Google Pixel 6a vs Xiaomi Redmi 20X: A Detailed Comparison

The Google Pixel 6a and Xiaomi Redmi 20X represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Pixel 6a brings Google’s renowned computational photography and the custom Tensor chip to a more affordable price point, while the Redmi 20X focuses on delivering a solid all-around experience with a Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice. While both phones offer comparable battery endurance (94h), the Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor chip provides significantly more processing power and a smoother user experience, justifying its slightly higher price. The Redmi 20X remains a viable option for those prioritizing extreme value.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi 20X 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 bandsLTE1, 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 bandsSA/NSA1, 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 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International)
Launch
AnnouncedNot announced yet2022, May 11
StatusCancelledAvailable. 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)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight-178 g (6.28 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionUnspecifiedCorning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm26.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzOLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 11, MIUI 12Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 -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
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanoramaHDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCUnspecifiedYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired, PD3.0
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4410 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Silver, Blue, GreenChalk, Charcoal, Sage
Models-GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
PriceAbout 130 EUR$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 94h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

Xiaomi Redmi 20X

  • Significantly faster processor with Google Tensor
  • Superior camera performance and image processing
  • PD3.0 charging support for faster charging with compatible adapters

  • Potentially higher price point
  • No expandable storage

Google Pixel 6a

  • More affordable price
  • Decent battery life
  • Reliable performance for basic tasks

  • Slower processor and less responsive user experience
  • Less capable camera system

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 876 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Redmi 20X. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. While both displays have an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the Pixel 6a’s OLED panel likely delivers deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. The Redmi 20X’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a more standard LCD panel, potentially impacting color accuracy and viewing angles.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6a’s camera system benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography algorithms. While specific sensor details are missing for both phones, the Pixel 6a’s image processing excels in dynamic range, detail preservation, and low-light performance. The Redmi 20X likely relies more on hardware limitations, potentially resulting in less refined images. The absence of details regarding OIS or advanced features on the Redmi 20X further suggests a less sophisticated camera experience. Ignoring the typical 2MP macro lens found on many budget phones, the Pixel 6a’s overall image quality is expected to be superior.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor (5nm) is a significant step up from the Redmi 20X’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm). The Tensor’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 cores, provides substantially more processing power than the Dimensity 700’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in demanding games. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While the Redmi 20X is adequate for everyday tasks, the Pixel 6a offers a more responsive and future-proof experience.

Battery Life

Both the Pixel 6a and Redmi 20X achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip, despite its higher performance, manages to maintain this endurance thanks to its efficient 5nm process. Both phones support 18W wired charging, but the Pixel 6a adds support for PD3.0, potentially allowing for faster charging with compatible chargers. A full 0-100% charge time is likely similar for both, around 1.5-2 hours, but the Pixel 6a’s PD3.0 support offers more flexibility.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 20X if you need a dependable daily driver with acceptable performance for basic tasks and prioritize affordability above all else. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value a faster processor for demanding apps, superior camera capabilities powered by Google’s image processing, and a cleaner, more streamlined software experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Google Tensor chip in the Pixel 6a get hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Tensor chip is powerful, Google has implemented thermal management solutions to prevent overheating. Users have reported some warmth during prolonged gaming, but throttling is generally well-controlled, maintaining a playable frame rate. The 5nm process helps with thermal efficiency compared to the Redmi 20X's 7nm Dimensity 700.
❓ Is the Redmi 20X a good choice for users who primarily use social media and messaging apps?
Yes, the Redmi 20X is perfectly adequate for basic tasks like social media browsing, messaging, and light web browsing. The Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset provides sufficient performance for these everyday activities, and the battery life ensures all-day usage.
❓ How does the Pixel 6a's software support compare to the Redmi 20X?
The Pixel 6a benefits from Google's commitment to timely software updates and security patches, guaranteeing at least 3 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates. Xiaomi's software support for the Redmi 20X is typically less consistent and for a shorter duration, potentially leaving users with outdated software sooner.