Google Pixel 6a Review | Six Weeks Later, With Android 13!

Reviewing Google's Pixel 6a smartphone after the Android 13 upgrade, including a full camera test, gaming prowess, battery life, best new features and beyond. The Pixel 6a is one of the best phones of 2022 at this mid-range price, especially for amateur photographers after an easy-to-use camera experience. Here's my longer term thoughts on a blower that's improved since my unboxing, although isn't quite perfect.

Gamers will be happy to hear that Genshin Impact plays more smoothly now, although the Game Dashboard has vanished with the Android 13 update. Still, the Pixel 6a's battery life seems to have got even better, while the slick UI now boasts improved lock screen and notification widgets.

Media fans will love the OLED display, although the lack of 90Hz refresh is a shame - and the Pixel 6a's stereo speakers are pretty weak sauce. I adore that compact design however, and this is certainly one of the best mini smartphones of 2022. Especially if you're after a dependable camera, which is stress-free for everyday snaps.

Have you been using this Google handset as your own? Let us know your own thoughts below!

Google Pixel 6a Review Chapters:
0:00 - Too many phones
0:45 - Design
2:03 - Android 13 & features
3:38 - Screen & audio
5:05 - Performance & gaming
5:56 - Battery life
7:23 - Cameras
10:00 - Verdict

[squared_circle]

After all the updates, I've got to admit the phone works flawlessly, no lags, no heat, no battery drain. I easily get 7 hours screen on time with 25-30% remaining at the end of the day. My fingerprint sensor has 100% succes rate after the latest update, really is a great phone.

[shanetorr]

Had mine over 2 weeks now, upgrading from Pixel 4a 5g. - very impressive phone with much improved performance, and an absolute bargain at current prices. For Android fans looking for a very slick and solid performing phone I can highly recommend the Pixel 6A

[GFourGadget]

That's why I love your channel, when everyone's doing iPhone videos you've uploaded a Pixel 6a video. Nice!

[adamberns]

What bugs me (Apple reviewers fail to mention as they may not get ones to review) is that the iPhone 14 at 6.1-inch and iPhone 14 Plus at 6.7-inch, are still using 60Hz displays. I'm liking my 6a, although battery life could be better.

[Riz_]

My wife has the google Pixel 6A and she loves it. And even though I own the Pixel 6 Pro the compact size of the Pixel 6A has me a tad jealous. I still think people make too much of the 60HZ refresh rate.

[iainlivingstone]

Love my Pixel 6a and paired with the Pixel buds works flawlessly, with the pure Android experience I really don't mind the60hz all very smooth, and agree my battery life definitely improved!! All in all you can't really go wrong with this wee blower 👌😎

[MarkCucchiara]

Android 13 tanked the battery, the September update made it better but it was the full reset after both updates that fixed everything. Instead of getting boiling hot now it just gets warm. Battery life is now stellar.

[MartinT]

I've had the Pixel 6a since release and I think since the Android 13 update it's now performing better and the new media functions on the lockscreen work very well. I would say my battery does seem to drain faster since the update but hopefully that will settle down eventually too. Overall I like my Pixel 6a better than the Oppo Find X3 Neo I had before

[kevinbailey]

Thanks!. I always love your reviews. Your dry English humor never falls to give me a chuckle. Keep up the amazing work.

[michelejp]

I've just grabbed one of these, brand new for £280. Have to say I'm very impressed and the photography is stunning! I am one of those awful iPhone users, but I'm slowly learning that they are just a flex phone and I'm very foolish for shelling out my hard-earned cash!

[Stofffuchs]

Iam lucky with my 6a. Perfect size. Don't really miss a 90 or 120 Hz Display in daily use.

[jasonkenny]

Ordered mine today so was holding my breath during this, on the whole looks a decent little phone 👍🏻

[nicomotor]

Mine has good to use the whole time, both with android 12 and 13. Not bothered by the 60hz display in the slightest as the Tensor chip is quick to load apps and deal with whatever task I throw at it. Great phone, especially if you can get a discount on it

[kerrip]

I upgraded from a S10 and I absolutely love it. Google's software is brilliant.

[iLuseMyvs]

The September 5th update really fixed all of my issues. Phone runs cool and the fingerprint sensor has been near perfect. My other fingerprints no longer unlock my phone too.

[gujakis]

I can confirm without shadow of the doubt, photos and videos are awesome at 6a! Besides that, compact, great chip, fast, nice sound... overall a really good phone. The only thing I was missing was sidebar option. I find it very useful. And all of you expecting a good video call at poor light with front don't.😅 .... Taking photos during the poor light is another story. Google Software makes Wonders!

[random]

in reality, the green pixel 6a looks incredibly beautiful. and its color changes depending on the lighting.

[richardsmith]

As always, great, honest review with just the right amount of entertainment. Keep up the good work!

[SiddharthKanchi]

After updating to Sept OTA, the finger print response is excellent. Battery backup has increased tremendously. No more heating issues as well. Now my P6a is near perfect!

[aerosolfx]

Thinking to buy one as im not really intrested in technology or what smartphone does what. As long as i can make calls and use a few apps and take good pics thats all i need. I think people take this stuff for granted, we have came from black and white TV screens to the world in your finger tips and people are moaning about the most minor things that dont even matter its actually quite sad. Just be greatful your alive and getting to call and take pics of your loved ones is a bonus. A phone really is just a phone and none of it matters.