1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Realme GT 5G and Google Pixel 7, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Google Pixel 7 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 158.5 × 73.3 × 8.4 mm | 155.6 × 73.2 × 8.7 mm | Realme GT 5G is slightly taller, while the Pixel 7 is a bit thicker. Both should feel similar in hand but GT 5G will be slightly harder to reach the top of the screen. |
| Weight | 186g | 197g | The Realme GT 5G is noticeably lighter by 11g, potentially making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Display
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Google Pixel 7 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.3" | A minor difference; the Realme GT 5G offers slightly more screen real estate for content consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both phones provide the same level of detail and clarity. |
| PPI | 409 | 416 | The pixel density is virtually identical on both devices; both will offer a sharp display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles, although color calibration might differ slightly. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The Realme GT 5G provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, which can enhance the user experience in everyday tasks and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1400 nits | The Google Pixel 7 offers significantly better visibility in bright sunlight, and will be able to be used outside without much issue. The Realme GT 5G has no brightness information provided, which is very strange and possibly a typo, it will likely be far lower than the Pixel 7. |
Performance
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Google Pixel 7 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Both are capable, however the Snapdragon focuses more on raw power, while the Tensor G2 has specific features including machine learning and AI. Performance is similar, but benchmarks favor the Snapdragon by a small margin |
| AnTuTu Score | 912,342 | 827,033 | The Realme GT 5G will offer slightly better synthetic performance in terms of raw power, and may perform better in some specific situations, like gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Both GPUs are good for gaming, though the Adreno 660 is more gaming-focused while the Mali G710 focuses more on AI and machine learning. |
Camera
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Google Pixel 7 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | The higher megapixel count on the Realme doesn't directly translate to better image quality; the Pixel's larger sensor is more impactful in low light. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.85 | Slightly better light gathering on the Realme GT 5G |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.31" | Larger sensor on the Pixel 7 means better low-light performance, more dynamic range and better depth of field. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.20 µm | Larger pixel size on the Pixel 7 can improve light sensitivity and overall image quality, especially in less than ideal lighting. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 10.8MP | Realme has a higher resolution, but this does not guarantee a better selfie camera, and the aperture and sensor size will make an impact |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.5 | f/2.2 | Pixel 7 has a wider aperture for better low light performance |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | Unknown | 1/2.65" | Pixel 7 has a sensor for better low light performance |
| Wide-Angle Camera Resolution | 8MP | 12MP | Higher resolution on the Pixel 7 results in slightly more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Wide-Angle Camera Aperture | f/2.3 | f/2.2 | Wider aperture on Pixel 7 means better low light performance for wider shots. |
| Wide-Angle Camera Sensor Size | Unknown | 1/2.3" | Pixel 7 has a sensor for better low light performance |
| Wide-Angle Camera Pixel Size | Unknown | 1.55 µm | Pixel 7 has a better pixel size for low light performance |
| Macro Camera | 2MP | None | The Realme GT 5G has a dedicated macro lens, which can be useful for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps w/ EIS | Up to 4K@60fps w/ OIS, EIS | Google Pixel 7 offers optical image stabilization (OIS), which is significantly more effective than EIS alone and will make a bigger difference while recording. |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | Mobile: 140, Selfie: 138 | The Google Pixel 7's camera has been evaluated by DxOMark, and is ranked very high in terms of camera performance, specifically for photography, whereas the Realme GT 5G does not have a ranking. |
| Features | Triple Camera, Laser AF, Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus | Dual camera, Laser AF, OIS, Exposure compensation | The Realme GT 5G has some additional features focused on video and specific focusing, while the Google Pixel 7 focuses more on photography and image quality. |
Battery
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Google Pixel 7 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4355mAh | Similar capacity; both should offer a full day of use for most users. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging, 23W Wireless Charging | Realme GT 5G recharges much faster, while the Pixel 7 has slower charging but adds wireless capabilities. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, Reverse Charging, No charger in box, Wireless charge, Reverse wireless charge | Google Pixel 7 offers more battery features, like wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
Other
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Google Pixel 7 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | The Google Pixel 7 is more up-to-date out-of-the-box with better update guarantees. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Pixel 7 supports Wifi 6 for faster connection speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Identical bluetooth capabilities. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Very similar GPS features, the only major difference is the addition of QZSS to the Google Pixel 7. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | The Google Pixel 7 offers more flexibility by supporting eSIM. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Same storage options on both devices. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 8 GB | Realme GT 5G has better multitasking potential with the 12GB option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones do not support external storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Noise Cancellation Microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both phones have good audio quality, although the Realme GT 5G focuses more on audio features, and Google focuses on voice capture. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer similar basic biometric security using fingerprint scanners. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Google Pixel 7 offers significantly more robust protection on its screen |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | The Google Pixel 7 has additional environmental sensors for more use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme GT 5G Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is significantly faster than 20W on the Pixel 7. Practical impact: Quick top-ups, less downtime.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user experience. Practical impact: Improved scrolling, more responsive gaming.
