Google Pixel 6a was one of the best smartphones from the search giant. Not only did it lower the gap between the flagship Pixel 6, but it also offered a good load of value. So, when it launched back in mid-2022, it became reasonably popular among those who were looking for a great, affordable phone.
But it seems like the Google Pixel 6a has already lived its best life. Google has removed the phone from its official website. In other words, the manufacturer has stopped selling one of its popular and affordable smartphones.
Google Wants You to Wait for the Pixel 8a or Get the Pixel 7a Instead
Like the past phones Google has discontinued, the Google Pixel 6a doesn’t have any trace on the official website. As a matter of fact, if you follow the old link to the smartphone, you will be led to the newer Pixel 7a. This suggests that Google wants you to consider the newer phone instead.
In comparison, the Google Pixel 7a is a better overall phone than the Pixel 6a. It comes with the same SoC that’s inside the last-gen Pixel 7 Pro. What’s more is that the newer A-series phone brings a lot of small changes that just make the overall experience better.
Of course, all that shouldn’t make you skip considering Google Pixel 6a. As it’s relatively dated now, you can find good deals on third-party retailers. In most cases, the last-gen A-phone will be much more affordable than the Pixel 7a.
But, yes, if you’re thinking about the long run, Google Pixel 7a is a better purchase. Besides having improved hardware, it’s set to receive Android OS updates until at least May 2026. Also, it is set to get security updates at least until May 2028.
The Google Pixel 6a, on the other hand, the Pixel 6a will reach the end of life in 2027.
You Can Also Wait for the Google Pixel 8a
If you are interested in a Google Pixel phone, you can also wait for the Google Pixel 8a. Based on past launches, Google generally introduces its new affordable smartphones at Google I/O. This year’s Google I/O event is set for May 14, which is basically two months away.
As far as the reports go, the upcoming Google Pixel 8a will reportedly come with a 120 Hz refresh rate. If this holds true, it would be the first time Google would be integrating a high refresh rate panel on its affordable smartphone.
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We also got another report that suggested the Pixel 8a will feature a similar design as the regular Pixel 8. Also, the upcoming phone is expected to start at $550, which would be a $50 price bump from the Pixel 7a and $100 from the Pixel 6a.
Other than that, there are not many credible reports on the smartphone. But, as mentioned earlier, Google I/O is only two months away. So, you don’t need to wait long to find out all about upcoming affordable smartphones. Til then, it might just be worth it to hold onto your current phone a little longer.
You Can Also Consider the Newly Launched Samsung Galaxy A55
If your choices aren’t restricted to Google Pixel smartphones, you should consider the Samsung Galaxy A55. Samsung has done a lot of things right with this affordable smartphone.
To start with, the phone comes with a high-end display. It’s a spacious 6.6-inch AMOLED screen with FHD+ resolution. More importantly, the screen has a 120 Hz refresh rate, which is much better than the 90 Hz display in the Google Pixel 7a.
Next, the Samsung Galaxy A55 has a premium build. Yes, even the Google Pixel 7a features an IP67 water-resistance rating. But the Galaxy A55 takes things to the next step. It boasts Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back. This makes the smartphone more resilient to drops and bumps.
Another big highlight of the Samsung Galaxy A55 is its battery. It has a higher capacity than the Google Pixel 7a. This means the A55 can offer a more reliable battery life. You also get faster charging, which is at 25W for the A55. On the other hand, the 7a can only charge at 18W.
The Samsung Galaxy A55 has a versatile camera setup. The affordable phone boasts three cameras on the back with a 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, and 5 MP macro. While the macro lens may seem useless at times, it can be handy for extreme close-up shots. And as you may have guessed, the Google Pixel 7a doesn’t have any macro mode.
But yes, the Google Pixel 7a is still a good pick if you want to experience stock Android. Google’s phone also enjoys many software optimizations and tricks that are exclusive to the lineup. Do consider all these before you make a decision between these two smartphones.
Via: gizchina.com
