The Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 and Google Pixel 8a represent two distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Redmi Note 15 prioritizes raw processing power and fast charging, while the Pixel 8a focuses on Google’s computational photography and long-term software support. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a smooth, responsive experience and excellent camera capabilities, the Google Pixel 8a emerges as the winner. Its Tensor G3 chip, coupled with Google’s software optimization, delivers a more refined experience, despite the Redmi Note 15’s faster charging and potentially higher peak CPU clock speeds.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66 - G6GPR (International) |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 76, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G6GPR (International) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2024, May 07 |
| Status | Rumored | Available. Released 2024, May 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.4 x 7.4 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.29 in) | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.86 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~385 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~430 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.83 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, PWM, HDR10+, 3200 nits (peak) | OLED, HDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 710 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| OS | Android 15, HyperOS 2 | Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.88", 0.61µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 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 |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra HDR, panorama, Best Take |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.4", 1.0µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, OIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, OIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (wide), 1/4.0", 0.7µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos) | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual/tri-band (market/region dependent) |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0
7.5W wireless
Bypass charging |
| Type | 5520 mAh | Li-Po 4492 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glacier Blue, Purple, Black | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Aloe |
| Models | 25096RA9BG | GKV4X, G6GPR, G8HHN, G576D |
| Price | About 300 EUR | $ 229.98 / C$ 417.99 / £ 279.00 / € 299.99 / ₹ 33,300 |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | - | 40:06h endurance, 1000 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class B |
| Free fall | - | Class A (270 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class B |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 15
- Faster 45W wired charging
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance
- Strong performance-per-dollar ratio
- Likely inferior camera image processing
- Shorter software update commitment
Google Pixel 8a
- Superior camera quality and computational photography
- Longer battery life and 1000 charge cycle rating
- Guaranteed software updates and long-term support
- Slower 18W wired charging
- Potentially higher price point
Display Comparison
The Pixel 8a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1508 nits, making it far more usable in direct sunlight compared to the Redmi Note 15 (brightness data unavailable). While the Redmi Note 15’s panel specifics are unknown, the Pixel 8a’s brightness advantage is substantial. The Pixel 8a also benefits from Google’s color calibration, ensuring accurate and vibrant visuals. We anticipate the Pixel 8a will have a higher refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and animations, a feature likely absent on the Redmi Note 15 to maintain cost efficiency.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 8a’s camera system is expected to leverage Google’s renowned computational photography prowess, even without detailed sensor specifications. The Redmi Note 15’s camera details are unavailable, but mid-range Xiaomi phones often prioritize megapixel count over sensor size and image processing quality. The Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 chip excels at tasks like HDR processing and low-light photography, delivering consistently high-quality images. The Pixel 8a’s software features, such as Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur, provide significant post-processing capabilities, setting it apart from the Redmi Note 15.
Performance
The Google Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3, a nona-core processor with a Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, offers a more complex and potentially more powerful architecture than the Redmi Note 15’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 3. While the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3’s octa-core configuration (2.4 GHz Cortex-A78) is respectable, the Tensor G3’s focus on AI and machine learning tasks provides advantages in areas like image processing and voice recognition. Both chips are fabricated on a 4nm process, suggesting similar efficiency, but the Tensor G3’s core arrangement is geared towards sustained performance and intelligent task allocation. The Pixel 8a’s software optimization further enhances its real-world performance.
Battery Life
The Google Pixel 8a demonstrates superior battery endurance with a measured 40:06h endurance rating and 11:25h of active use, alongside a claimed 1000 charge cycles, indicating long-term battery health. The Redmi Note 15 compensates with 45W wired charging, significantly faster than the Pixel 8a’s 18W charging (with PD3.0 support). However, the Pixel 8a’s efficient Tensor G3 chip and optimized software likely offset the charging speed difference in daily use. The Pixel 8a also offers 7.5W wireless charging and bypass charging, features absent on the Redmi Note 15.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 if you need a phone primarily for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing and value fast 45W charging. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 offers a strong performance-per-dollar ratio. Buy the Google Pixel 8a if you prioritize camera quality, a clean software experience with guaranteed updates, and long-term battery health, benefiting from its impressive endurance rating and intelligent power management.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8a get noticeably warm during extended gaming sessions?
While the Tensor G3 is a capable chip, it's known to run warmer than some Snapdragon counterparts. Google employs thermal management techniques, but prolonged, demanding gaming may result in some heat buildup. However, this typically doesn't lead to significant performance throttling.
❓ How does the 18W charging on the Pixel 8a compare to the Redmi Note 15's 45W in real-world usage?
The Redmi Note 15's 45W charging will fill the battery much faster on paper. However, the Pixel 8a’s efficient power management and larger battery endurance mean you may not need to charge it as frequently, mitigating the slower charging speed. The Pixel 8a also supports bypass charging, reducing heat during prolonged use while plugged in.
❓ Is the software experience on the Pixel 8a significantly different from Xiaomi's MIUI?
Yes, the Pixel 8a runs stock Android, offering a clean, bloatware-free experience with guaranteed updates directly from Google. Xiaomi’s MIUI, while feature-rich, often includes pre-installed apps and a more customized interface, which some users may find less appealing.
❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect from the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 in the Redmi Note 15?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 is capable of handling most popular mobile games at medium to high settings. However, demanding titles may require some graphical compromises to maintain a smooth frame rate. The Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 may offer a more consistent gaming experience due to its more powerful GPU and optimized software.
