Google Pixel 6 vs Google Pixel 6a 5G
Our Verdict: These are two phones from the same range, with the Pixel 6 sitting above the Pixel 6a 5G. The 6 has a far higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the 6a 5G's 12MP, plus a 12MP selfie camera against 8MP, and the 6 has the bigger screen at 6.4" against 6.1", while the 6a 5G has the sharper one at 431 PPI. The 6 is the lighter phone at 0g against 178g. The 6 is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the 6a 5G is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 6a 5G is the cheaper buy at £135 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.2
10 reviews
Prices updated 10 July 2026
Google Pixel 6
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Google Pixel 6a 5G
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 10 reviews |
4.2 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.4" | 6.1" |
| Display | AMOLED | OLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2400 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 403 | 431 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 8 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Google Tensor (5nm) | Google Tensor (5nm) |
| Battery | 4,614 mAh | 4,410 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB |
| OS | Android | Android 12 |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e- SIM | nano-SIM and e- SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.4 x 75.1 x 8.2 mm | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 0 grams | 178 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP67 - Dust and water resistant |
| Contracts | - | - |
| SIM-free | £135.00 | £134.99 |
| Prices updated 10 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 6 or Google Pixel 6a 5G?
The Google Pixel 6 has the bigger screen at 6.4" compared to the Google Pixel 6a 5G's 6.1", the Google Pixel 6a 5G has the sharper display at 431 pixels per inch versus 403, and the Google Pixel 6 uses a AMOLED panel while the Google Pixel 6a 5G has a OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 6 or Google Pixel 6a 5G?
The Google Pixel 6 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 6a 5G has a 12 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Google Pixel 6 or Google Pixel 6a 5G?
The Google Pixel 6a 5G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £134.99.
What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6a 5G?
The Google Pixel 6 is available in 128GB, while the Google Pixel 6a 5G comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6a 5G use?
The Google Pixel 6 is powered by the Google Tensor (5nm), while the Google Pixel 6a 5G uses the Google Tensor (5nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 6 or Google Pixel 6a 5G?
It's a trade-off: the Google Pixel 6 is lighter but the Google Pixel 6a 5G is more compact. It's 178g lighter at 0 grams, though the Google Pixel 6a 5G is actually the more compact phone at 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm, the Google Pixel 6 is slimmer at 8.2mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 6 or Google Pixel 6a 5G?
The Google Pixel 6 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Google Pixel 6a 5G is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant.
What operating system do the Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6a 5G run?
The Google Pixel 6 runs Android and the Google Pixel 6a 5G runs Android 12. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.