Pixel 5a 5G vs Pixel 6
Swappasaurus says...
The Pixel 5a was released in August 2021 and the Pixel 6 was released a few months later, in October 2021. The Pixel 5a launched with Android 11 and the Pixel 6 launched with Android 12. Based on Google’s update promise for Pixel smartphones, the Pixel 5a will receive Android version updates through at least August 2024 and security updates through at least August 2024, and the Pixel 6 will receive Android version updates through at least October 2024 and security updates through at least October 2026.
Price Comparison
Pixel 5a 5G vs Pixel 6 Pricing
Specs Comparison
The Pixel 5a feature set includes an always-on 6.34-inch FHD+ OLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G with Octa-Core processor, Adreno 620, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, the Titan M security module, and Pixel Imprint. The Pixel 5a also features a 4680 mAh battery, an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, a premium metal unibody design, stereo speakers, noise suppression, a 3.5mm audio jack, and USB-C.
To compare, the Pixel 6 feature set includes an always-on 6.4-inch FHD+ OLED display, a Google Tensor processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, the Titan M2 security coprocessor, Security Core, and Fingerprint Unlock. The Pixel 6 also features a fingerprint-resistant coating, a 4614 mAh battery, an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, stereo speakers, noise suppression, three microphones, support for Spatial Audio, and USB-C.
Size
| Size | Pixel 5a 5G | Pixel 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 73 mm 2.9 inches | 75 mm 2.9 inches |
| Height | 156 mm 6.2 inches | 159 mm 6.2 inches |
| Depth | 9 mm 0.4 inches | 9 mm 0.4 inches |
| Weight | 183 g 6.5 ounces | 207 g 7.3 ounces |
The Pixel 5a has a 6.3” display size, weighs 6.5 ounces, and measures 6.1” (H) x 2.9” (W) x 0.35“ (D). In comparison, the Pixel 6 has a 6.4” display size, weighs 7.3 ounces, and measures 6.2” (H) x 2.9” (W) x 0.4“ (D).
Camera
| Camera | Pixel 5a 5G | Pixel 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | 12.2 MP | 50.3 MP |
| Resolution | 4032x3024 | 8192x6144 |
The Pixel 5a and the Pixel 6 feature a similar 8MP front-facing camera. The front camera features an f/2.0 aperture and is fixed focus with an 83-degree field of view on the Pixel 5a and an 84-degree field of view on the Pixel 6.
On the back, the Pixel 5a features a 12.2MP dual-pixel camera and a 16MP ultra-wide camera with a 117-degree field of view. The Pixel 6 rear camera setup includes a 50MP Octa PD Quad Bayer wide-angle camera with an 82-degree field of view and a 12MP ultra-wide camera with a 114-degree field of view.
The Pixel 5a and the Pixel 6 share many of the same camera features, such as Night Sight, Top Shot, Portrait Light, Portrait Mode, dual exposure controls, and Super Res Zoom, but the Pixel 6 has several other features not available on the Pixel 5a. The added Pixel 6 camera features include Magic Eraser, Motion Mode, Real Tone, Face Unblur, and Panorama.
Screen
| Display | Pixel 5a 5G | Pixel 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 |
| Screen Size | 161 mm 6.3 in | 163 mm 6.4 in |
| Pixels Per Inch | 418 ppi | 411 ppi |
The Pixel 5a and the Pixel 6 displays share some similarities, but the Pixel 6 display has some standout features not available on the Pixel 5a.
The Pixel 5a features a 6.34-inch FHD+ OLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 at 413 pixels per inch, a contrast ratio of 100,000:1, and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass.
The Pixel 6 features a 6.4-inch FHD+ OLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 at 411 pixels per inch, a high brightness mode, an at-a-glance mode, refresh rates up to 90Hz with Smooth Display, a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus cover glass.
Common features include an aspect ratio of 20:9, HDR support, a now-playing mode, and an always-on mode.
Battery
| Battery | Pixel 5a 5G | Pixel 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4680 mAh | 4614 mAh |
| Longevity | hours | 48 hours |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C |
The Pixel 5a is powered by a 4680 mAh battery and the Pixel 6 is powered by a 4614 mAh battery. The Pixel 5a and the Pixel 6 support fast charging, and feature an Extreme Battery Saver mode that allows for up to 48 hours of battery life. The Pixel 6 also supports fast wireless charging, and Battery Share, which allows you to wirelessly charge other devices such as Pixel Buds or a Pixel Watch.
Processing
| Processor | Pixel 5a 5G | Pixel 6 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 5G SM7250-AA (Nairo) | Samsung Google Tensor S5P9845 (GS101) |
Color Choices
Pixel 5a 5G vs Pixel 6 Colors
The Pixel 5a is available in Mostly Black, and the Pixel 6 is available in Stormy Black, Sorta Seafoam, and Kinda Coral.
Storage Options
Pixel 5a 5G vs Pixel 6 Storage
The Pixel 5a is available with 128GB of storage, and the Pixel 6 has the option to get 128GB or 256GB of storage.
Pixel 5a 5G vs Pixel 6 Reviews
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