8:26 Fact check: A53 doesn't have wireless charging. 6A has a plastic back, which would still work with wireless charging... but it still doesn't have it 😐
Only mid rangers I know of that have wireless charging are the iPhone SE and Nothing Phone (1) I may be missing some but it still seems to be a pretty rare feature on phones this price
Wireless charging is very cool tech, but I don't use it often because it's so inefficient. I won't see it as a loss for any phone until it gets to the 90% mark. The 60hz, choppy display though is a deal breaker for me.
tbh magsafe tech is the first time I've actually been interested in wireless charging because of the convenience, but i would need wireless charging to do something better than wired charging for me to actually need it in a phone
I think it also has to do with the fact that pixels get the newest android the first so the only direct comparison with recent phones hes used is 7/7 pro.
Seriously man, all these reviewers are using the top end phones with top specs and then they get their hands on Google Pixel 6a and their major gripe is that it's not 120 Hz or whatever. I mean Pixel 6a has all the stuff that an average/common user needs, not what hard-core tech enthusiasts like themselves who have their own TH-cam channels wants. This only shows the chasm that exists between a tech "influencer" and a common user. I have heard all of them say that you can get better phones for the price. Tell me which are those? Do you want to get a Chinese phone or smth like Samsung which comes with tons of bloat ware and makes the phone lag. None of them mentions this yet most Samsung phone do this. Don't even get me started on their camera and updates/security/privacy issues. Please re-evaluate what you are getting and stop comparing these phones to your top end flagships that are your daily drivers. Please remember not everyone can afford them and please compare this phone to the other phones in the same price bracket! Just because smth is not mainstream for you guys, don't kick it down and out. Give it a chance for a change.
Exactly dude, exactly - if it had exactly the same features as the flagship 6, then it would be the same phone - I don't understand what people's expectations are here? If you want flagship features, buy the flagship, otherwise you have to be willing to compromise in some areas. My 6a comes today and I can't wait!
It is because if these big tech influencers start reviewing mid range and budget phones, their demographic of viewers will shift to the potential "not very lucrative" customers. I have never bought a flagship but tjere are lots of people who do, and they will watch these videos. They might also buy merchandise and sponsered content in their description. So it is integral for them to compare everything with the flagship because that's what the "customer" wants. The rest of us, we're just ad revenue.
iPhone had no 120 Hz till iphone 12, but including him and many other reviewers seemed unbothered. Its Google and other android brands that they nit pick like what the hell bro
I got a Pixel 6 Pro (works well; haven't run into too many issues) but it's a shame to see that the headphone jack and wireless charging were pulled out and the screen couldn't have been upgraded. Looking forward to the Pixel Buds Pro review.
The 6 pro has definitely been less buggy than expected from hearing all the stories. It does everything pretty well, and it along with the 6 were great value so this doesn't seem quite as good
The biggest value of the Pixel "A" line was the free unlimited (compressed) video and photo storage. That is a huge loss not offering that to me. Now I am starting to shop around a bit more.
Great point, I didn't even realize that until I dug into the fine print (everything up to the Pixel 5 was grandfathered and had unlimited). But for me personally, even with my auto-backups I'm only sitting around 50% of my 15GB in the free tier. At $2 per month ($24 annually) you get 100 GB, which isn't THAT big of a pill to swallow in my personal opinion.
True, but most people don't use their TV or laptop or PC as much as they use their phones. Of course, those who code, video editing professionals, pc gamers etc may be exceptions. But these guys know the value of 120hz displays and often use laptops and PC displays that have it. In phones, once you get the feel of 120 or even 90 hz, going back to 60 will truly feel archaic
I still love my pixel 5. Works flawlessly, fantastic fingerprint reader on the back, great display, and still excellent battery life after 2 years. Don't plan on changing to anything else for at least another year or more
I wish it was build like the Pixel 5a or Pixel 5, aluminium body covered by a bio-resin. Imo the best material combination, solid, durable, soft to the touch and won't break like glass. Pixel 5a is structurally marvelous, i wish Google kept the same design and just updated the screen and processor, leaving everything else like the big battery, rear fingerprint sensor and headphone jack the same
I can only agree with the material and headphone jack. But the rest is just a bit outdated and wouldn't set a own design. The new camera bar (which is pretty neat) is a new design language and was never used before. You can instantly recognize a Pixel 6. Not possible with the Pixel 5 design (which isn't bad at all, but pretty normal and boring). The rear fingerprint is outdated and not practical. Where do i have my finger if i want to use my phone? Exactly. On the screen. And it's also fast on my Pixel 6 Pro. And the headphone jack... Yes, i also miss it. I'm using my Sony Bluetooth headphones 99% the time. But if they are empty on battery, i want be able to use my cable in ears or my Sonys with headphone jack (because you can only use them with cable while loading).
@@DarkZoomy The new camera bar will break or scratch easily and creates a big bump on the back of the phone, that's a downside imo. Personally I don't care too much about having a modern unique design which stands out, comfort is much more important for me.
As a Pixel A series user for the last 3 generations, I feel like this one doesn't have as much value-per-dollar compared to previous versions. I'll just stick with the 5A for now, and keep my headphone jack too.
@TheNextGamer21 that's why it's great to be a peasant like me that's never had a higher refresh rate phone, I don't miss what I never had. I save that high refresh rate for my gaming monitors haha.
@@lemonslrg330 I bought the pixel 6 pro after owning a pixel 5, I miss my pixel 5 everyday. I hate the size of this, the bezel is ugly, camera isn't any better, and it's not any faster. Rip pixel 5
Used my 6a for a few months now. Fingerprint sensor best I've ever had. 60 refresh just fine. Makes calls, takes calls and great photos with recent updates even better. Perfect size for pockets in jeans or jackets. Perhaps because I don't game it ticks all my boxes. Excellent phone.
How much did you get it for? I was at the mall yesterday and saw a 6a that sells for $350 and 7a, $550. I'm not much for phones nor do I dream of owning and brandishing flagship ones but I really am interested in Google's pixel phones. Thinking about nabbing a 6A
If you're going to go for a Pixel, get the normal 6, it's not too much more expensive and it has a vastly better screen and of course better camera's. I own the standard 6 and love it despite the horrible fingerprint sensor. It's a really great phone. For future proofing it's the smart choice.
Always appreciate your reviews, Marques. Even if I don't plan on getting the device, your down-to-earth approach really helps me gauge where the manufacturer is going in terms of design and engineering. Looking forward to your review of the Pixel 7.
I've been using my 6a for a couple of weeks now and the only minor issue I have is with the fingerprint sensor that is a bit hit and miss. It seems not to like dry skin too much but is pretty good overall. (I miss the rear sensor that could be used for upping and downing the notification shade). By the way, I expect it was a slip of the tongue but the rear panel is plastic not glass and the phone gets five years of security updates in addition to the three years system updates. As for the display, it's absolutely fine and the performance is as snappy as I would wish it to be. Oh, and I have it on good authority that it sounds fine during phone calls - something that seems to be completely overlooked these days on PHONES. 🙂
Watching this on a Pixel 2XL as a secondary phone and still owning also a pixel 3a as my main phone because of the size. I'm so satisfied with the phones. The only thing that I wish to have on them sometimes is more zoom. I will hold to them more time.
I have a Pixel 3a as my main phone as well and we are easy to target at the moment without security updates. I hate to be forced to replace my phone, the Pixel 3a is perfect for my daily use ...
I also have a 3a and it is sad that the support stopped. Not sure if I'm going for another pixel. I think it is pretty expensive now. But they are also promising 5 years of support instead of the 3 years we got from 3a.
Google is offering $300 for pixel 3A's right now to trade in on the 6A. That effectively makes the phone $150 and a no brainer purchase. Not to mention you get free Pixel Buds for pre-ordering.
Yeah, me too. It's maybe my favorite phone ever. But, I got the 6a because the deal was just too hard to pass up. It's basically $50 with trade-in and headphones.
4a wasn't even in the same league, it was kind of a bargain back then in comparison. Also, I consider 4a to be aesthetically superior since it was more based on Pixel 5 than Pixel 4, which was the only time the a series not looking the same as the previous flagship. Neither the 5a nor the 6a compares, especially with the much higher price point. Not that 5a nor 6a were necessarily bad, but especially the 6a, it is facing competition from outlet price cuts for Pixel 6.
You pretty much just described exactly what I like about this line from google. The google experience is super incredible and I quite like it, but I also absolutely adore taking pictures and it gives me a great comfort to know that I can always take a great picture right with my phone. I’ve had the pixel 3a since January 2020 as my first phone and it is still going strong! I have dropped it so many times, including from my old bunk bed on multiple occasions and it is still going strong. Well minus one of the speakers at the bottom, but I’m super happy that’s the only thing wrong with it. I am very reluctant to give up my google phone and in the future i don’t think I’d get an iPhone even though I have apple tablet and computer just because of how much I value the great camera for that price and how I’m so used to the google software. Once my little champ gives out which I hope isn’t anytime soon 🤞 I’ll probably get whatever the newest google a series phone is.
Let me help you out as as a fellow 3a user. The 3a is no longer getting os or security updates. That's a problem. Right now, if you pre order a 6a from Google, they will value your 3a at 300 bucks for a trade in. Anywhere else that phone is worth 15 to 40 bucks in trade. Plus goog is throwing in free pixel buds worth 99 bucks. So basically the 6a is free. It will cost you 175 with shipping and tax after your trade. In a year if you don't like it, it should still be worth 125 to 150 in trade and you still keep the ear buds. If you like it, well, you got a great phone and ear buds for under 200 bucks with FIVE years of google security updates. Can't lose.
I _really_ like this phone. My warranty was expiring on my 4a (which I was perfectly happy with) and they had a deal for a trade in and some pixel buds so at the end of the day it was only like 50 bucks for the 6a. I was just expecting a replacement for the 4a but this feels like a major upgrade. All the features and build feels like it should cost 100 bucks more, easily. There's only two things I'd change; I can get used to the bar on the back, but I really preferred the front camera in the corner on the 4a. The glass body, taller screen, front facing fingerprint reader...love all of those features. Wireless charging doesn't effect me cuz I use these little USB magnetic charging dongle things on all of my devices. But reading the comments, it seems like 60hz disappoints a lot of people. The 6a feels perfectly smooth to me. I'm not always on my phone and I've never owned a flagship so I might not know any better, but I DO care about refresh rates on monitors and can tell the difference. For the price difference in premium phones to the 6a you could buy a friggin television with 120hz. Is that one feature really worth it? To each there own, I suppose.
As someone on the 4a, my 4a is still working phenomenally and is still a favorite of all of the phones I've used, including flagships. I think I'll just stay on the 4a until it starts to have battery problems and then upgrade to whichever a-line phone is out by then as long as they maintain the quality I expect from them.
Tbh This actually makes the nothing phone 1 look like a good deal at 399.. Significantly better display Uniform bezels Wireless charging And the right combination of power and battery life Just need to wait for a couple of more updates to make a choice on which will be my second phone Also with the pixel 6 currently on sale It doesn't make much sense getting the 6A anymore cus 60hz at 449? Are they kidding
On one of their videos I clicked accidentally I saw a nice ammount of comments of people who have them with complaints. To be specific mostly something about the display being flickering green near the selfie camera so I would wait some time till I decided to get it.
IMO it’s a pretty good mid ranger. Flagship chip, great cameras, big battery, great software, only issue is no high refresh rate, but at least the rest of the display is a decent 1080p OLED
I personally don't feel there's anything wrong with the 60hz display on the Pixel 6a, feels just as smooth as the 60hz display on my Pixel 5 and OnePlus 6. The call screening and RCS are the only things keeping me on Pixel phones though, if Apple adopted RCS and USB-C , and also added their own version of call screening I would switch to an iPhone.
