Google’s Pixel line of smartphones has never taken off. Before the recent Pixel 6a, the last smartphone to reach in this year, with the budget Pixel 4a model. Before then, there was a huge gap: the previous devices were the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL, launched in India in 2018. Therefore, customers who wanted Google’s high-end Pixel smartphones never got anything beyond the Pixel 3 series. Google has now decided to bring the Pixel 6a, the successor to the Pixel 5a 5G.
Compared to the humble Pixel 4a (review), the Pixel 6a represents a giant leap forward. There are new features, much more power from the flagship processor, and a larger battery. Its design even belongs to the higher-end Pixel 6 and 6 Pro family. The Pixel 6a is the cheapest smartphone in Google’s Pixel 6 line. Compared to the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 6, the manufacturer is less ambitious with the Pixel 6a.
In addition to the smaller and more compact 6.1-inch form factor, it is also noticeable in several equipment features. For example, the Pixel 6a offers only a 60 Hz display, a plastic back cover, 6 GB instead of 8 GB of RAM, and a 12 MP camera instead of 50 MP. On the other hand, the Pixel 6a and its sister models offer the same performance. With the Tensor chip, the Pixel 6a contains the same 5nm SoC as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, guaranteeing high performance.
With a 6.1-inch diagonal screen, the Google Pixel 6a belongs to the compact smartphones and boasts a low weight of 178 grams (~6.28 oz). Despite the plastic back cover, the Pixel 6a is as high-quality as its more expensive siblings. The design is identical to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, although the camera bulge is noticeably flatter. The Pixel A-series has always had fantastic battery life.
This time Google has reduced the battery size slightly, but with a smaller screen and the Tensor chip, we could have another solid performance. We also hope the 6a has solved the thermal performance problems experienced with the 6 and 6 Pro. But let’s start with the unboxing. The results were always clear and crisp. Holding the Pixel 6a on a slightly cloudy day, we appreciated the accuracy of the colors of buildings and the sky. On brighter days, the colors of the plants in our garden appeared on the vivid OLED display. If you need a camera to take quick photos for social media, this is the solution for you.
