Google Pixel 6a

Lovely small form-factor ; Reliable camera for the price ; Google’s excellent software

60Hz display feels slow compared to the rivals ; Slow to fully charge

The Pixel 6a is a small, powerful Android phone that’s more wallet-friendly next to Google’s other devices. It isn’t as revolutionary as other A-series handsets we’ve seen, but it remains a great phone in 2023 for those who prefer great software rather...

Android runs at its best on Pixel ; Decent, easy-to-use cameras arrangement ; Battery life is impressive despite smallish capacity ; If you don't want a massive phone this is a solid option

Only a 60Hz refresh rate display ; Screen feels small (to me anyway) ; Pixel 6 isn't much more cash and a more logical buy for most ; Proximity to Pixel 7 series reveal in October feels mistimed

The Google Pixel 6a is a model example of a small-screen Android phone – and I think its size is the key selling point. However, the older Pixel 6 from 2021 doesn't really cost much more and will suit a wider audience really. Still, if you're looking...

Great-looking phone ; Flagship power ; Great updates policy ; That Pixel camera

Storage limited to 128GB ; Display only 60Hz

The Google Pixel 6a delivers some flagship hardware at a mid-range price point. There's the widely-lauded Pixel camera on the rear which offers a great experience while not using the latest hardware from Google. This is a compact phone with a great...

Top drawer performance ; Smaller size ; Outstanding camera ; Solid battery life ; Guaranteed software updates

Rear plastic scratches easily ; Charges slow and hot ; Only 60Hz display

A superlative mid-range phone and one of the best value Android phones you can buy, the Pixel 6a crams in the best bits from the more expensive Pixel 6 and 6 Pro at a very attractive price.

Impeccable camera quality ; Design fits in perfectly with pricier Pixels ; Excellent performance for a mid-tier phone

60Hz screen off pace with similarly-priced rivals ; Charging could be faster

Confirmation (if more were needed) that affordable Google phones are the best Google phones. The Pixel 6a has a few rough edges, but its cameras and streamlined software are second to none in the Android world.

Google Tensor chipset continues to impress ; Flagship-quality cameras ; Sublime colour-accurate screen

Regular Pixel 6 isn’t much more ; Display is only 60Hz ; No face unlock or microSD expansion

So there’s plenty to like about the Pixel 6a, then. Not that you should be surprised – after all, Google’s pedigree is well-documented at this point – but the Pixel 6a should still be applauded for squeezing this much stuff into a handset this affordable.

Same Google Tensor processor as Pixel 6 ; IP67 water resistance ; Stock Android experience ; A decent camera lens array + Google's image processing

Priced too closely to the Pixel 6 to be competitive ; Launch price significantly more expensive than previous model’s ($250 more) ; No wireless charging, no charger provided ; Limited storage and no microSD expansion option