Realme 9 vs Google Pixel 6a: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Choices
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice. Its Google Tensor chip and exceptional image processing capabilities outweigh the Realme 9’s longer battery endurance. However, the Realme 9 offers excellent value for those seeking maximum battery life and a lower price point.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Realme 9 | Google Pixel 6a |
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | 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, 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 | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 07 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 12 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 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 | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 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 |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, dual pixel PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 31 min, 100% in 75 min | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Meteor Black, Sunburst Gold, Stargaze White | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | RMX3521 | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 660 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| SAR | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.59 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 156h | Endurance rating 94h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | -30.4 LUFS (Below average) | - |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 290097 (v9) GeekBench: 1601 (v5.1) GFXBench: 7.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Realme 9
- Exceptional battery life (156h endurance)
- Faster 33W charging
- More affordable price point
- Less powerful processor
- Inferior camera performance
Google Pixel 6a
- Superior camera quality and image processing
- Faster and more efficient Google Tensor chip
- Clean Android experience with guaranteed updates
- Shorter battery life (94h endurance)
- Slower 18W charging
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 876 nits compared to the Realme 9’s 647 nits. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. Both displays share an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, but the Pixel 6a’s higher peak brightness provides a more vibrant and engaging viewing experience. While both are likely OLED panels, the Pixel 6a’s superior brightness is a clear advantage for media consumption and everyday use.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer capable cameras, the Pixel 6a excels due to Google’s computational photography prowess. Although specific sensor details are missing for the Realme 9, the Pixel 6a leverages the Tensor chip’s image signal processor (ISP) to deliver exceptional dynamic range, accurate colors, and impressive low-light performance. The Pixel 6a’s image processing algorithms, like Magic Eraser, further enhance its photographic capabilities. The Realme 9 likely relies more on hardware for image capture, potentially falling short in challenging lighting conditions. Ignoring the typical 2MP macro lens found on both, the Pixel 6a’s overall image quality is a significant step above.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 9 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, a 4G-focused 6nm chip, while the Pixel 6a is powered by Google’s in-house Tensor chip, fabricated on a more advanced 5nm process. This process node advantage, coupled with the Tensor’s more powerful CPU configuration (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1, 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76, 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 vs. the Snapdragon 680’s Octa-core setup), results in noticeably faster performance on the Pixel 6a, particularly in demanding tasks and AI-driven features. The Tensor chip also benefits from Google’s software optimization, providing a smoother overall experience.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 holds a clear advantage in battery endurance, boasting a rating of 156 hours compared to the Pixel 6a’s 94 hours. This translates to significantly longer usage between charges. However, the Pixel 6a compensates with faster charging – 18W with PD3.0 – while the Realme 9 supports 33W charging, reaching 50% in 31 minutes and 100% in 75 minutes. The Realme 9’s larger battery capacity provides peace of mind for heavy users, but the Pixel 6a’s faster charging mitigates the difference for those who can top up frequently.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 9 if you need exceptional battery life and prioritize value for money, and are comfortable with Realme UI. It’s ideal for users who frequently travel or rely heavily on their phone throughout the day. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prefer a clean Android experience, prioritize camera performance, and value Google’s software features like Magic Eraser and Call Screen. It’s best for users who frequently take photos and appreciate a smooth, optimized user interface.