Google Pixel 6a vs Redmi Note 12 Pro+
The Verdict
Both phones deliver solid value, but serve different priorities. The Pixel 6a excels with its Google Tensor processor, exceptional computational photography via magic eraser and real tone, and superior 800-nit OLED display paired with a lighter 178g build. Its IP67 rating beats the Redmi Note 12 Pro+'s IP53 for dust protection. However, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ counters with a larger 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen (900 nits brightness), significantly faster 120W charging versus Pixel's 18W, and a 5000mAh battery compared to 4410mAh. The Redmi's 200MP camera is spec-impressive but produces oversoftened images in practice, while the Pixel's 12.2MP sensor with computational AI consistently captures superior detail and color accuracy. The Pixel edges ahead in processing performance and software longevity with guaranteed updates, while the Redmi suits users prioritizing display size, refresh rate, and fast charging. For most consumers seeking flagship features at budget pricing, the Pixel 6a's balanced excellence and pure Android experience justify the extra $120, making it the stronger choice despite the Redmi's charging and battery capacity advantages.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 6a if…
- →Same Tensor chip as Pixel 6 at $449
- →Excellent computational photography
- →Five years of security updates
Buy the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ if…
- →200 MP main sensor is a headline spec at this price
- →120W charging is exceptionally fast for the segment
- →OIS on the main camera aids low-light stability
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 6a
Pros
- Same Tensor chip as Pixel 6 at $449
- Excellent computational photography
- Five years of security updates
- Compact and lightweight design
- Clean stock Android experience
Cons
- 60Hz display feels dated
- Slow 18W charging
- No wireless charging
- Only 128 GB storage option
- 12.2 MP camera hardware behind Pixel 6
Redmi Note 12 Pro+
Pros
- 200 MP main sensor is a headline spec at this price
- 120W charging is exceptionally fast for the segment
- OIS on the main camera aids low-light stability
- 120Hz AMOLED display
- NFC included
Cons
- Dimensity 1080 is a mid-range chip, not flagship
- Heavy at 210 g
- No wireless charging
- 8 MP ultrawide is mediocre
- MIUI ads in some regions
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 6a | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12 | Android 12 (MIUI 13) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 178 g | 210 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 | Plastic back, aluminum frame |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP53 |
| Dimensions | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm | 162.9 x 76.0 x 8.8 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS | 200 MP, f/1.65, OIS |
| Front camera | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.2, 120-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4410 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 120W HyperCharge wired |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.67 inches |
| Type | OLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 800 | 900 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz + 2x2.25 GHz + 4x1.80 GHz) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP20 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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