Xiaomi Redmi 14R vs Google Pixel 7a: Which Android Phone Wins?

The Google Pixel 7a brought flagship-level camera capabilities to a more accessible price point, but the Xiaomi Redmi 14R enters the arena with a newer, efficiency-focused chipset. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two Android contenders, focusing on performance, camera prowess, and overall value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 7a is the clear winner. However, the Redmi 14R offers compelling performance for the price, particularly for those focused on efficiency and less demanding tasks, making it a strong contender in the budget segment.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi 14R Google Pixel 7a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 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 bands1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GWKK3
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / 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
Announced2024, September 142023, May 10
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, SeptemberAvailable. Released 2023, May 10
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, glass back or silicone polymer (eco leather) backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions171.9 x 77.8 x 8.2 mm (6.77 x 3.06 x 0.32 in)152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight205.4 / 208.5 / 212.4 g (7.23 oz)193.5 g (6.84 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)OLED, HDR, 90Hz
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 613Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 14, HyperOSAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, (wide), AF 2 MP Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDRDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single5 MP13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired, PD18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless
Type5160 mAhLi-Po 4385 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight Black, Sage Green, Starry Blue, PurpleCharcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral
Models-GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8
PriceAbout 140 EUR€ 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980

Xiaomi Redmi 14R

  • More efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset
  • Potentially better sustained performance due to thermal efficiency
  • Competitive price point

  • Likely inferior camera performance
  • MIUI software may not appeal to all users

Google Pixel 7a

  • Superior camera quality and image processing
  • Clean Android software with guaranteed updates
  • Brighter and more accurate display

  • Tensor G2 can run warmer under sustained load
  • Higher price compared to the Redmi 14R

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1070 nits, which translates to excellent outdoor visibility. While the Redmi 14R’s display specifications are not provided, it’s likely to be considerably dimmer. The Pixel 7a’s OLED panel also benefits from Google’s color calibration, offering more accurate and vibrant colors. The absence of LTPO on either device suggests neither offers adaptive refresh rates for power saving, but the Pixel’s brightness advantage is a key differentiator.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 7a’s camera system is its standout feature. While specific sensor details aren’t provided, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2’s image signal processor, delivers exceptional image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Redmi 14R’s camera specifications are not detailed enough to make a direct comparison, but Xiaomi typically focuses on megapixel count rather than sensor size or image processing. The Pixel 7a’s video capabilities are also expected to be superior, with features like cinematic mode and improved stabilization. Ignoring the likely presence of a low-resolution macro lens on the Redmi 14R, the Pixel 7a’s overall camera experience is a significant advantage.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 (5nm) utilizes a tri-cluster configuration with Cortex-X1 performance cores, offering significantly higher peak CPU performance (2.85 GHz) compared to the Redmi 14R’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm). While the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s Cortex-A78 cores (2.2 GHz) provide a performance boost over previous generations, the Tensor G2’s architecture is designed for more demanding tasks like AI processing and image signal processing. The 4nm process of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 should offer better thermal efficiency, potentially leading to more sustained performance under load, but the Tensor G2’s raw power is undeniable. The Pixel 7a likely benefits from faster RAM (LPDDR5x is expected) compared to the Redmi 14R, further enhancing responsiveness.

Battery Life

The Pixel 7a had an Endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating solid battery life. Both phones support 18W wired charging with PD, and the Pixel 7a adds 7.5W wireless charging. The Redmi 14R’s 4nm chipset should contribute to improved power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity difference. However, without knowing the Redmi 14R’s battery capacity, it’s difficult to definitively say which phone offers better real-world battery performance. The Pixel 7a’s wireless charging is a convenience feature the Redmi 14R lacks.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 14R if you need a phone that prioritizes battery life and efficient performance for everyday tasks, and you're comfortable with Xiaomi's MIUI software. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you prefer a superior camera experience, clean Android software with guaranteed updates, and don't mind paying a premium for those features.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi 14R struggle with graphically intensive games?
While the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is a capable chipset, it's not designed for extreme gaming. Expect to play most games at medium settings, but demanding titles may require lower graphics settings to maintain a smooth frame rate. The Tensor G2 in the Pixel 7a will offer a noticeably better gaming experience.
❓ How does Google's software update policy compare to Xiaomi's for the Redmi 14R?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the Pixel 7a. Xiaomi's update policy for the Redmi 14R is typically shorter, usually around 2 years of major Android updates and 3 years of security patches. This means the Pixel 7a will remain secure and feature-rich for a longer period.
❓ Is the 18W charging on both phones considered slow by today's standards?
Yes, 18W charging is relatively slow compared to the 30W, 65W, or even 120W charging found on many modern smartphones. However, it's sufficient for overnight charging, and the Redmi 14R's more efficient chipset may reduce the need for frequent top-ups. The Pixel 7a's addition of wireless charging offers a convenient alternative.