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Google recently launched the Pixel 6 series of smartphones, with one obvious omission: the 6a.
As with the past couple of generations, where the 4a and 5a pushed their more expensive siblings very hard, the Pixel 6a is highly anticipated and could be the phone most people consider when looking at affordable but high-quality Android devices.
Here’s all the news and rumours we’ve seen so far surrounding the Google Pixel 6a.
When will the Google Pixel 6a be released?
There’s no official word from Google yet regarding pretty much anything to do with the Pixel 6a. So, in order to work out when we might see the new model arrive, we’ll need to check the archives for the release dates of previous models.
Looking at this line-up, it would make sense to expect the Pixel 6a to make its debut in August 2022.
There is one caveat though. In the UK, Europe and most other markets, we never saw the Pixel 5a due to its limited release around the world. This means that the last Pixel ‘A’ series Google available to most people came in August 2020. Will Google want to wait two whole years before allowing people to upgrade, or will it try to release the 6a earlier?
How much will the Google Pixel 6a cost?
Pricing on the cheaper Pixel models has been reasonably consistent over the past few years, as you can see from the list below:
Google Pixel 5a – $449 (approx £339/€399)
Google Pixel 4a 5G – £499/€499/$499
Google Pixel 4a – £349/€349/$349
Google Pixel 3a – £399/€399/$399
The Pixel 4a 5G was something of an outlier, upping the price by around £150/€150/$150 compared to its predecessors, but with the Pixel 5a being priced lower, it could indicate a return to the more affordable bracket for most people.
Hopefully, Google follows the 5a pricing and winds up around £449/€449/$449. This could be affected by the global chip shortage and supply chain disruptions though, which are raising prices across the board. Only time will tell.
What features will we see in the Google Pixel 6a?
As we mentioned earlier, there have been no official announcements regarding the Pixel 6a, but we have seen several rumours appear recently that shed some light on the potential configuration of the device.
One of the most compelling comes from OnLeaks, a regularly accurate tipster, who on this occasion shared details and 3D renders in partnership with the Indian tech site 91Mobiles.
So… Here comes your very first and very early look at the #Google #Pixel6a! (360° video + gorgeous 5K renders + dimensions) #FutureSquad
On behalf of my Friends over @91mobiles -> https://t.co/7kzPc5STEU pic.twitter.com/Us8H6haEh8
— Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks)
November 20, 2021
In the report, it says that the device will feature a 6.2in flat OLED display, with an embedded fingerprint sensor and centralised punch-hole camera aperture. GSMArena adds a little more detail, predicting a resolution of 1080 x 2400 and 424ppi.
In terms of design, the renders from 91Mobiles show a very similar aesthetic to that of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
The dimensions are thought to be 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.7mm, increasing to 10.4mm around the rear camera bump. A glass back continues the similarities, as does the iconic raised camera band on the rear that’s home to a dual-camera array and the LED flash.
One obvious missing item is the 3.5mm headphone jack – making this the first ‘a-series’ Pixel phone to lack one. Although wireless earbuds are getting more affordable, it does seem a shame to lose what to some is quite an important element of a phone.
There’s no firm details on what processor Google will use in the Pixel 6a, although several rumours suggest that the device will move over to the Tensor chip that Google introduced with the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. This would obviously make sense, as it allows Google to control more of the overall experience while continuing to develop the Tensor brand.
Cameras are likely to remain the same as on the Pixel 5a, which in turn dates back a few years to previous Pixels. This will purely be a financial restraint as the optics in the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are probably too expensive to make their way down to the cheaper model. To be fair though, the cameras in the Pixel 4a and 5a were both great, so anyone buying the Pixel 6a will most likely be very happy with the results.
Aside from this, there are a variety of reports suggesting the new phone will come with either 6GB or 8GB of memory and 128GB of onboard storage, plus 5G LTE as standard. Obviously, we’ll update this article as more news becomes available, so check back regularly to see what we find.
In the meantime, take a look at our roundup of the best mid-range phones to see the rivals the Pixel 6a will have to topple.
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