We recently compared with the Pixel 6a with its predecessor, the Pixel 5a 5G. Well, it’s time to compare it to a phone that it looks a lot more like, design-wise. In this article we will compare the google Pixel 6 against Google Pixel 6a. The Pixel 6a comes with an all-new design, which makes this phone much more similar to the Pixel 6. In other words, Google has decided to offer its new design language in its mid-range smartphone series as well. .
This is not where the similarities between these two phones end. The two devices have more in common, although there are also some differences, of course. The Pixel 6 is, after all, the company’s flagship, while the Pixel 6a is considered a mid-range offering. At the time of this article, the Pixel 6a was announced, but not yet released, so keep that in mind. We’ll start by comparing their specs and then move on to a number of other sections. Let’s start with the Google Pixel 6 vs Google Pixel 6a comparison, shall we?
Specifications
| Google Pixel 6 | Google Pixel 6a | |
| Screen size | 6.4-inch FullHD+ AMOLED flat screen (90Hz) | 6.1-inch FullHD+ OLED HDR display (60Hz) |
| Screen resolution | 2400×1080 | 2400×1080 |
| SoCs | Google Tensor | Google Tensor |
| RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5) | 6 GB (LPDDR5) |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB, not expandable | 128 GB (UFS 3.1), not expandable |
| Rear cameras | 50MP (f/1.9 aperture, 1.2um pixel size, 26mm lens, omnidirectional PDAF, OIS, laser AF) 12MP (f/2.2 aperture, 1.25um pixel size, 114 degree FoV) |
12.2 MP (f/1.7 aperture, 27mm lens, 1.4um pixel size, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS) 12MP (f/2.2 aperture, 17mm lens, 114 degree FoV, 1.25um pixel size) |
| Front cameras | 8MP (f/2.0 aperture, 24mm lens, 1.12um pixel size) | 8MP (f/2.0 aperture, 24mm lens, 1.12um pixel size) |
| Battery | 4,614 mAh, non-removable, 30 W wired charging, 21 W wireless charging | 4,410mAh, non-removable, 18W wired charging |
| Dimensions | 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9mm | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9mm |
| Mass | 207 grams | 178 grams |
| Connectivity | 5G, LTE, NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C | 5G, LTE, NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C |
| Security | In-display fingerprint scanner (optical) | In-display fingerprint scanner (optical) |
| SE | Android 12 | Android 12 |
| Price | $599 | $449 |
| To buy |
Google Pixel 6 vs. Google Pixel 6a: Design
As already mentioned, these two phones are very similar in terms of design. The Pixel 6a is smaller, and the materials used by Google are not the same, but visually the two phones are quite similar. They both offer a more boxy design, with thin bezels and a center-display camera hole. The bezels are not uniform though, as the bottom bezel is slightly thicker than the others. All the physical buttons are on the right side of both phones.
The rear camera visor is larger on the Pixel 6, and that difference is quite noticeable. The Pixel 6 comes with a smaller screen and the device is shorter, narrower and just as thick. It is considerably lighter, however. So, as you can see, the difference in dimensions is also quite considerable. The Pixel 6a is meant to be an option for those of you who want a bit smaller and more affordable device as well. This phone isn’t small per se, but it is smaller than the other two Pixel 6 devices.
Now, unlike the Pixel 6, the Pixel 6a has no glass on the back. Google used a “3D thermoformed composite back with tactile alloy frame”. In other words, both phones have a metal frame, but the Pixel 6a has plastic on the back, of sorts. Both devices are also water and dust resistant, although the Pixel 6 offers better resistance (IP68 vs IP67 rating). The Pixel 6 is quite slippery, and we expect the same from the Pixel 6a. This device will however be smaller, so it will be easier to navigate with one hand.
Google Pixel 6 vs. Google Pixel 6a: Display
The Google Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. It’s an HDR10+ display, and it’s protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. It offers a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, which makes it a FullHD + screen, while being flat. We’re looking at a screen-to-body ratio of around 83.4% here. The Pixel 6a’s screen is considerably smaller, by comparison, which many of you might be looking for.
The Pixel 6a has a 6.1-inch display. It’s also a FullHD+ (2400 x 1080) panel, and it’s also flat. Note that this screen offers a 60Hz refresh rate, so it’s not a high refresh rate panel. It is, however, an OLED display with HDR support. It’s protected by Gorilla Glass 3, which is rather prone to minor scratches, so keep that in mind. You can use a screen protector. Both phones offer a 20:9 aspect ratio.