@@doctorcorgi3134 Tbh iOS has it's flaws, but I love the clean, minimalistic design. I've used both phone operating systems, they have a lot of similarities that might not be obvious at first glance, and some small quality of life features I would like to see on Android in the future.
Having 3a, eagerly waiting for the 6a review. The conclusion is keeping the 3a. A reliable fingerprint reader on the back, a headset jack, smaller size, still good battery life, the same camera. Disappointed, that is how I would describe my thought on 6a.
I had the same thought Ginger, but for the next day (at least in the US), Google is valuing the 3a at 300 dollars for a trade in PLUS throwing in a pair of free Google A earbuds valued at 100 dollars. The google 3a is otherwise worth 30 bucks as a trade in anywhere else. Shipping is free. So, if you trade in your 3a you get the 6a, a pair of 100 dollar earbuds shipped to you next week for 189 w/tax. At that price, that was too sweet a deal to pass up. I figure in a year, if I don't like it, the phone only cost me literally 0 - ear buds are free and a year old 6a will still be worth at least 100 bucks as a trade in and I can just buy something else. It's really a great deal. If you wait, your 3a is worthless as a trade in. As far as I can tell, you can't lose
I loved my 3A since I got it, but I started getting really laggy and slow responses last year. I was holding out for the 6A, but a lot of problems he described were the problems I had with this phone. Might just go with a flagship instead this time around, if I see a good enough deal.
The removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack was a big loss for me - but they 'sort of' made up for it by including a free set of Pixel Buds A-Series with my preorder. At least I still have the USB-C to 3.5mm adapters laying around from my Pixel 2 days.
"free" 😂😂😂 Stop being so easily manipulated by that word. You sure as hell didn't get the Pixel Buds for free. You paid for it. Free would be you going to Google's website or a retail store and ordering the Pixel Buds and paying ZERO for it while not trading any devices in exchange for it or not buying anything else.
Funny because high refresh is the first thing I disable in all my new phones. It's just not something I care about at all so I'll take the battery life savings.
I think it's subjective. I have a 120hz phone and I don't really see it. Maybe if I compared, but if I have to compare it to see it it doesn't matter. It's good enough to show me information, I don't watch high framerate videos, or what that may be good for. Since 10 years I also use Nova launcher so I basically have no idea if launcher animations look prettier or not.
@@pilotdog68 then why buy new phones? You don't get THAT much more battery life by disabling it, that's like buying an expensive sports car and disabling fast acceleration to save gas...
@@gianni99999 Even though it can be a very powerful tool for some people, for most, they'd never be able to dream of affording one. Right now I'm rockin' a S21 Ultra, cause I found a good job last year and splurged, but before that I was using a n $80 Galaxy J7, cause that was the best I could do and that was after saving up for half a year. "Budget" should be the cheapest possible that gets the job done. Not some $450 smart phone with an over powered camera and loads of features that'll end up going unused. They're all "Nice to have"s but for people actually on a budget, it's the last thing they're thinking about.
@@AuggieG Nah, half a year. Had to remake the comment cause it didn't save so I rushed it a bit and messed up at that point. Fixed it though. But yeah, between part time work, college, and car maintenance, I didn't really have a dime to my name pretty much, so when it came to saving money it was a slow burn
They totally followed the iphone route with this one... Making their entry level options deliberately worse (even though the hardware is much more capable) so that they can push people to the higher tier. The companies whose main share of money comes from their budget phones don't do this kind of stuff
IDK, I feel like the SE owns its specs quite well. I drive both an SE and a Z Flip3, and other than the obvious frame rate difference they both feel similarly responsive. Maybe Google’s display and software have latency here?
They one accidentally shipped a Pixel 6-exclusive feature to the 4a but then quickly removed it, as it's a "tensor-exclusive feature" even though it worked on the older, non-tensor phone
@@YourLocalCafe I think improving the battery performance would be enough. After using both for a few weeks, I kinda prefer the SE’s reachability and home button for usability. Bigger and taller screens can certainly display more, and the Flip definitely excels in vertical content (Niagara works beautifully for tall screens, by the way), but one-handed operation is definitely a strain, and not everybody prefers gestures.
A follow-up video would be nice from these high tech reviewers.... cause since all the updates came around this month i havent heard any bad news about this and most people are loving the experience. Thinking of getting one cause i like the design
I really like my Pixel 5A. Outside of a couple Software quirks that annoy the crap out of me, I'm very happy with it! I'd give the 5A a solid 9/10! I'd highly recommend it to anyone needing a great budget phone, that takes amazing photos, and has a great battery. The 6A looks nice in theory, but, after mkbhd's review, i'm definitely going to hold on to my 5A for longer.
I think I'm gonna hold onto my 4a until the 7 launches, then look for a good deal on a 6 Pro. Was really looking forward to upgrading to 6a from 4a, but the refresh rate (when other similarly priced phones do better) and what sounds like touch sampling issues, are turning me away big time.
wise choise. 4a 5g,5a,6a still using same 60 refresh rate while other midranger competitors already used 120hz on their smartphones. Hope 7a will be a game changer.
I'm trading in my 4a and they're offering $300 trade in. Plus free $100 Pixel Buds A. That's a steal right there, you might want to rethink it before it's too late.
This phone actually ticks all the right boxes and what most users would be happy with. Not a fan of wireless charging due to inefficiency, so I don't mind having it. Display is disappointing. At $450, 90 Hz is kind of the least expected these days. But I will be willing to give this a chance due to crisp user experience and consistent camera performance.
Yes pretty much agree. I just brought the 6a, for me it ticks most of the boxes. Yes Google should have put in 90z, even some phones half the price have higher refresh. Like you not bothered with wireless charging had phones with it and didn't use it after a few weeks. I do like the Pixel experience. Plus Google security with Tensor chip. Google cameras. Plus the smaller format is great. In my opinion the alternatives that MKBHD list I think are all worse in different ways.
it seems phone makers have stopped placing the mic speaker on the face of the phone. i have the one plus 9R which has the grill on the top edge which allows hearing a loud clear voice when talking on calls without having to turn the speaker on. this for me is very important. wonder if any latest phones have that
The best selling phone model in the world, which costs $800, still has a 60hz display (iPhone 13). Sure, iPhone 60hz will be smoother than Android 60hz but still 90+ is good but overrated.
I think the regular 6 is a great deal for the people who are ok with a 90Hz refresh rate. They can spend less money and still have the full suite of features. People who just want a great android experience but don’t care for some modern features should go for the 6A but google at least offers 3 choices on different levels which is cool.
Another major factor that made me pre-order this phone, is its size. A bit surprised you did not mention that. It's impossible nowadays to find a good android phone in a "somewhat" compact size. This is the best comprise of size and performance I could find. (Still would prefer smaller, Pixel 3 was perfect size)
I'm using my Pixel 4a now that my 5a broke (dropped). It's a little laggy/buggy at times. And the NFC *never* worked out of the box. Never could use Google Pay 😐...
I'd stick with mine too, but the screen cracked and it gets really unresponsive at times, its a major pain in the ass to use the keyboard as half of the letters don't get typed... I have no idea which phone to get next, the 5a isn't available on amazon in my country and pixel 5 is just too expensive as it's almost 2 years old...
@@Moviefreak893 if you still love the phone look for local people who can replace the screen, if it's an option go for a more expensive one because then it should be as good as the original
@@siannn niche android phones are always so expensive to get the screens replaced and takes longer because how many people have screens for an budget android phone from years ago
I've been using the regular Pixel 6 since January and it's my favorite phone I ever had. The fingerprint sensor is "meh" but I can definitely live with it - it also got better with updates - and the rest is great.
I've been using the 6 pro since November and I actually hate it lol. Mine constantly freezes up, weird little bugs here and there, the battery will be great one day and trash the next, social media apps perform terribly for me.
Pixel gets better with updates. Except when Android 12 arrived to my 3 yo Pixel 3a...there were some bugs. Fortunately, seems like I don't have bugs anymore and Android 12 is finally more polished.
@@Tanner_Teves I also use P6P as my primary phone since November, but I actually love it. There are definitely some weird glitches and bugs, but not many and a lot of them are fixed. It isn't a big deal for me, but I feel like now google is just tweaking things a bit and big improvements will come with android 13
Iphone 13 also doesn't have a high refresh rate, yet it costs double, it's not fair to compare it to 13 pro as the iphone is much more expensive than the Pixel.
I don't know why Google would continue with the under-display finger print reader in their "A" lineup and instead not do the on-the-back fingerprints that everyone still loves. It would differentiate it nicely from the flagship and gotta think it increases the price of the display on the front, and so they have to sacrifice quality to keep the overall price down.
Was looking to move on from a Pixel 3A which wasn't great, but was very good for the price in my experience. I immediately searched for your review and it sounds like the 6A is an ideal replacement for me given what I do/don't care about. Thanks for the great in-depth review!
Been using pixel since the 2xl. Very good software experience. I'm on the 4a 5g now. Pixel is the Honda civic of android phones. My wife always uses Samsung notes or recent the S21 and S22. Even though I am always astonished by how wonderful the screen looks and the videos she takes, the first drop the screen breaks and it's 400 dollars to repair. My only complaint and this goes to all phone companies is that they should support phones for min 5 years. And they should make their older phones adapt. My pixel 2xl was perfect for my needs. I stopped using it because of the last security update.
Isn't the pixel 6 supported 5 years with security updates? That's reasonable. Buy it when it's past 1 year old and keep it for 3-4, sounds good to me. I may just switch to Pixels when my oneplus 8t dies or goes unsupported.
having security updates or not having them makes no difference. you aren't more secure if your phone still gets updates. i try to make sure my phones don't get them. that's why i use motorola
@@JS96919 it actually does make a difference. Vulnerabilities come out every month. Security updates are like insurance and viruses like natural disasters. When you don't have flood insurance and get flooded then it's a problem. I'm coming from a network security point of view.
@@bederhajali His point is that security updates are never finished. There's always another update around the corner which means that no device is 100% secure nor will it ever be. You'd have to be either a very high profile person or a complete idiot browsing shady sites or installing shady apps or clicking phishing emails in order for you to get a virus and/or hacked on your smartphone, etc.
I hope you read this: in the developer options you can enable the gpu rendering profile, where you can see the exact amount of frames and where they are dropped. with this tool you could communicate stutters that feel subjective (but really aren't) much better. I always had that in mind and if I was a tech youtuber I would include it in every phone review :)
I just bought a 6A last week for an early black Friday sale. I went from an s22 ultra. Honestly I prefer this one. No stupid rounded edges and it's about half as heavy. Nobody's going to notice the 60fps. It's fast smooth and feels good
@@scoob892 apparently 6gb ram is enough for me. I'm not saying it's a better phone. The Samsung is better in every stat. But you can't measure personal preference. I'm just saying I switched to an older smaller phone and I don't regret it
I feel like Marques was very biased in this review. All the things he disliked about this phone (60Hz and 12 MP Camera) are present in the present day iPhone 14 (which was just released). Also the iPhones cost double the price of this phone, and I did not see him complain about the 60Hz and 12 MP Camera for those phones. Sad to see Marques sound so biased these days. I think this is a great phone and would switch my iPhone for this. The only issue I see with Google is their Quality Control and Longetivity of the device since I have heard a lot of after sales problems with Pixels.
@@tinosqindis1184 An Apple world is coming. Hope Marques comes around. Since the OnePlus demise, we do not see good android phones being recommended for affordable prices. This phone could have been what Nexus/OnePlus were doing back then.
