Google Pixel 6a review - Powerful mid-range smartphone with a small display handicap
The Pixel 6a is the most affordable smartphone from Google's Pixel 6 lineup. Compared to the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 6, the manufacturer is less ambitious with the Pixel 6a. Besides the smaller and more compact 6.1-inch form factor, we can also see this in several equipment characteristics. For example, the Pixel 6a only offers a 60-Hz display, a plastic back cover, 6 GB instead of 8 GB of RAM, and a 12-MP instead of a 50-MP camera.
On the other hand, the Pixel 6a and its sibling models offer the same performance. With the Tensor chip, the Pixel 6a contains exactly the same 5-nm SoC as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, which ensures a high performance.
Possible Competitors in Comparison
Rating | Date | Model | Weight | Drive | Size | Resolution | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85.8 % v7 (old) | 09 / 2022 | Google Pixel 6a Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20 | 178 g | 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | 6.10" | 2400x1080 | |
| 86.1 % v7 (old) | 04 / 2022 | Apple iPhone SE 2022 A15, A15 GPU 5-Core | 144 g | 64 GB SSD | 4.70" | 1334x750 | |
| 87.4 % v7 (old) | 11 / 2021 | Google Pixel 6 Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20 | 207 g | 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | 6.40" | 2400x1080 | |
| 85.3 % v7 (old) | 02 / 2022 | Motorola Moto G200 5G SD 888+ 5G, Adreno 660 | 202 g | 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | 6.80" | 2460x1080 | |
| 85.6 % v7 (old) | 07 / 2022 | Nothing Phone (1) SD 778G+ 5G, Adreno 642L | 193.5 g | 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | 6.55" | 2400x1080 | |
| 83.4 % v7 (old) | 06 / 2022 | Samsung Galaxy A53 Exynos 1280, Mali-G68 MP4 | 189 g | 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash | 6.50" | 2400x1080 | |
| 87.7 % v7 (old) | 03 / 2022 | Xiaomi 12 SD 8 Gen 1, Adreno 730 | 179 g | 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | 6.28" | 2400x1080 |
Case - High quality, light, and IP67 certified
With a screen diagonal of 6.1 inch, the Google Pixel 6a belongs to the compact smartphones and scores with a comfortably light weight of 178 grams (~6.28 oz). Despite its plastic back cover, the Pixel 6a feels just as high-quality as its more expensive sibling models. The design is identical to that of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, with the camera bulge being significantly flatter, though.
The workmanship and haptics of the Google smartphone are very good. In the test, our warping attempts are unable to get the Pixel 6a, which is also dust and waterproof according to the IP67 standard, to produce any creaking noises or other responses, even with the use of some force. The power button and volume rocker have some play in their frames, but also offer a crisp pressure point. The AMOLED display is protected by Gorilla Glas 3. In all the color versions, the front and back are connected by a matte black aluminum frame.
Google offers the Pixel 6a in white (Chalk), green (Sage), and black (Charcoal) color. This is really a two-color design, since the color tone is slightly different above the camera bulge, which is always black and protrudes from the case by about 1 mm (~0.04 in). In our white test unit, the top presents itself in a darker white, while the green and black versions are slightly lighter in that area. Since the camera bulge goes across the whole width of the back cover, the smartphone doesn't wobble, when it is placed on a flat surface.
Equipment - 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage in the Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a offers 6 GB of LPDDR5-RAM and 128 GB of UFS-3.1 storage, so it has 2 GB less working memory than the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Since it lacks a microSD slot, you cannot expand the internal storage. Users also have to live without a 3.5-mm audio port, which was still included in the equipment of the Pixel 5a, and likewise there is also no notification LED, IR blaster, or radio receiver.
In addition to Bluetooth 5.2 and NFC, the Pixel 6a includes a fast USB-C port that runs at USB 3.1 Gen 1 speed and supports USB OTG. One of the stereo speakers is placed next to the USB-C port, and the second is hidden behind a small notch at the top of the display.
