The wait for Google’s latest mid-range, stock Android phone is over. Google today (12 May 2022) announced the Google Pixel 6a, which contains the same Google Tensor chipset that powered the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
Despite sharing the same mobile processor, the Pixel 6a touts several benefits over its flagship siblings. It’s cheaper at an official retail price of US$449 (Pixel 6 started at US$599). Pixel 6a also slightly smaller with a 6.1-inch display, making it more portable.
Pixel 6a will still have all the Google promises it had for AI and device support: Recorder, Live Caption, Live Translate, on-device processing for translations, five years of security updates, three years of Android OS updates, and regular monthly firmware updates. In addition, the Titan M2 security chip and in-display fingerprint sensor remain on the phone.
It touts two 12MP rear cameras – one main and one ultra-wide – while packing in the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro optimisations. Pixel 6a will still carry Real Tone for better skin tone representation in photos, Night Sight for low-light captures, and Magic Eraser for removing unwanted objects in your stills.
According to Google, the cost savings on the Pixel 6a come from the cameras used, its smaller build, and differences in onboard memory configuration from the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. The Pixel 6a also lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, opting instead to carry a single USB-C port.
The phone comes in three colourways: Charcoal, Chalk, and Sage.
It officially begins retail at US$449 starting on 28 July 2022 in the U.S., with pre-orders starting soon. Google Singapore confirmed that the Pixel 6a is also slated for the Singapore market, but is unable to give us official pricing or shelf dates just yet.
Previously, the Pixel 5a was only available in Japan and the U.S., so one can only hope Google would be willing to carry some Pixel 6a units for mid-range stock Android fans here.