Unlike the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, the leaks for the Pixel 6a didn’t completely spoil the launch event at Google I/O nor was it delayed by the pandemic like its predecessor. As expected, the Pixel 6a is powered by Google’s Tensor processor and packs in a reasonably sized battery, which is claimed to be good for a full day of normal use. Its dual 12MP camera setup is what we’re used to seeing on Pixel handsets prior to the arrival of the 6-series, which includes features like magic eraser and face enabler. The Pixel 6a’s price starts at $449 / 399, which might prove to be a big hurdle when comparing its specs to the OnePlus Nord N20 5G or the soon-to-be-launched OnePlus Nord 2T 5G.
In addition to being powered by the same Tensor chip as the Pixel 6 series, the Pixel 6a packs in a 6.1-inch OLED display with FHD+ resolution, an under-display fingerprint sensor, and what is its main drawback compared to similarly priced competitors. Maybe, a mere 60Hz refresh rate. Once you cross that, you’ll get 6GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS 3.1 non-expandable storage.
If the dual camera setup sounds familiar, it should be as we’ve seen 12.2MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide sensors on previous Pixel handsets. Like the Pixel 6, it houses an 8MP front-facing camera that is housed in the central punch-hole cutout on the display. The 4,410mAh battery is considered good for at least a day’s use before any power-saving features need to be activated. Continuing Google’s awkward attitude towards charging speeds, the Pixel 6a is limited to 18W charging. There’s no wireless charging either, though that’s not necessarily a deal-breaking issue at this price point. Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3 protects the display and the rear panel of the Pixel 6a is made from ‘3D Thermoformed Composite’ material.
Pricing, At $449 in the US, the Pixel 6a takes on competitors like the OnePlus Nord N20 5G that offers a similar level of hardware (a slightly larger display that also includes AMOLED, FHD+ and 60Hz). However, the Nord N20 5G has such a big battery (5,000mAh) as well as fast 33W charging, and to spoil the water there’s also a trio of rear cameras that include a 64MP main sensor and dedicated macro and monochrome cameras. cameras. And when you include Realme, Xiaomi, and maybe even Samsung’s A-series, the Pixel 6a may struggle for traction outside of the US, apart from hardcore fans.
It all comes down to software support, and this is where the Pixel 6a stands head and shoulders above its competitors, with a minimum of 5 years of security updates and access to newer versions of Android, as well as Google’s support for Android. There are also flagships. Not to mention being part of Google’s Android beta program every year. That being said, Google has struggled somewhat to provide stable firmware for the hugely popular Tensor-powered Pixel 6 series, which has gone from glitch to mess in the months since its launch.
Pre-orders for the Pixel 6a will go live from July 21 in Sage, Chalk and Charcoal, with prices starting at $449/399. You can buy the Pixel 6a in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Spain and Taiwan.
What do you think about Pixel 6a? Worth buying or are you going to wait for the Pixel 7 series later in the year?
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He’s been an Android fan since owning the HTC Hero, the Dell Streak being his first phablet. He currently carries a Realme GT Neo 2 in his pocket, a Lenovo Yoga Tab 11 in his backpack, and thinks nothing of losing the 17-inch laptop across the globe. He is an avid sports fan when not immersed in the world of Androids and gadgets, and like all South Africans, he loves a good braai (BBQ).