As already mentioned, the Pixel 6a has not yet been released. We haven’t had a chance to test it yet, as it will be available at the end of July. Its screen looks good on paper, but it’s inferior to the Pixel 6. The Pixel 6 has a great screen though. It will definitely be smoother when scrolling due to a higher refresh rate, and we also expect it to be a bit brighter, but we’ll have to wait and see. The colors of the Pixel 6 are really good, the screen is punchy and vivid. Hopefully the Pixel 6a’s panel comes close.
Google Pixel 6 vs. Google Pixel 6a: Performance
Both of these phones are pretty powerful on paper. Google has decided to follow Apple’s lead and include its flagship processor in its mid-range offering. The Pixel 6a features the Google Tensor SoC, the same chip that’s included in the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. It is the first and currently the last processor from Google. It is still considered a high-end chip. It managed to deliver great performance for the Pixel 6, so we hope it will do the same with the Pixel 6a.
On top of that, the Pixel 6a comes with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 flash storage. It was a little surprising at launch, but it’s great to see. It’s the same version of RAM and storage as the Pixel 6. Granted, the Pixel 6 has more RAM, 8GB, while the Pixel 6a comes with “only” 6GB of RAM. Ultimately, these two devices should be able to deliver very similar performance.
The Pixel 6a will have fewer performance constraints thanks to its 60Hz display. You probably won’t be able to feel the difference in RAM at all. The Pixel 6a is expected to be a mid-range smartphone with excellent performance, just like its sibling. The Pixel 6 has had quite a few bugs since launch, but it’s an extremely powerful device and its performance has been excellent. The Pixel A-series device generally has far fewer bugs, so… it’s probably going to be a really solid phone to recommend.
Google Pixel 6 vs. Google Pixel 6a: Battery
The Google Pixel 6 comes with a 4,614 mAh battery, while the Pixel 6a includes a 4,410 mAh battery. The Pixel 6 has a bigger battery, but note that it also comes with a considerably bigger screen and that screen offers a high refresh rate. When you consider that, you’ll realize that the Pixel 6a actually has quite a large battery considering everything. In fact, we have high hopes for the battery life it will deliver.
The Pixel 6, in our experience, offers very good battery life, and the Pixel 6a should go beyond that. Of course, we can’t guarantee that at this stage, as the Pixel 6a hasn’t been released yet. The Pixel 5a 5G offered stellar battery life, and while the Pixel 6a’s battery is smaller, so is its screen. It does include the Google Tensor SoC though, and Google has probably optimized it a lot so far. It will be very interesting to test the battery life of the Pixel 6a.
What about charging? Well, the Google Pixel 6a offers 21W fast wired charging. Note, however, that the phone slows down significantly after reaching 50% charge. It also supports 21W wireless charging, with Google’s Pixel Stand. With other Qi chargers, it will charge slower. Reverse wireless charging is also supported. The Pixel 6a, on the other hand, only supports 18W wired charging.
Google Pixel 6 vs. Google Pixel 6a: Cameras
We can’t comment on the performance of the Pixel 6a camera yet. We’ve yet to see the images it can produce, but we know what to expect, at least. The Pixel 6a features the same primary camera as every Pixel between (and including) the Pixel 2 and Pixel 5. When the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro arrived, Google changed the camera hardware. This is the first time we’ve seen the combo between the Google Tensor SoC and that 12.2-megapixel camera.
That 12.2-megapixel camera sensor might be quite old, but it still takes great photos, and the Pixel 4a, 5G, and 5 are prime examples. The Google Tensor may even improve the performance of this camera, as it is Google’s own chip. This is what interests us. We don’t expect the camera performance to be any better than what the Pixel 6 series can deliver, of course.
The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are the company’s flagships after all, and their camera sensors are newer and better. There is no way around this. Still, the Pixel 6a should offer excellent camera performance. It will almost certainly suit most people as Google’s image processing is really excellent. We’ll know more in a few months, but we have high expectations here, that’s for sure.
audio
You’ll be happy to know that both of these phones come with stereo speakers. What they don’t have is a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Pixel 5a 5G included a headphone jack, but Google decided to remove it this time around. It will therefore be necessary to opt for a Type-C port, or simply to use Bluetooth. The Pixel 6’s stereo speakers are really good. They’re not the best on the market, but the sound is clear and they get quite loud.
We don’t know if Google used the same speakers on the Pixel 6a or not, we’ll have to wait for the phone to actually arrive. Still, we expect it to sound good. As long as you don’t expect too much, you’ll be good to go. The vast majority of phones from well-known brands, which have stereo speakers, sound good, so that’s not something we’re worried about at this point.
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