Realme X9 vs Google Pixel 6a: A Deep Dive into Speed, Power, and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing charging speed and a generally responsive experience, the Realme X9 is the better choice. However, the Google Pixel 6a wins for those who value Google’s software experience, superior image processing, and a more balanced overall package, despite its slower charging.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Realme X9 | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 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 | SA/NSA | 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, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 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) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | 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 | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR10 | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| UFS | 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 | 64 MP, (wide), PDAF 13 MP, (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | Unspecified | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | - | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | 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 | 65W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black; other colors | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | - | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | - | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Realme X9
- Blazing-fast 65W charging
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Streamlined user experience
- Chipset details are unknown
- Camera performance likely lags behind Pixel 6a
Google Pixel 6a
- Powerful Google Tensor chip
- Exceptional camera performance and image processing
- Guaranteed software updates from Google
- Slow 18W charging
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 6a boasts a display capable of reaching 876 nits of peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the Realme X9’s peak brightness isn’t specified, the Pixel 6a’s measured output provides a clear advantage in outdoor scenarios. Both displays feature an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, typical of OLED panels, delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors. The absence of high refresh rate panels on either device suggests a focus on power efficiency rather than fluid scrolling.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s camera system benefits significantly from Google’s computational photography expertise. While specific sensor details for the Realme X9 are missing, the Pixel 6a’s image processing algorithms excel in dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light performance. The Tensor chip’s dedicated image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role in these capabilities. The absence of telephoto lenses on both devices limits optical zoom capabilities, relying instead on digital zoom which degrades image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset: the Google Pixel 6a is powered by Google’s in-house Tensor chip (5nm), featuring a tri-cluster configuration with 2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 cores for peak performance, 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 cores for sustained tasks, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency. This contrasts with the Realme X9, whose chipset is unspecified. However, the Tensor chip’s 5nm fabrication process suggests superior thermal efficiency compared to older node chipsets, potentially leading to less throttling during extended gaming or demanding applications. The Tensor’s integrated machine learning capabilities also enhance features like voice recognition and image processing.
Battery Life
Both the Realme X9 and Google Pixel 6a achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage. However, the charging speeds differ dramatically. The Realme X9 supports 65W wired charging, allowing for a full charge in under 40 minutes (estimated). The Pixel 6a, with its 18W wired charging and PD3.0 support, takes considerably longer to reach 100%, potentially exceeding 1.5 hours. This difference in charging speed is a significant advantage for the Realme X9, particularly for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme X9 if you need incredibly fast charging – 65W is a game-changer for minimizing downtime – and a phone that feels snappy for everyday tasks. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prefer a clean Android experience, exceptional camera performance powered by Google’s Tensor chip, and guaranteed software updates directly from Google.