Skip to main content

Pixel 6a to pack the same Google Tensor chip as Pixel 6 Pro

Google Pixel 6a has been in the rumor mill for a while, and the device has now been spotted on Geekbench. Courtesy of  MySmartPrice, the listing suggests that the upcoming Pixel will be powered by the same Google Tensor chip as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

The Pixel 6a packing the same chip as the flagship Google Pixel series is one of the many advantages of Google making its own processor. And it means that the upcoming midrange device is likely to get the same smart features (like Magic Eraser) on the Pixel 6 lineup. It also means that you are likely to get the same number of OS updates and smart Google Assistant features as the flagship Google smartphones.

The rear panel of the Google Pixel 6.
Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

As for the Geekbench scores, the Pixel 6a got 1,050 points in the single-core test and 2,883 in the multi-core test. Make what you will of those numbers, but we expect the device to fly through daily tasks like its older siblings. The Google Pixel 6a is touted to sport a 12.2MP Sony IMX363 primary camera and a 12MP Sony IMX396 ultrawide lens. If we are to speculate, we are likely to see Pixel 6-level of camera optimizations on the software front, meaning that, we’ll get good output from those cameras. The smartphone could have a 6.2-inch Full HD+ display with an 8MP Sony IMX355 selfie shooter.

If the Tensor reports prove accurate, it’ll be a big step up for the Pixel “a” series. The cheaper line has served as a watered-down version for the main Pixel series in the past, cutting down on things like RAM, processors, and build quality. Aside from the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5a which shared the same processor as the very mid-range Pixel 5, the Pixel 3a and 4a had lower-powered processors than their non-A counterparts. It’ll help Google compete with cheap smartphones from Chinese manufacturers, most of which pack in powerful flagship-level chips for sub $500 prices. It’ll also be able to trade blows with Apple’s rumored iPhone SE series, which the company will no doubt equip with an A15 chip. Whether in the U.S. market or in Europe and Asia, it’ll be a boon for the company if it hopes to claw some market share gains.

Prakhar Khanna
Prakhar writes news, reviews and features for Digital Trends. He is an independent tech journalist who has been a part of the…
Google Pixel Watch 2: rumored price, release date, news, and more
Google Pixel Watch with two different strap styles.

Google is a brand that we all know and either love or hate. Aside from being the company behind many web services, Google has done quite well with its Pixel smartphones — with the latest being the Google Pixel 7 family. In 2022, Google also released its first smartwatch, the Google Pixel Watch, though it received mixed reviews overall.

We’re expecting Google to release a follow-up to the Pixel Watch sometime this year in the form of the Pixel Watch 2 and, hopefully, it will improve upon what was already established with the original.

Read more
The Google Pixel Watch is finally getting a long-awaited feature
Daily steps shown on the Google Pixel Watch.

The Google Pixel Watch has been routinely adding new features for owners to enjoy ever since it first launched last year, and now it appears that it'll be getting a long-requested health feature.

Spotted first on Reddit, it seems like the Pixel Watch is now able to track blood oxygen levels (SpO2.) SpO2 tracking is a pretty common health feature on most other flagship smartwatches like the Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch, so the fact that it wasn't included at launch on the Pixel Watch made it feel like it was missing a major feature.

Read more
Don’t buy the Pixel 7a — this is the best cheap Pixel of 2023
Sage green Pixel 6a and Snow Pixel 7a held in hand.

Last month, Google held its annual developer conference, Google I/O 2023. The event gave us a peek at some exciting new hardware coming soon, including the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. But Google also dropped the latest in the Pixel 7 lineup, the budget-friendly Pixel 7a. For just $499, you get a 64MP camera, a 6.1-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, the Tensor G2 processor, and wireless charging capabilities.

However, in an interesting move, Google decided to keep the Pixel 6a around, as it is still available to purchase. But it also got a big price cut, bringing it down to a mere $349.

Read more