Google Pixel 6a – 128 GB-Unlocked Android 5G Smartphone with 12 megapixel camera and 24-hour battery – Sage

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Since battery life is such a core aspect of a phone, it’s hard to recommend the Google Pixel 6a, despite it still having some strong qualities elsewhere. There's a lot of debate over whether or not this is a software or hardware issue (happens on some pixels straight out of the box) every update since August has claimed to remove the issue but there are still reports of it remaining. The Google Pixel 6a offers good value for money, though it's not as competitive as many Chinese phones. The slipperiness we encountered on the Pixel 6 isn't as much of an issue, as the 6a can be held with one hand, but we've found a case to be useful in adding grip. The Google Pixel 6a has a good camera for the price, with some useful features you won't get on rivals.

Google Pixel 6a review: Still the best value Android phone Google Pixel 6a review: Still the best value Android phone

The secret sauce, as always, is Google's machine learning, powered by its in-house Tensor chip. As in the Pixel 6, here, it powers a handful of impressive computational photography and video modes. Our favourite is 'Magic Eraser', which instantly removes unwanted subjects from images — perfect if you're taking pictures of busier city landmarks on holiday or you want to remove household items from your latest baby photo. And don’t get us started on how long the Pixel lasted without battery saver on - our complaints would go on longer than the phone would last (well okay, there’s some hyperbole there, but we were seriously disappointed by the phone’s lasting power). While pixels do need to be calibrated after screen repairs, this is usually just for the fingerprint sensor.Pictures are good. Sure, they won’t match snaps taken on the standard Pixel 6 in terms of vibrancy or detail, but they’ll beat out nearly any other handset at this price.

Pixel 6a replacement screen has a green hue - Google Pixel 6a Pixel 6a replacement screen has a green hue - Google Pixel 6a

The Android software you get out of the box is simple to use and easy to navigate. There are neat customisation options, like the ability to match the colour of your icons to your wallpaper, plus the return of live translation that helps you converse in 11 languages or read text you don't understand from photos — perfect for your next jaunt abroad. Our results were clear and crisp, and after around 10 months of using the handset, we're consistently impressed by how well it performs under all lighting conditions.The issue for power users is the limited battery. We found from tests that it's fine for about a day of normal use, but not too much more. On the plus side, having one of the best power banks solves that. Google Pixel 6a verdict This isn’t really a phone designed for gamers though, with its mid-range chip and small display, so it’s unlikely that too many customers will mind. The Google Pixel 6a retains the same design language of its siblings, but there are a few changes - for better and worse. The Pixel 6a is the best mid-range phone you can buy and a fantastic option if you’re looking for a smaller Android. Video recording goes up to 4K and 60fps - which is all anyone really needs, if we’re being honest - with a range of modes like time lapse and slow motion. The front camera maxes out at 1080p though, a side effect of its 8MP sensor.