Google Pixel 6a preview: everything you actually need to know
New mid-ranger set for I/O 2022?
The Google Pixel 6a is hotly tipped to become one of the best cheap phones of 2022. Despite not yet being official, Google’s history of affordable excellence means all eyes will be on Google I/O later today, where the phone is expected to be revealed. The dev-focused event is always worth a watch, so find out how to tune into Google IO 2022, or get the essentials from our Google IO live blog.
Folks are confident about the Pixel 6a’s arrival because the Mountain View-based company has a history of delivering more affordable companions to its flagship Pixel smartphones. These devices typically represent pared down and cheaper versions of the premium handsets that launched the previous Autumn, and the latest Pixel 6a release date rumours are strongly behind a Google I/O 2022 reveal for the device.
The software shindig returns in-person after a two-year hiatus this month, and surely Big G will want to mark the triumphant return of its annual conference with some new hardware?
Read on for full details about the incoming device, including everything there is to know about the Pixel 6a’s specs, release date, price, camera and much more.
Pixel 6a release date
As early as January, the signs were pointing to a May reveal for the Pixel 6a. Mobile tipster Max Jambor was among the first to point the finger. That also happens to be the month the tech giant’s annual I/O developer conference is held.
Google since issued a ‘Save the Date’ for the event, encouraging fans to tune in for free online from all over the world. In-person attendance will be limited to essential Google employees and partners. The tech giant often uses the event to showcase new hardware as well as its latest software updates.
We have to rewind a few years to the first Pixel a series devices, the Pixel 3a and 3a XL, for an I/O phone launch, but in a recent earnings call transcribed by Motley Fool, the CEO of Google’s parent company Alphabet Sundar Pichai said he was “…excited about the products we have coming and look forward to sharing more at Google I/O”.
It’s worth bearing in mind that Google’s 2020 and 2021 product roadmaps were severely disrupted by the global situation. So they’re not necessarily a fair indicator of what the tech giant has in store.
- Related: The best new 2022 phones to expect
Here are all the Google Pixel phone release dates since the A-series was introduced.
- Google Pixel 3/3 XL release date: October 9, 2018
- Google Pixel 3a/3a XL release date: May 7, 2019 (Google I/O)
- Google Pixel 4 release date: October 15, 2019
- Google Pixel 4a/4a (5G) release date: August 3, 2020 / September 30, 2020
- Google Pixel 5 release date: September 30, 2020
- Google Pixel 5a release date: August 17, 2021
- Google Pixel 6/6 Pro release date: October 19, 2021
- Google Pixel 6a/6a Pro release date (TBC): May 2022
In general, smartphone manufacturers tend to launch complementary mid-range devices like the A-series approximately six months after the flagship is released.
That also suggests a Google Pixel 6a and 6a Pro release date of May 2022 could well be on the cards, as does the fact that a recent Pixel 6a leak showed the device listed in the back-end inventory of a major US carrier – something that probably wouldn’t have happened yet if the 6a were on ice until the second-half of the year.
Adding further fuel to the fire and maybe even confirming the phone’s launch this month is the fact that the Pixel 6a recently passed through the FCC in America – a surefire sign it’s getting ready to come to market.
Pixel 6a price
Pixel 6a pricing hasn’t been announced. Given that the Pixel 5a didn’t come to the UK or Europe, you have to go back to the Pixel 4 and 4a to directly compare cost.
The Pixel 4 was £669 SIM-free at launch, while the Pixel 4a’s full price was £349, a difference of roughly £300.
As the Pixel 6 starts at £599, that means we could be looking at the Pixel 6a being as little as £299. Though something in the region of £349 might be more realistic.
Pixel 6a specs and design
When it comes to Pixel A-series devices, Google has historically launched them as pared-down versions of their flagship siblings. Fewer premium features for a lower price, essentially.
A change could be on the cards this time around.
Google is rumoured to be including the same homegrown Tensor GS101 processor found in last year’s Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro flagships. That’s according to the biggest (believable) Google Pixel 6a specs dump so far, which comes courtesy of @Shadow_leak.
They also claim that the Pixel 6a will be a 6.2-inch handset with a 120Hz OLED display; 6GB/8GB of RAM backing that Tensor SoC; 128GB of onboard storage; a 4800mAh battery with 30W charging; and of course the next version of Google’s mobile OS, Android 12.
In terms of design, the 6.2-inch screen means it’s going to be a tad smaller than the 6.4-inch Pixel 6. That means it will also manage to be a bit thinner at 8.7mm (compared to 8.9mm).
Our best look at how the Pixel 6a might come to life comes via reliable mobile leaker @OnLeaks in partnership with 91mobiles.
These unofficial renders generally look the part. They show the Pixel 6a featuring the same protruding camera bar or ‘visor’ seen on the Pixel 6.
This design decision has irked some Pixel fans. It is seen as more obtrusive than the more standard square camera module found on many rival devices.
- Related: read our full Google Pixel Watch preview
Pixel 6a camera
Aesthetics aside, the Pixel 6a looks set to borrow some camera features from the Pixel 6, it’s unlikely to be getting the headline 50-megapixel main camera found on its more luxe stablemate.
Code spotted by 9to5Google in the Google Camera app suggests that the Pixel 6a will have the same 12.2-megapixel Sony IMX363 primary sensor as the Pixel 5a.
This will allegedly be paired with the same IMX386 ultra-wide lens found on the Pixel 6 to make up the device’s dual-camera rear configuration, while on the front there’s thought to be an 8-megapixel IMX555 selfie cam.
While perhaps disappointing insofar as the main 12.2-megapixel snapper dates all the way back to the Pixel 3, getting the same ultra-wide is still a win. That’s because the camera is one area where mid-range devices like the Pixel 6a almost always have to make sacrifices.
Will there be a Pixel 6a Pro?
It would be very unlikely if there wasn’t. Wherever Google has introduced two different sizes or versions of its flagship in the past, it has followed suit with its A-series launch. Though not confirmed by the company, we’d say a Pixel 6a Pro is almost a given.
Google Pixel 6a vs Pixel 6: Should I wait for the Pixel 6a?
It’s possible the Pixel 6a will pack the same powerful in-house Tensor chip as its flagship counterpart. But despite the rumours, that surely wouldn’t correlate with the mid-range price point.
However, there are sacrifices to be made and the biggest downgrade is likely to be in the camera department. If you have high expectations of your device from a photography or video shooting standpoint, you’ll probably find the Pixel 6 is more suitable. So you can probably jump the for that instead.
- Read more: everything you need to know about the Google Pixel 7
James Laird
Contributing Editor 
