Google's Pixel 6a succeeds the 5a 5G introduced in 2021. Like its predecessor, the device is budget-friendly, but despite that, you still get pretty good specs for its price.

Here are the best features offered by the Pixel 6a to help you make an informed choice if you're considering it as your next phone.

1. New Design

The Pixel 6a is the first budget device from Google to sport the new design language from the company, introduced with the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. It sports the unique two-tone look with a camera bar running from side to side on the rear, housing the dual-camera system and an LED flash.

The selfie camera now lives at the top center of the display, unlike the left-aligned design in its predecessor. The phone comes in new colors to further differentiate it from the rest of the Pixel 6 series, including sage, charcoal, and chalk.

2. Under-Display Fingerprint Sensor

To make the Pixel 6a's design entirely identical to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Google swapped out the rear-placed fingerprint sensor that was common on the previous a-series phones for an optical under-display one. While that may not sound like a big deal, it's good to mention that this is the same optical fingerprint sensor found on the high-end $899 Pixel 6 Pro.

3. Reliable Dual Camera Setup

Google Pixel 6a colors
Image Credit: Google

Google's Pixel series is well-known for its impressive photographic capabilities. With the 6a, Google retains the same winning dual-camera setup found on the Pixel 5a 5G.

But don't be fooled by the number of cameras. These two are all you will need. Google's camera philosophy has been to offer fewer reliable cameras than more pointless camera lenses, as seen in many budget-friendly phones.

On top of the reliable dual-camera setup, the device has all the Pixel-exclusive camera tricks up its sleeve. It includes Magic Eraser, a handy feature that allows you to remove unwanted objects and things from your photos with a tap. However, on the 6a, Magic Eraser can also change the color of distracting objects to make them blend in with the surrounding.

Another exciting feature of the camera is Real Tone, which ensures your image colors are as accurate as possible. Check out more Pixel 6 features that will improve your photography game if you wish to know more.

4. 18W Fast Charging Support

Although fast charging has become more of a standard than an exciting feature, having it onboard is always a plus. Pixel 6a supports 18W fast charging using USB Power Delivery 3.0 via a USB Type-C 3.1 port.

While it's a lot slower than the best of the competition, it will ensure the included 4410mAh battery can charge as fast as possible without keeping you down for long.

5. Google's Tensor Chip

Google Tensor chip
Image Credit: Google

Google's Tensor chip is at the helm of the phone, the same chip that powers Google's 2021 flagship 6 Pro. It's a 5nm chip with lots of security thanks to the Titan M2 security chip and lots of AI smarts.

The company says its machine learning models run nearly 5x faster on the 6a relative to the 5a 5G. But if you're someone who mainly cares about raw performance, read our Google Tensor vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 vs. Exynos 2200 comparison for more details.

6. Small Pocket-Friendly Size

Phones seem to be getting bigger by the day. But not the Pixel 6a. The device has a 6.1-inch 1080p OLED HDR display with slim bezels. That has one key advantage—you get more pixels per inch. Plus, as you would expect, it's very pocket-friendly.

If you felt the 6.34-inch Pixel 5a was more prominent than your preference, the 6a might be what you want. Interestingly, that display size is identical to Apple's iPhone 13. It is also just 0.14 pounds heavier than the base iPhone 13.

Is It Time to Switch to the Pixel 6a?

The 6a is a well-specced phone offering 18W fast charging support, an optical fingerprint sensor, a well-established dual-camera setup, and Google's flagship Tensor chip, all wrapped in the new Pixel design and a pocket-friendly size at $449. Depending on what device you're currently using, the Pixel 6a might be just what you need.