Google Pixel 6 & Google Pixel 6a share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Google Pixel 6 rather than the Google Pixel 6a.
Why Do I Recommend The Google Pixel 6?
- The Google Pixel 6 has a 90Hz OLED display for smoother scrolling, more responsive animations, compared to the Pixel 6a’s 60Hz screen.
- Google Pixel 6 features a 50MP wide camera sensor that captures sharper details, improved low-light photos, and more dynamic range, compared to the Pixel 6a’s older 12.2MP sensor.
- It includes 8GB of RAM for better multitasking, faster app switching, and improved future-proofing for software updates, compared to the Pixel 6a’s 6GB RAM.
- The Google Pixel 6 supports wireless and reverse wireless charging to charge phone without cables and power other devices on the go, while the Pixel 6a lacks this feature.
- Google Pixel 6 has a larger 6.4-inch Gorilla Glass Victus screen that provides more screen real estate and enhanced durability against scratches and drops, compared to the Pixel 6a’s smaller Gorilla Glass 3 panel.
- The Google Pixel 6 comes with up to 256GB storage variants for more flexibility to store photos, apps, and files, whereas the Pixel 6a comes only in a 128GB version.
- Google Pixel 6 has a slightly larger 4614mAh battery that provides longer endurance under high-performance tasks like gaming and video streaming, compared to the 4410mAh battery in the Pixel 6a.
Maybe the Google Pixel 6a price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Google Pixel 6. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Google Pixel 6 | Google Pixel 6a |
| Display Refresh Rate | 90 Hz | 60 Hz |
| RAM | 8 GB LPDDR5 | 6 GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage Variants | 128 GB / 256 GB | 128 GB only |
| Main Camera Sensor | 50 MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31″, OIS | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 1/2.55″, OIS |
| Build Material (Back) | Gorilla Glass Victus | 3D thermoformed composite plastic |
| Water/Dust Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Display Size | 6.4 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Peak Brightness | ~843 nits | ~778 nits |
| Image Sensor Model | Samsung GN1 | Sony IMX363 |
| Video Main Camera | 4K at 60fps | 4K at 30fps |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | No |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Yes | No |
| Wired Charging Speed | Up to 21W | Up to 18W |
| Wireless Charging Speed | Up to 21W | Not supported |
| Battery Capacity | 4614 mAh | 4410 mAh |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD support | Bluetooth 5.2 without aptX HD |
| Ultrasonic Fingerprint | Optical under-display | Optical under-display |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP20 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| Thermals / Heat Sink | Larger copper vapor chamber | Smaller thermal management |
| Colors Available | Stormy Black, Kinda Coral, Sorta Seafoam | Charcoal, Chalk, Sage |
| Price | Check Pixel 6 Price | Check Pixel 6a Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Google Tensor Chip: Both the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6a are powered by Google’s first-generation Tensor SoC. This ensures similar performance in AI-driven tasks, voice processing, Live Translate, and system-wide machine learning enhancements.
- Mali-G78 MP20 GPU: The shared GPU means both devices can handle graphics-intensive tasks, gaming, and rendering with similar smoothness—though sustained performance may vary due to thermal designs.
- Software Experience: Both run Pixel UI based on Android and are guaranteed 3 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches. The software is clean, fast, and optimized with Pixel-exclusive features.
- Ultrawide Camera: Both devices use the same 12 MP ultrawide sensor with a 114° field of view, providing identical results in wide-angle photography.
- Selfie Camera: Both have an 8 MP front-facing camera with f/2.0 aperture, capable of delivering identical quality for video calls and selfies.
- Security – Titan M2: Google’s custom security chip, Titan M2, is present in both, providing on-device data protection and enhanced biometric security.
- Connectivity Standards: Support for 5G (Sub-6 and mmWave on select models), Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2 are consistent across both models.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Both phones feature an optical under-display fingerprint reader, offering a similar unlocking experience.
- Stereo Speakers & Ports: Both include dual stereo speakers and a USB-C port. Neither has a headphone jack or a microSD card slot.
- SIM Configuration: Both support dual SIMs via nano-SIM and eSIM configurations, which is ideal for international users or travelers.
- Google’s AI-Powered Features: Features like Call Screen, Now Playing (for ambient song recognition), Recorder (with live transcription), Magic Eraser, and Live Translate are built into both devices using the Tensor chip.
Common Features
| Feature | Google Pixel 6 | Google Pixel 6a |
| Processor | Google Tensor | Google Tensor |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP20 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| Operating System (at Launch) | Android 12 | Android 12 |
| Software Support | 3 years OS + 5 years security | 3 years OS + 5 years security |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12 MP, f/2.2, 114° FoV | 12 MP, f/2.2, 114° FoV |
| Front Camera | 8 MP, f/2.0, 84° FoV | 8 MP, f/2.0, 84° FoV |
| Video Front Camera | 1080p @ 30fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
| Security Chip | Titan M2 | Titan M2 |
| Connectivity | 5G Sub-6 / mmWave | 5G Sub-6 / mmWave |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Optical under-display | Optical under-display |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| No microSD Slot | Yes | Yes |
| No 3.5mm Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Nano SIM + eSIM | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type-C Port | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 3.1 |
| Google Services | Call Screen, Now Playing, Recorder app | Call Screen, Now Playing, Recorder app |
| Price | Check Pixel 6 Price | Check Pixel 6a Price |