Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6a – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureGoogle Pixel 6Google Pixel 6a
Display Refresh Rate90 Hz60 Hz
RAM8 GB LPDDR56 GB LPDDR5
Storage Variants128 GB / 256 GB128 GB only
Main Camera Sensor50 MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31″, OIS12.2 MP, f/1.7, 1/2.55″, OIS
Build Material (Back)Gorilla Glass Victus3D thermoformed composite plastic
Water/Dust ResistanceIP68IP67
Display Size6.4 inches6.1 inches
Display ProtectionGorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass 3
Peak Brightness~843 nits~778 nits
Image Sensor ModelSamsung GN1Sony IMX363
Video Main Camera4K at 60fps4K at 30fps
Wireless ChargingYesNo
Reverse Wireless ChargingYesNo
Wired Charging SpeedUp to 21WUp to 18W
Wireless Charging SpeedUp to 21WNot supported
Battery Capacity4614 mAh4410 mAh
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD supportBluetooth 5.2 without aptX HD
Ultrasonic FingerprintOptical under-displayOptical under-display
GPUMali-G78 MP20Mali-G78 MP20
Thermals / Heat SinkLarger copper vapor chamberSmaller thermal management
Colors AvailableStormy Black, Kinda Coral, Sorta SeafoamCharcoal, Chalk, Sage
PriceCheck Pixel 6 PriceCheck 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

FeatureGoogle Pixel 6Google Pixel 6a
ProcessorGoogle TensorGoogle Tensor
GPUMali-G78 MP20Mali-G78 MP20
Operating System (at Launch)Android 12Android 12
Software Support3 years OS + 5 years security3 years OS + 5 years security
Ultrawide Camera12 MP, f/2.2, 114° FoV12 MP, f/2.2, 114° FoV
Front Camera8 MP, f/2.0, 84° FoV8 MP, f/2.0, 84° FoV
Video Front Camera1080p @ 30fps1080p @ 30fps
Security ChipTitan M2Titan M2
Connectivity5G Sub-6 / mmWave5G Sub-6 / mmWave
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.2
Fingerprint SensorOptical under-displayOptical under-display
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
No microSD SlotYesYes
No 3.5mm Headphone JackYesYes
Nano SIM + eSIMYesYes
USB Type-C PortUSB-C 3.1USB-C 3.1
Google ServicesCall Screen, Now Playing, Recorder appCall Screen, Now Playing, Recorder app
Price Check Pixel 6 Price Check Pixel 6a Price

FAQ

What processor do both the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6a use?
Both the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6a use Google’s first-generation Tensor chip, which is designed to enhance AI performance, voice recognition, and overall system efficiency.

Is there a difference in RAM between the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6a?
Yes, the Pixel 6 has 8 GB of RAM, while the Pixel 6a has 6 GB, which can affect multitasking performance and app retention in memory.

Do both phones support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both phones support 5G connectivity, including Sub-6 GHz, and some models also support mmWave depending on the region or carrier.

Are both phones water and dust resistant?
No, the Pixel 6 is IP68 certified for better protection, while the Pixel 6a has IP67 certification, which is slightly less resistant to water and dust.

Do both phones feature wireless charging?
No, the Pixel 6 supports wireless and reverse wireless charging, but the Pixel 6a does not support any form of wireless charging.

What are the differences in display refresh rate?
The Pixel 6 features a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling, whereas the Pixel 6a is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate.

Do both devices support the same software features?
Yes, both support Google’s Pixel-exclusive features like Call Screen, Recorder with transcription, Live Translate, and Now Playing, thanks to the Tensor chip.

Is the main camera sensor the same in both phones?
No, the Pixel 6 uses a 50 MP sensor, while the Pixel 6a uses an older 12.2 MP sensor, leading to better photo quality on the Pixel 6.

Do both phones have the same ultrawide and front-facing cameras?
Yes, both feature a 12 MP ultrawide camera and an 8 MP front-facing camera with similar field of view and aperture.

Can I use face unlock on either phone?
No, neither the Pixel 6 nor Pixel 6a includes a face unlock feature; they both rely on fingerprint authentication.

Do both phones come with a charger in the box?
No, neither phone includes a charger in the box; only a USB-C cable is provided.

How is the display protection different?
The Pixel 6 is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, which is more durable, while the Pixel 6a uses the older Gorilla Glass 3.

What are the differences in storage options?
The Pixel 6 is available in both 128 GB and 256 GB variants, while the Pixel 6a is only offered in a 128 GB version.

Do both phones have stereo speakers?
Yes, both devices have stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience when watching videos or listening to music.

How long will both devices receive software updates?
Both phones are promised 3 years of Android OS updates and 5 years of security updates from their respective release dates.

Leave a Comment