Everything We Know So Far

If you’re the type of person who expects more affordable versions of Google’s Pixel A series, it’s time to get excited about the next Pixel 6a. Leaks and rumors suggest that this device will continue to dominate the budget phone space, taking only a few minor downgrades to hit the price below $550. Here’s everything we know about the Pixel 6a so far.

General details: release date and price
In 2020, Google delayed the release of its Pixel 4a from its planned release date of May to August. The Pixel 5a was released in August 2021, and so naturally we expect Google to continue the trend with the Pixel 6a.

But it is difficult to predict the release dates. For example, Google may aim for an older version of the Pixel 6a if it manages to address the global chip shortage. This could help capitalize on all the Pixel 6 hype, although on the other hand, an early release could cannibalize Pixel 6 sales.

We haven’t seen any price-related Pixel 6a leaks, but even if these leaks do exist, they won’t be very reliable. The Pixel 6a version is probably a far cry, and in the past, Pixel A series prices were pretty sporadic. The Pixel 3a cost $400, the Pixel 4a was $350, and the Pixel 5a cost $450 when it was released.

That said, the Pixel 6a will likely be in the $400 to $500 range. In case you’re wondering, Google launched the Pixel 6 for $600 (that’s $100 less than the Pixel 5).

Leaks on 91Mobiles recently got their hands on some Pixel 6a CAD files, and to our surprise the phone looks almost like the Pixel 6. It lacks the same “visor” camera strip, a built-in fingerprint reader, and, unfortunately, a serious headphone jack. The Pixel 6a may also use a two-tone design, although this is impossible to determine with CAD files.

That said, the Pixel 6a is likely to feature a 6.2-inch display, which is slightly smaller than the 6.4-inch display on the Pixel 6. We expect Google to use a 1080p OLED panel. Pixel 6a, but the refresh rate in the phone will not be high. (Of course, this is just speculation.)

Many of the Pixel 6a concept renderings in this article are based on CAD files discovered by 91Mobiles, and they look very official! But it’s important to remember that these concept renderings are never 100% accurate. Until we see photos or advertising material for the Pixel 6a, we can’t be sure what it actually looks like.

Spec Talk: Gimme That Tensor Chip!

Will the Pixel 6a run Google’s custom Tensor chip, or will it use a specific Snapdragon processor? According to the data found by 9to5Google, we should expect Tensor. It makes sense: If Google uses a Snapdragon chip, it would undermine Tensor’s capabilities and look like a step back for the company.

Plus, the Pixel 6 has tons of AI-powered software features, and the Snapdragon chips don’t put as much power into machine learning. For example, if Google wants to add its own unique camera features to the Pixel 6a, it’ll probably need to use a Tensor chip.

Other specifications like RAM and storage remain a mystery. But we expect Google to make some cuts here to bring down the price of the Pixel 6a. (The Pixel 6 has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.)

Cameras: a “downgrade”

Almost all Pixel phones use the same 12.2MP Sony IMX363 main sensor, but Google broke that trend with the Pixel 6’s 50MP lens. Unfortunately for camera nerds, the Pixel 6a probably uses the ‘old 12.2 MP sensor’, but it’s a nice “downgrade” for a phone under $600.

The 9to5Google APK Insight team found a reference to the 12.2MP sensor by digging into the Google Camera code. They also found that the phone uses a 12-megapixel IMX386 ultra-wide camera and an 8-megapixel IMX355 selfie lens. (Historically, these data mining efforts have yielded accurate results, although there’s no guarantee that 9to5Google is right here.)

If the Pixel 6a uses the 12.MP main camera, which it probably does, it will still take amazing pictures. The same sensor was used in last year’s Pixel 5 and when it was released, it had one of the best smartphone cameras. Considering that the Pixel 6a also uses a Tensor chip, it can take better pictures than the Pixel 5, as much of Google’s camera software relies on machine learning.

We expect Google to announce the Pixel 6a sometime in mid- to late 2022, possibly in August. It would have to run a Tensor chip and undergo some minor downgrades to hit the price below $550. Of course, we base this information on leaks and rumours, so it may not be accurate.

Nonetheless, we’ll continue to update this article with any new information we get on the Pixel 6a. Bookmark this page or sign up for our free newsletter to stay updated with the latest Pixel 6a leaks and rumours.