I've had the Pixel 6a for about two weeks. I love the form factor. Coming from a Galaxy S10e, I really appreciate the slightly bigger screen; not really wider, just taller, and the more square corners. The thing that bugs me the most is how washed out the display looks compared to the S10e. And it is true what was said about the rainbowing effect when you look at it off center. I also have to push the brightness close to the max in order to have a usable screen. The pure Android experience is hard to beat though and features like call screening are pretty useful. I'm not 100% sure I'm going to keep it. I'm entertaining the idea of trying the S21 FE mainly because of the display and oddly enough, some things are more customizable on Samsung's UI.
I have a S10e and I dont know which phone to take next. Why do you say S21 FE? Why not S22? I'm not a smartphone nerd... but I've got most of Samsung high end (S3, S7, S10e now).
@@danielegemei6334 I think what draws me to the S21 FE is the size. It's bigger than the S22 but not as big as the S22 plus. And the pricing is better than both those phones even though the performance is very similar.
Just a heads up, the haptics on the S21 FE are not great. Not sure how much you've gotten used to the ones on the 6A, but if that's something that doesn't matter to you the FE would be a good investment.
I like the back placement, but I've found the fingerprint reader on the 3a so unreliable that I just use a passcode now. If you have the slightest amount of moisture on your hands or on the phone it's not unlocking.
What do you mean by the pixel 6 line hasn't aged well? The bugs have been fixed, the fingerprint reader is faster, and it feels snappier than it did at launch. I also don't think a two year old iPhone with massive bezels will age as well- that was a odd recommendation...
My wife just bought the Pixel 6a and I was playing with the screen and it seems to have variable swipe speed, the faster you swipe the less animations there are but under slower swipe it’s super super smooth with no stutter at all from our experience.
@@michaelblizzard6885 He literally carries around an android and stated that he uses it as his main phone in his wired interview lmao What are you on about?
The phone I have cost only 170 dollars (in use for about 6 days now)..... And my family and even the Amazon delivery man told me to handle it with care b'cuz it's costly.... And here they are calling a 449 dollars smartphone a budget phone..... I really can't think how rich the first world people are
I think it's still pretty good for a £399 phone. One of the better ones, but I do feel like the "a" series has gotten a little less impressive with each release. The more premium materials and Tensor chip is a welcome improvement though.
I was so worried that Mr. Clinton would get overstimulated and begin to nip. But then I remembered @louisrossman has no Soul. So Mr. Clinton doesn't feel a thing!! 😿
It actually stacks up impressively well against the competition in the category. For example, the Galaxy A53 doesn't have a headphone jack or wireless charging either. And after watching enough comparison videos of the two, it is clear the 6a experience is smoother and more performant than the A53 despite the 6a's 60Hz display. Not to mention the cleaner Pixel software and camera + AI chops.
@@klaasbredenkamp4875 I agree. I said I still think it's one of the better ones in this price category and is the mid-range phone I would chose, even just for the clean software, immediate software and security updates and the cameras alone. I just don't find it quite as impressive as I did the earlier "a" series releases in terms of value for money. The Pixel 3a kinda blew my mind for the price, even with some of its drawbacks.
I really like how you speak calmly and slowly. I don't feel like you're overwhelming me with information. Instead, you're providing me directly the important information. That's unique among tech reviewers.
I just preordered one before watching this video, coming from a pixel 3a I don't think most of this will be a problem for me. The only thing that really bothers me is the lack of a headphone jack, although that is remedied a bit by getting pixel buds for free with the preorder. Before I had the 3a I had a 150 dollar phone I can't remember the brand of that lasted a year before crashing and burning, before that I had a variety of similarly crappy phones. My pixel 3a was a huge upgrade for me, I'm used to it and I like it. I know the 6a will be a little different it'll work for me and what I need it for.
3a user here too. 6a would definitely be an upgrade for me but I'd hate to lose out on unlimited photo backup that my 3a gives me 😢😢. The only thing that's stopping me from upgrading 😅
@@MrStopAsking I don't love it but I don't hate it, I already bought a case I like that goes over it though so the actual look of the phone isn't a huge deal. I don't know anyone who doesn't use a phone case that has a non broken phone.
Here I am back after watching his best camera award video, little did he know that the phone that would steal the show would be the Pixel 6a! I just got mine after waiting for it for a month and I am amazed by the value we get with this phone and the crazy good pictures it takes! Oh, and coming from a regular non pro iPhone, I absolutely didn't notice the 60hz screen, it's quite smooth actually. Why do people complain about the Pixel 6a 60hz screen but stay silent about the iPhone 14 60hz screen?
because Apple users tend to be actual fans, whereas Android users often happily hop between brands and aren't afraid to call brands out when they do something unlikeable.
The big disappointments for me are the lack of headphone jack and the glass back. I like using wired headphones from time to time, and the Bluetooth system in my car lags really badly so using a cord there is really nice. I like the feel of the plastic back on my 3a and feel like with trying to make phones cheaper it'd make more sense for it to be plastic (also lighter and less likely to shatter)
i can make a list of the issues and overpricing of phones like the iphone 13 13 mini and se that seems to not get the attention like google and samsung phones get …keep the same energy bro smells fishy to me
These reviewers have somehow developed a mentality among the people that u need this and that shit in your phone, refresh rate, wireless charging and what not. Fck it man, most of us don't even give a fck about most if the features , and the only thing most of us need is a reliable phone with fast processor that can handle the job, again not some ultrasonic superfast device, and it's okay if it takes 1 and a half hour to fully charge, most people can afford this time.. that's it. Please stop this culture, let Mobile phones be mobile phones.
Great review man, I love the Pixel 6a, but heads up: The A53 is the same price as the 6a, just discounted at the moment, but it does NOT support wireless charging, unfortunately😅
My Pixel 6a is the best cellphone I've ever owned. What a pleasure after barely tolerating for 4 years a Samsung Galaxy S8 which had a bad mic when new; I was too busy to submit it for warranty repair. EVERYTHING about the 6a is better, AND I got a great deal on Prime Day.
Gonna hold on to my 3a for another couple months and hope the fingerprint reading gets better on the 7. That's literally my only hold now, I LOOOOOVE the reader on the back of the 3a, lightning fast and IN THE RIGHT PLACE! Le Sigh
got my pixel 6 for 490 a month ago, only disadvantage is 1 less year of update. But the 90hz display and reverse back charging are things important to me
I am watching this review more than a year later and some of the stuff is just plain nitpicking. As I am planning on buying this for my mum, I can for sure say, it will definitelly be an upgrade.
I'm using the Google Pixel 6a which I bought three days ago and it's running Android 14. I'm using the current Nova Launcher 8 beta with custom icon pack, custom widget and other stuff like that. The Google Pixel 6a was running fine before the changes and still running fine after I did the changes. I think the Google Pixel 6a is a good mid range smartphone it gets the job done without breaking the bank.
I love these phones because of the software, I had the 3a and only lasted 2 years and now I have the S21 and I love Samsung phones but damn... there's nothing like the Pixel experience to be honest. Even with the horrible obsolescence, I love them.
Same with the S22+, and I miss the Google ecosystem so much. I've just jammed as much Google software into my Samsung, it's a more powerful phone but I miss the Pixel for sure.
I tried a Samsung again but nothing does it for me like the Pixel experience, only thing that I might like as much or close to it, is Motorola's, but they are terrible with updates.
I've just picked up a 6a as a temporary phone to cover me while my 6pro is repaired and honestly - other than the refresh rate which I really do notice and the camera being noticeably different but not worse - I'm really scratching my head as to where the extra money goes to in the 6p. The phone feels slightly more premium with an all glass and metal case but I'm actually really enjoying the form factor of the smaller screen and slightly lighter weight. I'm really surprised at the value. Please please please give us smaller flagship options.
@@cartergomez5390 my girlfriend just got the 6a and she moved from iphone 11 she much prefers the pixel, tough to get used to at first but once she did she says she won't go back to apple.
have you already ditched 6a? how has been your experiance with its 6gb of ram? my primary was a s21 and looking to buy something within reasonable amount this time though i am not sure about the ram.
i love how he nuked the review based on 120hz, and being much too critical on it; EXAMPLE, Iphone 13 was the first iphone to utilize 120hz. lmao. There's nothing choppy about the display currently, at all. its smooth as silk. I'm having trouble trying to imagine how it could be any smoother... yes i own the 6A Before this phone i had a 3A, Which i purchased when it was released. i purchased my 6A for 299$ brand new, which was cheaper then my 3A was when it was new. The 6A is a workhorse. If you loved your 3A, this phone will not let you down.
I've got a Pixel 4a 5g and I love the fingerprint reader on the back of the phone. No idea why they want to put it in the screen. Never had a good experience with an in-screen fingerprint yet. You can't feel it. Usually finicky or slow.
I got lucky and got my P6 for a mere $300, upgrading from a P3. If this phone broke, I'd just go back and buy a used P3 for $100-$150 and would be so much happier with the fingerprint sensor on the back that I probably wouldn't even notice any other downgrades (which honestly, probably don't really even exist).
You should stop reviewing budget phones. You have a bias because you're used to reviewing high end phones. Anyone buying this phone doesn't give a flying fuck about 60hz. Most have come from a 60hz phone or worse.
After seeing this review of the 6A, I'm still going to hold onto on my Pixel 5a. Great battery. HEADPHONE JACK. I am hesitant to get a phone without a headphone jack. Plus the camera on 5A is awesome.
I love options. Headphone jack is still very useful. I have many good , very affordable wired headphones around the house. I connnct to wireless headphones when I can. Having both options is definitely better than just wireless only.
Originally, I cared about wireless charging because the micro-USB ports were so awful. The more you plugged things in and out of those micro-USB ports, they got wriggly and loose after about a year of use. I hated it. Having wireless charging allowed me to avoid using the micro-USB port, which made the micro-USB port last longer. Charging wireless generally involves more heat, which is not good for the lifespan of the battery. It was always a tradeoff. But now that we have USB-C ports, the function of wireless charging has changed for me. Now, it's an emergency backup in case something goes wrong with the USB port. A buddy of mine lost the USB port on a phone, and kept it for years after that because he had wireless charging. I'm not sure I would go years, but with wireless charging, I would limp along long enough to get a new phone. Reverse wireless charging is great for topping off my watch or my wireless earbuds, but I am rarely in such an emergency. Honestly, if I had to, I could probably live without wireless charging, so I am considering getting a midrange phone next. The camera only needs to be good enough to take pictures of model numbers and serial numbers. Most midrange phones have cameras that are good enough for taking pictures with friends and family. Bonus: the Samsung midrange phones still accept micro-SD cards. I hate to break it to you, but I often run my 120 Hz mobile devices at 60 Hz. Yes, I can see the difference, but the extra battery life is just worth more to me than smoother scrolling. Extra battery life is worth a lot to me.
I bought a 5A last year. I feel like the phone doesn’t hold on to this day. It gets hot easily and I can’t really shoot 4K video because it makes the screen freeze. I come to conclusion that the phone software and hardware needed to be improved. But I need to admit that its camera is amazing. 95% of photo I took came out great from this small sensor camera.
Damn that's crazy for a phone that's just one year old... Honest question: besides the camera, do you feel like the phone has been a bad purchase because of the heat issue?
I had my pixel 6 since launch. I experienced hella bugs throughout the first 3 months of it. I was pretty upset and was thinking about switching back to my iPhone 11 pro max. When the February update came around, that was when most of the bugs on my phone got fixed and I was actually able to enjoy the phone for what it was meant to be. Overall, i can say now is a good time to buy a pixel 6 it's finally a smooth and fast experience which should've been launched straight out the box. (Currently on the July update and no problems at all so far)
have a pixel 6 right now, and i have a major problem switching between apps. Either the apps will close, or freeze when trying to switch. Its extremely annoying. Did you haver those problems?
