The Pixel 6a, Google’s follow-up to the Pixel 5a 5G, will now be available. The Pixel 6a is a huge improvement over the modest Pixel 4a. There are more features, a larger battery, and the flagship-grade processor has much more power. Even its appearance suggests that it is a member of the more expensive Pixel 6 and 6 Pro series. However, its price in India and a few odd hardware selections (display, RAM, and more) that don’t exactly fit into the premium mid-range market here are concerning.
Google Pixel 6a review: Design
It is immediately clear that the 6a is a Pixel phone in terms of appearance. The camera bump that divides the two-tone colour scheme and spans the entire width of the rear is still present, albeit slightly reduced. We enjoy how flush it sits when placed on a flat table thanks to the new version’s slimmer, less bulky design. One of the most distinctive designs of 2022 is found on Pixel phones, along with the (literally) bright Nothing (1). The Pixel 6a’s plastic rear replaces the glass one from the Pixel 6, although it still has a premium feel. One benefit is that the 6a can be held in one hand, eliminating the fundamental problem with the Pixel 6’s slickness. The Pixel 6a is undoubtedly smaller than the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, being closer in size to the iPhone 13 but having a 6.1-inch display. You can buy this smartphone from its official website.
Google Pixel 6a review: Display
The most cheap smartphone in Google’s Pixel 6 series is the Pixel 6a. The Pixel 6a’s creator is less aspirational than they were with the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 6. We can see this in a number of equipment aspects in addition to the 6.1-inch form factor’s diminutive and more compact size. As an illustration, the Pixel 6a only has a 60 Hz display, a plastic back, 6 GB of RAM rather than 8 GB, and a 12-MP rather than a 50-MP camera. The Pixel 6a and its sibling models, on the other hand, offer the same performance. The Pixel 6a has the exact same 5-nm SoC as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro thanks to the Tensor chip, which guarantees outstanding performance.
Google Pixel 6a review: Software
The premium Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones from Google include the same Tensor processor as the Pixel 6a. The maximum clock speed of this SoC, which was created by Google, is 2.8GHz. The Titan M2 security co-processor from Google is also included. The Pixel 6a only has 6GB of RAM, unlike most smartphones in this market that have numerous RAM configurations, and it has a 128GB storage limit with no possibility for expansion. Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and support for the common satellite navigation systems are all examples of communications standards. The phone has a 4400mAh battery and has an 18W charging capacity, but it doesn’t come with a charger. The Pixel 6a lacks the 3.5mm headphone port in comparison to the Pixel 4a. Thankfully, the phone still has its dual speakers, which sounded well and balanced but were not the finest in their class.
Google Pixel 6a review: Hardware and performance
You don’t buy a Pixel for its hardware; you get it for its software (experience), according to numerous jokes, therefore Google decided to create its own chip, called Tensor. We are joking. Tensor was developed because, it seems, there isn’t a processor on the market right now that is powerful enough to fulfil Google’s ambitious AI/ML objectives for big data processing. For Apple, the tactic has been extremely effective. Similar to Cupertino, the Mountain View corporation isn’t restricting it to just one or two devices at this time. You can find it in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro as well as the Pixel 6a, which is a somewhat more popular model. With the incoming Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, a second-generation version will be available.
Google Pixel 6a review: Camera
You don’t have to forgo specifications, power, or features just because you’re looking for an inexpensive Android smartphone. The Pixel 6a is evidence for this. For less than £400, it offers quick performance, high-quality cameras, and a tonne of software smarts. We suggest this phone to both Android purists and anyone considering switching from an Apple iPhone SE. What makes it superior than the Pixel 6? While putting many of the phone’s best features into a smaller, lighter shell, Google has maintained the appealing appearance. The Pixel 6a’s photography tools are powered by the same CPU as the flagship models, and Google also guarantees future Android and security updates.
Google Pixel 6a review: Battery life
The Pixel 6a’s 4410 mAh battery provides a strong backup on a single charge and can power the device for approximately 7-8 hours under moderate use. On a typical day, I took photos, utilised Instagram, and spent hours watching videos on YouTube, and the phone handled everything just well. In the sector, the 18W charging is not particularly quick, and the Pixel 6a needs more than an hour to fully charge, which is a little too long in today’s world. Another drawback is that the phone does not enable wireless charging.
Price and availability
The Google Pixel 6a is an intriguing smartphone, but it also could look pricey. With a fantastic camera, a smooth Android experience, and a good design, it does inherit some of the Pixel history to some level. However, it still lags behind other devices in this price range in certain areas. For instance, the 60Hz is unacceptable, and the 18W charging is another flaw. It may become difficult for the Pixel 6a to gain traction outside of people seeking a nice and straightforward smartphone at a time when Nothing Phone (1) has made all the noise. Additionally, you may purchase the iQOO 9T, OnePlus 10T, and a few other smartphones by paying a little bit more.
Google Pixel 6a review: Conclusion
Has it succeeded? Yes, this phone is deserving of your attention because it offers years of software upgrades and the processing power and software of the flagships in a smaller size. If your budget won’t go beyond £400, the Google Pixel 6a is a clear suggestion due to its svelte design, excellent screen, and dependable cameras.
