The hype surrounding the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 looks to have died down a little in the last couple of weeks, but that's only because attention has turned to a brand new, upcoming Google handset.
We've of course heard some very early Google Pixel 7 rumours, but there has been very little on the more affordable phone in Google's lineup, the Pixel 6a.
However, this looks to have changed somewhat as of this week with the first leaks of the Google Pixel 6a.
Google Pixel 6a Latest Leaks
These first leaks for the Google Pixel 6a concern some early renders of the handset itself from OnLeaks and 91Mobiles that portray some intriguing features about its design.
According to these renders, the Pixel 6a will feature a 6.2 inch OLED display with a punch-hole selfie camera with dual cameras at the rear, and we have to say, it does look pretty sleek, with similar design cues to the standard Pixel 6.
You'll also find that this render states the 6a will offer an in-screen fingerprint sensor but may feature no headphone jack, making this the first Pixel-A series device not to have one.
As for dimensions, 91Mobiles have said the Pixel 6a will clock in at 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.7mm, making it smaller than the standard Pixel 6's 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9mm, for reference.
Opinion - Could This Be A Return To Form For Google?
Google's all-new Pixel 6 lineup, featuring their own Tensor chip under the hood and some clever cameras, look to have been hailed as the brand's best phones in years. There's obviously the hope that this may continue with the upcoming Pixel 6a.
It's fair to say the flagship models do provide a good foundation for this more affordable candidate, and as long as Google doesn't decide to skimp out on features and specs all too much, then they could be onto a winner.
For instance, if the camera modules are the same as the standard Pixel 6, then the Pixel 6a may be one of the best camera phones available for its price, given its beefy specs with a 50MP wide sensor and a 12MP ultrawide. It could certainly beat off the Pixel 5, which only had one camera, for reference.
On the front of processors, maybe Google could offer a clocked-down Tensor chip inside the Pixel 6a to tie things up within their own ecosystem a little more, and when it comes to storage and RAM, something along the lines of 128GB and 8GB of RAM would be a good starting point.
The Pixel 5a didn't make the splash that Google had originally hoped for, which stood in stark contrast to the great receptions that the Pixel 4a received alongside the Pixel 3a and 3a XL.
Those early A-series Google phones were some of the best mid-range Android phones you could buy, and if the Pixel 6a is heading in that direction, then people will be rubbing their hands together ahead of its launch.
Of course, pricing is going to be key in both where the Pixel 6a will sit in the market and also how well it'll be received by consumers and the tech press alike. The Pixel 4a retailed for £349/$349 for instance, whilst the 5a was priced at $449.
If the Pixel 6a can sit in the middle of that price bracket at say, £399/$399, then Google will probably sell them by the bucket load. To be honest, even £449/$449 may not be too much for what looks to be such a decent mid-range phone on the surface - it's about finding balance.
From these very early sketches, the Pixel 6a looks to be off to a good start, but it's worth remembering there's still a long way to go yet. We'll need to know details on pricing and more detailed specs to offer a full value judgment, but so far, so good for Google in our view.
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