On Wednesday, Google unveiled its highly anticipated Pixel 6A mid-range smartphone at its I/O developer conference.

The Pixel 6A will have the same look as the flagship Pixel 6 series from 2021, but will be a more affordable choice at $449.

The new smartphone will also run on the same custom Tensor Titan M2 chip as the main Pixel 6 models.

Design

In terms of design, the Pixel 6A will feature the same raised horizontal camera bump and two-tone body as last year’s Pixel 6 series.

Google has had to make some cost cuts in the hardware department to keep the price the same as its predecessor.

These include a slower screen refresh rate of 60Hz, a smaller 128GB storage capacity, the exclusion of wireless charging support, and a lower weather resistance rating.

Unlike previous Pixel A-series smartphones, the camera has been downgraded to a twin 12MP combo on the rear.

On the front, Google has stuck with the same 8MP lens as the base Pixel 6.

Another significant change from previous Pixel A-series smartphones is the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack.

Availability

The phone will compete with the likes of the Samsung A53, OnePlus Nord, and the iPhone SE.

US pre-orders for the Pixel 6A will open on July 21 and ship to retailers on July 28.

Highlight Specifications of Pixel 6A

OS: Android 12 (upgradeable to Android 13).

Display-6.1 inch 1,080 x 2,400 OLED, 60Hz refresh rate

CPU-Google Tensor Titan M2

Storage - 128GB

RAM - 6GB LPDDR5

Rear camera-12.2MP main + 12MP ultrawide

Front camera: 8MP

Connectivity - 5G

SIM-Dual SIM

Battery and charging-4.411 mAh, 18W wired charging

Dimensions and weight: 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (178g)

Colours: Sage, Chalk, Charcoal

Price-$449