Software - Android 13 and a guarantee for long updates
With the Pixel smartphones from Google, users get a pure Android. In addition, there are several Pixel-exclusive features such as the Material You design, translations in real-time using the camera, and the Live display, which shows notifications and other useful information directly on the start and lock screen.
The long time period of upgrades and the fast availability of new Android versions are powerful purchase arguments for the Pixel 6a. According to the support website, Google wants to provide upgrades for its budget smartphone until at least July of 2025, with Android security patches being provided until at least July of 2027.
The Pixel 6a received Android 13 with its September update, which also brought the Android security patches to the level of September 1 – more current would not be possible at the time of our test.
Communication and GNSS - A lot of frequency bands and fast Wi-Fi 6E
Due to its high level of frequency band support, including 28 4G bands and 17 5G bands, you can connect to the net practically anywhere with the Pixel 6a. However, the G1AZG model available in EU countries is limited to the Sub6 area in terms of 5G, while the GB62Z model available from Verizon in the US additionally also supports mmWave, allowing for even faster data transfers.
With Wi-Fi 6E, the smallest of the three Pixel 6 smartphones supports the most current WLAN standard. In combination with our Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 reference router, it achieves very high transfer rates for a mid-range smartphone, which are also very stable.
| Networking | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Average of class Smartphone (34.8 - 1875, n=190, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Average of class Smartphone (40.5 - 1810, n=192, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| Average of class Smartphone (229 - 1945, n=80, last 2 years) | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Average of class Smartphone (668 - 1864, n=80, last 2 years) | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| iperf3 transmit AX12 | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| iperf3 receive AX12 | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
To locate its position, the Pixel 6a uses the GPS (L1), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1), QZSS (L1), and BeiDou (B1) satellite navigation services. The sat fix succeeds extremely quickly in our test. The smartphone already shows a GNSS signal right after starting the GPS Test app, and then locates our position indoors with an accuracy of up to 4 meters (~13 ft). Outdoors, the locating succeeds just as quickly with an accuracy of up to 3 meters (~10 ft).
During our little bike tour, the Pixel 6a is compared with the Garmin Venu2 fitness tracker and shows that it is very well suited for navigation tasks. Even though the smartwatch delivers the more exact position information, the smartphone records the route taken just as accurately, aside from a few small outliers.
Telephone Functions and Voice Quality
The Pixel 6a has space for a single Nano SIM card. In addition to the physical SIM card, you can also connect an eSIM with the smartphone. VoLTE and WLAN telephony are supported.
In our test, the Pixel 6a produces a good voice quality. Holding up the earpiece, voices sound natural during phone calls and the noise suppression also does a good job. On the other hand, the Google smartphone is less convincing in speaker mode. While the voices are still clearly understandable, they then sound fairly dull.
Cameras - Belong to the best in the mid-range
The smallest Pixel 6 uses other camera sensors than its more expensive sibling models. In the main camera, the Pixel 6a doesn't use the powerful 50-MP Samsung ISOCELL GN1, but the older Sony IMX363 with 12 MP, which was already used in the Pixel 5, Pixel 4, and Pixel 3. The ultrawide angle camera (Sony IMX386) also offers a 12-MP resolution. The selfie camera (Sony IMX 355) has an 8-MP resolution and produces good selfies.
Even though the Pixel 6a doesn't offer any high-end sensors, the camera software does its best to bring the Sony chips to their full potential. The results are really worth seeing, since you can currently hardly find a better image quality in the mid-range segment.
In good light conditions, the main camera takes sharp pictures that are rich in contrast and impress with vibrant and natural-looking colors and a large dynamic range. Even under lowlight conditions, the recording performance is significantly better than that of many other mid-range smartphones. The ultrawide angle camera also does a good job, but the image quality isn't quite as good as that of the main camera, and the edge areas tend to blurriness and discoloration.
Afterwards, you can also work with the recordings using various AI functions. Those include the Magic Eraser integrated into Google Photos, for example, which removes selected objects from the picture, or the Real Tone Filter also contained in the app for an optimal reproduction of skin tones.