I got the 6 Pro but I also have the 13 Pro Max, can’t say that I have the same experience. The flaws might be a little better after the updates but when you come from a polished product like the 13 Pro Max the flaws on the pixel become real apparent, so to the bottom of the drawer the Pixel goes until I travel somewhere.
I'm jealous. I would have kept my pixel 2xl as long as I could but the camera stopped working on it and forced me to get a new phone :( The 2xl is still the best phone google has ever released.
Im using one of these now, I dropped specs from a note 20 ultra because I couldn't afford the £70 a month anymore and I'm impressed with it. I had a budget phone 2 phones ago so around 5 years ago and the build quality and everything else smashed my expectations. I'm happy.
Picking this up this week. 60Hz isn't a problem for me since my iPhone 12 runs that. Cameras are all the same as well. I've been wanting to switch for ages. Super excited.
I am perfectly fine with the older camera sensors because they’re actually BETTER than the current 50MP ones at taking closeup shots of objects without having blurred edges (glad MKBHD pointed this out, it’s a crucial detail) What I can’t accept is why they don’t bump up the refresh rate to 90Hz, like the Pixel 5. I mean. I don’t know how much money it would cost, but it makes a world of difference to the user experience. Deal breaker for me
They could have kept the 60hz display and still made it feel faster and smoother. My main is the iphone SE and though it's 60 hz, it's super super fast and buttery smooth - noticeably more so than the pixel 6a despite having the same refresh rate.
basically every phone released by the end of the year will have 120hz (or at least 90hz) in every price range, this phone will feel super outdated super fast
I have been a pixel six A user for like a month now. I don't feel any slow display or finger print sensor. this tensor speech detection is in next level, while I'm in lectures its help me a lot. I couldn't see that much accuracy of understanding of language. I was a I phone fan but now Im am a Pixel lover, thanks to Assistant features and all the new bunch of smart facilities that this thing has.
Coming from a Pixel 4XL to a 6a, some might actually consider that a downgrade, but honestly if Marques didn't mention the "lower quality" display I never would've even noticed a difference. It still feels pretty smooth to me. Then again my 4 was falling apart and on its last legs lol. Really, the only thing I miss is the squeeze to use Google Assistant. Though holding the power button is just as convenient. I'd say I miss the wireless charging but I never used it lol.
All his visual critiques are all based off his mind already dealing with phones that are way higher in so his brain has adjusted to that so anything else that go against that will look choppy or slow to him if you live in the world of mid range I don't think none of his visual critiques would matter
I have a pixel 5, which has a 90hz screen, and I've noticed that when I set it to stay at 60hz (to save battery for example), it feels way choppier than my old phones that can only do 60hz. I've even tried it head to head against my old Pixel 2xl. Feels like this could be the same problem...maybe they got some cheap 90hz screens for this phone, and set them to 60hz.
How is the call quality ? Are you able to properly hear the person speaking on the other end ? I have a Pixel 5 and call quality is so bad. I can't property hear what other people is saying.
I think someone measured this at some point with a motorola or something, when not high refresh rate the panels get under-driven to the point of instability rather than being overdriven for the high refresh rate, so it looks wonk
I noticed that with my Samsung S21 too. It feels like phones that can do 120Hz usually have crappy 60Hz compared to phones that do only 60Hz. Then it is easy to just say that one notices it because one is used to 120Hz. Maybe it is, but I tend to believe otherwise.
8:26 Fact check: A53 doesn't have wireless charging. 6A has a plastic back, which would still work with wireless charging... but it still doesn't have it 😐
I think the OPPO or Poco phone kills the pixel
:/
At least, it won't break!
@@JV-ie4rh Software/software support probably won’t be remotely as good as the pixel
Only mid rangers I know of that have wireless charging are the iPhone SE and Nothing Phone (1) I may be missing some but it still seems to be a pretty rare feature on phones this price
Wireless charging is very cool tech, but I don't use it often because it's so inefficient. I won't see it as a loss for any phone until it gets to the 90% mark. The 60hz, choppy display though is a deal breaker for me.
I have wireless charging at work and at home-it’s super comfortable.
tbh magsafe tech is the first time I've actually been interested in wireless charging because of the convenience, but i would need wireless charging to do something better than wired charging for me to actually need it in a phone
choppiness is because of android 12,had same issue on pixel 6,android 13 changes a lot,now i am not using 90hz anymore,60hz is buttery smooth.
Usb c wears out so having wireless is very nice
I use magsafe charging all the time
6 Android mini toys and A as the wallpaper on mac in background, nice touch Marques ;)
Noticed that too
Guess who's not interested in what mkbhd is saying 😂😂
Is that a mouse pad under the mac or is it to show the camera quality of the pixels
Also the plug at the bottom, does that represent wired charging only?
W
Marques:
-60hz display on budgt phone 👎
-60hz on $700 iPhone 👍
He is like this with every Apple product.
cuz apple
He's an obvious shill for apple 🤣 how much are they paying you marques?
I think it also has to do with the fact that pixels get the newest android the first so the only direct comparison with recent phones hes used is 7/7 pro.
to be fair, the 60hz on the 6a feel more sluggish than on my x.
Seriously man, all these reviewers are using the top end phones with top specs and then they get their hands on Google Pixel 6a and their major gripe is that it's not 120 Hz or whatever. I mean Pixel 6a has all the stuff that an average/common user needs, not what hard-core tech enthusiasts like themselves who have their own TH-cam channels wants. This only shows the chasm that exists between a tech "influencer" and a common user. I have heard all of them say that you can get better phones for the price. Tell me which are those? Do you want to get a Chinese phone or smth like Samsung which comes with tons of bloat ware and makes the phone lag. None of them mentions this yet most Samsung phone do this. Don't even get me started on their camera and updates/security/privacy issues. Please re-evaluate what you are getting and stop comparing these phones to your top end flagships that are your daily drivers. Please remember not everyone can afford them and please compare this phone to the other phones in the same price bracket! Just because smth is not mainstream for you guys, don't kick it down and out. Give it a chance for a change.
FACTS. And a wireless charger is NOT a deal breaker, it's useless. You can't use your phone while charging. I barely use it and the Reddit people.
Exactly dude, exactly - if it had exactly the same features as the flagship 6, then it would be the same phone - I don't understand what people's expectations are here? If you want flagship features, buy the flagship, otherwise you have to be willing to compromise in some areas. My 6a comes today and I can't wait!
well said 👏
It is because if these big tech influencers start reviewing mid range and budget phones, their demographic of viewers will shift to the potential "not very lucrative" customers. I have never bought a flagship but tjere are lots of people who do, and they will watch these videos. They might also buy merchandise and sponsered content in their description. So it is integral for them to compare everything with the flagship because that's what the "customer" wants. The rest of us, we're just ad revenue.
iPhone had no 120 Hz till iphone 12, but including him and many other reviewers seemed unbothered. Its Google and other android brands that they nit pick like what the hell bro
I got a Pixel 6 Pro (works well; haven't run into too many issues) but it's a shame to see that the headphone jack and wireless charging were pulled out and the screen couldn't have been upgraded. Looking forward to the Pixel Buds Pro review.
The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro both support wireless charging, but it doesn't really work well in my experience.
The 6 pro has definitely been less buggy than expected from hearing all the stories. It does everything pretty well, and it along with the 6 were great value so this doesn't seem quite as good
Welcome to 2018
Bruh thats been gone since pixel 2😂😂
Really looking forward to pixel buds pro. Love my a the only thing I hate is everyone can hear everything I hear
The biggest value of the Pixel "A" line was the free unlimited (compressed) video and photo storage. That is a huge loss not offering that to me. Now I am starting to shop around a bit more.
Amen!
At this pricepoint I'd strongly consider the OnePlus Ace
The main reason I left pixel for Samsung. They roped me in then started charging.
Great point, I didn't even realize that until I dug into the fine print (everything up to the Pixel 5 was grandfathered and had unlimited). But for me personally, even with my auto-backups I'm only sitting around 50% of my 15GB in the free tier. At $2 per month ($24 annually) you get 100 GB, which isn't THAT big of a pill to swallow in my personal opinion.
Trueeee
Most of the people who complain about 60hz phone screens have had 0 issues with their 60hz laptop, PC monitors, TVs at 60hz
Most people have no fucking clue what "hz" even means
True, but most people don't use their TV or laptop or PC as much as they use their phones. Of course, those who code, video editing professionals, pc gamers etc may be exceptions. But these guys know the value of 120hz displays and often use laptops and PC displays that have it. In phones, once you get the feel of 120 or even 90 hz, going back to 60 will truly feel archaic
Thats why i dont like laptops and you dont use an laptop or tv as much as you do with an phone, or put those in your pocket
I still love my pixel 5. Works flawlessly, fantastic fingerprint reader on the back, great display, and still excellent battery life after 2 years. Don't plan on changing to anything else for at least another year or more
One of the best Google has ever put out, even design wise for me
I'm loving my pixel 5a, I wish they kept the old pixel design for the a series, I don't like the new look
I miss fingerprint readers on the back SO MUCH.
Same... I'll keep mine for at least another year. The 5 was really perfect.
Agreed!
I wish it was build like the Pixel 5a or Pixel 5, aluminium body covered by a bio-resin. Imo the best material combination, solid, durable, soft to the touch and won't break like glass. Pixel 5a is structurally marvelous, i wish Google kept the same design and just updated the screen and processor, leaving everything else like the big battery, rear fingerprint sensor and headphone jack the same
I have the Pixel 5a, and can concur.
I can only agree with the material and headphone jack. But the rest is just a bit outdated and wouldn't set a own design. The new camera bar (which is pretty neat) is a new design language and was never used before. You can instantly recognize a Pixel 6. Not possible with the Pixel 5 design (which isn't bad at all, but pretty normal and boring). The rear fingerprint is outdated and not practical. Where do i have my finger if i want to use my phone? Exactly. On the screen. And it's also fast on my Pixel 6 Pro. And the headphone jack... Yes, i also miss it. I'm using my Sony Bluetooth headphones 99% the time. But if they are empty on battery, i want be able to use my cable in ears or my Sonys with headphone jack (because you can only use them with cable while loading).
Agreed, the look/design of the 6 line up is the one major downside for me. I can't stand the rectangular display, camera bar and thick bezels and chin
@@DarkZoomy The new camera bar will break or scratch easily and creates a big bump on the back of the phone, that's a downside imo. Personally I don't care too much about having a modern unique design which stands out, comfort is much more important for me.
As a Pixel A series user for the last 3 generations, I feel like this one doesn't have as much value-per-dollar compared to previous versions. I'll just stick with the 5A for now, and keep my headphone jack too.
@TheNextGamer21 that's why it's great to be a peasant like me that's never had a higher refresh rate phone, I don't miss what I never had. I save that high refresh rate for my gaming monitors haha.
My pixel 5 is doing just fine. I can wait another year to uograde
Same here. 5A FTW
@@lemonslrg330 I bought the pixel 6 pro after owning a pixel 5, I miss my pixel 5 everyday. I hate the size of this, the bezel is ugly, camera isn't any better, and it's not any faster. Rip pixel 5
I would've picked up the 5a instead of they released it in Australia :/
Used my 6a for a few months now. Fingerprint sensor best I've ever had. 60 refresh just fine. Makes calls, takes calls and great photos with recent updates even better. Perfect size for pockets in jeans or jackets. Perhaps because I don't game it ticks all my boxes. Excellent phone.
