Google Pixel 6a – 128 GB-Unlocked Android 5G Smartphone with 12 megapixel camera and 24-hour battery – Sage

Product Information

In tests, we found this hasn't changed on the Pixel 6a, despite the camera's primary lens being downgraded from a 50-megapixel (MP) wide-angle to a 12.2 MP wide-angle. (That's closer, at least on paper, to a Pixel 5.) You also get a 12 MP ultra-wide on the rear module of the 6a, while your selfies are shot in a solid 8 MP.

Google Pixel 6A | Carphone Warehouse Google Pixel 6A | Carphone Warehouse

The Google Pixel 6a offers good value for money, though it's not as competitive as many Chinese phones. Video recording goes up to 4K and 60fps - which is all anyone really needs, if we’re being honest - with a range of modes like time lapse and slow motion. The front camera maxes out at 1080p though, a side effect of its 8MP sensor. The Pixel 6a is the best mid-range phone you can buy and a fantastic option if you’re looking for a smaller Android.The fingerprint scanner is faster and more reliable than Pixel 6, but is still it is not quite as good as the best available. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian Since battery life is such a core aspect of a phone, it’s hard to recommend the Google Pixel 6a, despite it still having some strong qualities elsewhere.

Google Pixel 6a review: Still the best value Android phone Google Pixel 6a review: Still the best value Android phone

It's a handset we recommend to not only Android purists but also anyone tempted to make the jump from an Apple iPhone SE and even from the 6a's latest successor, the Pixel 7a. The Pixel 6a has the exact same Tensor processor as Google’s top 2021 phones with slightly less RAM, which makes it faster than almost all other mid-range competitors and well optimised for Google’s various AI systems. The phone comes with all the standard Google-built apps like GMail, Photos, the Play Store and Maps, but there aren’t any pre-installed extras, saving you from that stint of deleting half the pre-installed tools.The main camera produces very well-balanced photos, rich in detail and dynamic range across a range of light levels. The ultrawide is similarly good if slightly softer on fine details but it is consistent on colour and tone to the main camera, which isn’t the case for most at this price. The dedicated night sight mode produces great images in low light while the digital zoom is pretty good at 2x but unravels by 7x. That’s likely thanks to Google’s AI scene optimization, which can tweak pictures depending on the setting to make them as attractive as possible. More AI features for this more affordable handset are 'Face Unblur', which does exactly what it sounds like and stops faces in photos from being blurry, plus its True Tone tech, which makes the cameras more effective at accurately showing darker skin tones in portraits. The only tool missing is Motion Mode, which adds effects to moving objects. So if that's a major draw, you'll have to spend more for the flagships.

Google Pixel 6A Case,Pixel 6A Case [10FT Military Oterkin for Google Pixel 6A Case,Pixel 6A Case [10FT Military

We like that the 6a is thin and less chunky than the 6 or 7 Pro, sitting flush when on flat surfaces. Even after months of use, we're continually impressed with the sleek design. Samsung’s mid-range marvel has an attractive design, good rear cameras, an impressive screen and a similar price to the Pixel 6a, making it a very tempting alternative. Pictures are good. Sure, they won’t match snaps taken on the standard Pixel 6 in terms of vibrancy or detail, but they’ll beat out nearly any other handset at this price. The smartphone uses USB-C for charging and wired headphones, but there's no wall adapter in the box. It's a bit of a shame that there's no wireless charging, either. The Pixel 6a ships with Android 12, which includes a load of customisation options, smart refinements and impressive local AI features. For more, see the Pixel 6 Pro review. The 6a will be one of the first devices to receive the Android 13 update, which is due for release soon.

Value and competition

Google is on a roll. After years of good but not great phones, the Pixel 6a is another excellent model bringing the Android-maker’s magic down to a more affordable price. The slipperiness we encountered on the Pixel 6 isn't as much of an issue, as the 6a can be held with one hand, but we've found a case to be useful in adding grip. It’s a real shame, then, that the Google Pixel 6a’s battery life is such an Achilles’ heel, because if the phone lasted even just a little bit longer, it’d be a really great budget handset. The software is smart and refined, and will be updated for at least five years, which is longer than most rivals. The camera is miles better than any mid-range model, competing with phones twice the price or more. Apple fans might prefer this budget iOS device, which has a powerful processor and decent, though solitary, rear camera, though its design and display aren’t exactly competitive.