The camera in the back records videos in up to 4K at 60 FPS, optionally also in slow motion or time lapse. With the optical and electronic image stabilization, it succeeds in taking good recordings.
Image Comparison
Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.
Daylight picture 1Daylight picture 2Ultrawide angle5x zoomLowlight picture
We take a closer look at the camera in our test lab. Under optimal light conditions, the colors are reproduced fairly natural, with only a slight outlier toward the top in green color tones. Under lowlight conditions, the colors are still easily recognizable.
Even at only 1 Lux of light, the colors in the pictures of the color card can still be associated with the original colors without any trouble. The test chart is still easily recognizable, even if the image sharpness is then slightly decreased.
Accessories and Warranty - Charger not included
Looking at the slim box of the Pixel 6a, you can already see from the outside, that a charger is not included. Instead, you get a USB 2.0 cable (Type-C to C), a SIM tool, a USB-C-to-A adapter, a quick-start manual, and warranty instructions. In the Google web shop, you then also have the option to purchase accessories such as the Pixel 6a case (29 €, ~$28), or a 30-Watt USB-C charger (29 €, ~$28).
In EU countries, you get a 2-year warranty on the Google Pixel 6a.
Input Devices and Operation - Fingerprint sensor and always-on display
Due to its powerful Tensor SoC, the Pixel 6a can be operated very smoothly, without starting to stutter even with many apps open at the same time. However, compared to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, the smartphone still doesn't feel quite as fast, since the display refresh rate is only 60 Hz, while the Pixel 6 reaches 90 Hz and the Pixel 6 Pro 120 Hz. But this should only become apparent to those users who have already enjoyed higher refresh rates before changing to the Pixel 6a.
In terms of biometric unlocking, the Google smartphone only offers the fingerprint sensor, and face recognition is not included in its security repertoire. Supposedly, Face Unlock should still come in an update, but we haven't seen anything so far. If you search the settings for "face recognition," the corresponding option will appear, but it controls another function. At this point, it only serves to improve the automatic accuracy when turning the display.
The optical fingerprint sensor is placed underneath the display and works reliably. The slow processing speed that had been criticized in numerous online communities before was improved via an update in the meantime. If the display is turned off, you first have to activate the fingerprint sensor by tapping on the display. Alternatively, you can also activate the always-on function, which will then also display the fingerprint icon, in addition to the time and date. The always-on display can be activated by a slightly hidden option in the Display, Lock Screen setting, called Always display time and information.
Display - A bright AMOLED panel with 60 Hz and HDR10
The 6.1-inch AMOLED display of the Pixel 6a offers a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+) and runs at a constant 60 Hz. In addition to HDR10, it also supports HDR10+ and HLG.
The Pixel display achieves a brightness that is excellent for a mid-range smartphone, reaching an average of 767.2 cd/m² with a pure white background. The brightness almost even reaches a four-digit value if you limit the measurement to a portion of the image (APL18). The AMOLED panel then reaches up to 998 cd/m². With the brightness sensor turned off, the maximum is 476 cd/m², and we measure 2.59 cd/m² at the lowest brightness setting.
At the lowest brightness setting, the display flickers back and forth between 34 and 240 Hz fairly inconsistently. At higher brightness settings, the amplitude continues to rise, so that users who are sensitive to PWM flickering should expect some difficulties. On the other hand, we do not notice temporal dithering. To evaluate this, we examine the display with a microscope and a slow-motion video (240 FPS).
