This story is part of our complete Google I/O coverage
Google had a very good 2021 in the smartphone department, with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Proproving to be its best-selling devices ever. Now it’s back with the Google Pixel 6a, which it announced as part of its Google I/O 2022 event. The Pixel 6a boasts many of the same features that made the Pixel 6 such a runaway success, including the speedy Google Tensor chip, a luscious OLED display, impeccable software, and a highly versatile dual-lens rear camera setup.
Contents
- Specs
- Design, display, and durability
- Performance, battery life, and charging
- Cameras
- Software and updates
- Special features
- Price and availability
- Overall winner: Google Pixel 6
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The Pixel 6a also happens to be cheaper than the Pixel 6, but is the price difference enough to make it a better phone overall? We answer this question in a head-to-head comparison test, in which we look at each phone. This should help to answer which is the better Pixel for you and which you should buy.
Specs
| Google Pixel 6a | Google Pixel 6 | |
| Size | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.7mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.34 inches) | 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9mm (6.24 x 2.94 x 0.35 inches) |
| Weight | 178 grams (6.28 ounces) | 207 grams (7.30 ounces) |
| Screen size | 6.1-inch OLED with 60Hz refresh rate | 6.4-inch OLED with 10-90Hz refresh rate |
| Screen resolution | 2400 x 1080 pixels (431 ppi) | 2340 x 1080 pixels (411 ppi) |
| Operating system | Android 12 | Android 12 |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| MicroSD card slot | No | No |
| Processor | Google Tensor | Google Tensor |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB |
| Camera | Dual-lens 12MP wide and 12MP ultrawide rear, 8MP front | Dual-lens 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide rear, 8MP front |
| Video | 4K at up to 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps | 4K at up to 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
| Fingerprint sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Battery | 4,410mAh 18W fast charging | 4,614mAh 30W wired charging 21W wireless charging Reverse wireless charging |
| App marketplace | Google Play Store | Google Play Store |
| Network support | All major carriers | All major carriers |
| Colors | Sorta Seafoam, Stormy Black | Stormy Black, Kinda Coral, Sorta Seaform |
| Price | $449 | Starting at $599 |
| Buy from | ||
| Review score | 4 out of 5 stars | 4 out of 5 stars |
Design, display, and durability
The Pixel 6a lifts the design of the Pixel 6, which is no bad thing. This is a horizontal, visor-like camera module on the back of the phone, which Google refers to as the “camera bar.” It may be something of a required taste, but given the staleness of earlier models, it’s mostly a welcome revamp. Unfortunately, the back panel is made from plastic but does sport an alluringly glossy finish. It looks sharp and modern, and while the device’s front features a now-familiar edge-to-edge screen with a top-center punch-hole camera, the overall effect is an impressive one.
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There’s a slightly more noticeable deviation when it comes to the displays of each phone. The Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch OLED display, while the Pixel 6a measures 6.1 inches. Both offer a similar resolution — 2400 x 1080 pixels (Pixel 6a) versus 2340 x 1080 pixels (Pixel 6) — but only the Pixel 6 offers a 90Hz refresh rate. While not as smooth as a 120Hz rate, 90Hz should still be possible for a phone in the Pixel 6a’s price bracket, and it would have allowed it to offer an upgrade on much more expensive phones, like the iPhone 13.
In terms of durability, the inclusion of an official IP68 rating indicates the Pixel 6 can withstand immersion in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes — the Pixel 6a only gets an IP67 rating. That said, be careful of their sometimes slippery glass backs, which can fall from your hands if you don’t use a case and aren’t careful.
It’s a surprisingly tough match-up, but with a higher refresh rate and better water resistance, the Pixel 6 wins.
Winner: Google Pixel 6
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Performance, battery life, and charging
In years gone by, older Pixel A models would receive a less capable processor than their more expensive stablemates. This isn’t the case here any longer, and the Pixel 6a benefits from the inclusion of Google’s own Tensor chip, which uses a 5nm manufacturing process to cram in more transistors than you’d have with earlier hardware. Harnessed with 6GB of RAM, this makes the Pixel 6a appreciably fast and more than capable of handling the latest games and apps. That said, the Pixel 6 does come with 8GB of RAM as standard, so you may notice that it does a better job of handling more intensive, hi-octane games better than its cheaper counterpart.
The Pixel 6a comes with 128GB of internal memory as standard and doesn’t offer the option of having more storage for a slightly higher price tag. This contrasts with the Pixel 6, which starts from 128GB but can be had with 256GB for an extra $100. Neither model carries a microSD card slot, so you can’t be too gung-ho with downloads, photos, and videos.
