Google Pixel 6 Pro Vs. Google Pixel 6a
Here’s the detailed comparison between the Google Pixel 6 Pro and the Google Pixel 6a:
The Google Pixel 6 Pro was released in October 2021.
The Google Pixel 6a was released in July 2022.
| Feature | Google Pixel 6 Pro | Google Pixel 6a | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.71-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1440 x 3120 pixels (~512 ppi), 120Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak), Gorilla Glass Victus | 6.1-inch OLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels (~429 ppi), 60Hz, HDR, Gorilla Glass 3 | Pixel 6 Pro has a larger, higher resolution (QHD+) display with a smoother 120Hz refresh rate and superior brightness. |
| Brightness | 800 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak) | Not explicitly stated (typically lower than Pro models) | Pixel 6 Pro offers significantly higher peak brightness for better outdoor visibility. |
| Processor | Google Tensor (5 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) | Both phones feature the same flagship Google Tensor chip, offering identical high-end performance. |
| RAM | 12GB | 6GB | Pixel 6 Pro has double the RAM, which can be beneficial for heavy multitasking and future-proofing. |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB (UFS 3.1) | Pixel 6 Pro offers more storage options, while 6a is limited to 128GB. |
| Battery Life | 5003 mAh | 4410 mAh | Pixel 6 Pro has a larger battery, but its larger, higher-resolution, and higher-refresh-rate display can consume more power. Real-world battery life can be similar or slightly better on 6a. |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP (wide, f/1.9, OIS, Laser AF, Dual Pixel PDAF) + 48 MP (telephoto, f/3.5, OIS, PDAF, 4x optical zoom) + 12 MP (ultrawide, f/2.2) | 12.2 MP (wide, f/1.7, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF) + 12 MP (ultrawide, f/2.2) | Pixel 6 Pro has a significantly more versatile and higher-spec camera system, including a dedicated 4x optical telephoto lens and higher resolution main sensor. |
| Front Camera | 11.1 MP (ultrawide, f/2.2) | 8 MP (wide, f/2.0) | Pixel 6 Pro has a higher resolution ultrawide front camera. |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame, IP68 dust/water resistant | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame, IP67 dust/water resistant | Pixel 6 Pro has a more premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus on both sides and superior IP68 water/dust resistance. |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (dust/water resistant up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP67 (dust/water resistant up to 1m for 30 min) | Pixel 6 Pro offers better water and dust resistance. |
| S Pen | No | No | Neither phone includes S Pen support. |
| Software | Android 12 (upgradeable to Android 14+), Pure Android experience | Android 12 (upgradeable to Android 14+), Pure Android experience | Both run Google’s clean Android experience and receive timely updates. Pixel 6a launched later, so it might receive support for a slightly longer duration. |
| Charging | 23W wired, 23W wireless, Reverse wireless | 18W wired | Pixel 6 Pro offers faster wired charging, plus convenient wireless and reverse wireless charging, which 6a lacks. |
| Special Features | 120Hz LTPO display, Telephoto camera, Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging, IP68, Higher RAM/Storage options | More compact size, More affordable, Excellent camera performance (for its price), Same Tensor chip as Pro | Pixel 6 Pro has more premium features. Pixel 6a offers flagship performance in a smaller, more budget-friendly package. |
| Price | KES 43,500 – 52,500 (approx.) | KES 40,000 (approx.) | Pixel 6a was significantly more affordable at launch. Current prices vary due to age. |
My Choice and Why:
The Google Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 6a offer a distinct choice between a full-fledged flagship and a highly capable mid-range device, both powered by the same impressive Tensor chip.
The Google Pixel 6 Pro is the superior phone if you prioritize premium features and an uncompromised experience. Its stunning QHD+ 120Hz LTPO display, versatile camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens, more RAM, premium build with IP68 rating, and wireless charging capabilities make it a true flagship. If you want the best of Google’s hardware and don’t mind spending more, the Pro model is the way to go.
The Google Pixel 6a is an incredible value proposition, especially for its price. It delivers flagship performance thanks to the Tensor chip, excellent camera quality (despite having fewer lenses than the Pro), and a more compact form factor. If you want a pure Google Android experience with fantastic camera performance, a great main chip, and long software support, but at a significantly lower cost, the 6a is an outstanding choice. It’s truly a “budget flagship” in terms of core performance and camera.
I’d say:
* Choose the Google Pixel 6 Pro if your budget allows for a top-tier display, advanced camera versatility, wireless charging, and the highest build quality.
* Choose the Google Pixel 6a if you want the core Pixel experience (Tensor chip performance, excellent main camera, clean Android) at a much more affordable price, and a more compact size, without needing a high refresh rate display or telephoto lens.