Google Pixel 6 Versus Google Pixel 6a

The Google Pixel 6, which was announced and released in October 2021, is widely considered one of the best smartphones on the market. At Google’s I/O event on May 11 and May 12, 2022, Google announced the plan to release the mid-range Google Pixel 6a this summer. The Google Pixel 6a will cost $449, about $150 cheaper than the Google Pixel 6. As a result, many customers may wonder if the Pixel 6 is worth the extra cost.

The Google Pixel 6 was the first Google phone to feature Google’s in-house Tensor chip. The Tensor chip, meant to compete with Apple’s M1 chip that has not yet made it to iPhones, is Google’s first in-house chip. It has impressive AI capabilities, including automatic photo clean-up and increased video stability.

One of the biggest selling points of the Google Pixel 6 is the three cameras, featuring a telephoto, ultra-wide, and standard lens on a striking camera bar. The standard lens sets the Google Pixel 6 apart from previous models with a new Samsung 50 MP lens. This lens can absorb more light and uses an LDAF sensor for better focus, creating crisper and higher-quality photos.

Its Android 12 software is widget-friendly, and the Google phone includes the Material You feature that allows users to customize their widgets. Other features unique to the Google Pixel 6 series are Magic Eraser, Face Unblur, and live language translation powered by the Tensor chip.

It also has a fingerprint scanner, though there are complaints that it is slow and does not always work very well. It has wireless charging capabilities and boasts an all-day battery life, with up to 48 hours of battery using Extreme Battery Saver.

The Google Pixel 6 starts at $599 for 128GB of storage, and customers can upgrade to 256 GB for $699.

The mid-range Google Pixel 6a offers many of the same features as the Google Pixel 6, with a few notable differences. The Google Pixel 6a also operates on Google’s Tensor chip, keeping the Pixel 6 series consistent and giving the Pixel 6a many of the same features, such as live language translation and Material You.

The Google Pixel 6a has 6GB of Ram compared to the Pixel 6’s 8GB. The 6a also has 128 GB of storage with no option to upgrade. It may also charge slightly slower than the Google Pixel 6 and doesn’t support wireless charging, but it still boasts an all-day battery life.

The Pixel 6a is slightly more compact and may not be as resistant to damage as the Pixel 6 due to different materials. The Pixel 6 has a Gorilla Glass 6 rear panel, while the 6a has a 3D thermoformed composite back. Though both Google phones claim a vivid display in the sunlight, the 6a has a 60HZ refresh rate compared to the Pixel 6’s 90HZ. Like the Google Pixel 6, the Pixel 6a has a fingerprint scanner but uses a different sensor.

The biggest difference between the Google Pixel 6 and the Google Pixel 6a is the standard camera lens. Both have the same ultra-wide lens, but while the Pixel 6 uses the new Samsung 50MP lens, the Pixel 6a has the same 12MP lens used in previous Pixel models. However, thanks to the Tensor chip, the pictures may be slightly higher quality than seen in earlier Pixel models.

For $150 more, the Google Pixel 6 provides a faster refresh later, a much better camera, 2GB more RAM, and the opportunity to purchase with 256GB of storage. The Pixel 6 is overall the better phone, but the Pixel 6a still provides a strong smartphone experience with comparable battery life and Google’s in-house Tensor chip.

The Pixel 6’s camera may be enough to sway customers to spend the extra $150. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality smartphone for a good price and aren’t too worried about photo quality, the Pixel 6a is a great phone.

Google boasts their Preferred Care plans are the best Google Pixel warranty, claiming they cover accidental damage in their two-year plan. For the Google Pixel 6, they charge $150 for a two-year plan. Customers will also pay a $29 deductible for a broken screen and a $149 deductible for any other mechanical problems, electrical malfunctions, or any other damage. So while the plan technically covers accidental damage, customers are still liable to pay a decent amount to repair their phones.

In comparison, Upsie only charges $115.99 for a two-year Google Pixel warranty. They have a $49 deductible for repairs and a $99 deductible for replacements. As a result, customers have more money in their pockets while having the peace of mind that their device is protected. In addition, Upsie’s smartphone warranties cover manufacturing defects, screen cracks, drops, spills, and other damage to the phone.

When customers choose Upsie, they gain comprehensive and transparent protection at an affordable price.