Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6a – which should you go for?

We’re considering the Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6a to find out which phone is better for you.

It makes sense to compare these two phones now. With release date speculation around the Google Pixel 7a, many are hoping to see reduced prices for the previous Pixel generation, the question is which phone should you go for? If you feel tempted by the lure of Google’s newest generation of smartphones, consider Google Pixel 6a vs Pixel 7.

Being part of the same generation of Google smartphones, both look very similar from the outside, and some of these similarities continue into the specs and overall designs. However, key differences do present themselves and we’ll be breaking these down in this article. If you’re keen to get the most bang for your buck, you should also consider Google Pixel 5 vs 5a, since we’ve come to expect discounts on older phone generations when there’s a new flagship release.

The aim here is to give you a full overview of these two phones, so you know which one makes the most sense for you. By the end of it, you’ll hopefully know which of these two phones to go for. Let’s dive into it.

Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6a – specs

Specs	Pixel 6	Pixel 6a
Starting price	$599	$449
Screen size	6.4-inch OLED	6.1-inch OLED
Dimensions	158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9mm	152.16 x 71.8 x 8.85mm
Refresh rate	90Hz	60Hz
CPU	Google Tensor	Google Tensor
RAM	8GB LPDDR5	6GB LPDDR5
Storage	128GB, 256GB	128GB
Rear cameras	50MP wide f/1.85, 12MP ultrawide f/2.2	12.2MP main, 12MP ultrawide
Front camera	10MP f/2.2	8MP f/2.0
Battery size	4,614 mAh	4,410 mAh
Battery life	8:13hrs	6:29hrs
Wired charging speed	30W	18W

Let’s start with the similarities. Both phones use the same OLED display that is bright, detailed and crisp, though the Pixel 6 does put it to use on a larger 6.4-inch screen with a faster 90Hz refresh rate.

Probably the most significant similarity is the identical Google Tensor chipset both phones use. This CPU was designed by Google itself and specialises in machine learning and AI. This has the biggest impact on the camera, where the AI adjusts the light and image settings to get the most out of its camera.

Read more: Best Google Pixel 6 case

This goes some way to mitigate against the significantly better camera the Pixel 6 boasts over the Pixel 6a. The superior megapixel count is noticeable but not to the extent that the numbers suggest, thanks to identical image optimization processes going on in the background.

The battery life is another area where differences present themselves. Not only does the Pixel 6 have a larger battery but it can also be charged faster at 30W, compared to the 18W of the 6a.

There is one area where the 6a does outperform the more expensive Pixel 6. It features a more up-to-date fingerprint reader. However, while this is noticeable it is not the most significant factor in most people’s minds when choosing a phone.

Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6a – design

As both are part of the same range, it’s not too surprising that these two phones look very similar. Both feature the camera ‘visor’ that Google introduced with the Pixel 6 and is continuing into the Pixel 7 range.

This visor does stick out less on the Pixel 6a but this is just to keep the proportions the same, as the Pixel 6a is the smaller of the two phones. The Pixel 6 is slightly thicker, though only by a hairs length, the difference most people will feel is the smaller display on the 6a – 6.1 inches versus the Pixel 6’s 6.4 inch screen.

Read more: Best Google Pixel 7 Pro case

The other significant design difference is in building materials. The Pixel 6 boasts a full glass exterior, while the Pixel 6a settles for a reinforced plastic back. While this is the less elegant of the two, it is also the hardier.

You also have different options for colours, the Pixel 6 coming in Stormy Black, Sorta Sage or Kinda Coral, while for the 6a, you have the choice of Charcoal, Chalk or Sage.

As for connectivity, both use a USB-C cable for charging and data transfer and neither phone features an audio jack, to the joy of some and the dismay of others.

Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6a – price

As the 6a is the lower-spec, mid-range version of the Pixel 6 it seems inevitable that it will be the cheaper of the two. This was certainly the case upon release, with the 6a coming in at $449, versus the Pixel 6’s $599 price tag. However, now that the Google Pixel 7 is out, the Pixel 6 has been discontinued, driving the price down.

Just now buying a new Pixel 6a will cost you around $349. The Pixel 6 is harder to come by, though we found a new option costing $450 at the time of writing, which we have linked to below. However, you can easily find a renewed Pixel 6 for as low as $230.

Read more: Best Google Pixel 5 case

We’d advise you to do some hunting yourself. While in general the Pixel 6 will be more expensive, there are plenty of low prices and bargains available out there for it and renewed both phones are at a similar price.

Which one should you go for?

In terms of looks, ability and performance these phones are pretty much alike and software wise little separates them. However, the Pixel 6 is the clearly superior phone, outperforming the 6a in terms of camera quality, battery life, display and more.

Read More: Google Pixel 6a vs 7 – which should you go for?

What’s more with the right amount of deal hunting you can likely find them both for similar prices. If you can manage this, the Pixel 6 is the best option to go for.

Alternatively, now that the Pixel 7 is out and, and the Pixel 7a is on the way, you may want to consider them. Both will boast higher specs than their Pixel 6 counterparts, though will also be more costly. If you’ve made your mind up for what you’re going for you can find links to buy the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6a below.

Check price: Google Pixel 6a 128GB (Unlocked) – Best Buy

Check price: Google Pixel 6 5G 128GB (Unlocked) – Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Is Google Pixel 6 still supported?

Yes – even though the phone has been discontinued, it will continue to receive Android updates until at least 2025.

Does the Pixel 6a overheat?

Some users have reported overheating issues with the Google Pixel 6a, however, this will always be because of a fault so should be fixable.