Should You Upgrade from the Pixel 5a to the Pixel 6a?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Pixel 5a to the Pixel 6a, 1 year apart.
Probably not — keep your Pixel 5a
The Pixel 6a is 1 year newer than the Pixel 5a, and the BeastScore drops from 72.0 to 70.4. The biggest improvements: 350 nits brighter peak display, 5 g lighter. Trade-offs to know: battery rated 8 points lower, 270 mah smaller battery.
What you gain with the Pixel 6a
- +350 nits brighter peak display
- +5 g lighter
What you give up
- −Battery rated 8 points lower
- −270 mAh smaller battery
- −0.2" smaller screen
- −Lower-resolution main camera (−0.1999999999999993 MP)
| Spec | Pixel 5a | Pixel 6a | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 72.0 | 70.4 | −1.6 |
| Performance score | 72 | 72 | No real change |
| Camera score | 72 | 72 | No real change |
| Battery score | 78 | 70 | −8 (10%) |
| Display score | 62 | 62 | No real change |
| Battery capacity | 4,680 mAh | 4,410 mAh | −270 mAh (6%) |
| Wired charging | 18W | 18W | No real change |
| Screen size | 6.3" | 6.1" | −0.2" (4%) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | No real change |
| Peak brightness | 450 nits | 800 nits | +350 nits (78%) |
| Main camera | 12.2 MP | 12 MP | −0.2 MP |
| RAM | 6 GB | 6 GB | No real change |
| Weight | 183 g | 178 g | −5 g (3%) |
| Launch price | $449 | $449 | No real change |
Upgrade if…
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
Pixel 5a vs Pixel 6a: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Pixel 5a to the Pixel 6a?
Probably not — keep your Pixel 5a. The Pixel 6a is 1 year newer than the Pixel 5a, and the BeastScore drops from 72.0 to 70.4. The biggest improvements: 350 nits brighter peak display, 5 g lighter. Trade-offs to know: battery rated 8 points lower, 270 mah smaller battery.
What is the biggest difference between the Pixel 5a and Pixel 6a?
350 nits brighter peak display: 450 nits on the Pixel 5a vs 800 nits on the Pixel 6a.
Does the Pixel 6a have a bigger battery than the Pixel 5a?
The Pixel 6a has a 4,410 mAh battery versus 4,680 mAh on the Pixel 5a (−270 mAh (6%)).
Who should upgrade to the Pixel 6a?
Upgrade if: You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen.