Realme GT Master vs Google Pixel 6a: A Detailed Comparison

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme GT Master and Google Pixel 6a represent compelling options. The GT Master, with its focus on fast charging and a stylish design, clashes with the Pixel 6a’s emphasis on Google’s Tensor chip and computational photography. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which phone delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 6a emerges as the stronger choice. While the Realme GT Master boasts significantly faster 65W charging, the Pixel 6a’s superior display brightness, Google Tensor chip, and refined software experience provide a more polished and future-proofed package.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme GT Master Google Pixel 6a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International1, 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 bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada)
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International)
Launch
Announced2021, July 212022, May 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, July 30Available. Released 2022, July 21
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions159.2 mm x 73.5 mm x 8.0/8.7 mm (depending on color)152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight174/180 g (depending on color) (6.14 oz)178 g (6.28 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak)OLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LMali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFSUFS 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
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging65W wired, 100% in 33 min18W wired, PD3.0
Type4300 mAhLi-Po 4410 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Gray, White, AuroraChalk, Charcoal, Sage
ModelsRMX3363, RMX3360, RMX3361GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
Price$ 142.99 / € 128.55$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 114h Endurance rating 94h
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -29.2 LUFS (Average) -
Performance AnTuTu: 529263 (v9) GeekBench: 2917 (v5.1) GFXBench: 27fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

Realme GT Master

  • Incredibly fast 65W charging
  • Unique and stylish design
  • Slightly longer battery endurance rating

  • Less bright display
  • Realme UI may not appeal to all users

Google Pixel 6a

  • Brighter and more vibrant display
  • Google Tensor chip for smooth performance
  • Excellent camera with Google’s computational photography
  • Guaranteed software updates

  • Slower 18W charging
  • Lower battery endurance rating

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a’s display is a clear winner in terms of brightness, achieving a measured 876 nits compared to the Realme GT Master’s 634 nits. This translates to significantly better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. Both displays share an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, but the Pixel 6a’s higher peak brightness makes a tangible difference in everyday use. While both are OLED panels, the Realme GT Master’s display technology isn’t specified, suggesting it lacks features like LTPO for variable refresh rates found in some competitors, potentially impacting power efficiency. The Pixel 6a’s superior brightness is a significant advantage for media consumption and general usability.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems, but approach image processing differently. The Pixel 6a leverages Google’s computational photography expertise, known for its excellent dynamic range and accurate color reproduction. While specific sensor details are missing for both, the Pixel 6a’s image processing is a key differentiator. The Realme GT Master’s camera focuses on versatility, but lacks the software optimization of the Pixel. The Pixel 6a’s strength lies in its ability to consistently deliver high-quality images in various lighting conditions, making it the better choice for casual photographers. We're ignoring the likely 2MP macro sensors on both devices as they offer minimal practical benefit.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a utilizes Google’s in-house Tensor chip, fabricated on a 5nm process, while the Realme GT Master features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm). While the Snapdragon 778G is a capable performer, the Tensor chip’s Cortex-X1 prime core (2.80 GHz) offers a performance advantage over the GT Master’s Cortex-A78 (2.4 GHz). The Pixel 6a’s CPU configuration (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) is geared towards more demanding tasks. The 5nm process of the Tensor chip also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While the GT Master is no slouch, the Pixel 6a offers a more responsive and future-proofed experience.

Battery Life

The Realme GT Master boasts an endurance rating of 114 hours, while the Pixel 6a manages 94 hours. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story. The GT Master’s 65W wired charging is a game-changer, achieving a full charge in just 33 minutes. The Pixel 6a’s 18W charging, while supporting PD3.0, is significantly slower. This means the GT Master can quickly recover from battery drain, even with its slightly lower endurance rating. The faster charging speed effectively mitigates the smaller battery capacity difference, making the GT Master more convenient for users who need a quick power boost.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme GT Master if you prioritize incredibly fast charging and a unique, eye-catching design, and are comfortable with Realme UI. It’s ideal for users who frequently top up their phones and value aesthetics. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prioritize a brighter, more vibrant display, a cleaner software experience with guaranteed updates, and Google’s renowned computational photography capabilities. This phone is best for users who value simplicity, camera quality, and long-term software support.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Google Tensor chip in the Pixel 6a get noticeably warm during extended gaming sessions?
While the Tensor chip is powerful, it can generate some heat during prolonged gaming. However, Google’s thermal management is generally effective at preventing significant throttling, ensuring a consistently playable experience. It's not a cold chip, but it's well-managed.
❓ Is the 65W charging on the Realme GT Master compatible with Power Delivery (PD) chargers?
No, the Realme GT Master utilizes its own proprietary 65W charging standard (SuperDart Charge). While it may work with some PD chargers, you won’t achieve the full 65W charging speed unless you use the included charger. Using a standard PD charger will result in significantly slower charging times.
❓ How does the software update commitment differ between the Pixel 6a and the Realme GT Master?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the Pixel 6a. Realme’s update policy is less consistent, typically offering 2 years of major Android updates and 3 years of security patches. This makes the Pixel 6a a more future-proofed option in terms of software support.
❓ Does the Pixel 6a support expandable storage via microSD card?
No, the Google Pixel 6a does not offer microSD card support. You are limited to the internal storage option you choose at the time of purchase. The Realme GT Master also lacks microSD card support.