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 93 %
Center on Battery: 758 cd/m²
Contrast: ∞:1 (Black: 0 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 0.9 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.9
ΔE Greyscale 1.6 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
96.9% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.2
| Google Pixel 6a AMOLED, 2400x1080, 6.1" | Apple iPhone SE 2022 IPS, 1334x750, 4.7" | Google Pixel 6 OLED, 2400x1080, 6.4" | Motorola Moto G200 5G IPS LCD, 2460x1080, 6.8" | Nothing Phone (1) OLED, 2400x1080, 6.6" | Samsung Galaxy A53 AMOLED, 2400x1080, 6.5" | Xiaomi 12 OLED, 2400x1080, 6.3" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | -31% | -17% | -104% | -11% | -31% | -24% | |
| Brightness middle | 758 | 662 -13% | 805 6% | 512 -32% | 620 -18% | 718 -5% | 867 14% |
| Brightness | 767 | 647 -16% | 805 5% | 488 -36% | 625 -19% | 730 -5% | 867 13% |
| Brightness Distribution | 93 | 92 -1% | 98 5% | 87 -6% | 98 5% | 92 -1% | 98 5% |
| Black Level * | 0.4 | 0.36 | |||||
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 0.9 | 1.44 -60% | 1.4 -56% | 3.42 -280% | 1.24 -38% | 1.62 -80% | 1.7 -89% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 2.5 | 4.74 -90% | 3.7 -48% | 5.9 -136% | 2.31 8% | 4.21 -68% | 4.4 -76% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 1.6 | 1.7 -6% | 1.8 -13% | 3.7 -131% | 1.7 -6% | 2 -25% | 1.8 -13% |
| Gamma | 2.2 100% | 2.179 101% | 2.29 96% | 7154 0% | 2.318 95% | 2.156 102% | 2.2 100% |
| CCT | 6599 98% | 6746 96% | 6507 100% | 1.944 334362% | 6325 103% | 6545 99% | 6762 96% |
| Contrast | 1655 | 1422 |
* ... smaller is better
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM detected | 240 Hz |  | |
The display backlight flickers at 240 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) . The frequency of 240 Hz is relatively low, so sensitive users will likely notice flickering and experience eyestrain at the stated brightness setting and below. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8684 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured. | |||
Series of measurements at a fixed zoom level with varying brightness settings
The color reproduction of the AMOLED panel is excellent. If you activate the Natural image mode in the display settings, the deviations from the ideal values are very low.
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2.91 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 1.519 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 1.394 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 11 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (20.9 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 1.78 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 0.834 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 0.9455 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 6 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (32.8 ms). | ||
Due to its bright display, the Pixel 6a strikes a good figure outdoors. If you avoid direct sunlight, the readability is almost always flawless. The contents can also be read easily from steep viewing angles, since the brightness is then only slightly reduced.
Performance - Powerful due to Google Tensor
The Pixel 6 family is the home of the first Google smartphones that are run by the inhouse Tensor SoC. In addition to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, the Pixel 6a can therefore also enjoy using the fast processor. However, in contrast to its sibling models, the Google smartphone has to be content with 6 GB instead of 8 GB of LPDDR5-RAM.
The difference in RAM is not noticeable in the synthetic benchmarks, though. The Pixel 6a runs through the tests practically just as fast as the Pixel 6, delivering a very good performance for a mid-range smartphone. On the other hand, the Snapdragon 888 Plus 5G used in the Motorola Moto G200 5G is even faster.
| AImark - Score v2.x | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Average Google Tensor (5723 - 5967, n=3) | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| UL Procyon AI Inference for Android - Overall Score NNAPI | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Average Google Tensor (21639 - 28581, n=3) | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (1267 - 81594, n=153, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
For graphics computations, the Tensor SoC uses its integrated ARM Mali-G78 MP20 GPU. You also have to search with a magnifying glass to find performance differences between the Pixel 6a and Pixel 6 here. In GFXBench, the refresh rate limitation to 60 Hz prevents higher on-screen values.
