On May 11, 2022, Google “unveiled” their new fleet of devices into the new Pixel Family during the annual Google I/O event: The much rumored Google Pixel Watch, Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and a new device in its budget “a” series a lot of fans love–the Google Pixel 6a. Here comes the question, should people get the Pixel 6a or Pixel 6?
Google has enjoyed great success since the launch of the “a” series phones. They are budget-friendly phones that offer great value for those who like “vanilla” Google software, and conveniently, all have unique camera systems that rival $1000 flagship devices coming from Apple and Samsung.
If history serves as an indication, then the Pixel 6a should also be a “flagship killer” and enjoy the success that its predecessors did, right? My prediction is, not quite.
Before the launch of Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, Google had a big lapse of not releasing a true flagship device, and that might be a contributing factor to the overall success of the “a” series because Google didn’t offer any flagship phones for a couple of years. But with the release of the “6” series, mainly the Pixel 6 which starts at $599. It blurs the line between flagship and mid-ranger. With a price tag of $449, the Pixel 6a is $150 cheaper at launch, which might be enough to sway people to buy the cheaper option. But the good question is, will the Google Pixel 6 hold that price tag after nearly one year since launch? My bet is Amazon, eBay and Best Buy will 100% have a better deal.
Pixel 6a and Pixel 6 Comparison
| Google Pixel 6a | Google Pixel 6 | |
| Display | 6.1″ FHD+ OLED up to 60 Hz | 6.4″ FHD+ Smooth Display up to 90 Hz |
| Memory | 6GB RAM 128GB Storage – | 8GB RAM 128 GB storage 256 GB storage |
| Cameras | Dual rear camera system: 12.2 MP wide 12 MP ultrawide PDAF | Dual rear camera system: 50 MP wide 12 MP ultrawide LDAF sensor |
| Processor | Google Tensor M2 Titan Security | Google Tensor M2 Titan Security |
| Materials | Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3™ cover glass 3D thermoformed composite back | Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus™ cover glass Corning® Gorilla® Glass 6 back glass |
| Battery and Charging | – 4410 mAh | Wireless charging 4614 mAh |
| Price | $449 | $599 |
Pixel 6a or Pixel 6 Conclusion
After the comparison, it’s a no-brainer that the Google Pixel 6 is a better option. It has a better 90hz display(a must-have in 2022), more RAMs, more storage options, a higher resolution camera with LDAF, more advanced screen material from Corning, wireless charging capability, and a larger battery size, all for a $150 price difference. However, that $150 difference will surely shrink when the Pixel 6a officially launches which will be July 28, 2022, because that is almost 9 months after the launch of the Google Pixel 6.
