Google launches 'affordable' Pixel 6a smartphone

Google has launched the latest version of its 'affordable' A-Series of smartphones with the announcement of the Pixel 6a.

Up until now the series has offered an affordable alternative to Google’s flagships, retaining many of their core features, while keeping the overall cost relatively low. The Pixel 6a made its debut at Google’s I/O keynote earlier this year, and is now available locally for $749. 

The big upgrade compared to its predecessor the Pixel 5a is a move to Google’s dedicated Tensor chip - the same one as last year’s Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.

Design-wise the 6a is in keeping with the rest of the Pixel 6 Series, and available in three colours: Charcoal, Chalk and Sage. It's available in one configuration only with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and Google says it is up to 5x faster than last year’s phone.

The phone uses a recycled aluminium frame and has a 6.1', 1080p OLED display, but a relatively slow refresh rate of only 60Hz.  Onboard are three cameras, a 12.2MP main lens, a 12Mp ultra-wide lens with 114° field of view and an 8Mp selfie lens. The company says it can last 24 hours on a single charge (including standby time), or 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver mode turned on. 

Other features announced include IP67 water and dust resistance and an under-display fingerprint sensor.

Pixel 6a is available now from the Google Store, JB HI-FI, Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Officeworks and Harvey Norman.