Redmi K40 Pro+ vs Google Pixel 6a: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+ and Google Pixel 6a represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The K40 Pro+ prioritizes raw performance with its Snapdragon 888, while the Pixel 6a focuses on Google’s computational photography and a streamlined software experience powered by the Tensor chip. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw processing power and faster charging, the Redmi K40 Pro+ is the clear winner. However, the Pixel 6a’s superior image processing and guaranteed software updates make it the better choice for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a long-term, hassle-free experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+ 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 bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 421, 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 bands1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 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 / CDMA2000 / 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
Announced2021, February 252022, May 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, March 04Available. Released 2022, July 21
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.31 in)152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight196 g (6.91 oz)178 g (6.28 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)OLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 11, MIUI 12Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB 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
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Triple108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (macro)-
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 52 min18W wired, PD3.0
TypeLi-Po 4520 mAhLi-Po 4410 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, AuroraChalk, Charcoal, Sage
Models-GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L
PriceAbout 470 EUR$ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 94h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)

Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+

  • Faster charging with 33W support
  • Potentially stronger GPU performance for gaming
  • Snapdragon 888 offers raw processing power

  • Battery capacity is unknown
  • Software update support may be limited compared to Pixel

Google Pixel 6a

  • Excellent camera performance with Google’s image processing
  • Guaranteed software updates and long-term support
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility

  • Slower 18W charging
  • Tensor chip may not match Snapdragon 888 in raw gaming performance

Display Comparison

The Pixel 6a boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 876 nits, compared to an unspecified peak brightness for the K40 Pro+. While the K40 Pro+’s panel specifications are missing, the Pixel 6a’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a superior OLED experience. The Pixel 6a’s display is likely to be more visible outdoors under direct sunlight. The lack of refresh rate information for the K40 Pro+ suggests it may not offer the smoother scrolling experience found on some competing devices.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6a’s strength lies in its computational photography capabilities, leveraging the Tensor chip’s AI prowess. While sensor sizes and apertures are not specified for either device, Google’s image processing algorithms consistently deliver excellent dynamic range and detail. The K40 Pro+’s camera system is unknown, but Xiaomi often focuses on high megapixel counts, which doesn’t always translate to better image quality. The Pixel 6a’s focus on software optimization likely provides a more consistent and reliable camera experience.

Performance

Both phones utilize 5nm fabrication processes, but the chipsets differ significantly. The Redmi K40 Pro+ features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, with a prime Cortex-X1 core clocked at 2.84 GHz. The Pixel 6a employs Google’s Tensor chip, featuring a dual Cortex-X1 setup at 2.80 GHz. While clock speeds are similar, the Tensor chip’s architecture emphasizes AI and machine learning tasks, potentially giving it an edge in areas like image processing and voice recognition. The K40 Pro+’s Adreno 660 GPU likely provides a stronger raw graphics performance, benefiting gamers. However, the Tensor’s thermal design may allow for more sustained performance under load.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating comparable battery life despite differing battery capacities (unspecified for the K40 Pro+). However, the charging speeds differ dramatically. The Redmi K40 Pro+ supports 33W wired charging, reaching 100% in 52 minutes, while the Pixel 6a is limited to 18W, utilizing PD3.0. This means the K40 Pro+ offers significantly faster top-ups, a crucial advantage for users who frequently need to recharge quickly.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+ if you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or running resource-intensive applications, and value faster charging speeds. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you prefer a clean Android experience, exceptional camera performance, and guaranteed software updates, even if it means sacrificing some raw processing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 888 in the Redmi K40 Pro+ suffer from thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate significant heat under sustained load. While the K40 Pro+ may have thermal management features, prolonged gaming at maximum settings could lead to throttling, reducing performance over time. The Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip, while not as powerful, may offer more consistent performance due to its potentially more efficient thermal design.
❓ How does Google’s Tensor chip handle on-device AI tasks compared to the Snapdragon 888?
Google’s Tensor chip is specifically designed for machine learning and AI tasks. This translates to faster and more accurate image processing, improved voice recognition, and enhanced features like Live Translate. While the Snapdragon 888 also has AI capabilities, the Tensor chip prioritizes these functions, offering a noticeable advantage in AI-driven applications.
❓ What type of storage does the Redmi K40 Pro+ use, and does it impact performance?
The Redmi K40 Pro+ likely uses UFS 3.1 storage, which is fast and efficient. However, the specific implementation can vary. Faster storage contributes to quicker app loading times and smoother multitasking. The Pixel 6a also utilizes fast storage, but the exact type isn't publicly available.
❓ How long will the Pixel 6a receive software and security updates?
Google guarantees at least 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates for the Pixel 6a. This is a significant advantage over the Redmi K40 Pro+, which typically receives shorter software support from Xiaomi. Long-term software support ensures your device remains secure and receives the latest features.