Google Pixel 6a: Early reviews compare fingerprint scanner speed with Pixel 6 Pro and camera quality with iPhone 13 Pro Max
The Pixel 6a has not arrived yet, with Google confirming that orders will start shipping on July 28. However, two YouTubers have received early units and are already putting them through their paces. Earlier this month, Fazli Halim showcased the Pixel 6a in a hands-on video comparing the handset against the Pixel 6 Pro. Now, Halim has highlighted in a new video that the Pixel 6a has a superior fingerprint scanner than the rest of the Pixel 6 series.
As the video below shows, the sensor in the Pixel 6a unlocks the device faster than the equivalent can in the Pixel 6 Pro. Arguably, this should come as no surprise, considering that Google confirmed that it had equipped the Pixel 6a with a newer fingerprint sensor than the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro. Although not a massive change, early reviews derided the speed at which the fingerprint sensors in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro recognised registered fingerprints.
Meanwhile, a video by Izami Gadget compares the camera capabilities of the Pixel 6a with the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max. It is worth stressing that the price difference alone between the two devices makes this comparison unfair. Also, the Pixel 6a will be running pre-release software; presumably, camera performance will improve by the time Google starts shipping to consumers. Still, the comparison offers a few insights even at this stage.
For one, the Pixel 6a offers decent image quality regardless of the lighting conditions, albeit not to the same extent as the iPhone 13 Pro Max. On the other hand, Izami Gadget notes that the Pixel 6a struggles to manage waste heat when recording videos. Hopefully, Google fixes this by the device's launch, because Izami Gadget claimed that their handset disabled its cameras after only four minutes to minimise temperatures. For reference, Google equips the Pixel 6a with the same primary camera as the Pixel 5a and early Pixel smartphones. You can read more about the Pixel 6a in our corresponding launch article.