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7: T-Rex Onscreen | 1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen
GFXBench 3.0: on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL | 1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen
GFXBench 3.1: on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen | 1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen
GFXBench: on screen Car Chase Onscreen | 1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen | on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen | 2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen | on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen | 1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen
| 3DMark / Wild Life Extreme Unlimited | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| 3DMark / Wild Life Extreme | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| 3DMark / Wild Life Unlimited Score | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| 3DMark / Wild Life Score | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| 3DMark / Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Physics | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| 3DMark / Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Graphics | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| 3DMark / Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| 3DMark / Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| 3DMark / Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Graphics | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| 3DMark / Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Physics | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7 / T-Rex Onscreen | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7 / T-Rex Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| GFXBench 3.0 / Manhattan Onscreen OGL | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| GFXBench 3.0 / 1080p Manhattan Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| GFXBench 3.1 / Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| GFXBench 3.1 / Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| GFXBench / Car Chase Onscreen | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| GFXBench / Car Chase Offscreen | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
The Pixel 6a doesn't show any weakness in the browser speeds, but because of the smaller amount of RAM, it isn't quite as fast as its other Pixel siblings. Web sites are rendered quickly and can also be scrolled smoothly. However, all the Android smartphones in this competition have no chance against the Apple iPhone SE 2022 in the browser benchmarks.
| Jetstream 2 - Total Score | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chrome 99) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (13.8 - 387, n=172, last 2 years) | |
| Xiaomi 12 (Chrome 99.0.4844.58) | |
| Google Pixel 6 (Chrome 96) | |
| Average Google Tensor (75.3 - 91.7, n=3) | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G (Chrome97) | |
| Google Pixel 6a (Firefox 1ß4-2-ß) | |
| Nothing Phone (1) (Chrome 103) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 (Chrome 101) | |
| Speedometer 2.0 - Result | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chome 99) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (15.2 - 569, n=154, last 2 years) | |
| Xiaomi 12 (Chrome 99.0.4844.58) | |
| Google Pixel 6 (Chrome 96) | |
| Average Google Tensor (90.4 - 111, n=3) | |
| Google Pixel 6a (Chrome 105.0.5195.79) | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G (Chrome97) | |
| Nothing Phone (1) (Chome 103) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 (Chome 101) | |
| WebXPRT 3 - Overall | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chrome 99) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (38 - 347, n=82, last 2 years) | |
| Xiaomi 12 (Chrome 99.0.4844.58) | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G (Chrome97) | |
| Google Pixel 6 (Chrome 96) | |
| Nothing Phone (1) (Chrome 103) | |
| Average Google Tensor (77 - 110, n=3) | |
| Google Pixel 6a (Chrome 105.0.5195.79) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 (Chrome 101) | |
| Octane V2 - Total Score | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chrome 99) | |
| Google Pixel 6 (Chrome 96) | |
| Average Google Tensor (33046 - 44034, n=3) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (2228 - 100368, n=213, last 2 years) | |
| Xiaomi 12 (Chrome 99.0.4844.58) | |
| Google Pixel 6a (Chrome 105.0.5195.79) | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G (Chrome97) | |
| Nothing Phone (1) (Chrome 103) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 (Chrome 101) | |
| Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 (Chrome 101) | |
| Nothing Phone (1) (Chrome 103) | |
| Google Pixel 6a (Chrome 105.0.5195.79) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (277 - 28190, n=170, last 2 years) | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G (Chrome97) | |
| Average Google Tensor (915 - 1532, n=3) | |
| Google Pixel 6 (Chrome 96) | |
| Xiaomi 12 (Chrome 99.0.4844.58) | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chrome 99) | |
* ... smaller is better
| Google Pixel 6a | Google Pixel 6 | Motorola Moto G200 5G | Nothing Phone (1) | Samsung Galaxy A53 | Xiaomi 12 | Average 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | Average of class Smartphone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AndroBench 3-5 | -27% | 15% | 32% | -24% | 71% | 12% | 54% | |
| Sequential Read 256KB | 1312.64 | 1546 18% | 1898 45% | 1638 25% | 510.1 -61% | 1851 41% | 1602 ? 22% | 1883 ? 43% |
| Sequential Write 256KB | 712.94 | 233.4 -67% | 712 0% | 1351.9 90% | 486.7 -32% | 1417 99% | 748 ? 5% | 1476 ? 107% |
| Random Read 4KB | 219.53 | 126.2 -43% | 155.9 -29% | 240.6 10% | 229.9 5% | 325.2 48% | 243 ? 11% | 278 ? 27% |
| Random Write 4KB | 225.61 | 190.3 -16% | 322.5 43% | 228.2 1% | 210.8 -7% | 437.5 94% | 244 ? 8% | 311 ? 38% |
Games - Smooth gaming poses no problem
To display current games at maximum detail settings poses no problem for the Pixel 6a. However, more than 60 FPS is impossible, since the display doesn't allow for higher frame rates. Depending on the game, 60 FPS are also not reached, because the frame rate is getting limited, which is probably done in order to save power. This happens, for example, in PUBG Mobile, which runs at 30 FPS in the HD/High setting. While it could handle more, it isn't allowed. In Armajet, on the other hand, the display refresh rate can be used up to the maximum.
