Googles removes Pixel 6a from online store

The Pixel 6a is officially dead. 

The handset was removed from Google's online store this week, likely to focus on the upcoming Pixel 8a and to push sales of the outgoing Pixel 7a (currently on sale at Amazon for $374). The Pixel 6a is available through third-party resellers on Amazon, and it can also be found refurbished through stores like Best Buy (via the Geek Squad Certified Refurbished service, currently $259.99). 

The Pixel 6a was a fairly popular mid-range Android smartphone when it launched in 2022. Packing Google's Tensor G1 SoC (the company's first in-house chip), 6 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of UFS 3.1 storage, the Pixel 6a offered a solid budget option compared to the Pixel 7 line. In our review, we highlighted its solid AMOLED display (although it was only 60 Hz) and excellent camera system. However, we noted the phone's battery life was lacking compared to competitors, as was its relatively slow charging speed. 

The Pixel 6a also proved popular with tinkerers who enjoyed Google's practice of allowing end users to unlock the phone's bootloader. This opened the Pixel 6a to a world of custom Android ROMs, something that is increasingly rare in the smartphone world. The 6a was often recommended to not only those that wanted a cheap but reliable Android phone, but also to those that were more privacy-conscious and wanted to use a hardened version of Android, like GrapheneOS.

While the Pixel 6a is sure to be fondly remembered for bringing Google's new smartphone design language to the mid-tier, the Pixel 7a remains a good choice for those on a budget. The phone has enjoyed a lengthy discount of 25% for the past few weeks at various retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Google's own online store. This price cut may continue as we approach the Pixel 8a's expected debut at Google I/O in May.