How much did you get it for? I was at the mall yesterday and saw a 6a that sells for $350 and 7a, $550. I'm not much for phones nor do I dream of owning and brandishing flagship ones but I really am interested in Google's pixel phones. Thinking about nabbing a 6A
@@josephripalda2956I bought mine at Walmart for 200$ 4 weeks ago lol
I use a 6a and the display is pretty smooth to me😐, and I'm coming from a 90hz phone
If you're going to go for a Pixel, get the normal 6, it's not too much more expensive and it has a vastly better screen and of course better camera's. I own the standard 6 and love it despite the horrible fingerprint sensor. It's a really great phone. For future proofing it's the smart choice.
Placed order for Pixel 6 right after looking at the price of 6a
I agree
the software was what killed it for me with the pixel 6, bought one at launch and it was a dumpster fire, so many issues i never had before
Yeah just got a normal pixel 6 on sale for 525€, for the extra 75€ you get so much more phone. Just the 90hz display is worth the difference
There's probably also a decent bit of used ones available now if people want it even cheaper
Blind smartphone awards sent me here.
This video is about to get a million more views 😂
The king of cameras 👑
@@isajidazmi yep 👑
@@isajidazmi shows the true optimization of a camera if done correctly
What do you mean?
Always appreciate your reviews, Marques. Even if I don't plan on getting the device, your down-to-earth approach really helps me gauge where the manufacturer is going in terms of design and engineering. Looking forward to your review of the Pixel 7.
flossy carter I trust more
Unbiased reviews all the time 💯...great work man
I've been using my 6a for a couple of weeks now and the only minor issue I have is with the fingerprint sensor that is a bit hit and miss. It seems not to like dry skin too much but is pretty good overall. (I miss the rear sensor that could be used for upping and downing the notification shade). By the way, I expect it was a slip of the tongue but the rear panel is plastic not glass and the phone gets five years of security updates in addition to the three years system updates. As for the display, it's absolutely fine and the performance is as snappy as I would wish it to be. Oh, and I have it on good authority that it sounds fine during phone calls - something that seems to be completely overlooked these days on PHONES. 🙂
Do you prefer this phone to nothing phone 1?
Do you prefer this phone to nothing phone 1?
I don't find the call quality very good. You have to hold it in exactly the right way to hear anyone.
How is the camera? Does it have colourful pix?
Can you use just a pin, instead of finger print cencor?
Watching this on a Pixel 2XL as a secondary phone and still owning also a pixel 3a as my main phone because of the size. I'm so satisfied with the phones. The only thing that I wish to have on them sometimes is more zoom. I will hold to them more time.
I have a Pixel 3a as my main phone as well and we are easy to target at the moment without security updates. I hate to be forced to replace my phone, the Pixel 3a is perfect for my daily use ...
Watching on my 2XL as well. Great phone.
I also have a 3a and it is sad that the support stopped. Not sure if I'm going for another pixel. I think it is pretty expensive now. But they are also promising 5 years of support instead of the 3 years we got from 3a.
My pixel 3a just broke loved it had it since launch
Google is offering $300 for pixel 3A's right now to trade in on the 6A. That effectively makes the phone $150 and a no brainer purchase. Not to mention you get free Pixel Buds for pre-ordering.
I use the Google Pixel 4a as my main phone right now,and I have no complaints. Google has really been putting out some decent phones !
**Although I have to note, I just recently changed the battery. I could've upgraded but wasn't ready to let go.
Same I also use pixel 4 as my main phone now and had no complain. Just the screen size is little smaller.
Pixel 4a still being manufacturing??
Yeah, me too. It's maybe my favorite phone ever. But, I got the 6a because the deal was just too hard to pass up. It's basically $50 with trade-in and headphones.
4a wasn't even in the same league, it was kind of a bargain back then in comparison. Also, I consider 4a to be aesthetically superior since it was more based on Pixel 5 than Pixel 4, which was the only time the a series not looking the same as the previous flagship. Neither the 5a nor the 6a compares, especially with the much higher price point. Not that 5a nor 6a were necessarily bad, but especially the 6a, it is facing competition from outlet price cuts for Pixel 6.
You pretty much just described exactly what I like about this line from google. The google experience is super incredible and I quite like it, but I also absolutely adore taking pictures and it gives me a great comfort to know that I can always take a great picture right with my phone. I’ve had the pixel 3a since January 2020 as my first phone and it is still going strong! I have dropped it so many times, including from my old bunk bed on multiple occasions and it is still going strong. Well minus one of the speakers at the bottom, but I’m super happy that’s the only thing wrong with it. I am very reluctant to give up my google phone and in the future i don’t think I’d get an iPhone even though I have apple tablet and computer just because of how much I value the great camera for that price and how I’m so used to the google software. Once my little champ gives out which I hope isn’t anytime soon 🤞 I’ll probably get whatever the newest google a series phone is.
Let me help you out as as a fellow 3a user. The 3a is no longer getting os or security updates. That's a problem. Right now, if you pre order a 6a from Google, they will value your 3a at 300 bucks for a trade in. Anywhere else that phone is worth 15 to 40 bucks in trade. Plus goog is throwing in free pixel buds worth 99 bucks. So basically the 6a is free. It will cost you 175 with shipping and tax after your trade. In a year if you don't like it, it should still be worth 125 to 150 in trade and you still keep the ear buds. If you like it, well, you got a great phone and ear buds for under 200 bucks with FIVE years of google security updates. Can't lose.
@@QuakerPop cool
I _really_ like this phone. My warranty was expiring on my 4a (which I was perfectly happy with) and they had a deal for a trade in and some pixel buds so at the end of the day it was only like 50 bucks for the 6a. I was just expecting a replacement for the 4a but this feels like a major upgrade. All the features and build feels like it should cost 100 bucks more, easily.
There's only two things I'd change; I can get used to the bar on the back, but I really preferred the front camera in the corner on the 4a. The glass body, taller screen, front facing fingerprint reader...love all of those features. Wireless charging doesn't effect me cuz I use these little USB magnetic charging dongle things on all of my devices.
But reading the comments, it seems like 60hz disappoints a lot of people. The 6a feels perfectly smooth to me. I'm not always on my phone and I've never owned a flagship so I might not know any better, but I DO care about refresh rates on monitors and can tell the difference. For the price difference in premium phones to the 6a you could buy a friggin television with 120hz. Is that one feature really worth it? To each there own, I suppose.
where did you find this exchange offer?, do you live in USA?
As someone on the 4a, my 4a is still working phenomenally and is still a favorite of all of the phones I've used, including flagships. I think I'll just stay on the 4a until it starts to have battery problems and then upgrade to whichever a-line phone is out by then as long as they maintain the quality I expect from them.
my 4a is slowing down so ill be upgrading to 6a
300 dollar trade in on pixel 4a, yep I'll trade in for 6a. Small price to switch to 5g.
Mine is just. Ow getting battery problems 😭
@@Jordan-hs1xi just replaced the battery on mine and bam like new !
Have absolutely 0 complaints about my 4a, but with the $300 trade in being offered it was a no-brainer for me to grab a 6a + free pixel buds.
Tbh
This actually makes the nothing phone 1 look like a good deal at 399..
Significantly better display
Uniform bezels
Wireless charging
And the right combination of power and battery life
Just need to wait for a couple of more updates to make a choice on which will be my second phone
Also with the pixel 6 currently on sale
It doesn't make much sense getting the 6A anymore cus 60hz at 449? Are they kidding
On one of their videos I clicked accidentally I saw a nice ammount of comments of people who have them with complaints. To be specific mostly something about the display being flickering green near the selfie camera so I would wait some time till I decided to get it.
Too bad the nothing phone 1 isnt sold in the US.
@@guyknightley3499 whattt really?! is it never coming or what (btw just curious I won't be affected don't even live in US)
Yep, you are committing suicide as a phone release by only having a 1080p60 screen. If Google released this at 250 dollars it makes more sense
@@viper627 they released an update yesterday I heard they fixed it
IMO it’s a pretty good mid ranger. Flagship chip, great cameras, big battery, great software, only issue is no high refresh rate, but at least the rest of the display is a decent 1080p OLED
Is it seriously only 60Hz??
@@dustojnikhummer who cares
@@dustojnikhummer iPhone 13 has a 60Hz display instead of a ProMotion screen for a reason.
Honestly 60 Hz is good enough. The only reason you’d need more is for mobile gaming and if you want a phone for that, this isn’t it.
@@Frank_Lee_Terrible everyone, who has used 120hz
I personally don't feel there's anything wrong with the 60hz display on the Pixel 6a, feels just as smooth as the 60hz display on my Pixel 5 and OnePlus 6. The call screening and RCS are the only things keeping me on Pixel phones though, if Apple adopted RCS and USB-C , and also added their own version of call screening I would switch to an iPhone.
Do you like IOS?
@@doctorcorgi3134 Tbh iOS has it's flaws, but I love the clean, minimalistic design. I've used both phone operating systems, they have a lot of similarities that might not be obvious at first glance, and some small quality of life features I would like to see on Android in the future.
From my experience, the display feels choppy only when you concetrate on how smooth it is. Otherwise, you will hardly notice it
what do you prefer, pixel 5 or pixel 6a?
iOS now has a version of call screening in iOS 17
Having 3a, eagerly waiting for the 6a review. The conclusion is keeping the 3a. A reliable fingerprint reader on the back, a headset jack, smaller size, still good battery life, the same camera. Disappointed, that is how I would describe my thought on 6a.
Also the 3a has unlimited Google photo storage too. I have ordered a 6a but might give to my daughter if I don't get on with it.
Same here with my 3a
@private user never has been...google already knows EVERYTHING about anything in my life...
I had the same thought Ginger, but for the next day (at least in the US), Google is valuing the 3a at 300 dollars for a trade in PLUS throwing in a pair of free Google A earbuds valued at 100 dollars. The google 3a is otherwise worth 30 bucks as a trade in anywhere else. Shipping is free. So, if you trade in your 3a you get the 6a, a pair of 100 dollar earbuds shipped to you next week for 189 w/tax. At that price, that was too sweet a deal to pass up. I figure in a year, if I don't like it, the phone only cost me literally 0 - ear buds are free and a year old 6a will still be worth at least 100 bucks as a trade in and I can just buy something else. It's really a great deal. If you wait, your 3a is worthless as a trade in. As far as I can tell, you can't lose
I loved my 3A since I got it, but I started getting really laggy and slow responses last year. I was holding out for the 6A, but a lot of problems he described were the problems I had with this phone. Might just go with a flagship instead this time around, if I see a good enough deal.
The removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack was a big loss for me - but they 'sort of' made up for it by including a free set of Pixel Buds A-Series with my preorder. At least I still have the USB-C to 3.5mm adapters laying around from my Pixel 2 days.
"free"
😂😂😂
Stop being so easily manipulated by that word.
You sure as hell didn't get the Pixel Buds for free. You paid for it.
Free would be you going to Google's website or a retail store and ordering the Pixel Buds and paying ZERO for it while not trading any devices in exchange for it or not buying anything else.
Absolutely no way I would EVER go back to 60hz. That's been the case since OP7 Pro in 2019. 90 hz is still okay though.
You probably won't even notice the jump from 90 to 120 unless the phones are side by side
Funny because high refresh is the first thing I disable in all my new phones. It's just not something I care about at all so I'll take the battery life savings.
@@victorsvidss I've mostly been using 120 and 144hz. I did use the Pixel 6 recently and that was okay. I can't do 60hz anymore unfortunately.
I think it's subjective. I have a 120hz phone and I don't really see it. Maybe if I compared, but if I have to compare it to see it it doesn't matter. It's good enough to show me information, I don't watch high framerate videos, or what that may be good for. Since 10 years I also use Nova launcher so I basically have no idea if launcher animations look prettier or not.
@@pilotdog68 then why buy new phones? You don't get THAT much more battery life by disabling it, that's like buying an expensive sports car and disabling fast acceleration to save gas...
