The highly anticipated Google Pixel 6a went on sale. The cost is different in different countries and regions. In the US, they ask for $450 for a smartphone, and in India — it’s $550 — we are talking about the same version — Pixel 6a with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of memory.
As part of the I/O developer conference, Google presented the Pixel 6a as a new mid-range smartphone. Google adopted the design of the Pixel 6a completely from the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro — the smartphone has a distinctive black bar on the back in which the cameras are built. However, the camera module is flatter than in the other two models. The back is made of plastic and not glass like the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, which is hardly noticeable at first glance.
The OLED display is 6.1 inches in size, which is even smaller than the Pixel 6’s 6.4-inch screen. The Pixel 6a is the smallest current Pixel model. The screen has a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and supports a frame rate of only 60 Hz – unlike the Pixel 6 with a maximum of 90 Hz and the Pixel 6 Pro with up to 120 Hz. Google offers HDR support and has equipped the smartphone with an always-on screen.
As with the other two Pixel 6 models, the fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 6a is built into the display. Google has apparently taken the criticism from Pixel 6 users to heart and installed a different sensor — this reacts much faster than that of the Pixel 6 Pro. However, compared to a much more expensive smartphone like the Asus ROG Phone 6, the Pixel 6a still takes longer to unlock with your finger.
Inside the Pixel 6a is Google’s Tensor chip. In the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Unlimited test, the smartphone scored around 1,600 points on average. That’s only marginally below the result of the Pixel 6 Pro, which may have better heat distribution due to its size. With 6 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the Pixel 6a has less RAM than the other two current Pixel models, but the smartphone reacts quickly in everyday use.
The Tensor chip is also equipped with a mobile Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) for AI-supported tasks, which are used to handle machine learning workloads such as for the translator, photos, search or the assistant.
A dual camera is installed on the back of the Pixel 6a. The main camera is 12.2 megapixels and has an initial aperture of f/1.7, which is the same as the Pixel 5‘s camera. The ultra wide-angle camera has taken the Pixel 6a from the Pixel 6 series — it has 12 megapixels and an initial aperture of f/2.2.
A battery with 4,306 mAh is responsible for the energy supply. This is less than the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 5a. Google promises an average runtime of 24 hours and up to 72 hours with the Extreme Battery Saver. It can be charged with a USB-C cable with up to 18 watts.
As with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, Android 12 is delivered in an adapted stock version that has been expanded to include special Google features. The smartphone should be supplied with new Android main versions for at least three years and with security updates for at least five years. Google will offer the Pixel 6a in Chalk, Charcoal, and Sage colors.
Apart from Pixel 6a, Google also launched Pixel Buds Pro — the first earphones with noise cancellation by the Mountain View company. They clearly maintain a design in line with the others but are enriched with color and functionality. The Pixel Buds Pro are designed to work best with other devices in the Google ecosystem and also with any Android smartphone.
The battery life of the Pixel Buds Pro is rated as 7 hours with ANC and 11 hours without ANC. You get a total of 20 hours with ANC and 31 hours without ANC with the case. Wireless charging is supported by the case.
It will be available in four colors — Coral, Lemongrass, Fog, and Charcoal. They will go on sale online on July 21.
