Google Pixel 6a rumours – spec, launch date, everything we know
Google has a strong history with Android phones – as you’d expect given it owns the operating system. While its Pixel lineup has majored on well-specced midrange phones, the pick of the range has often been their entry-level counterparts. In particular, the Pixel 3a and 4a are superb budget handsets. But with the Pixel 6 range, Google is competing more directly with flagship phones from Apple and Samsung. The Pixel 6a is likely to deliver even more bang for your buck, which is why so many of us are interested in the latest Google Pixel 6a rumours.
If you want to upgrade an ageing Android phone, or you’re looking at alternatives to an iPhone SE (2022) or other cheaper iPhone, the Pixel 6a is definitely one to watch. Here’s everything we know about the Pixel 6a specs, launch dates and pricing.
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Google Pixel 6a launch date
It’s long been rumoured that the Google Pixel 6a will launch in May 2022, and those rumours appear even more credible now. In a recent earnings call, Google’s Sundar Pichai mentioned the company would be announcing products at Google I/O, scheduled for 11 and 12 May. Those products are widely expected to include the new budget Pixel.
There are a couple of possible flies in the ointment. The global chip shortage continues, which could cause delays in availability. Equally it’s worth mentioning that the Pixel 5a only launched in August 2021. It would be unusual to replace a phone so quickly, but bear in mind that the Pixel 5a is only available in the US and Japan. Given the success of the Pixel 6, Google probably wants to get a budget version into the global market as quickly as possible.
Google Pixel 6a design
The Pixel 6a looks set to continue the bold design direction taken by the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Moulds produced for accessory companies suggest a slightly smaller phone than the Pixel 6, but still with the distinctive camera bar across the back. Some renderings show the Pixel 6a without the two-tone colours of existing Pixel 6 phones, but many sources expect it to be similarly colourful.
Leaked renders show the Pixel 6a seems to have a glass back, and that it doesn’t have a headphone port. Given that the Pixel 6 phones and the Pixel 5a are water resistant, it seems likely the Pixel 6a will also have at least basic protection.
Google Pixel 6a display
The Pixel 6a is expected to get a flat 6.2” screen which will almost certainly be an OLED panel – that’s a major upgrade compared to the 4.7” LCD you get in an iPhone SE (2022). Sources differ on whether it will get an enhanced refresh rate. Some say it’ll stick with 60Hz, while others anticipate 90 or even 120Hz. Renders show the screen with a hole-punch camera cutout similar to other Pixel 6 phones, and suggest it’ll also get their under-screen fingerprint sensor.
Google Pixel 6a features
The Pixel 6a will support 5G. It’s also likely to follow the pattern that sees Pixel phones get unique enhancements, such as a voice recorder app with live transcription. If rumours about Google’s Tensor processor prove true (see below), expect excellent AI-powered assistant features, along with impressive photo enhancements.
Google Pixel 6a performance
Budget phones often get a processor downgrade, but rumours have it that the Pixel 6a will have Google’s Tensor processor, as featured in the rest of the Pixel 6 range. If true, that’s brilliant news. While Tensor can’t match the latest iPhones for raw power, it does compare well among Android phones.
More importantly, it’s focused on AI with the goal of providing smart features and enhancements not available on other phones. A Tensor-equipped Pixel 6a might offer leading Pixel 6 features such as Magic Eraser, which helps you touch unwanted objects out of photos.
Google Pixel 6a camera
Rumours and renders suggest that the Pixel 6a will get a dual camera at the rear, similar to the Google Pixel 6. However, while that phone combines a 50 megapixel (MP) wide camera and 12MP ultrawide, it’s thought the Pixel 6a will get two 12MP sensors.
Pixels have a habit of over delivering when it comes to photography, though. While a 12MP main sensor is behind the curve, Google’s processing prowess means the Pixel 6a will probably still take exceptional photographs. In particular, it’s likely to thoroughly outperform the single-lens, 12MP sensor on the iPhone SE (2022), which suffers badly from its lack of Night Mode.
Google Pixel 6a battery
It’s rumoured that the Pixel 6a battery will have a 4,800mAh capacity, up from 4,680mAh in the Pixel 5a, and also bigger than the 4,614mAh you get in the Pixel 6. If true, it’s likely that battery life will at least be a match for the mainstream Pixel 6. Given that the Pixel 6a has a smaller screen, it may even be slightly better.
The Pixel 6a is also expected to get 30W fast charging – not the quickest, but faster than the iPhone SE (2022). It’s not yet clear whether the Google Pixel 6a will charge wirelessly. Given the feature was missing from the Pixel 3a, 4a and 5a, it’s quite possible that it won’t.
Google Pixel 6a UK price
The Pixel 6a will clearly be cheaper than the regular Pixel 6 which, if you buy it from Google, costs £599. It’s significantly better specified than the Pixel 4a, which last sold in the UK for £349, so expect a price somewhere near the middle of those two points.
Given that the Pixel 6a will likely go head to head with the Apple iPhone SE (2022), which costs £419 if you buy it from Apple, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the two phones very close on price. If Google can beat Apple’s entry point, the Pixel 6a is even more likely to be a success.