Pixel 6a vs Pixel 6 and 6 Pro: all the differences and which model to choose

We already knew the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, the two highest-end phones from the Mountain View company. However, we still had to meet his more restrained range companion, the Google Pixel 6a. All three are already on the market, since the Pixel 6a has just been released after being presented a few months ago at Google I/O 2022.

Having already the three models to choose from in the catalog, it is time to put them face to face and be able to see clearly their similarities and differences. And it is that, as you will already intuit, they are models with many similarities, but with some key changes that will determine if it is more optimal to buy one or the other. We see it all in this post.

A common design pattern for all three

Google Pixel 6a, 6 and 6 Pro

Probably no one ends up deciding to buy a mobile phone just for its aesthetics, but not in the opposite direction would anyone buy a mobile whose design horrifies them. This is a very subjective point and choosing whether they are pretty or ugly is a matter for each one, what is objective to say is that all three have a common mold.

They start with obvious differences in sizebeing the Pixel 6a the lightest model with 178 grams, 92 less than the 270 grams of the Pixel 6 Pro, having in between the 210 grams of the Pixel 6. According to this, their screens go, which we will talk about later.

What is evident is that the three devices have a ‘very Google’ aesthetic, with a front part starring the screen and altered only by a hole in the screen for the camera and bezels that are concise, although slightly more pronounced in the Pixel 6a. At the rear we find a flat aesthetic that is only altered at the top by the particular camera module (two lenses on the 6a and 6, three lenses on the 6 Pro).

High quality screens, but with differences to highlight

All three devices have very good quality panels, having AMOLED for Pixel 6a and 6 and of the type P-OLED for the Pixel 6 Pro. A priori, these differences in screen technology do not lie more than in the type of construction, although in them we can find differences that make us see that we are dealing with different mobiles.

The size and refresh rate is increasing in each model, having 6.1 inches and 60 Hz in the Pixel 6a, 6.4 inches and 90 Hz in the Pixel 6 and 6.71 inches with 120 Hz refresh rate in the Pixel 6 Pro. We can also observe different resolutions as we move to the larger model. We have a good FullHD + in the ‘basic’ models, while the ‘Pro’ offers a QuadHD + resolution that is the best we can find on the market.

In these screens we find a optical fingerprint reader identical in all three models. The fact that it is of that class and not ultrasonic makes it fail more than we would like and especially in bright outdoor conditions.

Both have the same Google chip, although different RAM

Google took advantage of this generation of its smartphone to launch its first own chip, the Google Tensor. This has a GPU of up to 20 cores for rendering, which is combined with a dual Cortex X1 core at 2.8 GHz, another two Cortex A76 cores at 2.25 GHz and up to four Cortex A55 cores at 1.8 GHz, the three Pixel 6 share a processor.

This processor has already given us joy in the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro in matters such as software treatment of photography, again being Google phones the ones that perform best in this section. Although, yes, the RAM that accompanies that processor goes from 6GB from the Pixel 6a to the 12 GB of the Pixel 6 Pro, going through an intermediate version of 8 GB in the Pixel 6.

And while not strictly related to performance, it’s worth noting the memories for internal storage that mount these devices. And more if we take into account that they do not support expansion with a microSD card. The Pixel 6a has a single configuration of 128GBwhile the Pixel 6 supports this and another of 256GB. The Pixel 6 Pro, for its part, supports both configurations and also adds a third option of up to 512GB.

Many similarities and some key differences in cameras

We start by talking about a front camera that, despite there being indications that it has facial unlocking, seems to be disabled by software. What they do offer is 8 megapixel lens in models 6a and 6, while the most advanced model improves this resolution, reaching 11.1 megapixels to make our Pixel even better.

Better specifications we find in the rear cameras. We find a double camera for both the Pixel 6a and the Pixel 6, although with differences in the main lens. The ‘6a’ mounts a lens of 12.2 megapixels accompanied by a wide angle 12 megapixels. The ‘6’ and ‘6 Pro’ up the ante with a main of 50 megapixels with a wide angle that, in this case, is the same: 12 megapixels.

It is in the section of zoom where the ‘6 Pro’ stands out with a telephoto lens that reaches 48 megapixels, being its third lens not shared with any of the other two models. In any case, and as we highlighted earlier when talking about the Tensor chip, the three devices are capable of offering good photographic performance thanks to software treatment.

Remarkable high in battery, but with suspense in fast charge

Having a good autonomy in the smartphone is essential today and, at least on paper, this is something that any of these three devices guarantee. To a lesser extent we find the Pixel 6a with its 4,410mAhthe weakest a priori and the one that substantially improves the 4,600mAh of the Pixel 6. The Pixel 6 Pro should go further with its 5,000mAh.

Now, if we talk about fast charging, we should give Google a slap on the wrist. And it is that the company of the great G has not implemented especially remarkable loads for what we find in the market. Until 25W for Pixel 6a and 30W for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. If we take into account that they do not include the power adapter, the matter gets worse.

Which model to choose according to your needs

In view of all that has been said, touch opt for one of these three mobiles. Obviously, the most complete mobile and that we can classify as “the best” is the Google Pixel 6 Pro. Now, does this mean that it is recommended for everyone? Absolutely.

The first thing to keep in mind comes from the softwaresomething shared by these three mobiles in which we find the purest android. Not surprisingly, it is Google itself that designs this operating system. Having a Pixel guarantees you several years of updates, being one of the first mobiles to receive them and even being able to install betas such as Android 13, the next update that will arrive after a year with Android 12.

If you are clear that this is the software you are looking for, we continue the search focusing on a key factor: the size. Finding a compact Android mobile is complicated and the Pixel 6a is concentrated among the most compact devices on the market, with an ideal weight and screen size to have full portability without sacrificing usability. The Pixel 6 also offers a perfect intermediate path for those who are neither among fans of large mobiles nor commune with small mobiles.

If you are one of those who makes a intensive use of the mobile to consume multimedia content and/or play games, the Pixel 6 Pro is a good companion for its 120 Hz refresh rate and high image resolution. Although we must say that the 90 Hz and FullHD + resolution of the Pixel 6 are not far behind and can offer an equally pleasant experience.

If your priority is a good camera, we already noticed that the Pixel 6 leaves a very good taste in the mouth, but there is no doubt that the Pixel 6 Pro beats it in many details. Located as one of the phones with the best camera of 2022, you should have no doubts when choosing if this area is essential for you. Pro, Pro and Pro.

In other terms we must say that they are very similar devices. The difference in performance is not very high despite the difference in RAM, since the behavior of the Google Tensor is fundamental. In drums yes, there are interesting differences on paper, but they do not point to being decisive either. Therefore, the economic issue It can be decisive in the end, having to be the one who calculates how much you are willing to spend, since at the beginning there is a fairly large difference of 440 euros between the most basic and the most advanced model.

Technical sheet of the Google Pixel 6a, 6 and 6 Pro