Uswitch comments on the Google I/O event launch
Ru Bhikha, mobiles expert at Uswitch.com, comments: “The new Pixel 6a shows that Google is pulling no punches in the mid-range phone battle, delivering a sleek, powerful model it hopes will be an iPhone SE-slayer.
“Its predecessor the 5a has only released in the US and Japan, so the 6a will be particularly welcome for Google’s UK smartphone fans looking for an affordable option with the latest trimmings ahead of the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro due later in the year.
“Looks-wise the 6a has stayed true to the Pixel 6 playbook, with a 6.1-inch displayas well as the distinctive — and divisive — camera bar near the top of the handset. Love it or hate it, this definitely makes it feel like a more modern phone compared with the dated design of the 2022 SE.
“A key plus is the inclusion of Google’s Tensor chip. This might not quite match Apple’s A15 Bionic but it is powerful for a mid-range phone. Having the Tensor also improves battery life, where the Pixel range has drawn criticism in the past. The all day battery will be particularly welcome for people using their phone on the go.
“Unsurprisingly the 6a maintains Google’s stellar reputation for its camera phones. The camera gives users the ability to tap into Google’s signature Magic Eraser, which has been popular with smartphone photographers, enabling them to easily remove unwanted backgrounds. The inclusion of Night Sight also puts the 6a above the SE, which falls behind on night photography.
“Ultimately, Google has delivered an impressive handset with the 6a featuring improvements that tackle some of the Pixel detractors head on. Consumers looking for a good value Android smartphone are likely to find it at the top of their wishlists.
Google Pixel Watch
“It’s been a long time coming but Google has finally launched a flagship wearable and the Pixel Watch should get your pulse racing.
“This is perhaps not a surprise following the company’s acquisition of Fitbit last year. After contributing to the software for Wear, the Android operating system for smartwatches, Google now has a timepiece to take on the likes of the Apple Watch 7 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.
“With the growth in fitness trackers it looks like a shrewd move, and the Pixel Watch’s minimalist round design is likely to win admirers.
“Its features include Fitbit integration with a step counter, sleep tracker and heart rate monitor. The Pixel Watch is also voice-activated and carries Google’s assistant as well as working with Google Maps and Google Wallet.
“The Pixel Watch will launch in the autumn, so we still have a while to wait to see this new technology for ourselves. The release will come at the same time as the new Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. The camera bar looks to feature an even more powerful camera, powered by a new version of Tensor which will launch with the handset.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Prisca Simango
Phone: 07971 093 512
Email: prisca.simango@rvu.co.uk
Twitter: @UswitchPR
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.