Google launch their affordable Pixel 6a

Google launch their affordable Pixel 6a

The much rumoured and leaked Pixel 6a was officially launched on stage at Google IO today. Powered by the same Tensor Processor as Google’s Current generation Pixel 6 and next-generation Pixel 7 family of devices the Pixel 6a represents Google’s first full-power budget device. While the Pixel 6a is not with compromise, the Value of the Pixel line is always hard to beat.

Measuring in at 6.1 inches the FHD+ 60Hz OLED display accentuates a more rounded design than the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro while maintaining a very familiar look and feel to this generation of Pixel hardware. Around the back is the now ubiquitous Cyclops camera bar, including two Cameras and of course the flash.

Google has downgraded the Cameras with a 12.2 MP wide-angle Sony sensor and a 12 MP ultrawide angle sony sensor rounding out the package. While the sensors may not be the same, Google has packed in all of the Computation photography and Machine learning capabilities of the Pixel line into the Pixel 6a. This should mean that regardless of the ‘lower speced’ sensors, the Pixel 6a will deliver stunning photos and video.

For the full specs check out the table below.

Launching in Australia (alongside Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the United States) the Pixel 6a goes up for pre-order on 21 July for $749 with retail available on shelve 28 July. No word yet on retail partners but we can assume it will follow a similar pattern to the Pixel 6 line.

The Pixel 6a will launch with Android 12 and be eligible for 5 years of security updates but no word on how many platform updates will be included. With Google having more control over the Tensor processor they are using across their lineup, we hope to see longer support for platform updates from Pixel hardware. Having the Tensor CHip inside the Pixel 6a will support 5G, but no millimetre wave support, not that that is a significant issue for Australia right now.