Google Pixel 6a tipped for spring release by leaker

Google Pixel 6a tipped for jump release by leaker

(Image credit: 91mobiles / OnLeaks)

Update (Jan 28): Google seems to accept now accidentally confirmed the Pixel 6a is real, past mentioning information technology in a coloring book .

For the past ii pandemic-ravaged years, Google's Pixel A Series phones have arrived in August. But information technology sounds like this year'southward Pixel 6a could be here as soon as spring, co-ordinate to one leaker with a well earned reputation for accurateness.

According to Max Jambor, the Pixel 6a is currently scheduled to arrive in May. That may sound early given recent grade, but it'due south probable that this is the routine schedule Google would have set in a pandemic-gratis world. The original Pixel 3a and 3a Twoscore debuted in May 2022, and the Pixel 4a was going to follow suit in 2022 until the coronavirus pandemic delayed the launch of that model until Baronial.

While there was no indication that last year'due south Pixel 5a would exist a jump release, that was a phone made in exceptional circumstances. Indeed, Google had to respond to reports claiming it was cancelled back in April 2022, warning buyers non to expect it until later in the year; when the Pixel 5a finally emerged information technology was only available in the The states and Japan, suggesting all wasn't well with the supply bondage.

Hopefully that won't be the case this time around, though it'southward hard to know for certain given the unpredictability of the ongoing chip crisis. That said, information technology seems Google will be in more than control this time around, equally the Pixel 6a is reportedly ready to utilize the company's ain Tensor SoC which debuted in the Pixel 6 late last twelvemonth. That would set the Pixel 6a apart from previous 'A' devices, as the Pixel vi was a flagship phone with flagship speed and eye-catching AI powers.

If correct, and Google doesn't have a weaker Tensor bit for non-flagships, so it suggests that the company imagines the A line as more similar the iPhone SE going forward — the aforementioned chipset found in more expensive models, but cutbacks elsewhere, most likely in the camera and casing. Indeed, the aforementioned report suggests the Pixel 6a will use the aforementioned 12.2MP Sony IMX363 sensor of previous Pixel Amodels, rather than upgrading to the 50MP camera from last year's flagships.

While Jambor doesn't specify when in May nosotros might expect the Pixel 6a to land, the prolific leaker Jon Prosser recently predicted that the Pixel Watch will arrive on Th May 26. While it's possible the two will exist announced separately, it's possible both products could announced together, especially with the Google I/O developers conference traditionally held in May.

Freelance contributor Alan has been writing virtually tech for over a decade, covering phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are establish all over the spider web and in the occasional magazine as well. When non weighing up the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, yous'll probably find him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. Or, more than probable, playing Spelunky for the millionth fourth dimension.