Google Pixel 6a rumors: release date, price, specs and more

(Image credit: 91mobiles / OnLeaks)

Information technology could still be a few months before the Google Pixel 6a is official, but the leaks are already coming. And if they're authentic, Google may well stop up back on top form with its next cheaper handset.

We liked the Pixel 5a when it came out final year, but it shared likewise much with the Pixel 4a 5G to really experience like an up-to-engagement phone. That looks to change this twelvemonth, with upgrades tipped for the cameras, chipset and bombardment, plus a new Pixel 6-fashion blueprint. This may be simply what Google needs to help it dominate among the best cheap phones.

Here are the best Android phones
Pixel 6 Pro: Google's best phone yet

Right now, all we can predict with any confidence is that it will exist one of several new Google in 2022 devices. But read on for all the latest rumors and speculation about the next Pixel.

Google Pixel 6a news (updated Feb 6)

Here'south how we call up an iPhone SE 3 vs. Google Pixel 6a face-off would turn out, considering the new rumor that the iPhone SE 3 is debuting in March.
The Pixel 6a's name appeared in a Google-produced coloring volume, giving united states of america what's effectively official confirmation of the phone'due south existence in the weirdest way possible.
A bunch of Pixel 6a specs have leaked, including its display, battery and charging details and cameras.

Google Pixel 6a expected release date and price

Thanks to a peculiar coloring volume-based leak, nosotros know Google is making a Pixel 6a. But when'due south information technology coming, and how much will information technology price?

The Pixel 5a released on Baronial 26, 2021 in the United states of america and Japan. Google didn't explain why the phone was limited to ii countries, simply we expect the ongoing chip shortage that has plagued the industry had something to do with it.

pixel 5a vs pixel 4a — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Baronial seems to exist Google's new timeline for the A series. The Pixel 3a was revealed on May 7 at Google I/O 2019, but the Pixel 4a came out on August 20, 2020. Many blamed the COVID-19 pandemic on the 4a's delayed release appointment, simply Google stuck with an August release for the Pixel 5a. You'd think the Pixel 6a was on the same timeline.

But Google could go dorsum to its old schedule. In fact, leaker Max Jambor says the Pixel 6a will make it in May. Not coincidentally, May is also when a Pixel Sentinel is anticipated to make its debut.

Equally for the Pixel 6a'southward cost, that's equally upward in the air equally the release date. The smaller Pixel 3a (in that location were two sizes) came in at $399, but the Pixel 4a undercut it at $349. Then, the Pixel 5a bumped upwards to $449 and added a second camera and 5G. If we had to guess, the Pixel 6a will probable stay in the $449 ballpark, depending on the chip Google uses.

With rumors claiming the iPhone SE 3 is coming in March, the Pixel 6a could arrive facing some potent competition. Here's how what we remember of an iPhone SE 3 vs. Google Pixel 6a comparison based on the rumors thus far.

Google Pixel 6a design and display

Photos of a claimed Google Pixel 6a dummy unit take shown off how the adjacent budget Google phone could ape the pattern of the Pixel 6. A camera bar rather than module seems to be the biggest feature, as well equally the removal of the 3.5mm audio jack.

How legitimate these images are is unclear. But previous Pixel 'a' series phones have followed on from the design linguistic communication set up out by the flagship Pixels. This was given further credence by Google Pixel 6a renders supposedly based on the allegedly leaked information.

Google Pixel 6a metal dummy — (Paradigm credit: Fathom Braceles / xleaks7)

While divisive, the pattern of the Pixel six is certainly unlike, So seeing information technology carried over to the Pixel 6a would be no bad thing.

Equally for the screen on the Pixel 6a, part of a big specs leak published by Shadow_leak claims information technology'll use a six.2-inch, 60Hz display. That'due south a little smaller than the Pixel 5a's 6.iv-inch brandish, but more disappointing is the alleged refresh rate. Many phones are at present using 90Hz, 120Hz or fifty-fifty higher refresh rates, even in the price range of the Pixel a-series. Google is already using a 90Hz panel on the basic Pixel 6, so leaving the Pixel 6a at the basic 60Hz seems like an odd decision in that light too.

Google Pixel 6a cameras

Co-ordinate to Mishaal Rahman on Twitter, there's a device codenamed 'bluejay' that's supposedly the Pixel 6a. Rahman establish a possible camera setup for bluejay, which includes Sony IMX363, IMX386 and IMX355 sensors. Shadow_leak'southward specs leak has rounded out what we know by claiming the 6a volition feature a 12MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide camera and 8MP selfie camera.

For reference, the Pixel 5a used the aforementioned 12MP IMX363 for its primary sensor and an 8MP IMX355 for its front-facing photographic camera. The ultrawide was a 16MP IMX481, but that doesn't brand the new 12MP IMX386 sensor a downgrade. It has a pixel size of ane.25 μm, versus the IMX481'due south 1.0 μm. Larger pixels let in more low-cal, and then the Pixel 6a should produce better overall images, even though it's at a lower resolution.

Google Pixel 6a operation

Based on Shadow_leak'due south information, it seems like we'll get the Google Tensor chipset from the Pixel six in the Pixel 6a, accompanied by 6GB RAM or 8GB RAM.

The use of the Tensor bit is great news. Information technology'southward a flagship-worthy chipset with strong performance, roughly equivalent to final year's Snapdragon 888 chipset. Aside from the iPhone SE or the upcoming iPhone SE 3, the Pixel 6a may well be the most powerful phone in its price range.

Google Pixel 6a battery and charging

The leaks merits we'll see a iv,800 mAh battery with 30W charging in the Pixel 6a. That's a pocket-size capacity increase over the iv,680 mAh cell found in the Pixel 5a, and a more than considerable increase over its 18W charging speed.

The only potential effect here is that Google didn't include chargers with the Pixel 6 series. Information technology wouldn't surprise us if the Pixel 6a lacked one in the box as well.

Google Pixel 6a: outlook

The rear of the Google Pixel 5a showing the camera module, against a background of pink flowers — (Paradigm credit: Tom's Guide)

With the leaks equally they currently stand, the Pixel 6a looks much better than the Pixel 5a did at launch. It's got an upward-to-appointment chipset which should provide much more power than the average mid-range phone, a small change to the ultrawide rear camera, faster charging and a larger battery. All very welcome changes.

However Google needs to be careful how it prices the Pixel 6a. The $449 price of the Pixel 5a was a flake on the high side, so a small reduction to $400 or less would brand the telephone even more attractive.

Also, we would like to see Google launch the Pixel 6a in more than just the U.S. and Japan. There is a global shortage of calculator fries, merely hopefully Google can yet permit its fans in other countries buy the phone if they wish.

Jordan is the Phones Editor for Tom's Guide, covering all things telephone-related. He's written nearly phones for over five years and plans to go along for a long while to come. He loves zilch more than relaxing in his home with a book, game, or his latest personal writing project. Jordan likes finding new things to dive into, from books and games to new mechanical keyboard switches and fun keycap sets. Jordan tends to lurk on social media, just you can all-time accomplish him on Twitter.