If you have a little extra cash left after Christmas and New Year’s Day festivities, and are looking to go into 2023 with a new flagship in your pocket, Google’s promotion on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro is an offer worth considering.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time the Pixel flagships have been discounted on the Google Store, though it appears to be the first sale on the devices in 2023.
The October 2022-released Pixel 7 is discounted by $150 on the Google Store and is available for $649 (regularly $799), while the Pixel 7 Pro is discounted by $300 and is available for $879 (regularly $1,179).
Additionally, the cheaper Pixel 6a is discounted by $100 and is currently available for $499 (regularly $599)
Learn more about the three devices via the links below:
Ahead of its July 28th launch, early tests indicate that Google’s Pixel 6a could feature a faster fingerprint sensor compared to the Pixel 6 Pro. This may be a relief to some as the Pixel 6’s sensor was a point of contention when the series first launched in late 2021.
In a recent video, Malaysian content creator Fazli Halim spent some hands-on time with the Pixel 6a. In the video, Halim discusses how the device supposedly uses a different under-display fingerprint sensor than the Pixel 6 flagship devices and is able to recognize the user’s fingerprint faster.
This should come as welcomed news for Pixel users. When Pixel 6 launched, users voiced their concerns over the slow and often frustrating under-display fingerprint sensor. Oftentimes, users would be met with a “Hold a little longer” message when attempting to use a thumb to unlock the device. In Halim’s video, we can see the Pixel 6a unlocking with far less hassle.
Last year, Google became privy to user frustrations. In response to user inquiries, the tech giant claims that the sensor “utilizes enhanced security algorithms.” The issue impacted enough users that Google released a patch to mitigate the situation.
News that Google is utilizing a different fingerprint sensor doesn’t come as a surprise, however. Earlier this year, the company confirmed the Pixel 6a would utilize a different sensor. Thankfully, it appears the swap has resulted in a positive impact on the user experience.
It’s only a matter of time until the Pixel 6a will be available for users to try for themselves. The new mid-range device should offer at least one key advantage over its premium counterparts.
When it launches, the Pixel 6a will be available in ‘Charcoal,’ ‘Sage’ and ‘Chalk’ in Canada for $599.
Google’s upcoming Pixel 6a will not support “Motion Mode” photography, according to a developer.
Android developer Kuba Wojciechowski discovered that the Pixel Tips app suggests Google’s phone won’t have Motion Mode.
The Pixel Tips app code reportedly excludes the “bluejay” Pixel 6a codename for the Motion Mode functionality.
Motion Mode in the Google Camera app can create effects to highlight the movement in a picture. Motion Mode isn’t the best feature, but it’s pretty cool. However, it’s probably not a feature I’ll miss on the Pixel 6a.
You can check out Motion Mode at work on my Pixel 6 Pro review, showcasing ‘Action Pan’ and ‘Long Exposure’ features.
It looks like Google’s Pixel 6a is coming to Canada.
Canada’s Radio Equipment List approved the upcoming mid-range phone on April 11th, indicating that it’s likely set to release here. The approved model has the hardware version identification number GX7AS.
MySmartPrice spotted a trio of listings via the U.S.’ Federal Trade Commission (FCC) earlier this morning. The FCC listing confirmed that the ‘GX7AS’ model supports 5G bands n38 and n41. This leak also indicates that Google is also working on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel 7a.
Last year’s Pixel 5a didn’t come to Canada, so it’s nice to see that Google is bringing its mid-range smartphone to the North this year.
The Pixel 6a is rumoured to feature with 128GB of storage and come in white, green and black colour variants. Additionally, leaks indicate the phone sports a 6.2-inch OLED display, centred hole-punch selfie camera, two 12-megapixel sensors, a Pixel 6-like visor and a 5,000mAh battery.
The retail box for Google’s upcoming mid-range phone, the Pixel 6a, has leaked. Pictures of the box show that the phone is going to look like its flagship counterparts. Shared by Techxine, the picture on the box showcases the back of the handset, revealing a visor that comes from the Pixel 6. From the picture, we can see the phone sports only two camera sensors and an LED flash.
Additionally, you’ll notice that the Pixel 6a is lacking a microphone hole and a laser autofocus sensor.
Alongside the Nexus 6P-like visor, the phone is black and has a glossy look. The sides might be coated aluminum, but they are likely plastic, as the phone is rumoured to sport an all-plastic design.
Other than these small changes, the box is nearly the same as the Pixel 6’s box aside from the ‘Pixel 6a’ branding.
Pixel 6a leaks indicate that the phone will sport a 6.2-inch OLED display, two 12-megapixel shooters, a 5,000mAh battery and more. Additionally, the Pixel 6a will reportedly lose its 3.5mm headphone jack, which will be a first for the company’s ‘a’ series.
Google has officially mentioned the unannounced Pixel 6a in, of all places, one of its colouring books.
As spotted by DroidLife, the colouring book was shared in the Pixel Superfans group, which receives Pixel-related insider access, freebies and more.
In the group, one Superfan shared that they got a Nest Audio and colouring book featuring various Google product illustrations. What’s interesting, however, is that Page 16 of the book mentions “the Pixel 6a” among the products listed on the pages. When you go through the actual book, though, the Pixel 6a isn’t actually anywhere to be seen.
