Catchy Pixel 6a Review: Is Google’s Budget Phone Worth It?
Welcome to the review of the Google Pixel 6a!
With the increasing competition in the budget phone space, the Pixel 6a isn’t the obvious leader like it has been in the past. In this review, we’ll take a look at the specs, features, and experience of the phone to decide whether it is worth the 449$ price tag.
Personal Experience
I recently got my hands on the Google Pixel 6a and after using it for a few days, I must say I’m impressed. I first heard about the phone on a tech blog so I was excited to try it out.
The first thing I noticed about the phone was its look and design. It’s got the classic two-tone Pixel colors, with a slim camera bump, The control and audio knobs located on the right, plus stereo speakers and a USB-C port on the bottom. There’s no headphone jack and it doesn’t have wireless charging, which was a bit of a letdown for me.
The display was also a mixed bag. The 6.1-inch flat OLED screen looks pretty good, with decent color and good brightness, but it’s only a 60Hz display, which didn’t feel great in terms of smoothness when I was using it. It felt a bit choppy when scrolling and using apps.
Then there’s the software experience. The Pixel 6a runs Google’s latest software, with all the same features as its flagship brothers. Google Assistant, Live Translate, and other amazing features are all here, thanks to its Tensor chip. I was also impressed by the battery life, which proved to be pretty good despite the high-end chip.
The camera was one of the biggest surprises. It’s a 12MP setup with the older, but very reliable Sony IMX 363 sensor, which is the same one found in the Pixel 3, 4, and 5 – and the pictures turned out great! Colors were spot on with no over-processing, dynamic range was good and there was minimal fringe. All-in-all it’s an easy contender for a top budget phone camera.
Overall, I believe the Google Pixel 6a is a great device. Sure, the 60Hz display and lack of wireless charging were letdowns, but they do a great job of balancing it out with the strong software experience, good battery life and reliable camera. If you’re looking for a budget phone with solid features, the Pixel 6a is definitely worth considering.
Features of the Google Pixel 6A Design
The Google Pixel 6a is designed with an unmistakable Pixel look, featuring two-tone colors, A recognizable stripe through the middle, and aluminum rails. The 6.1″ flat 1080p OLED screen has a 60Hz refresh rate and a distinctive top-centre punch-hole cutout, plus a built-in fingerprint scanner. It is IP67 rated and is powered by a USB-C port at the bottom. The Pixel 6a lacks wireless charging, headphone jack, and any notable camera protrusion, but does have dual speakers and audio feedback.
Display on the Google Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a features a 6.1″ flat 1080p OLED screen that runs at 60Hz, with a central aperture and an embedded fingerprint scanner. The display has good clarity coupled with vibrant colors, enough to allow for HDR even when used outdoors. However, there is a noticeable ‘choppiness’ with the display, with it not being as smooth as other 60 hertz phones. Additionally, The auto brightness can be temperamental and the fingerprint scanner is sluggish.
Evaluating the Google Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a offers users a reliable software experience and quality camera for a budget-friendly option. The 6.1 inch level 1080p OLED panel is reasonably crisp and vivid in color, with HDR compatibility and in-display fingerprint reader. Though it does have a fast processor, the lack of a higher refresh rate creates a choppiness that can be noticed by users. The camera is a 12 megapixel Sony IMX sensor which is a dependable choice for capturing quality photos. For those looking for a budget-friendly phone with reliable performance, the Google Pixel 6a is a solid choice.
What Features Does the Google Pixel 6A Offer?
The Google Pixel 6A offers many features, Featuring a 6.1 inch flat 1080p Organic Light-Emitting Diode display, an IP67 rating, stereo speakers, A 12MP rear camera, along with an in-screen biometric security system, is integrated into the device. It also runs on the same chip, The identical software usability and similar two-tone hues are shared by the top-of-the-line Pixel 6 handset.
Additionally, the Pixel 6A offers a sage green color and a slimmer camera bump than previous models. However, this phone does not support wireless charging or come with a headphone jack. Finally, the Pixel 6A also has a slightly slower 60 Hz display, which may not be ideal for those coming from faster models.
Performance of Google Pixel 6a Cameras
The Google Pixel 6a features a 12MP dual-camera system, comprising a traditional lens and a wide-angle one., The venerable Sony IMX 363 component, a fixture on Pixel devices for years,. Despite the lower number on paper, the cameras on the Pixel 6a are still able to produce crisp, contrasty and confident shots due to the power of Google’s computational photography. It also has an ultra wide camera lens, The iPhone SE lacks, Spectacular 4K footage up to 60fps can be captured by the device. The camera can handle dynamic range and highlights very well, Error. Overall, the cameras on the Google Pixel 6a are reliable and will suit the needs of the average user.
The link to purchase a Google Pixel 6a 5G phone from Amazon can be found here
Battery Life of Google Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a has a 4,400 mAh battery which many had concerns about due to its higher-end chip. However, the 60hz display helps to balance the battery out, resulting in decent battery life overall. There are still some annoyances such as the lack of wireless charging, but overall battery life of the Google Pixel 6a is satisfactory.
Pros of the Google Pixel 6a
- Two-tone colors and recognizable camera bar design that makes the device unmistakably Pixel.
- Runs the same smooth software experience and has the same high-end chip as the flagship models.
- The venerable Sony IMX 363 sensor in the camera is praised as an exceptional smartphone camera, boasting sharp contrast, vivid colors and wide dynamic range.
Cons of the Google Pixel 6a
- No wireless charging and no headphone jack
- Lower resolution 1080p display with noticeable off-axis rainbowing and a slow in-display fingerprint reader.
- 60 Hz display that is choppy and not as smooth as other 60 Hz displays.
Conclusion regarding the Google Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6A is a solid budget phone that offers a lot of the same features found in their more expensive models, including a good camera and a fast processor. However, its limited battery life, lack of wireless charging, and choppy display may be turn-offs for some. Although it is not the obvious hands-down winner of the budget phone market, the Pixel 6A is still a great phone overall, with reliable performance and a good camera, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly device.
FAQ’s regarding the Google Pixel 6a
What is Google’s new budget phone?
Google’s new budget phone is the Pixel 6a.
How does the Pixel 6a look?
The Pixel 6a looks similar to other Pixel 6 phones, with two-tone colors, A distinct, easily distinguishable strip of camera equipment lies across the center with aluminum tracks on either side.
What kind of display does the Pixel 6a have?
The Pixel 6a comes with a 6.1 inch flat 1080p OLED screen at 60Hz, showcasing a central hole-punch design and an underneath fingerprint scanner.