, designed for peak performance in AI tasks and demanding applications. The Realme 13 Pro utilizes the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm), with a Cortex-A78 based core clocked at 2.40 GHz. While the Tensor G2 has higher peak clock speeds, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2’s 4nm process offers superior power efficiency. This means the Realme 13 Pro is likely to exhibit less thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 excels in machine learning tasks, powering features like Magic Eraser and Real Tone, while the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 prioritizes a balanced gaming and everyday performance.

Battery Life

The Google Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating strong battery life. However, the Realme 13 Pro counters with significantly faster 45W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 27 minutes. The Pixel 7a’s 18W charging is considerably slower. While the Pixel 7a’s battery endurance suggests it can last a full day for most users, the Realme 13 Pro’s faster charging mitigates any potential battery life concerns, allowing for quick top-ups throughout the day. The Pixel 7a also supports 7.5W wireless charging, a feature absent on the Realme 13 Pro.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme 13 Pro if you need rapid 45W charging, prioritize sustained gaming performance, and appreciate a more customizable Android experience. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prefer a superior camera system with Google’s computational photography, a clean and streamlined software experience with guaranteed updates, and a brighter display for outdoor visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Realme 13 Pro struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is a capable chipset, but demanding titles like Genshin Impact may require reduced graphics settings for consistently smooth frame rates. The 4nm process helps mitigate thermal throttling, allowing for sustained performance, but it won't match the raw power of flagship chips.
❓ How does Google’s Tensor G2 handle video recording compared to the Realme 13 Pro?
The Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 excels in video recording, offering excellent stabilization, dynamic range, and color accuracy. Its dedicated image signal processor (ISP) provides superior video processing capabilities, likely resulting in more polished and professional-looking videos compared to the Realme 13 Pro.
❓ Is the 7.5W wireless charging on the Pixel 7a a practical feature?
While 7.5W wireless charging is slower than wired charging, it offers convenience for users who prefer to simply place their phone on a charging pad. It's a useful feature for overnight charging or topping up throughout the day, but it won't provide a rapid charge.
❓ How long will the 45W charging of the Realme 13 Pro take to fully charge the device from 0%?
While the Realme 13 Pro reaches 50% in 27 minutes, a full 0-100% charge will likely take around 50-60 minutes, depending on usage during charging. This is still significantly faster than the Pixel 7a’s 18W charging.