Google Pixel 6a vs. Google Pixel 6: Which Pixel Suits You?

• Google announced a new addition to the Google Pixel Series – the Pixel 6a
• There is a $150 difference between the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6a prices
• Besides the price difference, the flagship phone and its affordable alternative also have some differences in features

Google has been making its way into the mainstream market ever since it released the original Pixel and Pixel XL at the #MadeByGoogle Event in 2016. However, Google didn’t stop at the first two phones and had been introducing new high-end and affordable smartphones for users. Recently, Google introduced the Pixel 6a – an affordable alternative to its predecessor, the Pixel 6.

We know everything about the Google Pixel 6, but the Pixel 6a is relatively new and still needs exploration. Even then, people have been drawing parallels and finding differences between the two Pixel phones. So, we decided to carry out a Google Pixel 6 vs 6a comparison to see how the devices are different from each other.

Let’s dive right in.

Google Pixel 6a vs 6: Specs

Below we have compared the specifications of the Google Pixel 6 with the Pixel 6a:

Hardware and Performance

As far as the hardware of Pixel 6 and Pixel 6a is concerned, it has more similarities than differences.

Both Pixel phones incorporate the Google Tensor chip. Google’s custom SoC debuted in the Pixel 6 series in 2021 and is used in Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. The same Tensor chip is used in the Pixel 6a.

Although the Tensor chip is not as powerful as the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, a chip as powerful as the Tensor SoC at this price point is not common. Moreover, the Tensor chip is optimized for machine learning and AI tasks, like speech recognition.

When it comes to Google Pixel 6 vs 6a chip performance, the former has a slight edge due to the 8GB RAM instead of 6GB. However, this slight difference gets compensated with the 60Hz screen of Pixel 6a, which requires less power.

Display

Not a deal-breaker, but Google has cut a corner with the omission of a high-refresh-rate display in the Pixel 6a. You get a 60Hz screen on the Pixel 6a instead of the Pixel 6’s 90Hz panel.

However, this difference is relatively minor, and most people won’t even notice it unless they have used a higher Hz screen.

Moreover, the Pixel 6a screen size is also smaller than the Pixel 6. The Pixel 6a has a 6.1-inch screen, while the Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch screen.

Except for the screen refresh rate and size, there are no other differences in the displays of Google Pixel 6 and 6a. You will get the same color accuracy and brightness in both phones, which is impressive for a $450 phone.

Design and Colors

The Google Pixel 6 family is a very fine-looking unified bunch. The Pixel 6a follows the same base design language as the Pixel 6. The two phones may look almost identical if it isn’t for their size.

Both phones feature a distinctive camera strip that stretches from one side to the other. However, the Pixel 6a camera strip protrudes a little less than the Pixel 6 due to its compact size.

Another stark difference between the two phones is that the Pixel 6 has a Gorilla Glass 6 back, while the Pixel 6a features a plastic back.

As far as Google Pixel 6a vs 6 colors are concerned, these are available in the following colors:

Camera

The major difference between Pixel 6a and Pixel 6 is the camera quality. This one area shows Google’s cost-cutting on the cheaper Pixel 6a. The new Pixel phone gets a significant downgrade in terms of the camera as it only features a 12 MP primary lens. This camera was also found on the Pixel 5a and older models. Another disappointment is the 8 MP selfie camera in Pixel 6a.

Compared to the Pixel 6a, the Pixel 6 camera is exceptionally cutting edge. With a 50 MP primary lens, this phone is made particularly for photography enthusiasts.

So, if you’re wondering which Google Pixel is right for you in terms of camera, you should go for the Pixel 6. You can even buy used Google Pixel 6 at a lesser price than a brand-new Pixel 6a from Phone Daddy.

Battery Life and Charging

The Google Pixel 6a battery is slightly smaller than the Pixel 6. With the Pixel 6a, you get a 4410 mAh battery, while the Pixel 6 has a 4614 mAh battery.

Moreover, the charging speeds of the two Pixel phones are also different, and the Pixel 6 takes the lead in this field. It has a maximum charging speed of 30W, while the Pixel 6a only has a charging speed of 18W.

Furthermore, the Pixel 6a doesn’t support wireless charging while Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro do.

Price and Release Date

The Pixel 6a is the new budget phone from Google, and it is available at a starting price of $449. It was released recently on 28 July 2022.

On the other hand, the Pixel 6 was introduced in late 2021 at the starting price of $599. However, you can also find used Pixel 6 for sale at a lower price from Phone Daddy.

Conclusion

When it comes to Google Pixel 6a vs 6, the two phones are similar in many aspects. However, the Pixel 6a only wins in terms of affordability as it is a budget-friendly phone. On the other hand, the Pixel 6 has a better camera, larger screen size, and higher screen refresh rate. Moreover, the used Google Pixel 6 is available at a cheaper price tag compared to the Pixel 6a.

So, if you don’t care about the $150 price difference, you should go for the Pixel 6. But if you are on a budget, you should go for the Pixel 6a.