Google Pixel 6a shows that greatness doesn't need to exceed expectations

 

Right away, anyone who has touched a Pixel 6 will notice the slight downsizing in the Pixel 6a. The base (not Pro) model of last year’s flagship came in at a sizable 6.4-inches, while Google cut the 6a down to a 6.1-inch display. I’m a strict adherent to the “smaller is better” mindset in smartphone design, as a person who enjoys using things with one hand. 

I’m glad to report you can mostly do that with the Pixel 6a, though any app like Twitter or Instagram with prominent UI features in the upper left corner of the screen were usually unreachable without assistance from my left hand. Such is life. Oh, and the three colors this time around are Sage, Chalk, and Charcoal.

Screen size aside, the Pixel 6a’s specs compare pretty favorably to its $600 predecessor:

• 6.1-inch display (6.4-inch on Pixel 6)

• 60Hz refresh rate (up to 90Hz on Pixel 6)

• 6GB RAM (up to 8GB on Pixel 6)

• 128GB storage (up to 256GB on Pixel 6)

• 4,410mAh battery (4,614mAh on Pixel 6)

If your eyes glaze over looking at tech specs (understandable), the only downgrade here that I would call seriously disappointing is the maximum 60Hz refresh rate. That figure is acceptable given that almost every iPhone ever made has gone with the same refresh rate, but we’re supposed to live in a better world now. Even other mid-range Android phones like the Nothing Phone (1) (priced at around $475 USD) can go up to 120Hz now. It makes simple acts like scrolling through Twitter feel smooth as silk, so it’s a little disappointing that Google still isn’t keeping up with the Joneses in this regard.