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Google Pixel 6a

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A render of the Google Pixel 6a in Charcoal black color.
Google Pixel 6a

Brand
Google
SoC
Google Tensor
Display
6.1-inch FHD+ OLED, 60Hz
RAM
6GB
Storage
128GB
Micro SD card support
No
Front camera
8MP, f/2.0
Battery
4410mAh
Ports
USB Type-C (USB 3.1)
Dimensions
152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9mm (5.99 x 2.82 x 0.35 inches)
Weight
178g (6.27 ounces)
IP Rating
IP67
Colors
Chalk, Charcoal, Sage
Operating System
Android 13
Camera (Rear, Front)
12.2MP main + 12MP ultrawide, 8MP selfie

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Best Google Pixel phones in 2024

Google's Pixel smartphone lineup is stellar, but which Pixel phone should you get?

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Google just unveiled the new Google Pixel 8 series, and that includes the Pixel 8 Pro, which is one of the best Android phones around. But that doesn't mean everyone should just go out and buy the Pixel 8 Pro without looking at other options. Google has a robust lineup of Pixel devices, including bona-fide flagships, budget devices, and great foldables. Since these devices are the only phones to run stock Android, and they also feature Google's AI and machine learning advancements, there's a case to be made for a Pixel to become your next phone. We've rounded up a list of the best Google Pixel phones today so you can find the one that's right for you.

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Android 14 is now available for Google Pixels with better security, accessibility improvements, and more

Android 14 is now available for Google Pixels, and it has a lot of improvements and refinements over Android 13.

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If you have a Google Pixel smartphone, then today is the day that you'll be able to finally download Android 14. After months of developer previews and beta releases, you can now download the full release on the Google Pixel 4a (5G) and above. Android 14 is the latest version of the world's largest mobile operating system, polishing up features from last year's Android 13. This is just a summary article of some of the biggest changes, so be sure to check out everything that you need to know about Android 14 to learn about everything in depth.

Google Pixel 6a in all three colors on wooden table.
Best Google Pixel 6a cases in 2023

We have rounded up the best cases for the Google Pixel 6a, including rugged, thin, wallet, and more cases.

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We’re pretty close to the unveiling of the models from the Pixel 8 series (rumors claim the big launch will be in October), but do you know which phone is still popular with Pixel fans? The Google Pixel 6a. It made its debut in May 2022, almost half a year after the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. This mid-range phone was supposed to give you a taste of the flagship Pixel phones at a lower price tag, but it ended up becoming a hot seller. It came with a pretty competent chipset, a great camera system, and decent looks with some interesting color variants.

Android 14 upside down cake
How to download Android 14 for Google Pixel and other Android devices

Android 14 is available via the beta channel, and you can install it on your Google Pixel right now.

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Android 14 is almost ready for prime time! For lucky owners of the Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, or any Pixel phone as old as the Pixel 4a 5G, you'll be among the first users to see what Android 14 has to offer, as these devices can participate in Google's beta initiative.

Punch hole camera of the Google Pixel 6a
Best Pixel 6a screen protectors in 2023

All of these Pixel 6a screen protectors are precisely cut for the Pixel 6a's selfie camera.

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The Google Pixel 6a remains a viable option despite the arrival of its successor, the Google Pixel 7a. It may not be the most powerful or feature-rich smartphone out there, but you can't go wrong with the Pixel 6a for $349. While it sports a plastic back, the front is protected by the same Gorilla Glass 3. The glass is perfectly capable of protecting the display against scratches, but it might not survive a hard fall on concrete. This is why I recommend picking one of the best screen protectors to keep your phone's display in pristine condition. If you're wondering which one to buy for your Pixel 6a, check out some of my favorite ones below.

Back view of Google Pixel 6a in hand
Best Google Pixel 6a deals in 2023

Here's are some of the best Google Pixel 6a deals you can find across major retailers and carriers to save some money on your purchase.

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Google has decided to keep the Pixel 6a around as an alternative to the new Pixel 7a for those who want to buy something cheaper. In fact, it's officially down to $350, making it the most affordable Pixel phone you can buy right now. It may not be the most powerful or feature-packed phone out there, but it's hard to argue against the value it brings to the table. You can check out our Google Pixel 7a vs Pixel 6a comparison to see how it stacks up against the latest mid-ranger.

Best Google Fi phones in 2024

Google Fi is a service that offers flexibility in terms of plans and devices. Here's a list of well-supported devices you should consider.

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Google Fi Wireless started out as an experiment in the Google labs, as Project Fi and, later, Google Fi. It’s an MVNO that had one unique selling point; it could switch between multiple carrier networks depending on the strength of coverage where you were. Then some carrier consolidation later, and it only runs on T-Mobile’s network in the U.S.

install Android 13 featured image
How to install Android 13 on Google Pixel and other Android devices

For those who need it, here's some help

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The latest stable version of Android, Android 13, has officially seen its public release back in August 2022. As expected, if you’ve got an eligible Pixel smartphone, you can get in on the fun right now by downloading the Android 13 release for your device. Google also provides Generic System Images (GSI), which means the latest version of Android can be booted on non-Google Project Treble-compatible devices as well.

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The stable version Android 14 is almost here, but we'll have to wait a few more weeks until it's available to the public. To prepare for this significant transition, Google today released the final pre-release build in the form of Beta 5 to let enthusiasts as well as regular users offer last-minute feedback. As expected, the fifth beta build features finalized SDK and NDK APIs and app-facing system behaviors, so it's time for developers to get their apps ready for the new OS.