We determine the frame rates when gaming with our Gamebench test tool.
Emissions - Throttling under load
Temperatures
Although the surface temperatures of the Pixel 6a quickly surpass the 30-°C mark (86 °F) in operation, at a maximum of 38.2 °C (~101 °F), it never feels uncomfortably hot. However, to achieve this, the smartphone has to use some tricks, since the SoC is quickly throttled under high load. As the stress tests of 3DMark Wild Life show, this reduces the performance by more than 55% in the worst-case scenario.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 38.2 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 35.1 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 63.7 °C for the class Smartphone.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 38.4 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 33.9 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29 °C / 84 F, compared to the device average of 32.8 °C / 91 F.
3DMark Wild Life Stress Test
| 3DMark | |
| Wild Life Stress Test Stability | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Wild Life Extreme Stress Test | |
| Nothing Phone (1) | |
| Samsung Galaxy A53 | |
| Motorola Moto G200 5G | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Google Pixel 6a | |
| Xiaomi 12 | |
Speakers
The stereo speakers of the Pixel 6a produce a sound that is poor in bass, but otherwise relatively balanced. You can connect wired audio devices to the USB-C port or via an audio port adapter cable that is unfortunately not included. Devices connected via Bluetooth 5.2 can use the AAC, SBC, LDAC, aptX, and aptX HD Bluetooth codecs.
Google Pixel 6a audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (87.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 21.5% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (9.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.2% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (4.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.7% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (6.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (16.1% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 4% of all tested devices in this class were better, 4% similar, 92% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 36%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 23% of all tested devices were better, 5% similar, 72% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Google Pixel 6 audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (86.3 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 26.8% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (11.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 5.2% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (5.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.3% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (5.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (17.7% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 11% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 82% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 36%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 32% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 60% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Battery Life - 18 Watt charging power and good runtimes
Power Consumption
The 4410-mAh battery of the Pixel 6a can be recharged at up to 18 watts. You have to get the corresponding adapter yourself and can find one in the Google shop, for example. But you can also use any other chargers, and for an optimal charging experience, Google recommends using a charger that supports the USB PD-3.0 standard. Wireless charging is not supported by the smartphone.
The power consumption of the Pixel 6a is inconspicuous.
