Although the Google Pixel 6 (opens in a new tab) misses out on the excellent telephoto lens seen in the Google 6 Pro (opens in a new tab), it’s still one of the best camera phones (opens in a new tab) for photography in its price range and is incredibly popular due to this combined with its great design and user experience.
So, has Google managed to pull off the same type of magic with the Google Pixel 6a? Again a price cut but still meets the specs?
Google Pixel 6 (Image: Basil Kronfli/Digital Camera World) (opens in new tab)
Google Pixel 6a vs Pixel 6: Design
The Google Pixel 6 family is a very good-looking unified group, and as such the Pixel 6a and Pixel 6 look very similar. The distinctive housing of the rear camera band sticks out less on the Pixel 6a, but that’s because it’s a more compact phone.
Build quality differs slightly between the models, with the Pixel 6 using a Gorilla Glass Victus panel on the front and Gorilla Glass 6 on the back, with an aluminum chassis in an IP68-certified body. The Pixel 6 has a Gorilla Glass 3 display panel, and the back is made of plastic with a fingerprint-resistant coating. However, it is also dust and water resistant, but has a lower IP67 rating.
Since the Pixel 6a uses a more advanced version of the Pixel 6’s in-display fingerprint scanner, it’s faster and more reliable, which is always a bonus.
Google Pixel 6a vs Pixel 6: Display
Google Pixel 6a (Image: Google)
Moving on to one of the areas where the phones differ significantly – the displays. The Pixel 6 boasts a 6.4-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 6a has a smaller 6.1-inch OLED panel – as you’d expect from a smaller phone – but its 60Hz refresh rate is a real disappointment, especially since we’ve come to expect high refresh rates from mid-range phones .
Google Pixel 6 display (Image: Basil Kronfli/Digital Camera World) (opens in new tab)
Google Pixel 6a vs Pixel 6: Camera
As we reported earlier (opens in new tab), it’s disappointing that the Pixel 6a gets a 12MP primary camera in a smaller version, instead of the 50MP sensor seen in the Pixel 6.
The Pixel 6a’s 2MP f/1.7 primary camera is as seen on the Pixel 5 (opens in new tab), Pixel 5A (opens in new tab), Pixel 4 (opens in new tab) and Pixel 3 – definitely not is avant-garde. The Pixel 6a’s main camera is joined by a 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide, and the camera disappointment unfortunately continues in the 8MP front-facing selfie camera.
The Google Pixel 6 has an excellent camera setup that will no doubt make photography enthusiasts continue to choose this model over its newer, cheaper sibling.
Google Pixel 6a vs Pixel 6: Performance
The great news about the Google Pixel 6a is that it features the same Google Tensor chip as the Pixel 6 and indeed the Pixel 6 Pro. Benchmarking showed strong upper-midrange results, doing best in the range of AI features it facilitates, many of which are in the camera department.
The Pixel 6 wins when it comes to looking at RAM, as you get 8GB in it, while the Pixel 6a is reduced to 6GB. Both 5G phones get a 128GB storage option, but only the Pixel 6 comes with a 256GB option.
From a software perspective, both the Google Pixel 6a and Pixel 6 are the same, running stock Android 12 that works exactly as manufacturer Google intended. Google guarantees five years of security updates for both phones.
Google Pixel 6a vs Pixel 6: Battery
Google Pixel 6a (Image: Google)
The Pixel 6a has a smaller battery than its big brother – 4,410 mAh versus 4,614 mAh, which means the phones should offer similar, if not better, battery life to the 6a thanks to the screen’s refresh rate.
However, there are differences, namely that the Pixel 6 supports up to 23W wired fast charging, as well as wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. The cheaper 6a on the other hand just offers 18W wired charging.
Google Pixel 6a vs Pixel 6: Price
The Pixel 6a wins on price, being the cheaper of the two phones, but that’s the point of the new smartphone. The Google Pixel 6a is priced very competitively at $449 / £399 / AU$749, compared to the Pixel 6’s higher $599 / £599 / AU$999.
In our opinion, photography enthusiasts will still want to go with the Pixel 6. However, those just looking for a good-looking mid-range model that doesn’t get bogged down by the camera system will find the Google Pixel 6a a good option.
The Google Pixel 6a is available for pre-order now (opens in new tab).
Today’s best Google Pixel 6a deals
Today’s best Google Pixel 6 and deals
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