Google Pixel 6a Versus 6

People love their smartphones. A lot of consumers fall into one camp or the other, Apple and iOS or Android. Android offers an extremely wide selection of smartphones, including the Google Pixel 6 or Google Pixels 6a. Both the Google Pixel 6 and 6a phones have become very popular choices among smartphone users.

The original Pixel Google 6 was launched in October 2021, and it cost $600. It’s loaded with dozens of powerful features like:

The Google Pixel 6 comes in three colors: Stormy Black, Kinda Coral, and Sorta Seafoam. It comes in two flavors: the regular version and a Pro version.

Google announced its Pixel 6a in May 2022 and released it on July 28th. It’s a stripped-down, cheaper model than the 6 for budget-conscious consumers who don’t mind losing a few high-tech specs.

The Pixel 6a features the same chipset but has only 6GB of RAM. The screen size is slightly smaller (6.1” versus 6.4” on the Google Pixel 6). The battery is slightly less powerful (4410mAh) and runs for 18 hours on a single charge. Both cameras are also stripped down. For example, the rear is only 12MP, and the front-facing camera is 8MP. The Pixel 6a comes in three colors, Charcoal, Chalk, and Sage, and it costs only $449.

When we compare the Google Pixel 6a versus the Pixel 6, there are some significant differences that may or may not matter to you.

For starters, both phones look identical. Google used the same design for both the 6 and 6a, with the rear of the phone sporting a camera strip at the top.

The Google 6a has a plastic back called “3D thermoformed composite,” whereas the Pixel 6 has Gorilla Glass.

Additionally, to cut the price, Google lowered the refresh rate on the 6a to 60Hz. The Pixel 6 uses a 90Hz which means blazing fast, smooth screens.

Using the same chipset means the phones operate pretty much the same. You won’t lose much in the way of performance if you choose the less expensive 6a. However, the 6 does have 2GB more RAM.

Google cut some serious corners with the camera systems on the 6a, but if you don’t take a lot of pictures and aren’t married to quality, the 12MP model should work just fine for you. The Pixel 6 offers ultra-wide camera angles and better color adjustment. The Pixel 6a fails when it comes to taking fast motion pictures, so if that matters to you, opt for version 6.

The difference in cameras is the most significant variant between the two smartphones. To justify the smaller price, Google had to cut somewhere, and they cut cameras in a big way.

On a single charge, the Pixel 6 can go 23 hours without recharging. The Pixel 6a, on the other hand, can only last 18 hours before you need to charge it. That is because of the smaller battery.

Both versions are guaranteed five years of security updates and Android updates until October 2024. Additionally, Google promises three major OS updates for the Pixel 6a.

You can pick up a Google Pixel 6 for $600, and the lesser featured Pixel 6a for $450. It’s really about balancing features versus price and what you value most.

Remember to check out the Google Pixel warranty regardless of which model you choose. Most smartphone warranties are limited and only cover one year of manufacturing defects. In addition, manufacturer warranties don't cover accidental damage. For better protection, purchase an extended warranty.

Purchasing an extended warranty means that your phone is safe from manufacturing defects and accidental damage. For example, an Upsie Smartphone Subscription Warranty covers:

Breaking your screen even once can cost upwards of $150. If you have to pay for multiple out-of-pocket repairs, that could get expensive quickly. Thankfully, you save money when you choose Upsie. Upsie's warranties cost just $9.99 per month, whci his less than warranties from phone carriers. In addition, you can purchase an Upsie warranty for any phone (regardless of when you bought it) as long as it is in good working condition.

Protect all your electronics with Upsie! It’s a no-hassle approach to insuring your valuable items.