Google Pixel phone has become synonymous with having excellent cameras — it’s in their DNA. Pixels have also long been some of the best devices for consistent software updates, from version upgrades and Pixel Drops adds new features to monthly security updates to keep your phone safe. So it’s disappointing that these pillars are starting to crack.
The Pixel 6A is the company’s latest offering. It’s a great smartphone and arguably the best increase for your money at $449. It has a great display and offers great performance. It also has a decent camera, but the days when the mid-range Pixel’s cameras were superior to its peers. Same goes for software support: The new Pixel has a good level of support, but what’s on offer isn’t the best package it’s ever had. The competition in this mid-range price category is heating up, so while I usually don’t mind the little things, in this day and age, I have to. Outside the United States, there is a dizzy with the number of great, affordable phones you can choose from. And in the United States, companies like Samsung are helping Google make money in the mid-range Android market.
Silky Smart
I must reiterate that the Pixel 6A has so many strong point and I’ve really enjoyed using it for the past few weeks. Size is a big reason. The 6.1-inch screen is only slightly larger than Pixel 5, bringing it into the smaller spectrum of most smartphones today. It’s just very easy to hold and use, and the power and volume buttons on the recycled aluminum frame are easy to press.
It’s also in Sage! Forget about dull black and white phones, come to green. Featured phone with lovely design is very important and Google one of the few companies that doesn’t restrict good design to higher priced handsets. That said, be aware that the display uses the older Gorilla Glass 3, which can be more prone to scratches than other phones. One screensaver is a good idea, though thankfully you won’t have to worry about cracking the rear as it’s a plastic composite. (It’s not at all like the cheap plastic found on many budget and mid-range phones, though.)
Photo: Google
One long-standing problem with Pixel phones is screen brightness. It’s hard to see the screen clearly when you’re standing in the sun, but that’s rectified here. The screen heats up to 800 nits in high brightness mode, and I had no problems reading on it on these sweltering hot days.
Too bad the screen is stuck at 60 Hz refresh rate. Most phones in this price range have already applied Display 120 Hzlike Nothing Phone (1) and Samsung’s Galaxy A53 5G. I noticed this immediately when I switched from the phone Nothing; No more buttery smooth scrolling animations. But I adjusted it back to 60 Hz pretty quickly and it completely strong. Again, I’m testing here. On a similar note, the Pixel 6A does not feature wireless charging, nor does it have a MicroSD card slot or headphone jack—Features not everyone needs but would be nice to have as they are available on similarly priced phones.
The Pixel 6A makes up for those shortfalls with a top-tier processor — the same goes for it Tension Chips that’s in Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro—Meaning you are getting Best performing Android phone for money (at least in the US). I have yet to see this phone lag or stutter and I can’t say the same for Samsung’s Galaxy A53 5G. This Pixel had no trouble setting up and downloading all of my apps, a process that crashed a lot of mid-range phones in minutes, nor slowed down during intense matches in Apex Legends Mobile.
