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Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 6a: Here’s the reason I want to upgrade

Google Pixel 9a pink in hand

Lanh Nguyen / Android Authority

The launch of the Google Pixel 6A feels incredibly distant, even though it came just three years ago. Anyway, the technology’s march only accelerates and we are now staring down Google Pixel 9a. The company’s last Mid range hand set Raised the bar a few notches, but is it worth upgrading if you own the older device?

If you are in this particular situation, let me offer some help. Below I explain why I think it is a clear best choice for current owners of Google’s older pixel a model.

Google Pixel 9a

Google Pixel 9a

Google Pixel 9a

Built -in gemini • Incredible camera • Battery all day

All pixel’s essential for less.

Google Pixel 9A brings built -in Gemini, an incredible camera, battery all day and seven years updates for under $ 500.

Do you want to upgrade to Pixel 9a or stick to Pixel 6a?

11 votes

The two biggest upgrades, and then some

Pixel 9a is difficult to bet against, especially since it has the advantage of many years of processing over the predecessor. It is clear that Google learned from its early Pixel A series errors, and Pixel 9a is the culmination on it. If I was a Pixel 6A owner, two Pixel 9a features would intrigue me: the display and chipset.

Pixel 9A offers a 6.3-inch 1080p screen with a 120Hz update frequency, which is both larger and fast than its predecessor’s 6.1-inch 1080p 60Hz panel. After recently switching from a 60Hz screen to a 120Hz screen, the difference is sensible and you won’t be able to go back. This alone is a reason to reach the newer unit.

Driving this panel is the flagship level Tensor g4 The chips, the same silicon you find in Google’s Pixel 9 Pro series. It is far more effective than the original warm -headed Tensor of Pixel 6A, and along with the faster screen, the healthier silicon will make daily tasks feel much smoother on the new phone. This would be more than enough for me to upgrade.

Upgrading from Pixel 6A to Pixel 9A will give you a smoother experience across all use cases.

I find more reason to choose Pixel 9a when I travel down the new phone’s specification sheet. It is a larger unit, but the larger frame provides more room for battery capacity. As a result, Pixel 9a has a 5,100 mAh battery versus a 4 410 mAh cell in Pixel 6A. Pixel 9A also includes 23W wired and 7.5W wireless charging, and exceeds 18W-cabled charging on the older phone. I know what device I rather have.

Google Pixel 9a all colors in hand

Lanh Nguyen / Android Authority

If you need to further convince that Pixel 9a is a better purchase, I will look at the camera setup. Although I have not used the new pixel and cannot claim that it is better in practice, the numbers suggest a more impressive camera set. It includes a 48MP sensor with AF/1.7 aperture and a 13MP Ultrawide camera. It is far more exciting than the modest, yet respectable 12.2MP Main and 12MP Ultrawide duo on the older phone.

Pixel 6A has only two years left on the software support cycle. Pixel 9a can look forward to seven.

Finally, the second major elephant in the room is worth mentioning software support. As a phone that was launched in 2022 with five years of promised updates, Pixel 6A will get its final update in 2027. Two years is good time to hang on the phone and see what Google has up your sleeve then. I would argue that an appropriate alternative already exists. Pixel 9A offers seven years of OS, functional and software updates, and takes the life of the 2030s.

Where Pixel 6a still holds its own

Google Pixel 6a, show on, the home screen shows

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

In particular, Pixel 6A is still a compelling unit for a handful of reasons (quite literally). With its 6.1-inch screen, it is shorter, narrower, thinner and lighter than its larger, newer siblings. This makes it more pocket, portable and practical – three important checks for me.

The design also appeals to me far more than Pixel 9a. The black camera lab is definitely pixel, while Pixel 9a lacks a degree of individuality. This is not a big problem for me, but it may be worth considering for some.

Pixel 6A is smaller, lighter and cheaper than Pixel 9a.

Then it’s the Pixel 6a’s price. I would not say that a 2022 phone is brand new; However, it is definitely not “old.” If anything, Pixel 6a should be usable far into the days with its sunset period and months beyond. What makes it even more attractive is the price. It launched at $ 449, but you can easily find it close to $ 300 at large dealers. It is a pretty good deal if you are particularly cash-coated and desperate will have a pixel phone.

Which phone are you going to buy?

Google Pixel 6a in Salvie Color, seen from behind, focuses on the camera shock

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

  • Google Pixel 9a: Starts at $ 499
  • Google Pixel 6a: Launched to $ 449

I’ve made my favorite pretty clear. Pixel 9a is Google’s most skilled budget phone so far, and I will definitely upgrade it from Pixel 6A. You simply get more phone with a brighter future. Given, it is far from perfect, but few alternatives come close to this price point.

Pixel 6a is still a decent smartphone, but the winner in this battle is ready.

If you do not have $ 499 to spend on a new phone, of course there is reason to hang on Pixel 6A for now (or even buy one as a secondary device). It may feel decidedly dated over the next few years (maybe it already shows the age), but if it still works, it works. I will hang on it if you are happy; Don’t be pressured to upgrade just because there is a new phone.

Even more important, if you hold on to Pixel 6a a little longer, you can run for a more impressive pixel unit later for less, saving you cash, but gets you a better deal. Pixel 9 Pro can be an epic purchase of two years.

Google Pixel 9a vs Google Pixel 6a: Should you upgrade?

  • Buy Pixel 9A if you want a larger screen, faster screen, larger battery and a phone with the lifting of seven years of software support.
  • Keep Pixel 6a if you are willing to wait for Pixel 10A and do not need a brand new smartphone right now.

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