Google introduces Pixel 6a: All important Pixel features on board
The Pixel 6a is Google's new "affordable" smartphone. While the Tensor chip is identical to the more expensive Pixel smartphones, Google saves on the display, camera and storage.
With the Tensor chip, the Pixel 6a has almost the same performance as its bigger sister models. All security and AI features are also on board. This includes photos with natural skin color reproduction thanks to RealTone as well as night vision for photos and videos. Magic Eraser for easy removal of objects from pictures or live translations of conversations are also included.
Smaller display, lower resolution
The OLED display, on the other hand, is smaller at 6.1 inches compared to the 6.4 and 6.7 inches of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. It has a Full HD+ resolution. However, the refresh rate is only 60 instead of 120 hertz and the surface is made of the outdated Gorilla Glass 3 - there are already three successor generations of the robust glass.
The working memory of six gigabytes is smaller than in the Pixel 6, which has eight gigabytes. The internal storage of 128 GB is identical. The Pixel 6a offers a smaller resolution for the camera. The main camera only records with 12.2 megapixels. The ultra-wide-angle camera still has a resolution of twelve megapixels, and the front-facing camera keeps its eight megapixels - both compared to the Pixel 6, whose main camera has 50 megapixels.
The Pixel 6a's battery has a lower capacity of 4410 mAh - the Pixel 6 has 4614 mAh. The cheaper smartphone does not support wireless charging. The fingerprint sensor in the display is still present.
The Pixel 6a has Android 12 on board and is supposed to receive five years of security updates. Google did not give any details about the Android updates, but it should be the usual three years for the Pixel smartphones.
Price and availability
In Germany, Google gives a recommended retail price of 459 Euros for the Pixel 6a. The smartphone is supposed to be "available soon" in three different colors. In the I/O keynote, July 28 was mentioned as the date for the sales launch - without more detailed information about different countries. As is often the case with Google hardware, there are no details for Switzerland yet.
When I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.