The Google Pixel 6a arrives in India two years after its predecessor, the Pixel 4a, marking Google’s return to the Indian smartphone market after a hiatus. This re-entry comes at a time when the landscape has dramatically shifted, leaving many wondering if the Pixel 6a can still offer enough to compete. While its design shares similarities with the flagship Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, the Pixel 6a stands out with its smaller 6.1-inch OLED display and a more affordable price tag of Rs. 43,999. But with a standard 60Hz refresh rate and the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack, can the Pixel 6a justify its positioning? This first impression dives into the design, features, and performance, exploring whether the Google Pixel 6a can truly make its mark in the competitive Indian smartphone market.
Design: Familiar Yet Restrained
The Pixel 6a’s design echoes that of its more expensive siblings, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, particularly evident in the prominent camera bar spanning the back panel. This bar houses a dual-camera setup – a 12.2-megapixel dual-pixel primary camera alongside a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera with a 114-degree field of view, both supported by OIS and EIS. The Pixel 6a is the smallest of the three, boasting a 6.1-inch OLED display with full-HD+ resolution. However, it lacks the high refresh rate seen in many competitors, sticking with a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
The front houses a centered punch-hole selfie camera, a design choice becoming increasingly common. The thin bezels contribute to an immersive experience. The Pixel 6a also incorporates an in-display fingerprint scanner, which is conveniently located and offers a smooth unlocking experience.
The Pixel 6a feels comfortable in hand, thanks to its manageable 178g weight. Its metal frame adds a premium feel and contributes to its sturdy construction. The phone features a USB Type-C port but skips the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature its Pixel 4a predecessor offered.
While the back panel shares the design language of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, it’s constructed from plastic, which, although visually resembling glass, does not quite reach the same premium feel. The large camera module protrudes slightly, causing the back to lift off a surface, but the phone remains stable. The IP67 rating ensures protection against dust and water.
Hardware and Software : Powerhouse Performance
The Pixel 6a packs a punch with its Google Tensor SoC, the same chip powering the flagship Google Pixel 6 Pro, delivering flagship performance at a relatively affordable price. This powerful chipset is complemented by the Titan M2 security coprocessor, enhancing the phone’s security features.
The software experience is clean and uncluttered, running on Android 12 out-of-the-box, devoid of any bloatware. Google’s commitment to software updates stands out, guaranteeing three Android software updates and a remarkable five years of Android security updates. However, it’s worth noting that the unit reviewed was running the April 2022 Android security patch, which is outdated at this point, causing some concern about timely updates.
Camera: Pixel Magic At Your Fingertips
Pixel smartphones are renowned for their exceptional camera performance, and the Pixel 6a follows suit. While testing, the camera captured stunning shots, showcasing the power of Google’s software expertise. Features like Magic Eraser, Real Tone, and Night Sight are designed to enhance the Pixel 6a’s photographic capabilities and set it apart from competitors.
The front-facing camera, using an 8-megapixel fixed focus sensor, aims to capture high-quality selfies. The inclusion of powerful software features like Magic Eraser allows for easy removal of unwanted elements from photos, while Real Tone aims to accurately capture diverse skin tones. Night Sight helps users capture detailed and vibrant shots even in low-light conditions.
Battery Life: A Day Of Power
The Pixel 6a boasts a 4410mAh battery, promising a full day of usage. Google claims a 24-hour battery life. While this claim will be put to the test during a full review, the battery performance seems promising. The Pixel 6a supports 18W fast charging, although a charger is not included in the box. This charging speed falls behind the rapid charging offered by many competing smartphones, like the OnePlus 10R Endurance Edition, which boasts 150W fast charging.
Price and Competition: Finding The Sweet Spot
The Google Pixel 6a carries a price tag of Rs. 43,999 in India. Google is offering a Rs. 4,000 instant cashback for Axis Bank cardholders and EMI transactions, effectively bringing the price down to Rs. 39,999. This price point positions the Pixel 6a among other premium mid-range smartphones, such as the Xiaomi 11T Pro, OnePlus 10R, and Oppo Reno 7 Pro 5G.
While the Pixel 6a offers strong performance thanks to its Google Tensor SoC and stands out with its five-year security update guarantee, it does miss out on features like a high refresh rate display, fast charging, and wireless charging. These missing features make it a difficult choice against the strong competition. For example, the Xiaomi 11T Pro boasts a 120Hz refresh rate display and 120W fast charging, while the OnePlus 10R offers impressive performance and 150W fast charging, highlighting the significant competition the Pixel 6a faces.
Conclusion: A Promising Entry With Trade-offs
The Google Pixel 6a presents an intriguing proposition. Its bold design, powerful Google Tensor SoC, and commitment to software updates present a compelling package. The camera system leverages Google’s software prowess to deliver exceptional picture quality, and the five-year security update commitment is a significant advantage.
However, the Pixel 6a does have drawbacks, including its lack of a high refresh rate display, fast charging, and wireless charging. These omissions may be a deal breaker for some users, particularly when comparing it to the feature-rich offerings of its competitors.
Ultimately, the Pixel 6a’s success will depend on whether its compelling features and software updates outweigh its missing features. The full review will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the Pixel 6a’s performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall value proposition. Only then can we definitively assess whether the Pixel 6a is a worthwhile contender in the competitive Indian smartphone market.
