Description
Meet Pixel 6a, the more affordable Google phone that adapts to you.[8] Powered by Google Tensor, it’s super fast and secure, with an amazing battery and camera. And it’s an unlocked Android smartphone, so you can choose the data plan and carrier that work for you.[1] LEGAL [1]Works with all major carriers. 5G service is carrier dependent. Requires a 5G data plan (sold separately). 5G service not available on all carrier networks or in all areas. Contact carrier for details. 5G service, speed and performance depend on many factors, including carrier network capabilities and signal strength. Actual results may vary. Some features not available in all areas. Data rates may apply. See g.co/pixel/networkinfo for info. [2]Estimated battery life based on testing using a median Pixel user battery usage profile across a mix of talk, data, standby, and use of other features. Average battery life during testing was approximately 29 hours. Battery life depends upon many factors and usage of certain features will decrease battery life. Battery testing conducted in California in early 2022 on pre-production hardware and software, using default settings. Battery testing conducted using Sub-6 GHz non-standalone 5G (ENDC) connectivity. Actual battery life may be lower. [3]Requires Google Photos app. Magic Eraser may not work on all image elements. [4]Wired charging rates up to 18W based on use of Google 30W USB-C® or Google 18W USB-C® Charger plugged into a wall outlet. Actual results may be slower. Adapters sold separately. Compatible with USB PD 3.0 PPS adapters. [5]Not available in all languages or countries. Not available on all media or apps. See g.co/pixel/livetranslate for more information. Translation may not be instantaneous. 3Your Pixel will receive feature drops during the applicable Android update and support periods for the phone. See g.co/pixel/updates for details. [6]Internet connection required during setup only. [7]Designed to comply with dust and water protection rating IP67 under IEC standard 60529 when each device leaves the factory but the device is not water or dust proof. The accessories are not water or dust resistant. Water resistance and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and will diminish or be lost over time due to normal wear and tear, device repair, disassembly or damage. Dropping your device may result in loss of water/dust resistance. Liquid damage voids the warranty. See g.co/pixel/water for details. [8]Compared to Pixel 5a. [9]Deblurring may not work on all photos or videos with faces. [10]Some third party apps and data may not be transferred automatically. Visit g.co/pixel/copydatahelp for information. [11]Measured diagonally; dimension may vary by configuration and manufacturing process. Smooth Display is not available for all apps or content. Smooth Display automatically adjusts to optimize for best viewing and battery performance. [12]Measured diagonally; dimension may vary by configuration and manufacturing process. [13]Maximum resolution and field of view with RAW image files setting turned on. Setting is turned off by default. See g.co/pixel/photoediting for more information. [14]Storage specifications refer to capacity before formatting. Actual formatted capacity will be less. [15]Your Pixel will receive feature drops during the applicable Android update and support periods for the phone. See g.co/pixel/updates for details. [16]Compared to MSRP of Pixel 6. [17]See g.co/pixel/astrophotography for details.
Kay Marie –
Caleb –
The biggest drawback so far is one I didn’t mention originally: the charging time. It’s not BAD, necessarily, but still slower than my previous 4-year-old phone. It takes about an hour to charge from 0% to 80%. The battery life hasn’t been an issue, at least; I can get through a day on about 60% charge.
I’ve gotten used to the fingerprint sensor, though it is still a little finicky.
Regarding overheating, I regularly work in 90-110 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours at a time, and I haven’t had any glaring issues. It just gets a little draggy when it’s hot. (And apparently, it won’t let you use the flash when it’s warm.)
One great thing I didn’t mention before are the haptics/vibration. I particularly like them in this phone for typing, etc. I can always feel it in my pocket when I’m getting a call, which I can’t say for the last few phones I’ve had before this one.
8/1/2022: I’ve had this phone for only a couple of days now, but my first impressions are very positive. My previous phone was the Essential PH-1, which now has a shot battery, and my biggest struggle in finding a replacement for it was finding a device that was the right size. There are plenty of great phones for this price range out there, but almost all of them are all HUGE.
Funnily enough, there’s already a great review by another previous Essential PH-1 user, so I’ll probably end up repeating a few of the same points.
THE PROS:
-The camera experience is MUCH better on the Pixel than with the PH-1. Google phone cameras have never failed me.
-The stock-feeling Android experience is great and super snappy on the Pixel, and rather customizable. I love being able to activate dark mode on all of my standard apps. Besides that, it will be receiving updates for 5 more years.
-The phone design is sharp and the Sage color is unexpectedly cool. The back feels like glass but is made of plastic, which obviously helps to make the phone feel as lightweight as it does. The buttons are nice and clicky.
-I use Straight Talk as my carrier. So far, reception has been great, even compared to the Essential PH-1.
-The size is NEARLY 100% PERFECT, but it borders on being just a touch on the tall side. I still like the shape enough that I don’t mind a bit. I have medium-large hands, and I really wanted to stay with a slim device that fits comfortably in one hand and thrives with single-thumb use.
-Some are concerned about the phone’s 60 hz refresh rate. I’ve never actually owned a phone with anything higher, so as far as I’m concerned, the display is buttery smooth.
THE MEH:
-So far, I haven’t experienced any overheating or bugs… with one exception. For whatever reason, my Pixel did not ship with the Magic Eraser tool in the photo editing app.
-Battery life isn’t exactly life-changing, but it’ll get you through a full day’s use after an hour’s charge, no problem. Even intensive use doesn’t seem to drain the battery too quickly.
-The dual speakers are nice, but I noticed max volume is comparatively sorta quiet.
THE CONS:
-My only real nitpick with this phone so far is the front/display fingerprint sensor. After owning a device with a rear fingerprint sensor, it feels like a bit of a drawback. The PH-1’s rear sensor provided instant unlock, whereas the Pixel’s front sensor is barely slower AND a little finicky; sometimes, it takes a couple of tries for it to recognize my thumbprint. It works decently enough even with a screen protector, but like any fingerprint sensor, I wouldn’t expect great results if your fingerprint is worn away at all.
-It comes with a usb-c to usb-c charging cable, but no charger block. I highly dislike that trend.
OVERALL, I am really enjoying the phone and hope it does hold out well for the next 5 years of updates. Even with my small nitpick concerning the fingerprint sensor, I love the camera, the lightweight Android experience, and especially the phone’s size.
Zalman C. –
Jessica Moore –
707Mark –
But Google stopped supporting the 3a a while back, and I like having the security and other updates from Google (Pixel phones are among the first to get these), so I looked around, and for me the 6a was overall the best choice. It DEFINITELY has better battery life than the 3a or any previous smartphone. Pics are good too; maybe not quite up there with the best phones, but very good. Runs all my apps seamlessly. So far, I have zero regrets, I would totally do this again.