Xiaomi Redmi 12 vs. Google Pixel 7a: A Deep Dive into Budget-Friendly Choices
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a smooth, refined experience and exceptional camera capabilities, the Google Pixel 7a is the clear winner. However, if maximizing battery life and minimizing cost are paramount, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 offers impressive endurance and value for money.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Xiaomi Redmi 12 | Google Pixel 7a |
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 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 bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / 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 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, June 15 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June 15 | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) | 152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 198.5 g (7.02 oz) | 193.5 g (6.84 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Sky Blue, Polar Silver, Moonstone Silver | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | 23053RN02A, 23053RN02Y, 23053RN02I, 23053RN02L, 23077RABDC | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | € 109.00 / $ 139.99 / £ 84.99 / ₹ 9,899 | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 12
- Exceptional battery life (117h endurance)
- More affordable price point
- PD 18W fast charging
- Less powerful processor (Helio G88)
- Inferior camera performance
- Likely slower software updates
Google Pixel 7a
- Superior performance (Tensor G2)
- Excellent camera quality and image processing
- Guaranteed software updates from Google
- Shorter battery life (76h endurance)
- Higher price tag
- Wireless charging is slow (7.5W)
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 1070 nits compared to the Redmi 12’s 541 nits. This translates to superior visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While the Redmi 12 offers a respectable 1507:1 contrast ratio, the Pixel 7a’s OLED panel inherently provides better contrast and color accuracy. Neither manufacturer specifies refresh rates, suggesting both are likely 60Hz, a limitation for users accustomed to smoother scrolling. The Pixel 7a’s brightness advantage is crucial for media consumption and general usability in bright environments.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but the Pixel 7a is expected to excel. While specific sensor details are missing for the Redmi 12, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2, is a major differentiator. The Pixel 7a’s image processing algorithms are renowned for their dynamic range, detail preservation, and low-light performance. The Redmi 12 will likely rely more on hardware limitations, potentially resulting in less refined images. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) details for the Redmi 12 suggests it may struggle with handheld video recording and low-light photography compared to the Pixel 7a.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2, fabricated on a 5nm process, is a significant leap ahead of the Redmi 12’s 12nm Helio G88. The Tensor G2’s octa-core configuration, featuring Cortex-X1 and Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.85GHz and 2.35GHz respectively, delivers noticeably faster processing speeds and improved multitasking capabilities. The Redmi 12’s Helio G88, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications and graphically intensive games. The 5nm process of the Tensor G2 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Battery life is where the Redmi 12 shines. Its endurance rating of 117 hours significantly surpasses the Pixel 7a’s 76 hours. This difference is attributable to the more efficient Helio G88 chipset and likely a larger battery capacity (though not specified). While both support 18W wired charging with PD, the Redmi 12’s superior battery capacity means it will require less frequent charging. The Pixel 7a adds 7.5W wireless charging, a convenience feature absent on the Redmi 12, but the slower charging speed limits its practicality.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12 if you need a phone that can reliably last through two full days of moderate use, and you're comfortable with a less powerful processor and a more basic camera system. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prioritize a premium camera experience, fast performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, and guaranteed software updates, even if it means sacrificing some battery life.