Realme X9 Pro vs Google Pixel 6 Pro: A Head-to-Head Comparison of Chipsets, Cameras, and Value

The Realme X9 Pro and Google Pixel 6 Pro represent distinct approaches to the flagship smartphone experience. The X9 Pro, leveraging the well-established Snapdragon 870, focuses on raw performance and rapid charging. Conversely, the Pixel 6 Pro introduces Google’s Tensor chip, emphasizing AI-driven features and a refined software experience. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw speed, gaming, and incredibly fast charging, the Realme X9 Pro is the clear winner. However, the Google Pixel 6 Pro excels in camera capabilities, software experience, and display quality, making it the better choice for photography enthusiasts and those deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme X9 Pro Google Pixel 6 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - GLUOG, G8VOU
5G bands1, 3, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - G8VOU
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GLUOG
Launch
AnnouncedNot announced yet2021, October 19
StatusCancelledAvailable. Released 2021, October 28
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions159.9 x 72.5 x 8 mm (6.30 x 2.85 x 0.31 in)163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight185 g (6.49 oz)210 g (7.41 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~512 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 110.6 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 11Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128/256/512GB, 3/8/12GB RAM128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Quad50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF 16 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm Auxiliary lens-
Single-11.1 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.22µm
Triple-50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/3.5, 104mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 4x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS, HDR4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanoramaHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm11.1 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.22µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCUnspecifiedYes
PositioningGPSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, 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
 -Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging65W wired 5W reverse wired23W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 23W wireless Reverse wireless
Type4500 mAhLi-Ion 5003 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue; other coloursCloudy White, Sorta Sunny, Stormy Black
Models-GLUOG, G8VOU, GF5KQ
Price-€ 199.99 / $ 204.99 / £ 275.00 / ₹ 29,699
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 84h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Performance- AnTuTu: 585485 (v8), 719815 (v9) GeekBench: 2831 (v5.1) GFXBench: 39 fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme X9 Pro

  • Blazing-fast 65W wired charging
  • Proven Snapdragon 870 performance
  • Potentially more affordable price point

  • Camera system likely less advanced
  • Software updates may be less frequent

Google Pixel 6 Pro

  • Exceptional camera with Google’s computational photography
  • Smooth and intuitive software experience
  • Brighter and higher contrast display

  • Slower 23W wired charging
  • Google Tensor chip performance can be inconsistent

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6 Pro boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 846 nits, compared to an unspecified peak brightness for the X9 Pro. While the X9 Pro’s panel specifics are missing, the Pixel 6 Pro’s infinite contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a superior viewing experience, particularly with HDR content. The Pixel 6 Pro’s larger display size also contributes to a more immersive experience. However, without knowing the X9 Pro’s refresh rate or panel technology (LTPO), a definitive judgment on display smoothness is impossible.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6 Pro’s camera system is a significant advantage. While specific sensor details are missing for the X9 Pro, the Pixel 6 Pro’s computational photography, powered by the Tensor chip, delivers exceptional image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Google’s image processing excels in dynamic range and detail preservation. The X9 Pro likely relies more on hardware capabilities, and without knowing its sensor size or aperture, it’s difficult to assess its low-light performance. The Pixel 6 Pro’s focus on software-driven enhancements gives it a clear edge for most users.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme X9 Pro utilizes the Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm), an established performer known for its efficiency and sustained performance. Its octa-core configuration (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585, 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) provides a balanced approach. The Pixel 6 Pro, however, features Google’s Tensor (5nm) chip. While the Tensor’s Cortex-X1 cores (2x2.80 GHz) offer peak performance advantages, the 5nm process node suggests better thermal efficiency, potentially mitigating throttling during extended use. The X9 Pro’s Snapdragon 870 is a known quantity, while the Tensor’s real-world performance varies depending on the task, leaning heavily into AI and machine learning acceleration.

Battery Life

Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 84 hours, suggesting comparable overall battery life despite differing battery capacities (unspecified for the X9 Pro). However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The Realme X9 Pro’s 65W wired charging is significantly faster than the Pixel 6 Pro’s 23W wired charging (50% in 30 minutes). The X9 Pro also offers 5W reverse wired charging, while the Pixel 6 Pro includes 23W wireless and reverse wireless charging. This makes the X9 Pro the clear winner for users who prioritize quick top-ups, while the Pixel 6 Pro offers more versatile charging options.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme X9 Pro if you need a phone that can handle demanding games and applications without breaking the bank, and if 65W charging is a priority. You'll benefit from a consistently high frame rate and quick top-ups. Buy the Google Pixel 6 Pro if you prefer a superior camera system with Google’s computational photography prowess, a smoother, more intuitive software experience, and a brighter, more vibrant display. It’s ideal for users who value image quality and long-term software support.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Google Tensor chip in the Pixel 6 Pro overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Tensor chip’s 5nm process aims for efficiency, some users have reported thermal throttling during extended gaming. However, Google has released software updates to address these concerns, and the Pixel 6 Pro generally manages heat well for most tasks. The Snapdragon 870 in the X9 Pro is known for its consistent performance under load.
❓ How does the 65W charging on the Realme X9 Pro compare to the Pixel 6 Pro's charging in real-world usage?
The Realme X9 Pro’s 65W charging can fully charge the device in under 40 minutes, while the Pixel 6 Pro takes approximately 1.5 hours with its 23W charger. This difference is substantial, making the X9 Pro ideal for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the image processing on the Pixel 6 Pro noticeably better than other flagship phones?
Yes, Google’s Tensor chip enables advanced computational photography features, resulting in images with exceptional dynamic range, detail, and color accuracy, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Pixel 6 Pro consistently ranks among the top performers in smartphone camera reviews.