| Off / Standby |   0.06 / 0.17 Watt |
| Idle |  0.68 / 1.56 / 1.58 Watt |
| Load |
5.37 / 8.74 Watt |
    
| |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Metrahit Energy | |
| Google Pixel 6a 4410 mAh | Apple iPhone SE 2022 2018 mAh | Google Pixel 6 4614 mAh | Motorola Moto G200 5G 5000 mAh | Nothing Phone (1) 4500 mAh | Samsung Galaxy A53 5000 mAh | Xiaomi 12 4500 mAh | Average Google Tensor | Average of class Smartphone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 2% | 14% | 7% | 4% | -1% | -5% | 6% | -13% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 0.68 | 0.6 12% | 0.68 -0% | 0.6 12% | 1 -47% | 0.9 -32% | 0.87 -28% | 0.687 ? -1% | 0.883 ? -30% |
| Idle Average * | 1.56 | 0.9 42% | 1 36% | 0.9 42% | 1.2 23% | 1.3 17% | 1.7 -9% | 1.187 ? 24% | 1.464 ? 6% |
| Idle Maximum * | 1.58 | 1.5 5% | 1.02 35% | 1.5 5% | 1.5 5% | 1.6 -1% | 1.82 -15% | 1.213 ? 23% | 1.621 ? -3% |
| Load Average * | 5.37 | 6.5 -21% | 5.39 -0% | 7 -30% | 4.2 22% | 5.7 -6% | 4.68 13% | 5.88 ? -9% | 6.63 ? -23% |
| Load Maximum * | 8.74 | 11 -26% | 9 -3% | 8.4 4% | 7.4 15% | 7.3 16% | 7.41 15% | 9.2 ? -5% | 9.96 ? -14% |
* ... smaller is better
Power Consumption: Geekbench (150 cd/m²)
Power Consumption: GFXBench (150 cd/m²)
Battery Life
The Pixel 6a achieves a good battery life, offering sufficient endurance to last through a whole day even when you use it intensively. In our test with simulated web surfing, the Google smartphone lasts for almost 13 hours, and we are able to get it to play a video for almost 22 hours.
| Google Pixel 6a 4410 mAh | Apple iPhone SE 2022 2018 mAh | Google Pixel 6 4614 mAh | Motorola Moto G200 5G 5000 mAh | Nothing Phone (1) 4500 mAh | Samsung Galaxy A53 5000 mAh | Xiaomi 12 4500 mAh | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | -21% | -9% | 10% | -8% | -0% | 3% | |
| Reader / Idle | 1878 | 2049 9% | 2020 8% | 2695 44% | 1813 -3% | 2431 29% | 2558 36% |
| H.264 | 1318 | 797 -40% | 1219 -8% | 1501 14% | 1059 -20% | 1146 -13% | 890 -32% |
| WiFi v1.3 | 768 | 769 0% | 627 -18% | 905 18% | 926 21% | 886 15% | 760 -1% |
| Load | 360 | 164 -54% | 291 -19% | 229 -36% | 259 -28% | 246 -32% | 385 7% |
Pros
Cons
Verdict on the Google Pixel 6a
The Pixel 6a is a slim and powerful smartphone that is able to impress in almost all the important areas. The 6.1-inch Google smartphone scores with a very bright AMOLED with accurate colors, offers a solid battery life, and easily surpasses most other mid-range competitors with its dual-camera system.
The Pixel 6a, which is dust and waterproof according to the IP67 standard, is also a very good choice for all users who want to use their smartphones as long as possible. Google promises security updates for at least 5 years and wants to provide Android upgrades until at least July of 2025.
Pixel users are also the first who are able to enjoy new Android versions and also benefit from special software features such as the Magic Eraser, for example, which allows to easily remove particular objects from photos.
The Google Pixel 6a is a powerful mid-range smartphone with a high-class performance, a very good camera, and long update period. Unfortunately, its display remains limited to 60 Hz.
In terms of performance, the Pixel 6a plays in the same league as its Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro siblings that occupy higher positions in the Pixel hierarchy. However, it shows some limitations in other areas. The largest disadvantage is the limitation of the display refresh rate to 60 Hz, which really makes it too expensive. For only about 50 Euros (~$48) more, you can already get the Pixel 6, which is equipped with a 90-Hz panel and an even better camera.
Besides the Pixel 6, another alternative to the Google Pixel 6a is also the Xiaomi 12, for example. With a similar form factor, it is significantly faster and also brings a 120-Hz display. Other alternatives are the Nothing Phone (1) and the Samsung Galaxy A53.
Price and Availability
The Google Pixel 6a starts from $449 in the Google shop. You can currently find it even cheaper online, for example for $390 from Amazon.
Google Pixel 6a
- 09/21/2022 v7 (old)
Manuel Masiero
Price comparison
