Following weeks of speculation, the Google Pixel 6a smartphone has officially been unveiled during the annual Google IO 2022 showcase.
The new handset will be powered by Google’s Tensor chipset and boasts a 6.1-inch display, a dual camera setup and up to 60Hz refresh rate. In terms of design, it mirrors the other two phones in the most recent Pixel line-up, with a two-tone colour scheme and a camera module that protrudes across the entire width of the back.
Multiple built-in camera modes – Magic Eraser, Real Tone and Face Unblur – will be supported on the new more affordable model, which is priced at $449 and comes with 5G connectivity. The Tensor chip is the same as found in the flagship Pixel 6 Pro.
Pre-orders begin on 21st July 21, and it will be available from the 28th July.
Google confirmed the Pixel 7 series – a standard model and a Pro model – is also coming later this year. It will have a triple camera system and a similar camera bump, but this time with a more aluminium chrome module. They will use a next-gen Tensor chip, both will ship with Android 13.
The Pixel 6a hasn’t been much of a secret. Google has maintained a similar release pattern for the mid-range A-series of handsets for years now – with the affordable alternative being unveiled a few months after the main flagship smartphones.
Last year was slightly different, however, as the Pixel 5a was given a limited release and only came out in two markets: the United States and Japan, at $449.
So the two big questions this year weren’t around whether it existed, but more if it would actually come out in the UK, and how much it would cost.
The selling point hasn’t changed: providing a similar experience to the flagships (with a handful of small compromises such as wireless charging and refresh rate) but knocking a couple of hundred pounds off the selling price.
Given that the high-end Pixel 6 Pro is the most expensive Google phone that’s ever been sold (£849 RRP) and the standard Pixel 6 being around £600, there is likely an appetite for getting the most recent Pixel design without having to pay so much.
Not sure if you want to go for Android or iOS with your next smartphone purchase? Don’t miss our detailed Apple iPhone 13 pro vs Pixel 6 Pro comparison guide.
Google Pixel 6a: what we know so far
So the Pixel 6a has been unveiled. While IO is mostly a software-first event, Google used it to showcase the newest iteration of the more affordable mid-ranger. Here’s what we know so far about the Pixel 6a smartphone, including the main specs.
- Price: $449 (UK pricing TBC)
- Release date: TBC
- Display: 6.1-inch, 20:9 aspect ratio
- Refresh rate: up to 60Hz
- Camera: 12.2MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP selfie front lens
- OS: Android
- Battery: 4306mAh, up to 72 hours using ‘extreme saver’ mode
- Memory/Storage: 6GB RAM, 128 Storage
- Chip: Google Tensor processor
- Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
- Features: 5 years of security updates, fingerprint unlock
- Security: Anti-phishing and malware protection
The Pixel 6a will join the Pixel 6 Pro and the Pixel 6. Google has discontinued the earlier handsets in the series, including the Pixel 5, 4a and 4a with 5G, although some models may still be available via a handful of retailers including Argos and Amazon. The most recent Pixel phones are still widely available in the UK and beyond.
- Shop Google Pixel phones at Amazon
- Shop Google Pixel phones at Currys
- Shop Google Pixel phones at John Lewis
- Shop Google Pixel phones at Argos
We have been hands-on with multiple Google phones in recent years, which have been popular due to their minimalistic design, top cameras and ease of use.
In our guide to the best smartphone of 2022 and best Android phone of the year, we rated the Google Pixel 6 Pro as one of the best handsets you can buy. For more, here’s our in-depth Pixel 6 Pro review, Pixel 5 review and Pixel 4a with 5G review.
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