Google Pixel 6a review: Worth buying if you want to save $550

Google’s budget-friendly Pixel 6a smartphone makes a compelling case to save with more modest compromises than some might expect.

There are plenty of ways to save money on tech and Google just came up with a fresh one.

The tech giant’s long-anticipated budget-friendly take on a smartphone landed in Australia on July 28 and makes a compelling case to save yourself $550.

The Google Pixel 6a achieves this with more modest compromises than some might expect, with most cutbacks focused on its more basic camera and capable but not top-of-the-range screen.

So what do you get with the $749 Pixel? Mercifully, you unlock the benefits of Google’s most cutting-edge phone software.

The Google Pixel 6a is a budget-friendly smartphone with 12-megapixel camera.

That includes features like Hold For Me that transcribes on-hold recordings to save you listening to them, and Magic Eraser when photo editing that lets you delete surprise photo bombers.

One swipe to the right will also deliver Google's personalised news feed and Live Translate will let you make sense of languages foreign to you.

On the hardware front, you’ll get a smaller phone but one with a very similar design to other Pixel models. Its touchscreen measures 6.1 inches, rather than 6.7 in the Pro edition, but it still comes with an in-screen fingerprint scanner for security even when you’re wearing a mask, a 5G connection, and as well as IP67 water-resistance.

You can get your hands on the Google Pixel 6a for $749.

Its camera system is centred around a 12.2-megapixel shooter and offers wide and ultra-wide viewpoints and uses software to improve its results. Unlike other mid-range phones, this system is capable of impressive photography and lets users make plenty of tweaks to see the scene like they do.

It is, of course, a step down from the 50-megapixel main camera in the Pixel 6 Pro, and the cheaper phone doesn’t offer a telephoto lens or laser autofocus.

Other cutbacks include a slower screen, with 60Hz rather than 120Hz refresh rate that you might notice when scrolling, 6GB rather than 12GB RAM to power it, and there’s no wireless charging in this smartphone — cords only.

Those looking to unlock smart Google features on a smaller budget are likely to appreciate what’s been crammed into this discounted package, however, as long as they’re not looking to replace their camera.