Like Google’s other A-series phones, the Pixel 6a looks like a budget-friendly smartphone. However, for the price of $449, it won’t have one of the best features of the Google Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro.
The Pixel 6a, which debuted at Google I/O 2022, will likely outshine the cheapest iPhone. And, it might also fix the Pixel 6 finger scanner issue.
However, the Pixel 6a will have a 12.2MP main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens instead of the larger 50MP sensor we’ve seen on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. This isn’t like the A-series phones we’ve seen in the past, all of which bring flagship cameras to cheaper versions, making us feel like we’ve got the best of both worlds; it’s worth noting that Google has stuck with it since the original Pixel phones 12MP sensor, just changed with the latest flagship Pixel.
In fact, the 12MP sensor in the Pixel 6a is the same sensor we’ve seen in the Google Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 4, and Pixel 3.
Our other gripe with the Pixel 6a is that it ditched the headphone jack too – but that’s another story – when wireless earphones are common and arguably no big deal, check out our guide to the best wireless earbuds.
But while Google isn’t including its best camera on the Pixel 6a, it’s packing its flagship Tensor chipset that powers the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. For previous Pixel models, what Google called the “core experience” was the camera. Now changed to tensors.
That might be enough, though, since the Tensor chip does enable some pretty neat photography tricks, like the Magic Eraser. So even if the hardware is a notch below our expectations, maybe the software will make up for it.
Tensor also supports features like real-time speech recognition. Google even showed off the Pixel 6a’s Night Mode at Google I/O, though that could be Google’s answer to Apple — or the iPhone SE 2022’s lack of Night Mode.
Getting a powerful and smart Tensor chip on a non-flagship phone is definitely a big plus, and we can’t wait to see how the Pixel 6a fares when it launches in July for $449/£399/AU$749.
If you are already convinced, here is How to pre-order the Google Pixel 6a before launch.