Unfortunately, the Pixel 6a has a slightly smaller battery than the Pixel 6, at 4,410mAh compared to 4,614mAh. As we suspected, this results in a shorter battery life than its two bigger siblings. It tends to just about make it into a second day under moderate-to-heavy use, whereas the Pixel 6 leaves you with more juice the following morning. Truly heavy users may find they need to recharge the phone by the early evening, something which isn’t always practical.
So even though the 6a is more or less as fast as the Pixel 6, it’s let down by its battery. This results in a win for the Pixel 6.
Winner: Google Pixel 6
Cameras
It’s with the cameras that things become more interesting. Pixels have deservedly had a strong reputation for having great cameras, and the Pixel 6a comes with 12.2MP wide lens and a 12MP ultrawide on its rear. By contrast, the Pixel 6 has a more powerful 50MP wide lens, as well as the same 12MP ultrawide.
This difference in size makes itself known in terms of the quality of shots taken using the Pixel 6. Yes, the 6a still captures some very attractive pics with a minimum of fuss, yet the photos taken using the Pixel 6 pack just a little more detail, color, and dynamism. Most pictures seem a little more vibrant and vivid on the Pixel 6, with the phone’s bigger megapixel count also enabling it to provide greater digital zoom. This comes in handy when you remember that neither model comes with a telephoto lens, like the Pixel 6 Pro.
Low-light situations represent one area where there’s more of a noticeable difference in quality between the Pixel 6a and Pixel 6. The 6a’s use of Night Mode does let you capture evening scenes with enough brightness to see what’s going on, but images generally suffer from very soft, almost blurry detail. This isn’t quite as apparent with the Pixel 6 or 6 Pro, which fare better.
Winner: Google Pixel 6
Software and updates
Unsurprisingly, both the Pixel 6a and Pixel 6 run Android 12. The latter introduced some of the most notable upgrades for Android in years, with the Material You feature automatically matching the UI’s color scheme with your choice of wallpaper. More generally, it introduces new widgets (e.g., YouTube, Clock), a redesigned notification shade, and a Google Assistant Voice Typing mode. It’s also highly customizable while working efficiently and being easy to use.
Another positive development introduced for the Pixel 6 series is that Google has committed to three years of core software updates, taking users to 2024. This also applies to the Pixel 6a, giving both phones considerable longevity.
Winner: Tie
Special features
Both the Pixel 6a and Pixel 6 support 5G. This may hardly be seen as particularly “special” in 2022, but just try traveling somewhere with only 4G or — much worse — 3G, and you’ll find yourself appreciating it much more.
Beyond 5G, Google’s Tensor chip enables both devices to do some relatively special things. For one, the chip powers the Titan M2 security coprocessor, which Google claims makes the Pixel 6 series the most secure devices in the world. The chip also powers several artificial intelligence and augmented reality applications, including the AI-based processing of photos taken using the camera and speech recognition.
The Pixel 6 and 6a also benefit from some special features that give them one of the most enjoyable and creative camera apps around. Its Magic Eraser mode removes unwanted objects from your photos, the Motion Mode captures dynamic shots of moving vehicles and subjects, and Face Unblur uses multiple exposures to unblur faces.
Winner: Tie
Price and availability
The Pixel 6a is available for pre-order from Google for $449. It’s also supported by all major U.S. networks and is available widely online.
The Google Pixel 6 starts at $599 and goes up to $699 for the 256GB version. It’s also supported by all major carriers in the United States and is sold widely by third-party retailers, in addition to being available directly from Google.
Overall winner: Google Pixel 6
The two phones are similar in many respects, but the Pixel 6 has just enough of an edge on the Pixel 6ato win the head-to-head overall. This is mostly because its main 50MP camera lens is more impressive and effective than the recycled 12.2MP lens you’ll find on the Pixel 6a, while it also bests the cheaper device in the battery department. Other than that, the Pixel 6 boasts slightly more RAM and the option to have more internal memory. Otherwise, the two phones are evenly balanced, with the Pixel 6a having a similarly distinctive design, a stellar display, excellent software, and some nice special features. It’s also cheaper than the Pixel 6, so if you don’t need the very best camera, then it may be preferable.
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FAQs
Google Pixel 6a vs. Pixel 6: Does $150 make a difference? | Digital Trends? ›
This is mostly because its main 50MP camera lens is more impressive and effective than the recycled 12.2MP lens you'll find on the Pixel 6a, while it also bests the cheaper device in the battery department.
