Is Google making too many compromises?

Nine months after the launch of the Pixel 6, Google released the smaller version, the Pixel 6a. It’s more compact, more affordable, and on paper seems like a sensible choice for many. We took a closer look at the two smartphones in the video: Which model should you really get?

Google Pixel 6a: Where was the budget smartphone saved?

The Pixel 6a is offered for an RRP of 459 euros. To reach that price point, Google made some compromises and dropped certain features from the Pixel 6. The 6.1-inch OLED display, for example, “only” has a refresh rate of 60 instead of 90 Hz. This will particularly annoy those who are already used to higher refresh rates. There is no coil for wireless charging, nor is there Gorilla Glass on the back. The Pixel 6a uses plastic, but we can hardly tell any difference in the feel.

Under the hood, the similarities outweigh the differences. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6 or now the Pixel 6a: All three models are based on Google’s Tensor chip for the first time in this generation. It promises high performance and some exclusive AI functions, such as the “magic eraser”.

The models do not differ in terms of software either: Android 12 is preinstalled, Google offers OS updates for three years and security updates for five years. The Pixel 6a has 128 GB of internal storage, which, as usual with Google Pixel devices, cannot be expanded. If you want more memory, you have to switch to the larger Pixel 6, which is also available in a variant with 256 GB of memory.

The camera downgrade: how big is the difference?

The camera has to accept a major downgrade. Instead of a 50 MP sensor, there is a 12.2 MP main camera, as we already know from previous generations. On paper, that reads like a big problem. But if you look at the photos taken, you hardly notice a difference.

The difference only becomes clear in the details. In the sample photo above, the swell of the Spree looks a bit blurry with the Pixel 6a, but the Pixel 6 can get a lot more detail out of it.

The Google Pixel 6a: A Good Deal?

So the Pixel 6a makes some compromises when compared directly to the Pixel 6. The question is whether these compromises are worth a suggested retail price of 459 euros. If you want the 90 Hz display, wireless charging, more than 128 GB of storage and the better camera on paper, the Pixel 6 officially starts at 649 euros.

Depending on where and when you access it, it can sometimes be on offer for a significantly lower price. This suddenly makes the large Pixel 6 a more attractive offer.