That iPhone SE looks disgusting. Can't believe it's being recommended as an alternative
Se is only good becuase of its processor
It's still insane to me that a $450 phone is a "budget" phone, let alone a $200 phone.
Thank you
why not, its probably one of the things you use the most in your life everyday
@@gianni99999 Even though it can be a very powerful tool for some people, for most, they'd never be able to dream of affording one. Right now I'm rockin' a S21 Ultra, cause I found a good job last year and splurged, but before that I was using a n $80 Galaxy J7, cause that was the best I could do and that was after saving up for half a year. "Budget" should be the cheapest possible that gets the job done. Not some $450 smart phone with an over powered camera and loads of features that'll end up going unused. They're all "Nice to have"s but for people actually on a budget, it's the last thing they're thinking about.
@@tyray3p Bro you saved up a whole year for $80? 🧢
@@AuggieG Nah, half a year. Had to remake the comment cause it didn't save so I rushed it a bit and messed up at that point. Fixed it though.
But yeah, between part time work, college, and car maintenance, I didn't really have a dime to my name pretty much, so when it came to saving money it was a slow burn
They totally followed the iphone route with this one...
Making their entry level options deliberately worse (even though the hardware is much more capable) so that they can push people to the higher tier.
The companies whose main share of money comes from their budget phones don't do this kind of stuff
IDK, I feel like the SE owns its specs quite well. I drive both an SE and a Z Flip3, and other than the obvious frame rate difference they both feel similarly responsive. Maybe Google’s display and software have latency here?
True if they make the mid tier phone actually competent, no one would go for their higher tier versions
They one accidentally shipped a Pixel 6-exclusive feature to the 4a but then quickly removed it, as it's a "tensor-exclusive feature" even though it worked on the older, non-tensor phone
@@YourLocalCafe google of all companies are having software issue? lmfao. I wonder how they managed to f*ck up so bad
@@YourLocalCafe I think improving the battery performance would be enough. After using both for a few weeks, I kinda prefer the SE’s reachability and home button for usability. Bigger and taller screens can certainly display more, and the Flip definitely excels in vertical content (Niagara works beautifully for tall screens, by the way), but one-handed operation is definitely a strain, and not everybody prefers gestures.
*800$ iphone 13:* 60 Hz is no problem
*450$ pixel 6a:* 60Hz is a deal-breaker
*500$ Iphone SE 2022:* 🌚👍
A follow-up video would be nice from these high tech reviewers.... cause since all the updates came around this month i havent heard any bad news about this and most people are loving the experience. Thinking of getting one cause i like the design
I really like my Pixel 5A. Outside of a couple Software quirks that annoy the crap out of me, I'm very happy with it! I'd give the 5A a solid 9/10! I'd highly recommend it to anyone needing a great budget phone, that takes amazing photos, and has a great battery. The 6A looks nice in theory, but, after mkbhd's review, i'm definitely going to hold on to my 5A for longer.
4a 5g is wqay better than 5a.
5a = larger screen, faster fingerprint reader, better connectivity, nicer design (IMO), headphone jack, and holds a charge longer. Yeah, I think I'll keep my 5a.
@@ankuratulkar8066 4a & 5a are virtually the same
@@alanwolf6165 4a with a better price 😅
5a is good but overheating problems
I think I'm gonna hold onto my 4a until the 7 launches, then look for a good deal on a 6 Pro. Was really looking forward to upgrading to 6a from 4a, but the refresh rate (when other similarly priced phones do better) and what sounds like touch sampling issues, are turning me away big time.
You're getting a very great trade in offer if you preorder. Something to look into.
I just got the pixel 6 for 470€ which is in my eyes a great deal. So basically for the 6a price :D
wise choise. 4a 5g,5a,6a still using same 60 refresh rate while other midranger competitors already used 120hz on their smartphones. Hope 7a will be a game changer.
@@prakharnarang1898 I’m trading in my 3a for 300. So the 150 with free pixelbuds headphones is a no brainer to me.
I'm trading in my 4a and they're offering $300 trade in. Plus free $100 Pixel Buds A. That's a steal right there, you might want to rethink it before it's too late.
Tensor chip is two times more powerful than the Exynos 1280. Best to avoid Samsung A53 entirely. A52s is much better👌🏽
been using the A52s since December and it's never let me down, everything works as if I just got it
Exactly but everyone always forgets to say that.
This phone actually ticks all the right boxes and what most users would be happy with. Not a fan of wireless charging due to inefficiency, so I don't mind having it. Display is disappointing. At $450, 90 Hz is kind of the least expected these days. But I will be willing to give this a chance due to crisp user experience and consistent camera performance.
Yes pretty much agree. I just brought the 6a, for me it ticks most of the boxes. Yes Google should have put in 90z, even some phones half the price have higher refresh. Like you not bothered with wireless charging had phones with it and didn't use it after a few weeks. I do like the Pixel experience. Plus Google security with Tensor chip. Google cameras. Plus the smaller format is great. In my opinion the alternatives that MKBHD list I think are all worse in different ways.
it seems phone makers have stopped placing the mic speaker on the face of the phone.
i have the one plus 9R which has the grill on the top edge which allows hearing a loud clear voice when talking on calls without having to turn the speaker on.
this for me is very important.
wonder if any latest phones have that
The best selling phone model in the world, which costs $800, still has a 60hz display (iPhone 13). Sure, iPhone 60hz will be smoother than Android 60hz but still 90+ is good but overrated.
I think the regular 6 is a great deal for the people who are ok with a 90Hz refresh rate. They can spend less money and still have the full suite of features. People who just want a great android experience but don’t care for some modern features should go for the 6A but google at least offers 3 choices on different levels which is cool.
@@ElectricC0mpany I bet you have never used more than 90hz in your life isheep
Another major factor that made me pre-order this phone, is its size. A bit surprised you did not mention that.
It's impossible nowadays to find a good android phone in a "somewhat" compact size. This is the best comprise of size and performance I could find.
(Still would prefer smaller, Pixel 3 was perfect size)
Totally agree. To me Pixel 5 size was perfect.
I did the same for the same reason.
It's smaller than most of the other android phone below 500$.
The S22 is smaller than the 6a lol
The S22 has a beautiful 6.1 inch screen and better performance than the Pixel 6a.
Totally agree with you. I'm also fed up with the 200g plus weight of many flagships. Think 6a is about 178g which is ok. 😀
Honestly I love my pixel 4a and I'm gonna stick with this... I prefer the look of the old pixels.. fingerprint on the back was and is amazing
I'm using my Pixel 4a now that my 5a broke (dropped). It's a little laggy/buggy at times. And the NFC *never* worked out of the box. Never could use Google Pay 😐...
I'd stick with mine too, but the screen cracked and it gets really unresponsive at times, its a major pain in the ass to use the keyboard as half of the letters don't get typed... I have no idea which phone to get next, the 5a isn't available on amazon in my country and pixel 5 is just too expensive as it's almost 2 years old...
@@Moviefreak893 if you still love the phone look for local people who can replace the screen, if it's an option go for a more expensive one because then it should be as good as the original
Still waiting for it to get cheaper so i can buy it, me poor lol
@@siannn niche android phones are always so expensive to get the screens replaced and takes longer because how many people have screens for an budget android phone from years ago
I've been using the regular Pixel 6 since January and it's my favorite phone I ever had. The fingerprint sensor is "meh" but I can definitely live with it - it also got better with updates - and the rest is great.
I've been using the 6 pro since November and I actually hate it lol. Mine constantly freezes up, weird little bugs here and there, the battery will be great one day and trash the next, social media apps perform terribly for me.
agreed, my pixel 6 is the most perfect phone i've had yet
Pixel gets better with updates. Except when Android 12 arrived to my 3 yo Pixel 3a...there were some bugs. Fortunately, seems like I don't have bugs anymore and Android 12 is finally more polished.
Same, my pixel6 has just been amazing. Never had a bug yet and a full day battery even with constant use as a work phone.
@@Tanner_Teves I also use P6P as my primary phone since November, but I actually love it. There are definitely some weird glitches and bugs, but not many and a lot of them are fixed. It isn't a big deal for me, but I feel like now google is just tweaking things a bit and big improvements will come with android 13
Iphone 13 also doesn't have a high refresh rate, yet it costs double, it's not fair to compare it to 13 pro as the iphone is much more expensive than the Pixel.
Right
He did that to compare it to 120hz
Its apple this guy is bought and paid for they use any excuse to keep apple in the limelight bu constantly reminding u of the name ect sad really
I don't know why Google would continue with the under-display finger print reader in their "A" lineup and instead not do the on-the-back fingerprints that everyone still loves. It would differentiate it nicely from the flagship and gotta think it increases the price of the display on the front, and so they have to sacrifice quality to keep the overall price down.
To hell with on-the-back fingerprint reader. In display ultrasonic/ optical or side ones like sony.
I missed having the behind the back!! It would make me switch in a heartbeat
Pixel 5 for the W
Side mounted >>> others
power button ones are best, on the back is horrendous
They really nailed the look with the pixel 6 series. The others were also nice but this definitely is unique yet still being pixel
@Fisayo Ajisafe Other than having a rectangle on the back they're not the same at all.
What’s unique about this phone? It looks just like all the other budge androids with the pixel camera on the back
Was looking to move on from a Pixel 3A which wasn't great, but was very good for the price in my experience. I immediately searched for your review and it sounds like the 6A is an ideal replacement for me given what I do/don't care about. Thanks for the great in-depth review!
300 trade in helps a ton too
I agree with you, but the price is not justified.
@@_modiX if you're in the US, it's only 150 with a qualifying trade in. Makes this phone a steal
@@michaelcollard2764 Exactly! I was going to do it with the expectation I'd get $50 for trade-in so at $300 trade-in, it's a no brainer!
I have the 5A and it's the best phone I've ever used
Complaining about 60hz here while giving a pass on it for a double the money iphone 14 lmao
Been using pixel since the 2xl. Very good software experience. I'm on the 4a 5g now. Pixel is the Honda civic of android phones. My wife always uses Samsung notes or recent the S21 and S22. Even though I am always astonished by how wonderful the screen looks and the videos she takes, the first drop the screen breaks and it's 400 dollars to repair. My only complaint and this goes to all phone companies is that they should support phones for min 5 years. And they should make their older phones adapt. My pixel 2xl was perfect for my needs. I stopped using it because of the last security update.
Isn't the pixel 6 supported 5 years with security updates? That's reasonable. Buy it when it's past 1 year old and keep it for 3-4, sounds good to me. I may just switch to Pixels when my oneplus 8t dies or goes unsupported.
having security updates or not having them makes no difference. you aren't more secure if your phone still gets updates. i try to make sure my phones don't get them. that's why i use motorola
@@JS96919 it actually does make a difference. Vulnerabilities come out every month. Security updates are like insurance and viruses like natural disasters. When you don't have flood insurance and get flooded then it's a problem. I'm coming from a network security point of view.
@@bederhajali His point is that security updates are never finished.
There's always another update around the corner which means that no device is 100% secure nor will it ever be.
You'd have to be either a very high profile person or a complete idiot browsing shady sites or installing shady apps or clicking phishing emails in order for you to get a virus and/or hacked on your smartphone, etc.
@@bencze465 it is. I think more regulation is needed. I get updates from car dealerships for recalls even when my car is 12 years old
I hope you read this:
in the developer options you can enable the gpu rendering profile, where you can see the exact amount of frames and where they are dropped.
with this tool you could communicate stutters that feel subjective (but really aren't) much better.
I always had that in mind and if I was a tech youtuber I would include it in every phone review :)
7:00 what's with all that CAKE??