Is Pixel 6 worth over 6a? ›Google Pixel 6
The Pixel 6 isn't as widely available anymore, but it's still a good option if you want something a bit bigger than the Pixel 6a and can't get your hands on the new Pixel 7. Its 90Hz display and wireless charging are added bonuses.
The Pixel 6a is still a strong value in 2023
The $499 price tag just puts the Pixel 7a in an odd place in the current Pixel lineup. If you want a budget-friendly Pixel that still works great, especially for photos, then you really can't go wrong with the Pixel 6a.
The Pixel 6a's display is not bright enough
Although 60Hz is fine on a Pixel UI, you may feel the difference if you are coming from a 120Hz display. Since other brands like Samsung and OnePlus offer 120Hz bright OLED panels in the same price bracket, Google has no excuse to pack the same.
Google has decided to keep the Pixel 6a around as an alternative to the new Pixel 7a for those who want to buy something cheaper. In fact, it's officially down to $350, making it the most affordable Pixel phone you can buy right now.
How much longer will Pixel 6a be supported? ›Google Pixel 6a
With the first generation Tensor comes a promise of three years of OS updates and five years of security updates. The Pixel 6a will receive Android OS updates until at least July 2025 and security updates until at least July 2027.
Pixel phones are supported with guaranteed software updates for three years. Starting with the Pixel 6, Google has committed to at least five years of security updates, extending an additional two years beyond the 3-year Android version update commitment.
Why Pixel 6a is better? ›The Pixel 6a advantages include an appealing design, a compact 6.1" form factor and light weight, as well as Google's clean version of Android that is a pleasure to use. At its sub-$450 price, the Pixel 6a is easily one of the best budget phones around.
Does Pixel 6a still get hot? ›I use my Pixel 6a for gaming and in the car fairly frequently. The phone certainly gets warm but I must stress that the phone does not lag at all. Performance remains the same, and it just gets warm. I used to own a Blackberry Priv and that thing got HOT.
Is the Pixel 6 outdated? ›Pixel 6 and later phones, including Fold, will get updates for at least 5 years from when the device first became available on the Google Store in the US. These updates include security, software, and may also include feature drops.
Is Pixel 6a success? ›
The Pixel 6a has proven to be a massive success for Google, especially its Hardware department. All of this can be contributed to the Pixel 6a's strategic pricing, aggressive discounts, and hype over availability. Google announced the Pixel 6a in May this year and then launched the device in July.
Is Pixel 6a screen fragile? ›However, every sweet treat has its sour note, and the Pixel 6a's flaw lies in its feeble build, particularly that 6.1-inch display with a frail Gorilla Glass 3 fortification. Fortunately, with a screen protector from our collection, you can safeguard your device's front from unforeseen scuffs and thumps.
Should I go for Pixel 6a? ›While it is reasonable to wait for the Pixel 7A, anyone who urgently needs a phone with a minimalistic but smart approach to the UI, fast and capable internals, good updates, and longevity with reliable cameras shouldn't be apprehensive about the Pixel 6A in 2023. They don't come any better in mid-range.
Will Pixel 6a be discontinued? ›The future of Pixel 6a
Meanwhile, it looks like the Pixel 6a will be sticking around for some time, and Google won't discontinue it right after the Pixel 7a launches. The Pixel 5a was removed from the Google Store right after the Pixel 6a launched last year. The same fate was dealt to the Pixel 4a before it.
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In line with the flagship Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, the new Pixel 6a does not feature a 3.5mm audio jack. All previous Pixel A series phones — the Pixel 3a, Pixel 4a, and Pixel 5a — came with a 3.5mm audio jack.
Is the Pixel 6a better than the Pixel 6? ›Furthermore, due to the 60Hz refresh rate, the Pixel 6a will not feel as smooth and fluid as the Pixel 6, which can reach 90Hz. All in all, the Pixel 6 is superior in terms of day-to-day performance, thanks to extra memory and a higher refresh rate display.
Is Pixel 6 Pro worth it over Pixel 6a? ›Google Pixel 6 Pro Review
Images from these lenses look almost identical, and the only difference stems from how the two devices process photos. The Pixel 6 Pro has an extra lens that the Pixel 6a doesn't—a 48MP telephoto camera with a 104mm focal length (4x optical zoom ratio compared with the standard lens).
Pixel 6 has better features.. 90hz, higher megapixel count, better construction, wireless charging (idc about WC but okay to have) and only one less software update compared to pixel 6a.