Pixel 6a vs Pixel 5a: Price and release date
The Google Pixel 6a was officially unveiled on May 11, 2022. Pre-orders start on July 21, and its release date is on the following July 28. Price: $449 for the base 128GB model.The Pixel 5a was released back on August 26, 2021, with the exact same starting price of $449 for, again, a base model with 128GB of storage.
Pixel 6a vs Pixel 5a: Design and colors
The Pixel 6a in its three color options
The design of the new Google Pixel 6a has changed quite a bit from its predecessor, now resembling the flagship Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, mainly by adopting their wide, horizontal camera module. The older Pixel 5a has a square one instead.
Google Pixel 6a colors:
Pixel 5a, back
Pixel 5a, front
Google Pixel 5a colors:
(Yep, just one.)
Pixel 6a vs Pixel 5a: Display
In terms of display differences, the new Pixel 6a doesn’t really bring anything worth noting over its predecessor, aside from the 6a being slightly smaller. We’ll let the numbers speak for themselves:Pixel 6a display specs:
- 6.1-inch, OLED
- 60 Hz refresh rate
- 1080p resolution
- 431 PPI (pixels per inch)
- Scratch-resistant glass (Corning Gorilla Glass 3)
Last year’s Pixel 5a has a 6.3-inch OLED display with the following specs:
Pixel 5a display specs:
- 6.3-inch, OLED
- 60 Hz refresh rate
- 1080p resolution
- 415 PPI (pixels per inch)
- Scratch-resistant glass (Corning Gorilla Glass 3)
Unfortunately the Pixel 6a won’t be bringing 120Hz refresh rate, but it remains with the more traditional 60Hz, just like its predecessor. Other than that, no huge differences in display quality. Both screens are covered with Gorilla Glass, which is always welcome.
Pixel 6a vs Pixel 5a: Hardware and performance
The new Google Pixel 6a is powered by the search engine giant’s own Google Tensor GS101 processor and 6GB of RAM. We’re yet to put it through its paces, stay tuned for our performance benchmarks.
The Pixel 5a is instead powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, paired again with 6GB of RAM. In our review of the 5a we weren’t exactly impressed with its performance, but it is still a good phone for casual use, and for playing the occasional not-too-demanding game. We can expect better performance from the 6a with its Tensor chip.
Pixel 6a vs Pixel 5a: Cameras
The Pixel 6a gets the Pixel 6’s horizontal camera module
The Pixel 6a is coming with dual cameras – a 12.2MP main and 12MP ultra-wide. Those are both Sony sensors, the IMX363 and IMX386 respectively. New camera features coming to that one are most notably an enhanced Magic Eraser, capable of removing distracting objects from photos, better Night Sight and Real Tone.
Pixel 5a’s camera module
The 2021 Pixel 5a packs dual main cameras – 12.2 MP one and a 16 MP (Ultra-wide) one. Those can record video at up to 3840×2160 (4K UHD) and 60 frames per second.
The Pixel 5a’s front camera is an 8 MP shooter capable of 1920×1080 (Full HD) video recording.
While we’re yet to get the Pixel 6a for a test drive, below we have for you sample photos we’ve taken with the Pixel 5a for reference.
Pixel 5a camera samples
Pixel 6a vs Pixel 5a: Battery
The Pixel 6a’s battery size is official: 4410mAh, and it’s capable of fast charging at up to 18W.
The Pixel 5a’s battery size is slightly larger at 4680 mAh, but the phone’s supported wired fast charging speeds are the same, at up to 18W.
During our usual battery life testing for our Pixel 5a review, we found it to be a long-lasting device. Check out our battery benchmarks below, and expect Pixel 6a battery benchmarks as soon as our review comes out!
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