I just bought a 6A last week for an early black Friday sale. I went from an s22 ultra. Honestly I prefer this one.
No stupid rounded edges and it's about half as heavy. Nobody's going to notice the 60fps. It's fast smooth and feels good
Why would you downgrade so unbelievably hard wtf
The 6a is more comfortable to hold, it's lighter and really I haven't regretted it.
Not having a curved screen is nice too
@@johnwood7650 all that to get a shitty 6gb ram lagging phone? i mean seriously you switched from a s22 ultra?
@@scoob892 apparently 6gb ram is enough for me. I'm not saying it's a better phone. The Samsung is better in every stat.
But you can't measure personal preference. I'm just saying I switched to an older smaller phone and I don't regret it
I will also never buy a curved screen again. I've broken 3 of them. And I've never broken a flat edge screen.
I just love how a lot of companies are making great phones and forcing samsung, xiomi, google to improve every year
And every year Google's own phone goes backwards.
I feel like Marques was very biased in this review. All the things he disliked about this phone (60Hz and 12 MP Camera) are present in the present day iPhone 14 (which was just released).
Also the iPhones cost double the price of this phone, and I did not see him complain about the 60Hz and 12 MP Camera for those phones.
Sad to see Marques sound so biased these days.
I think this is a great phone and would switch my iPhone for this.
The only issue I see with Google is their Quality Control and Longetivity of the device since I have heard a lot of after sales problems with Pixels.
They bought him unfortunately
@@tinosqindis1184 An Apple world is coming. Hope Marques comes around. Since the OnePlus demise, we do not see good android phones being recommended for affordable prices. This phone could have been what Nexus/OnePlus were doing back then.
I've had the Pixel 6a for about two weeks. I love the form factor. Coming from a Galaxy S10e, I really appreciate the slightly bigger screen; not really wider, just taller, and the more square corners. The thing that bugs me the most is how washed out the display looks compared to the S10e. And it is true what was said about the rainbowing effect when you look at it off center. I also have to push the brightness close to the max in order to have a usable screen. The pure Android experience is hard to beat though and features like call screening are pretty useful. I'm not 100% sure I'm going to keep it. I'm entertaining the idea of trying the S21 FE mainly because of the display and oddly enough, some things are more customizable on Samsung's UI.
I have a S10e and I dont know which phone to take next. Why do you say S21 FE? Why not S22?
I'm not a smartphone nerd... but I've got most of Samsung high end (S3, S7, S10e now).
@@danielegemei6334 I think what draws me to the S21 FE is the size. It's bigger than the S22 but not as big as the S22 plus. And the pricing is better than both those phones even though the performance is very similar.
@@danielegemei6334 Why not Asus Zenfone 9 ?
@@xbr123 you have to remember that most people get their devices from the carrier and ASUS won't ever be on carrier shelves anytime soon
Just a heads up, the haptics on the S21 FE are not great. Not sure how much you've gotten used to the ones on the 6A, but if that's something that doesn't matter to you the FE would be a good investment.
Watching from El Salvador keep the content coming Family
Glad i didn't listen to him, i like this phone, it's buttery smooth.
Yea, the guy must be an Iphone fan boy..I just bought one too. Glad I did not listen to this guy's BS's!
I still absolutely love my Pixel 5! Idk why they don't just keep the reverse fingerprint reader on the back is so convenient.
I miss my pixel 5 :(( I'm still upset it broke, even though I have an s22 ultra. I miss that thing so much
Preach. I have a Pixel 5 as well. I hope they make another compact phone like this.
I like the back placement, but I've found the fingerprint reader on the 3a so unreliable that I just use a passcode now. If you have the slightest amount of moisture on your hands or on the phone it's not unlocking.
I agree
Tbh i regret not having gotten the 5 cuz i love metal
great review. my main concern on a phone is the camera, but do not want to spend a ton of money on current flagship phones. This is a great option
I just got my own Pixel 6a 😁
@@kenv2667 it won the recent camera awards on the newest video so congrats!
@@yikes_nathan true! it makes me feel more satisfied
@@kenv2667 I plan on purchasing it. Can't decide between iphone 13 mini and Pixel 6a. pixel costs less. Do you recommand it?
@@nickchkheidze9189 for the price of the 13 mini you can get a pixel 7
What do you mean by the pixel 6 line hasn't aged well?
The bugs have been fixed, the fingerprint reader is faster, and it feels snappier than it did at launch.
I also don't think a two year old iPhone with massive bezels will age as well- that was a odd recommendation...
People be using iphone 7 and 8 still, iphones survive the test of time just because of their name
Exactly this dude is a clown i hope his puppets open their eyes
i can feel it
Using slow motion to highlight the refresh rate differences is the most brilliant workaround I've seen anyone use on video. Awesome job on that.
Lots of people do this.
Literally everyone does it
Literally the only way to show it. How else are you supposed to show a comparison of 60 to 120hz or 144hz in a 24 or 30 fps video.
Lol “workaround “
I haven't seen that done in other videos before. 🤷🏾♂️
Marques : Can you feel it ?
JerryRig : Yes, I can feel it...
My Pixel 6a is 4 months old. It is crap. Camera crashes every time I use it. Going back to MotoG.
Lets hope this one is not as buggy as the Pixel 6
My wife just bought the Pixel 6a and I was playing with the screen and it seems to have variable swipe speed, the faster you swipe the less animations there are but under slower swipe it’s super super smooth with no stutter at all from our experience.
Yea don’t worry, thus guy is an Apple fanboy so he’s going to do anything to bash an android phone
@@michaelblizzard6885 what?
Yeah same here the one that came for me is fast and crisp.
@@michaelblizzard6885 He literally carries around an android and stated that he uses it as his main phone in his wired interview lmao
What are you on about?
@@michaelblizzard6885 🤓
Side mounted finger print scanners are the best in the business imo.
They definitely are 👍😃
Facts
The phone I have cost only 170 dollars (in use for about 6 days now)..... And my family and even the Amazon delivery man told me to handle it with care b'cuz it's costly.... And here they are calling a 449 dollars smartphone a budget phone..... I really can't think how rich the first world people are
I think it's still pretty good for a £399 phone. One of the better ones, but I do feel like the "a" series has gotten a little less impressive with each release. The more premium materials and Tensor chip is a welcome improvement though.
I was so worried that Mr. Clinton would get overstimulated and begin to nip. But then I remembered @louisrossman has no Soul. So Mr. Clinton doesn't feel a thing!! 😿
It actually stacks up impressively well against the competition in the category. For example, the Galaxy A53 doesn't have a headphone jack or wireless charging either. And after watching enough comparison videos of the two, it is clear the 6a experience is smoother and more performant than the A53 despite the 6a's 60Hz display. Not to mention the cleaner Pixel software and camera + AI chops.
@@klaasbredenkamp4875 I agree. I said I still think it's one of the better ones in this price category and is the mid-range phone I would chose, even just for the clean software, immediate software and security updates and the cameras alone.
I just don't find it quite as impressive as I did the earlier "a" series releases in terms of value for money. The Pixel 3a kinda blew my mind for the price, even with some of its drawbacks.
@@The-Fishkeeper True that, the 3a was novel and created this category
@klass agreed and you do have class. Samsung is overrated (the android version of Apple).
I really like how you speak calmly and slowly. I don't feel like you're overwhelming me with information. Instead, you're providing me directly the important information. That's unique among tech reviewers.
I just preordered one before watching this video, coming from a pixel 3a I don't think most of this will be a problem for me. The only thing that really bothers me is the lack of a headphone jack, although that is remedied a bit by getting pixel buds for free with the preorder. Before I had the 3a I had a 150 dollar phone I can't remember the brand of that lasted a year before crashing and burning, before that I had a variety of similarly crappy phones. My pixel 3a was a huge upgrade for me, I'm used to it and I like it. I know the 6a will be a little different it'll work for me and what I need it for.
Same here pixel 3a , upgrading to pixel 6a
3a user here too. 6a would definitely be an upgrade for me but I'd hate to lose out on unlimited photo backup that my 3a gives me 😢😢. The only thing that's stopping me from upgrading 😅
Does its design/looks not put you off? Even compared to the 4a/5a its a huge downgrade visually I think. Quite an ugly phone imo
@@MrStopAsking Most people stick their phone in a case so looks don't really matter one bit.
@@MrStopAsking I don't love it but I don't hate it, I already bought a case I like that goes over it though so the actual look of the phone isn't a huge deal. I don't know anyone who doesn't use a phone case that has a non broken phone.
Here I am back after watching his best camera award video, little did he know that the phone that would steal the show would be the Pixel 6a!
I just got mine after waiting for it for a month and I am amazed by the value we get with this phone and the crazy good pictures it takes! Oh, and coming from a regular non pro iPhone, I absolutely didn't notice the 60hz screen, it's quite smooth actually.
Why do people complain about the Pixel 6a 60hz screen but stay silent about the iPhone 14 60hz screen?
because Apple users tend to be actual fans, whereas Android users often happily hop between brands and aren't afraid to call brands out when they do something unlikeable.
The big disappointments for me are the lack of headphone jack and the glass back. I like using wired headphones from time to time, and the Bluetooth system in my car lags really badly so using a cord there is really nice. I like the feel of the plastic back on my 3a and feel like with trying to make phones cheaper it'd make more sense for it to be plastic (also lighter and less likely to shatter)
The back is plastic. He is mistaken in this video.
Agree on the headphone jack but MKBHD is wrong because the back is not glass. It's a plastic back with a fancy finish.
I miss you headphone jack!!! Come back!!
i was planning on getting pixel 6a until I heard they get rid off headphone jack.
@@WXRBL666 I'm also switching to a different manufacturer when my 4a ran its course
i can make a list of the issues and overpricing of phones like the iphone 13 13 mini and se that seems to not get the attention like google and samsung phones get …keep the same energy bro smells fishy to me
I miss the unbiased 2014 Marcus,not this utter Bs on Apple payroll,It's sad to see,they paid my boy . What a hypocrite.
Google is giving me a $300 trade in value for my pixel 3a. At $150, this phone is irresistible for me.
Thanks for the phenomenal review as usual - as a pixel 5 user ready to upgrade I think I'll just hold my money for the pixel 7 this fall.
These reviewers have somehow developed a mentality among the people that u need this and that shit in your phone, refresh rate, wireless charging and what not.
Fck it man, most of us don't even give a fck about most if the features , and the only thing most of us need is a reliable phone with fast processor that can handle the job, again not some ultrasonic superfast device, and it's okay if it takes 1 and a half hour to fully charge, most people can afford this time.. that's it.
Please stop this culture, let Mobile phones be mobile phones.
Great review man, I love the Pixel 6a, but heads up:
The A53 is the same price as the 6a, just discounted at the moment, but it does NOT support wireless charging, unfortunately😅
A53 is $350 on Amazon
@@Log80266 oh yeah, it's on sale at the moment. I meant MSRP, which I was wrong in too. The A53 is normally 449 as well, just discounted for now.
A53 and also the even better A73 is cheaper in India than Pixel 6a
A53 isn't even that good. A52s is still a better choice in my opinion.
@@darkace0387 True after lot of updates its even better than A53 right now yesterday i got 8 hours SOT out of it with 7% left
My Pixel 6a is the best cellphone I've ever owned. What a pleasure after barely tolerating for 4 years a Samsung Galaxy S8 which had a bad mic when new; I was too busy to submit it for warranty repair. EVERYTHING about the 6a is better, AND I got a great deal on Prime Day.
Gonna hold on to my 3a for another couple months and hope the fingerprint reading gets better on the 7. That's literally my only hold now, I LOOOOOVE the reader on the back of the 3a, lightning fast and IN THE RIGHT PLACE! Le Sigh
I'm in the same boat. The fingerprint reader is perfect. I just hate the pixel 6a is slightly bigger than the pixel 3a
Same. I have a 3a and going to upgrade to the 7!
