Google Pixel 7a vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 7a is the superior choice. Its Tensor G2 chipset delivers significantly faster performance and superior image processing, justifying the price premium. However, the Redmi Note 12S remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing a large screen and decent battery life.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | 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, March 06 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 26 | Available. Released 2023, May 10 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 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 | 176 g (6.21 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 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR, 90Hz |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 13, MIUI 14 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, recording | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4385 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green | Charcoal, Snow, Sea, Coral |
| Models | 2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L | GWKK3, GHL1X, G0DZQ, G82U8 |
| Price | € 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89 | € 179.90 / $ 150.00 / £ 170.00 / ₹ 25,980 |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S
- Superior camera performance with Google's AI processing
- Faster and more efficient Tensor G2 chipset
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Higher price point
Google Pixel 7a
- Faster 33W wired charging
- More affordable price
- Likely larger display size
- Significantly slower processor
- Inferior camera quality
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1070 nits, compared to an assumed lower peak brightness on the Redmi Note 12S (typical of its price bracket). While the Redmi Note 12S likely has a larger screen size, the Pixel 7a’s superior brightness enhances outdoor visibility. The Pixel 7a’s OLED panel also offers better contrast and color accuracy, crucial for photo and video editing. We expect the Redmi Note 12S to utilize an LCD panel, which, while cost-effective, lacks the vibrancy of OLED.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 7a’s camera system is its standout feature. While specific sensor details are missing for both, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G2’s image signal processor (ISP), elevates image quality significantly. The Pixel 7a excels in dynamic range, low-light performance, and overall image clarity. The Redmi Note 12S, while capable, will likely rely more on hardware and less on software processing, resulting in less refined images. The Pixel 7a’s video capabilities are also expected to be superior, offering better stabilization and dynamic range. We can assume the Redmi Note 12S includes standard features like portrait mode, but it won't match the Pixel's AI-powered features.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Google Pixel 7a’s Tensor G2 (5nm) chipset, with its Cortex-X1 and A78 cores clocked at 2.85GHz and 2.35GHz respectively, offers a significant leap in CPU and GPU performance over the Redmi Note 12S’s MediaTek Helio G96 (12nm). The G96’s Cortex-A76 and A55 cores, clocked at 2.05GHz and 2.0GHz, are geared towards efficiency rather than outright speed. The 5nm fabrication process of the Tensor G2 also translates to better thermal efficiency, minimizing throttling during sustained workloads like gaming. The Pixel 7a will handle demanding tasks and multitasking with ease, while the Redmi Note 12S may struggle with more intensive applications.
Battery Life
The Pixel 7a has an endurance rating of 76 hours, indicating good battery life despite its 18W charging. The Redmi Note 12S, with its 33W wired charging, offers faster charging speeds, potentially reaching 100% in under an hour. However, the Pixel 7a’s more efficient Tensor G2 chipset and optimized software may offset the charging speed difference in real-world usage. The Redmi Note 12S’s larger battery capacity (assumed, based on market segment) will provide longer screen-on time, but the Pixel 7a’s overall efficiency and software optimizations contribute to a competitive battery experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S if you need a large display for media consumption, prioritize battery life over raw performance, and are on a strict budget. Buy the Google Pixel 7a if you value a best-in-class camera experience, smooth performance for demanding apps, and benefit from Google’s software features and long-term support.