TechPhonesShould I buy the Pixel 6a? Here’s my expert opinionGoogle’s small Pixel handset has its share of pros and cons – here’s the argument for and againstWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechPhonesShould I buy the Pixel 6a? Here’s my expert opinionGoogle’s small Pixel handset has its share of pros and cons – here’s the argument for and againstWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Google’s small Pixel handset has its share of pros and cons – here’s the argument for and against
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Jump to category:Yes, buy the Pixel 6a!No, don’t buy the 6a!
Jump to category:Yes, buy the Pixel 6a!No, don’t buy the 6a!
ThePixel 6a is now available for pre-order, adding toGoogle’s Pixel handset line-up with a smaller option for the series. As much of the worldnever saw its predecessor, the Pixel 5a,there’s a lot more noise around the 6a’s arrival.
But should you buy one? As I’ve detailed in myfull Pixel 6a review, there’s a lot to love about this smaller-screen handset, but in the same breath there are some alternatives you may want to consider instead when looking for thebest affordable phone.
Yes, buy the Pixel 6a!
1. It’s small, some people like small
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
In a world of ever-increasing screen size – the Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch, the 6 Pro a 6.7-inch panel – some people just want a smaller phone for easier one-handed use or to avoid that absurd pocket bulge.
For me it’s this size factor that will make the Pixel 6a an appealingAndroidhandset for a specific group of buyers.
Today’s best google pixel 6a and google pixel 6 dealsGoogle Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 6$337.99$299.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best google pixel 6a and google pixel 6 dealsGoogle Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 6$337.99$299.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best google pixel 6a and google pixel 6 dealsGoogle Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 6$337.99$299.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best google pixel 6a and google pixel 6 deals
Google Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 6$337.99$299.99ViewSee all prices
Google Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all prices
Google Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all prices
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Google Pixel 6
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2. There’s no real power compromise
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Unlike the Pixel 5a, which featured a Qualcomm chipset and never launched worldwide, the Pixel 6a doesn’t really compromise in terms of power. That’s because the 6a features the same Google Tensor chip as you’ll find in the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.
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Sure, there’s a little less RAM (at 6GB rather than 8GB) and I found day one commenced with some stutters that promptly cleared up, but as day-to-day use goes it’s super fluid, great for AI and computational tasks (particularly when it comes to camera), and puts the smaller Pixel on a level with its peers.
3. Get in early for free Pixel Buds A-Series deal
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
A little extra to sweeten the deal? If youpre-order the Pixel 6a ahead of its August release datethen you’ll getGoogle PixelBuds A-Series earphones thrown into the mix for free.
These in-ears usually cost £99, so that’s a great additional product to bag and, if you’re looking for some new ‘buds, will effectively cut down the asking price of the phone.
No, don’t buy the 6a!
1. It’ll be too small for some
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
When I first moved into the Pixel 6a, having come from the same-price Nothing Phone 1, I found the Google phone a little too small for me. I’m used to the 6.7-inch flagships of today, really, so 6.1-inch isn’t my typical go to.
I do like the ease of use that smaller can add, especially when it comes to reaching across the handset, but I find the default keyboard in a body of this width is too prone to errors for my fingers and thumbs.
Furthermore, the Pixel 6a’s panel has a 60Hz refresh rate only, not the faster 90Hz option for greater visual fluidity that you’ll find elsewhere in the Pixel range. And, of course, plenty of thebest Android phonesoffer 120Hz or more as standard now.
2. The Pixel 6 is better overall value
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
But the biggest reason to not buy the Pixel 6a is relative to price. It all boils down to money, eh? Well, I think the 6a’s £399/$449/€459/AUD$749 asking price is quite reasonable in this space.
However, it’s all about context. And, at the time of writing, you can buy the Pixel 6 proper for a couple of dozen more pounds/dollars as it’s being sold for deal-level prices often.
The Pixel 6 delivers a larger screen (6.4-inch), faster refresh rate (90Hz), higher-res cameras (50-megapixel), wireless charging and faster wired charging (21W, which still isn’t that fast anyway). All of which is appealing, unless you don’t want the larger screen size, of course.
Today’s best google pixel 6a, google pixel 6 and google pixel 6 pro dealsGoogle Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 6$337.99$299.99ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 6 Pro$899$375ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best google pixel 6a, google pixel 6 and google pixel 6 pro dealsGoogle Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 6$337.99$299.99ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 6 Pro$899$375ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best google pixel 6a, google pixel 6 and google pixel 6 pro dealsGoogle Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 6$337.99$299.99ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 6 Pro$899$375ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best google pixel 6a, google pixel 6 and google pixel 6 pro deals
Google Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 6$337.99$299.99ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 6 Pro$899$375ViewSee all prices
Google Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all prices
Google Pixel 6a$185.98ViewSee all prices
Google Pixel 6a
Google Pixel 6a
$185.98View
$185.98
$185.98
See all prices
Google Pixel 6$337.99$299.99ViewSee all prices
Google Pixel 6$337.99$299.99ViewSee all prices
Google Pixel 6
Google Pixel 6
$337.99$299.99View
$337.99$299.99
$299.99
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Google Pixel 6 Pro$899$375ViewSee all prices
Google Pixel 6 Pro$899$375ViewSee all prices
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Google Pixel 6 Pro
$899$375View
$899$375
$375
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We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
3. The Pixel 7 is coming, too
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
Let’s not forget: the king of the Pixel range is on its way, due for reveal in October. Google alreadyteased the Pixel 7atGoogle I/O back in May, sosome details and other rumoursare already known.
The 2022 flagship will introduce next-gen Tensor to the Pixel series, while offering a higher-quality aluminium build than the plastic on offer in the Pixel 6a’s construction.
This, I suspect, will cause the whole Pixel 6 series to go on offer, reducing price across the board. That may be a sweetener in considering the 6a later down the line, but for the time being I’d personally wait a little – unless ultimate Android on a smaller screen is your must-have thingright now.
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