Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 5a: Which one is your preference?

Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 5a: Design

Guys, on one hand, we have the expected Pixel 6 flagship with an interesting new three-color design. We see from the renders that the camera bump of the phone stretches alongside the rear panel in a new, unorthodox look. Google calls this the ‘camera bar’, housing the camera sensors. It has a metal ridge that protects the sensors from scratches. The lower part of the rear panel is painted in one color; and the top part in another.

Google has prepared three color finishes for the Pixel 6: an orange-coral one, that we have seen earlier in leaked renders, a mint green one, and an all-black one.

On the other hand, the Pixel 5a will reportedly sport a simple and minimalistic look, quite similar to the Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, and the Pixel 5. According to leaked images, the phone has a unibody design with the fingerprint sensor on the back, and a rectangular camera bump. This makes the Pixel 5a the fourth Google phone with the same design.

Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 5a: Display

The Pixel 5a is expected to sport a 6.2-inch OLED panel, while the Pixel 6’s display will be around 6.4-inches, so in terms of display sizes, these two phones might end up being really close to each other.

Of course, the Pixel 6 will have some features that make it stand out from the more affordable Pixel 5a. For example, we know the vanilla Pixel 6 will sport 90Hz refresh rate. Although this isn’t as fast as the more premium Pixel 6 Pro’s 120Hz refresh rate, it is still smooth and fast, ensuring great user experience.

Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 5a: Hardware and performance

The hardware and performance department is where things get interesting, mainly because of the new Google-made chip that’s going to power the Pixel 6. Google has now revealed its name: Google Tensor. This name does sound almighty, and it seems Google will be going all-in with the new Pixel 6. The new custom-made chip will be rivaling Qualcomm’s premium Snapdragon 888.

The main advertising point of the new chip is the improved AI capabilities. However, Google did not give any specs or benchmarks for the SoC yet, so we are left to wait for the fall’s release for actual real-life tests and benchmarks.

Earlier though, reputable industry insider Max Weinbach stated in a podcast this new chip won’t be as fast as the flagship Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100. In the podcast, he stated it would fall somewhere between the Snapdragon 865 and the 888 in terms of performance.

Of course, there’s another aspect of performance that we need to address. The chip’s raw speed is not the only thing that matters for a great experience with the phone. The software optimization is also key, and we are inclined to believe that Google may have something in store there, given the fact it decided to ditch the flagship Snapdragon for a custom-made silicon.

The situation with the Pixel 5a is a bit different. We hear the phone will be powered by the slightly older now, Snapdragon 765. We find the same chip in the Pixel 5, and it is not a flagship chip, but an upper-midrange one. In our Pixel 5 review, we came to the conclusion that a midrange chip is quite good for your everyday tasks.

For reference, look at these benchmarks: we have here the Exynos 2100 in the Galaxy S21 and the Pixel 5’s Snapdragon 765 in terms of performance.

Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 5a: Cameras

The two Pixel phones against each other in the camera department: we might expect surprises, of course, but right off the bat, even without photo samples taken, we can say that we expect both phones to deliver great photo quality. After all, Google does some miracles with its image-processing capabilities, and there’s no reason to doubt the company on that.

Leaks have disclosed the Pixel 5a will have a dual-camera setup; however, the exact MPs of these two cameras are undisclosed at the moment. It is believed that they will be a 12.2MP main camera, accompanied by a 16MP ultra-wide camera, like the Pixel 4a 5G.

We know the Pixel 6 will have a dual camera on its back and now Google has confirmed there is an upgrade coming in the camera department, without giving us any camera specs yet. Currently, at least according to leaks, the Pixel 6 will reportedly sport a 50MP main camera and a 12MP ultra wide camera. For reference, its predecessor had a 12.2MP main and a 16MP ultra-wide camera, and photos generally turned out well detailed, with good dynamic range and lifelike colors.

Reportedly, the Pixel 6 should be able to use advanced AI, coupled with the Tensor chip, that will ensure better image quality. Google claims we should be expecting a revamped camera system with the Pixel 6, with new features and updated old features. However, the tech giant has not announced yet exactly what features we should expect apart from the possibility to take a clear and not blurred image of your kid “that won’t stay still” for your family photo.