As the 2025 smartphone season unfolds, two exciting contenders have stepped into the mid-range arena: the Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 4 Pro and the Google Pixel 9a. Both promise strong performance, sleek designs, and premium features, but they cater to different audiences. The Turbo 4 Pro packs flagship-grade internals and a massive battery at an aggressive price point, while the Pixel 9a leans into refined software, powerful cameras, and Google’s AI-centric ecosystem. If you’re wondering which of these offers more value for your needs, let’s dive into their key differences to help you decide.
| Spec | Redmi Turbo 4 Pro | Google Pixel 9a |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.83" AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, 3200 nits peak | 6.3" P-OLED, 120Hz, HDR, 2700 nits peak |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (4nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) |
| RAM & Storage | Up to 16GB RAM, 1TB UFS 4.1 | Up to 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera | 50MP wide + 8MP ultrawide, 4K video | 48MP wide + 13MP ultrawide, 4K video |
| Battery | 7550mAh, 90W wired, 22.5W reverse | 5100mAh, 23W wired, 7.5W wireless |
| OS | Android 15, HyperOS 2 | Android 15, 7 years of updates |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (up to 2m) | IP68 (up to 1.5m) |
| Price | ~€240 | €549 / $499 / £464 |
Table of Contents
- 1 Design and Durability: Glass vs Functionality
- 2 Performance and Software: Snapdragon Power vs Google’s AI Edge
- 3 Camera Capabilities: AI-Driven Precision vs Hardware Muscle
- 4 Battery and Charging: Turbo Endurance vs Smart Efficiency
- 5 Price and Value: Budget Beast vs Ecosystem Entry
- 6 Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
Design and Durability: Glass vs Functionality
The Redmi Turbo 4 Pro sports a premium build with glass on both sides, a solid aluminum frame, and IP68 water resistance—providing flagship aesthetics at a lower price. Its 6.83-inch AMOLED display dominates the front, giving it a bold presence with high brightness levels and HDR10+ support. Weighing in at 219g, it’s a bit hefty but undeniably sturdy.
The Pixel 9a, on the other hand, focuses on compact practicality. It has a smaller 6.3-inch P-OLED screen and a lighter frame at 186g. While its Gorilla Glass front adds some protection, the plastic back feels less premium than the Redmi’s glass. However, it too boasts IP68 resistance and features a slightly thicker body at 8.9mm, which may enhance grip. In short, the Redmi is flashier, while the Pixel prioritizes balance and comfort in the hand.
Performance and Software: Snapdragon Power vs Google’s AI Edge
Under the hood, the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro runs on the newly launched Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, a powerful 4nm chip paired with up to 16GB of RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. It flies through demanding tasks, and its HyperOS 2 skin over Android 15 offers deep customization, though it may not appeal to those seeking a clean software experience.
Conversely, the Pixel 9a features Google’s in-house Tensor G4 chip, optimized for AI and voice-based features. It ships with Android 15 and promises 7 years of major OS updates, setting the gold standard for longevity. While the Tensor G4 is slightly behind Qualcomm in raw power, it excels in machine learning and real-time processing, making the Pixel smarter in everyday tasks. If you want raw performance, go Redmi. If you’re after smoother long-term support and AI features, the Pixel leads.
Camera Capabilities: AI-Driven Precision vs Hardware Muscle
The camera debate is where things get really interesting. The Redmi Turbo 4 Pro brings a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide lens. It captures sharp images with solid detail, and its video performance reaches up to 4K at 60fps, backed by gyro-EIS and optical image stabilization. The 20MP front camera also holds up well for selfies and casual vlogging.
The Pixel 9a, staying true to its roots, leverages Google’s computational photography. It houses a 48MP primary and a 13MP ultrawide sensor. Thanks to software like Best Take, Ultra HDR, and the powerful image processor in Tensor G4, photos are clean, well-balanced, and especially great in low light. Even the 13MP selfie camera records in 4K, something rare in this price segment. If camera tech matters most, the Pixel 9a is the more refined shooter despite having slightly smaller sensors.
Battery and Charging: Turbo Endurance vs Smart Efficiency
Battery life may be the deciding factor for many. The Redmi Turbo 4 Pro wins by a mile here, boasting a 7,550 mAh cell that’s nearly unheard of in this category. On top of that, it supports 90W fast charging and reverse wired charging, letting it double as a power bank in emergencies.
In contrast, the Pixel 9a offers a more modest 5,100 mAh battery. It supports 23W wired and 7.5W wireless charging, plus smart power-saving features like Bypass Charging that extend battery health. While it won’t outlast the Redmi in raw endurance, its battery life remains solid for a full day, especially under Google’s optimization. Heavy users will benefit more from Redmi’s powerhouse cell, while Pixel users get a more balanced, software-driven approach.
Price and Value: Budget Beast vs Ecosystem Entry
Price plays a crucial role in any comparison. The Redmi Turbo 4 Pro is currently priced around €240, making it an incredible value given its display, performance, and battery capacity. It’s perfect for users who prioritize hardware and don’t mind MIUI’s quirks.
The Pixel 9a, meanwhile, retails at about €549. Though more expensive, it justifies the cost with long-term software support, enhanced camera experiences, and AI features like Circle to Search. It’s a better fit for those already invested in the Google ecosystem or who prefer a smoother, more minimal Android experience.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re after a feature-rich, high-performance device with a killer battery and excellent display at a low price, the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro is an unbeatable deal in 2025. But if you’re the type who values smarter software, better camera processing, and guaranteed updates for years to come, the Google Pixel 9a offers a longer-lasting, more refined experience—albeit at a higher cost.
Ultimately, the best phone depends on your needs: power and battery? Go with Redmi. Simplicity and camera smarts? Pixel is the way. Either way, 2025’s mid-range market is heating up in all the right ways.