- Potentially Better Raw Performance: The Snapdragon 888 has good raw CPU performance in benchmarks. Practical impact: Slight performance boost in games and CPU heavy workloads.
- More RAM (optional): 12GB configuration allows better multitasking. Practical impact: Handles more apps simultaneously.
- Macro Lens: A dedicated macro camera for close-up photography. Practical impact: Provides ability to take close shots.
Google Pixel 7 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 1400 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. Practical impact: Clear screen in direct sunlight.
- Better Main Camera Quality: Larger sensor and optimized processing offer superior photos, especially in low light. Practical impact: Higher quality shots that are more reliable and look better.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Significantly more stable videos. Practical impact: Smoother videos and less shakiness.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient way to charge. Practical impact: Easy and cable free way to charge the device.
- More Up-to-Date Software: Newer version of Android with more reliable updates. Practical impact: Access to the newest features and more consistent security updates.
- eSIM Support: More flexible for network switching. Practical impact: Easy switching of carriers while travelling without using physical SIM cards.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for increased durability. Practical impact: Less chance of screen damage during accidents.
- Additional Sensors: Barometer, Gyroscope, and Magnetometer, allowing for more functionality. Practical impact: More accurate motion and spatial tracking for use in AR applications or games.
- Significantly better camera in terms of ratings: The Google Pixel 7 has been ranked very highly in terms of camera performance, with a score of 140, whereas the Realme GT 5G has not been tested.
Trade-offs:
- Realme GT 5G sacrifices camera quality and brightness for charging speed and display refresh rate.
- Google Pixel 7 sacrifices charging speed and display refresh rate for camera quality and outdoor visibility.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme GT 5G Ideal Users:
- Gamers: The 120Hz display, higher RAM option, and fast charging are great for gaming.
- Heavy Multitaskers: The 12GB RAM option allows users to handle many apps without slowdown.
- Users who prioritize charging speed: The faster charging makes it convenient to quickly top up the battery.
- Users who are on a budget: The Realme GT 5G is generally priced lower than the Google Pixel 7.
Google Pixel 7 Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: The superior camera system and processing produces amazing photos.
- Outdoor Users: The bright screen makes it easier to use outdoors.
- Users who prioritize software support: The Pixel 7 gets the latest Android updates and security patches first.
- Users who want wireless charging: The Google Pixel 7 includes wireless charging capabilities for convenience.
- Users who want to future proof: Google Pixel phones tend to be supported for longer than other Android phones, making them ideal for future proofing.
Use Cases:
- Realme GT 5G: Mobile gaming, heavy social media use, browsing and content consumption.
- Google Pixel 7: Travel photography, city sightseeing, general photography, media creation, business use.
Price-to-Value:
- The Realme GT 5G is typically more budget-friendly, offering good value for performance, if the camera and software support is not a priority.
- The Google Pixel 7 is more expensive but offers the most value to photography enthusiasts and users who want the best software support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for the phone? (Gaming, photography, daily use)
- How important is camera quality and bright screen for you? (Low, Medium, High)
- How much do you prioritize charging speed vs. convenience of wireless charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you prioritize gaming and raw performance and charging, and are on a tighter budget, the Realme GT 5G is the better choice, despite the camera quality drawbacks.
- Scenario 2: If you prioritize camera quality, software support, bright screens and wireless charging, the Google Pixel 7 is the more suitable option, despite the lower refresh rate and charging speed.
- Scenario 3: For general users who value a balance of performance and camera quality, the Google Pixel 7 is still the slightly better option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Google Pixel 7. Although the Realme GT 5G has some good features such as faster charging, a 120hz display and a dedicated macro camera, the Pixel 7 wins in the areas I value most. The Pixel 7 has a significantly better camera that is backed up by a DxO mark score of 140, a brighter display which makes outdoor use easier, and wireless charging which makes charging more convenient. In the long run, I believe the improved software support and overall user experience make the Pixel 7 the more compelling device for me.
