Google Pixel 8a vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Excellence

Google’s Pixel 8a arrives as a direct competitor in the increasingly crowded mid-range smartphone market, challenging established players like Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 13 Pro. While both phones aim for a sweet spot of price and performance, they take distinctly different approaches – the Pixel prioritizing computational photography and long-term software support, and the Redmi focusing on display brightness and rapid charging. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera quality and software experience, the Google Pixel 8a is the clear winner. Its Tensor G3 chip and exceptional image processing deliver consistently impressive results. However, the Redmi Note 13 Pro offers a compelling alternative for those who value faster charging and a brighter display, especially at a potentially lower price point.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Google Pixel 8a
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - InternationalHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66 - G6GPR (International)
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G6GPR (International)
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, September 212024, May 07
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, September 21Available. Released 2024, May 14
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions161.2 x 74.2 x 8 mm (6.35 x 2.92 x 0.31 in)152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.86 x 0.35 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight187 g (6.60 oz)188 g (6.63 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 5
Resolution1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~430 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, Dolby Vision, 500 nits (typ), 1200 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak)OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm)Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 710Immortalis-G715s MC10
OSAndroid 13, up to 3 major Android upgrades, HyperOSAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-64 MP (16 MP eff.), f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, panorama, Best Take
Triple200 MP, f/1.7, 23mm (wide), 1/1.4", 0.56µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual/tri-band (market/region dependent)
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging67W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 17 min, 100% in 44 min18W wired, PD3.0 7.5W wireless Bypass charging
TypeLi-Po 5100 mAhLi-Po 4492 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight Black, Aurora Purple (Coral Purple), Ocean Teal, Arctic White, Olive Green, Scarlet RedObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe
Models2312DRA50C, 2312CRAD3C, 2312DRA50G, 2312DRA50IGKV4X, G6GPR, G8HHN, G576D
Price€ 220.35 / $ 269.99 / £ 229.00 / ₹ 23,499$ 229.98 / C$ 417.99 / £ 279.00 / € 299.99 / ₹ 33,300
SAR1.09 W/kg (head)     1.03 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU1.00 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)-
EU LABEL
Battery-40:06h endurance, 1000 cycles
Energy-Class B
Free fall-Class A (270 falls)
Repairability-Class B

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro

  • Superior camera performance and image processing
  • Longer battery life and endurance
  • Guaranteed software updates from Google

  • Slower charging speed (18W)
  • Potentially higher price point

Google Pixel 8a

  • Faster 67W wired charging
  • Brighter display (though slightly less bright than Pixel)
  • Potentially lower price point

  • Shorter battery life
  • Less advanced camera system

Display Comparison

The Pixel 8a’s display boasts a measured peak brightness of 1508 nits, significantly exceeding the Redmi Note 13 Pro’s 1331 nits. This translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While both utilize 4nm chipsets, the display tech differs; the Pixel 8a likely employs OLED technology (implied by Pixel lineage) offering superior contrast, while the Redmi Note 13 Pro’s panel type isn’t specified, but is likely AMOLED. The higher brightness of the Pixel 8a benefits users who frequently use their phones outdoors, while the Redmi Note 13 Pro still provides a very bright and vibrant viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 8a’s camera system is its standout feature, leveraging Google’s renowned computational photography expertise. While specific sensor details aren’t provided, the Pixel’s image processing algorithms consistently deliver exceptional dynamic range and detail. The Redmi Note 13 Pro’s camera capabilities are less defined, with the context data only mentioning 'Photo / Video'. Given the Redmi’s market positioning, it likely relies on a high-resolution main sensor (potentially 200MP, based on other Redmi models) but lacks the sophisticated software processing of the Pixel. Users prioritizing image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions, will find the Pixel 8a’s camera far superior.

Performance

The Google Pixel 8a is powered by Google’s Tensor G3, a nona-core processor built on a 4nm process, featuring a Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz. This contrasts with the Redmi Note 13 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (also 4nm) with an octa-core configuration peaking at 2.40 GHz. The Tensor G3’s architecture, with its focus on AI and machine learning, provides a performance edge in tasks like image processing and voice recognition. While the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is a capable chip, the Tensor G3’s more advanced core configuration and dedicated AI processing unit give the Pixel 8a an advantage in demanding applications. The Pixel 8a’s CPU architecture (A715 cores) is also a generation newer than the Redmi’s (A78 cores).

Battery Life

The Google Pixel 8a dominates in battery endurance, achieving an impressive 40:06h endurance rating and an active use score of 11:25h. This is significantly better than the Redmi Note 13 Pro’s 10:16h active use score. While the Redmi Note 13 Pro compensates with 67W wired charging (50% in 17 minutes, 100% in 44 minutes), the Pixel 8a’s superior battery life reduces the need for frequent charging. The Pixel 8a’s 18W charging is slower, but its exceptional battery efficiency mitigates this drawback. The Pixel 8a also boasts 1000 charge cycles, suggesting a longer lifespan.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro if you need a vibrant display for media consumption, prioritize extremely fast 67W charging, and are comfortable with Xiaomi’s MIUI software. Buy the Google Pixel 8a if you prefer a best-in-class camera experience, guaranteed software updates directly from Google, and a cleaner Android interface. The Pixel 8a is the better choice for photography enthusiasts and those seeking long-term usability.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Tensor G3 chip in the Pixel 8a get noticeably warm during extended gaming sessions?
While the Tensor G3 is a powerful chip, it's known to run warmer than some competing processors. However, Google has implemented thermal management solutions to prevent throttling and maintain stable performance during gaming. Expect some warmth, but not to the point of significant discomfort or performance degradation.
❓ How does the Redmi Note 13 Pro’s 67W charging compare to other fast charging standards?
67W charging is exceptionally fast, significantly quicker than the Pixel 8a’s 18W charging. It can replenish the battery from 0 to 100% in approximately 44 minutes, making it ideal for users who need a quick power boost. It's comparable to some higher-end phones' charging speeds, offering a substantial convenience factor.
❓ Is the image stabilization on the Pixel 8a sufficient for smooth video recording while walking?
Yes, the Pixel 8a benefits from Google’s excellent video stabilization algorithms. It delivers remarkably smooth video footage even when recording while walking or moving, minimizing shake and ensuring clear, watchable results. This is a key strength of the Pixel’s camera system.
❓ What kind of software support can I expect from the Redmi Note 13 Pro?
Xiaomi typically provides 2-3 years of major Android updates and 4 years of security patches for its Redmi Note series. While this is adequate, it falls short of Google’s commitment to 7 years of OS, security and feature drop updates for the Pixel 8a, making the Pixel a better long-term investment for software support.