Google Pixel 6a: Leaked specs of Google's upcoming mid-ranger hint at eventual Pixel 6 redundancy

The Google Pixel 6 series debuted last month, with the vanilla Pixel 6 promising excellent value thanks to its US$599 price tag. It appears, however, that Google is working on an even more attractive proposition, in the guise of the Pixel 6a.

Yesterday, renders of the Google Pixel 6a surfaced online, depicting a device with a design identical to that of the Pixel 6. Notable takeaways include a centered hole punch, two rear cameras, a missing rear capacitive reader, and the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack. Mostly positive, but tipped specs of the phone are what truly impress.

According to word from China, the Google Pixel 6a will be powered by a Snapdragon 778G, a logical upgrade from the Snapdragon 765G on the Pixel 5a. In addition, the leaker claims that the Pixel 6a will feature the same 50 MP camera on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, the ISOCELL GN1. That shouldn't be surprising, as phones like the Pixel 3a, Pixel 4a, and Pixel 5a have all used the same sensors as their more premium siblings. Lastly, the Pixel 6a is expected to feature a 6.2-inch straight AMOLED display, although refresh rates remain unknown. It's likely that Google equips the Pixel 6a with a regular 60 Hz display in a bid to keep the Pixel 6 more "premium".

Even if the Pixel 6a features a 60 Hz panel, it's hard to see how it won't instantly be one of the most attractive offerings in the mid-range segment. Camera performance has been the Pixel series' selling point, and keeping an objectively premium sensor on the cheaper phone sets it up for success. In addition, Google's Tensor has delivered rather polarizing performance, and the Snapdragon 778G wouldn't be a downgrade for most typical workloads. If the Pixel 6a retains the Pixel 5a's US$449 price tag, it may well be a better option than the regular Pixel 6, although that phone looks set to be offered with significant discounts these days.

Buy the Google Pixel 6a on Amazon.