Xiaomi Redmi K30 5G vs. Google Pixel 4a 5G: A Deep Dive into the 765G Experience

The Xiaomi Redmi K30 5G and Google Pixel 4a 5G represent interesting points in the mid-range 5G landscape. The K30 5G, initially a flagship-killer, has seen price drops, while the Pixel 4a 5G offers Google’s renowned software and camera experience at a more accessible price point. Both devices utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, making this a fascinating comparison of software optimization and hardware implementation.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a potentially longer lifespan due to Xiaomi’s robust build quality, the Redmi K30 5G is the better choice. However, Pixel purists and those heavily invested in the Google ecosystem will find the Pixel 4a 5G’s software experience and camera processing more appealing.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi K30 5G Google Pixel 4a 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 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
5G bands41, 78 Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6, mmWave (market dependant)
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)HSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2019, December 10. Released 2020, January 072020, September 30
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, November 05
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions165.3 x 76.6 x 8.8 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm (Sub-6) or 8.5 mm (Sub-6 and mmWave)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight208 g (7.34 oz)168 g (5G Sub-6); 171 g ( 5G Sub-6 and mmWave) (5.93 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~413 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.2 inches, 95.7 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10OLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 620Adreno 620
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12Android 11, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1 UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual-12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 107˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Quad64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual20 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm 2 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.75µm, depth sensor-
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio -
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging30W wired, 100% in 57 min18W wired, PD2.0
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 3885 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, Red, Purple, WhiteJust Black, Clearly White
ModelsM1912G7BE, M1912G7BCGD1YQ, G025I, G025E, G025H, G6QU3
PriceAbout 260 EURAbout 140 EUR

Xiaomi Redmi K30 5G

  • Significantly faster 30W charging
  • Potentially higher refresh rate display
  • Likely more durable build quality

  • MIUI software can be bloated
  • Less consistent camera processing

Google Pixel 4a 5G

  • Clean and streamlined Android experience
  • Excellent computational photography
  • Guaranteed software updates from Google

  • Slower 18W charging
  • Potentially less durable build

Display Comparison

While both devices share a similar display size, detailed display specs are missing. However, given the K30 5G’s initial positioning, it likely features a higher refresh rate panel (120Hz is common for this era) compared to the Pixel 4a 5G’s standard 60Hz. This difference would translate to smoother scrolling and animations for the K30 5G, benefiting gamers and frequent social media users. The K30 5G also likely boasts a higher peak brightness, improving outdoor visibility.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but the Pixel 4a 5G is expected to excel in image processing thanks to Google’s renowned computational photography algorithms. While the K30 5G may have higher megapixel counts, the Pixel’s software is likely to produce more consistently pleasing images, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Pixel’s focus on software optimization will likely yield better dynamic range and detail. The K30 5G may offer more versatility with additional lenses, but the Pixel’s single-lens setup is often sufficient.

Performance

Both the Redmi K30 5G and Pixel 4a 5G are powered by the Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime, 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold, and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver). This means raw processing power will be nearly identical. The key differentiator lies in software optimization and thermal management. Google’s software is known for its efficiency, potentially allowing the Pixel 4a 5G to maintain peak performance for longer periods. However, the K30 5G’s larger chassis might offer better passive cooling.

Battery Life

The Redmi K30 5G’s 30W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Pixel 4a 5G’s 18W wired charging with PD2.0. The K30 5G can reach 100% charge in just 57 minutes, while the Pixel 4a 5G will take considerably longer. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the K30 5G mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery, allowing for quicker top-ups throughout the day. The Pixel 4a 5G’s slower charging may require overnight charging for consistent use.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K30 5G if you need faster charging speeds, a potentially more durable build, and are comfortable with Xiaomi’s MIUI software. It’s ideal for power users and those who frequently top up their phones throughout the day. Buy the Google Pixel 4a 5G if you prefer a clean Android experience, prioritize Google’s computational photography, and value guaranteed software updates directly from Google. It’s best suited for users who want a hassle-free, streamlined smartphone experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 765G in the Redmi K30 5G throttle under sustained load, like during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 765G is a capable chip, throttling is possible under heavy load. The Redmi K30 5G’s larger chassis *may* provide better passive cooling than the Pixel 4a 5G, potentially mitigating throttling, but this is dependent on Xiaomi’s thermal design. Expect some performance reduction after prolonged gaming.
❓ How does the software update policy differ between the Redmi K30 5G and the Pixel 4a 5G?
This is a major differentiator. The Google Pixel 4a 5G receives guaranteed software updates directly from Google for several years, including both Android version updates and security patches. Xiaomi’s update schedule for the Redmi K30 5G is less predictable and typically slower, with fewer major Android version updates.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 30W and 18W truly noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. The Redmi K30 5G’s 30W charging can add a significant amount of battery life in just a short period – enough for a full charge in under an hour. The Pixel 4a 5G’s 18W charging is adequate, but requires considerably more time to reach a full charge, making it less convenient for users who need quick top-ups.