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Best smartphones for kids in 2024

Find the perfect phone for children of all ages.

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Deciding what age to buy your kid a phone is entirely up to you. There are a lot of things to consider as a parent, and only you can make the right decision based on careful assessment. Not all kids are the same, after all. But once you know the time is right, and your kid is ready to use a phone responsibly, you'll want to buy one that's reliable and easy to use. You should spend your money on a phone that helps you stay connected while offering a good set of features and the latest technology, which your child can get used to as they grow older. You should also be careful not to buy something too expensive because, well, some kids might drop, break, or even lose it.

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How to download Android 13 for Google Pixel and other Android devices

Google has officially kicked off the Android 13 QPR3's stable version rollout. You can download the release right now and give it a try!

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Google officially launched the stable version of Android 13 on August 15, 2022. For lucky owners of the Pixel 7a or any devices as old as the Pixel 4a, you’ll also be among the first to see what Android 13 QPR3 has to offer, as the company has already started rolling out the update on these phones. The Pixel Fold and the Pixel Tablet are also eligible to get regular monthly security updates on top of Android 13.

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We're already 7 days into August, but since today is the first Monday of the month, that means it's time for the latest batch of Android security patches. Google today published the August 2023 Android Security Bulletin, and with it, the corresponding August 2023 security update for eligible Pixel devices. Google's Pixel phones aren't the only phones getting a freshly baked build today, though, as Samsung has also pushed new security updates to the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S20 FE, and a couple of foldables.

Google Pixel 6a in-hand
This just might be Prime Day's single best phone deal

Seriously, the Google Pixel 6a for just $250 is an absolute steal.

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If you're in the market for a new smartphone, then Prime Day is one of the best times of the year to be looking. With some insanely deep discounts on all kinds of products, it's a great time to make savings in general. The Google Pixel 6a is one such discounted product, and being honest, it's one of the best smartphone deals we've been able to spot so far. In fact, it's probably the best Google Pixel deal available right now at just $250.

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Google's Pixel 7 and earbuds hit an all-time low with Prime Day deals

Grab Google's latest smartphones and earbuds at never-before-seen prices on Prime Day.

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Google's latest Pixel smartphones are among the best Android phones you can buy right now. Its flagship Pixel 7 series offers a great package overall at a significantly lower price than the competition, while the Pixel 7a is the best cheap Android phone currently on the market. The devices are hard to beat at full price, and they're now even more attractive with these Prime Day deals that bring them down to their lowest prices yet. On top of that, you can also pick up a pair of Google's highly-acclaimed wireless earbuds or the Pixel Watch at discounted prices to complete your Pixel collection.

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Google Pixel Fold and Tablet join the bleeding edge with Android 14 Beta 4

The stable release is just around the corner

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Android 14 Beta 4 is rolling out today for eligible Pixel devices. For folks keeping track of the development cycle, this is the last expected major release before it hits the stable milestone and is ready for the masses. This latest version also picks up support for the brand new Pixel Fold as well as the Pixel Tablet, which means it's the last chance for the app developers to get those tuning-and-testing toes wet before Android 14 is released.

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In case you're thinking, "today's a Wednesday, but Pixel updates usually land on Mondays," you're right, Google is indeed a little bit behind its usual schedule. This month's release has been delayed slightly until today, as a result of 4th July's federal holiday to celebrate Independence Day in the US. Nonetheless, Google's freshly baked Pixel software updates for July are finally here.

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Best Android phones under $500 in 2023

Looking for an Android phone that doesn't break the bank? Here are some good options to consider.

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Buying a smartphone in 2023 is no longer an expensive affair as there are a ton of great phones out there offering a solid experience for less. The Android space, as always, is buzzing with a lot of inexpensive devices that deliver good performance and best without breaking the bank. So if you are in the market to buy a new Android phone for $500 or less, then here are good options to consider right now.

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Best Google Pixel 6a accessories in 2023

Google's new budget phone offers good value overall, but your experience can be better with these best Google Pixel 6a accessories.

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Despite the release of the Pixel 7a, the Pixel 6a remains one of the best budget phones you can buy in the U.S. right now. It borrows a lot from the flagship Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro and can be had for as little as $350. That's an excellent price for a phone that brings the same high-end chipset as the Pixel 6 series, along with the same software experience and a pair of cameras that holds up pretty well in 2023.

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Google is prepping the sweet treat of Android 14 for its Pixel smartphones, and users on the beta program are starting to see a fresh new update today. The upcoming major release of Android has just hit another milestone with a Beta 2.1 hotfix making its debut alongside a bunch of stability improvements.

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Android 13 QPR3 Beta 3.2 update brings plenty of connectivity fixes to Pixel devices

Google has pushed the Android 13 QPR3 Beta 3.2 update, bringing more improvements, with a focus on connectivity fixes.

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Android 13 QPR3 Beta 3.2 is rolling out to select Google Pixel smartphones. The over-the-air (OTA) update brings a wealth of new bug fixes, with most focusing on connectivity issues. Google states that this update is for select devices, which means you currently must have an eligible device running Android 13 QPR3 Beta. If your device is running a different version of the OS like the Android 14 Beta, you will not see this update, and you will not have access to it.

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