@@JavierPerez-ob4ne Yessssssssssssss!! The 3a is the perfect size!
Also don't forget the unlimited photo backup provided by 3a
got my pixel 6 for 490 a month ago, only disadvantage is 1 less year of update. But the 90hz display and reverse back charging are things important to me
also if ur'e gonna buy, check out Japans pixel model, they've got nfc folica enabled
@@TheHunter-sq1ug what's that
@@peoplesgame1 guess I can't add links... Just search up felica pixel 6
I am watching this review more than a year later and some of the stuff is just plain nitpicking. As I am planning on buying this for my mum, I can for sure say, it will definitelly be an upgrade.
I'm using the Google Pixel 6a which I bought three days ago and it's running Android 14.
I'm using the current Nova Launcher 8 beta with custom icon pack, custom widget and other stuff like that. The Google Pixel 6a was running fine before the changes and still running fine after I did the changes. I think the Google Pixel 6a is a good mid range smartphone it gets the job done without breaking the bank.
I love these phones because of the software, I had the 3a and only lasted 2 years and now I have the S21 and I love Samsung phones but damn... there's nothing like the Pixel experience to be honest. Even with the horrible obsolescence, I love them.
Same with the S22+, and I miss the Google ecosystem so much. I've just jammed as much Google software into my Samsung, it's a more powerful phone but I miss the Pixel for sure.
I tried a Samsung again but nothing does it for me like the Pixel experience, only thing that I might like as much or close to it, is Motorola's, but they are terrible with updates.
I also got 3a before s21. Still miss Google software, that's why i do the trade in 3a to 6a
I switched my old pixel 2 three months ago for the s22. Love the new phone but damn I wish I had some of my pixel features on it too.
How come your Pixel 3A only lasted 2 years? What happened to it?
I've just picked up a 6a as a temporary phone to cover me while my 6pro is repaired and honestly - other than the refresh rate which I really do notice and the camera being noticeably different but not worse - I'm really scratching my head as to where the extra money goes to in the 6p.
The phone feels slightly more premium with an all glass and metal case but I'm actually really enjoying the form factor of the smaller screen and slightly lighter weight.
I'm really surprised at the value. Please please please give us smaller flagship options.
Is it better than having an iPhone?
@@cartergomez5390 depends on what echosystem you're more into ig
@@cartergomez5390 my girlfriend just got the 6a and she moved from iphone 11 she much prefers the pixel, tough to get used to at first but once she did she says she won't go back to apple.
have you already ditched 6a? how has been your experiance with its 6gb of ram?
my primary was a s21 and looking to buy something within reasonable amount this time though i am not sure about the ram.
@@cartergomez5390 Better than iPhone SE. No contest!
As a pixel 6a owner I don't think its choppy
Updates have made it better
i love how he nuked the review based on 120hz, and being much too critical on it;
EXAMPLE, Iphone 13 was the first iphone to utilize 120hz. lmao.
There's nothing choppy about the display currently, at all. its smooth as silk. I'm having trouble trying to imagine how it could be any smoother... yes i own the 6A
Before this phone i had a 3A, Which i purchased when it was released. i purchased my 6A for 299$ brand new, which was cheaper then my 3A was when it was new.
The 6A is a workhorse. If you loved your 3A, this phone will not let you down.
These sets are just so cool to look at, always fun to check them out
I've got a Pixel 4a 5g and I love the fingerprint reader on the back of the phone. No idea why they want to put it in the screen. Never had a good experience with an in-screen fingerprint yet. You can't feel it. Usually finicky or slow.
I miss the on back fingerprint reader so much. I still do it out of habit
I got lucky and got my P6 for a mere $300, upgrading from a P3. If this phone broke, I'd just go back and buy a used P3 for $100-$150 and would be so much happier with the fingerprint sensor on the back that I probably wouldn't even notice any other downgrades (which honestly, probably don't really even exist).
They needed the space for camera hump
Most people like the fingerprint reader on the screen.
@@AV-xm5ln Most people like it at the back
You should stop reviewing budget phones.
You have a bias because you're used to reviewing high end phones.
Anyone buying this phone doesn't give a flying fuck about 60hz. Most have come from a 60hz phone or worse.
Wow so the display on a $450 is a problem cause it's only 60hz but it's not if it's a $900 iPhone?
I believe what he said was and I paraphrase.. even for a 60hz display it feels choppy.
After seeing this review of the 6A, I'm still going to hold onto on my Pixel 5a. Great battery. HEADPHONE JACK. I am hesitant to get a phone without a headphone jack. Plus the camera on 5A is awesome.
I got over the headphone jack after a day of using a wireless headset.
I love options. Headphone jack is still very useful. I have many good , very affordable wired headphones around the house. I connnct to wireless headphones when I can. Having both options is definitely better than just wireless only.
@@migi9159 Get a dongle.
Yeah,dac dongle around $10 nowadays have better audio output quality than most flagships phone headphone jack imo:/
Originally, I cared about wireless charging because the micro-USB ports were so awful. The more you plugged things in and out of those micro-USB ports, they got wriggly and loose after about a year of use. I hated it. Having wireless charging allowed me to avoid using the micro-USB port, which made the micro-USB port last longer.
Charging wireless generally involves more heat, which is not good for the lifespan of the battery. It was always a tradeoff.
But now that we have USB-C ports, the function of wireless charging has changed for me. Now, it's an emergency backup in case something goes wrong with the USB port. A buddy of mine lost the USB port on a phone, and kept it for years after that because he had wireless charging. I'm not sure I would go years, but with wireless charging, I would limp along long enough to get a new phone.
Reverse wireless charging is great for topping off my watch or my wireless earbuds, but I am rarely in such an emergency.
Honestly, if I had to, I could probably live without wireless charging, so I am considering getting a midrange phone next. The camera only needs to be good enough to take pictures of model numbers and serial numbers. Most midrange phones have cameras that are good enough for taking pictures with friends and family. Bonus: the Samsung midrange phones still accept micro-SD cards.
I hate to break it to you, but I often run my 120 Hz mobile devices at 60 Hz. Yes, I can see the difference, but the extra battery life is just worth more to me than smoother scrolling. Extra battery life is worth a lot to me.
LONG ASS COMMENT ABOUT A MICRO USB PORT.
I bought a 5A last year. I feel like the phone doesn’t hold on to this day. It gets hot easily and I can’t really shoot 4K video because it makes the screen freeze. I come to conclusion that the phone software and hardware needed to be improved. But I need to admit that its camera is amazing. 95% of photo I took came out great from this small sensor camera.
4k 60 fps it's too much for a sd 765G
I think a S20 or s21 would of been the better buy.
Damn that's crazy for a phone that's just one year old...
Honest question: besides the camera, do you feel like the phone has been a bad purchase because of the heat issue?
You need to contact Google Support and they will replace the phone for you if the device has heating Issues
@@dnegel9546 that is a completely different price range and not even comparable
3:49 What's the name of the keyboard, does anybody know?
I had my pixel 6 since launch. I experienced hella bugs throughout the first 3 months of it. I was pretty upset and was thinking about switching back to my iPhone 11 pro max. When the February update came around, that was when most of the bugs on my phone got fixed and I was actually able to enjoy the phone for what it was meant to be. Overall, i can say now is a good time to buy a pixel 6 it's finally a smooth and fast experience which should've been launched straight out the box. (Currently on the July update and no problems at all so far)
have a pixel 6 right now, and i have a major problem switching between apps. Either the apps will close, or freeze when trying to switch. Its extremely annoying. Did you haver those problems?
@@Goldenpeaktr i actually have not sorry to hear that you're having those issues.
@@Goldenpeaktr try the android 13 beta
go back to apple
I got the 6 Pro but I also have the 13 Pro Max, can’t say that I have the same experience. The flaws might be a little better after the updates but when you come from a polished product like the 13 Pro Max the flaws on the pixel become real apparent, so to the bottom of the drawer the Pixel goes until I travel somewhere.
I've had pixel 2 XL for the past 4-5 years and it still works great!
I'm jealous. I would have kept my pixel 2xl as long as I could but the camera stopped working on it and forced me to get a new phone :( The 2xl is still the best phone google has ever released.
Same here, I'm still using 2xl.. only issue is with camera.. bt fine in rest of the departments
Im using one of these now, I dropped specs from a note 20 ultra because I couldn't afford the £70 a month anymore and I'm impressed with it. I had a budget phone 2 phones ago so around 5 years ago and the build quality and everything else smashed my expectations. I'm happy.
Picking this up this week. 60Hz isn't a problem for me since my iPhone 12 runs that. Cameras are all the same as well. I've been wanting to switch for ages. Super excited.
I am perfectly fine with the older camera sensors because they’re actually BETTER than the current 50MP ones at taking closeup shots of objects without having blurred edges (glad MKBHD pointed this out, it’s a crucial detail)
What I can’t accept is why they don’t bump up the refresh rate to 90Hz, like the Pixel 5. I mean. I don’t know how much money it would cost, but it makes a world of difference to the user experience. Deal breaker for me
I prefer more battery that a fancy > 60 Hz refresh rating, doesn't worth it.
They could have kept the 60hz display and still made it feel faster and smoother. My main is the iphone SE and though it's 60 hz, it's super super fast and buttery smooth - noticeably more so than the pixel 6a despite having the same refresh rate.
basically every phone released by the end of the year will have 120hz (or at least 90hz) in every price range, this phone will feel super outdated super fast
@@david8643 haha same. 60 is enough for me
I have been a pixel six A user for like a month now. I don't feel any slow display or finger print sensor. this tensor speech detection is in next level, while I'm in lectures its help me a lot. I couldn't see that much accuracy of understanding of language. I was a I phone fan but now Im am a Pixel lover, thanks to Assistant features and all the new bunch of smart facilities that this thing has.
He is a Iphone fan boy,,,NOT a real reviewer! I got one too and this guy is a liar!
@@docwho10th88 yes... 😊
Coming from a Pixel 4XL to a 6a, some might actually consider that a downgrade, but honestly if Marques didn't mention the "lower quality" display I never would've even noticed a difference. It still feels pretty smooth to me. Then again my 4 was falling apart and on its last legs lol. Really, the only thing I miss is the squeeze to use Google Assistant. Though holding the power button is just as convenient. I'd say I miss the wireless charging but I never used it lol.
All his visual critiques are all based off his mind already dealing with phones that are way higher in so his brain has adjusted to that so anything else that go against that will look choppy or slow to him if you live in the world of mid range I don't think none of his visual critiques would matter
I have a pixel 5, which has a 90hz screen, and I've noticed that when I set it to stay at 60hz (to save battery for example), it feels way choppier than my old phones that can only do 60hz. I've even tried it head to head against my old Pixel 2xl.
Feels like this could be the same problem...maybe they got some cheap 90hz screens for this phone, and set them to 60hz.
How is the call quality ? Are you able to properly hear the person speaking on the other end ? I have a Pixel 5 and call quality is so bad. I can't property hear what other people is saying.
@@raveendrabhat2849 i am using Pixel 5 and there is no issue of call hearing quality. You should get it checked.
I think someone measured this at some point with a motorola or something, when not high refresh rate the panels get under-driven to the point of instability rather than being overdriven for the high refresh rate, so it looks wonk
@@asshish05 are you staying in India ? Where can I get it checked ? Any suggestions ?
I noticed that with my Samsung S21 too. It feels like phones that can do 120Hz usually have crappy 60Hz compared to phones that do only 60Hz. Then it is easy to just say that one notices it because one is used to 120Hz. Maybe it is, but I tend to believe otherwise.