• Uncategorised

Google’s Pixel 6a is losing the 5a’s best feature

Google finally announced the Pixel 6a today at Google I/O. Following up on both the Pixel 5a and Pixel 6, the new Pixel promises to bring the best of what Google has offered in the past year at a lower price. With Tensor powering the 6a, this is set to be the most powerful cheap Pixel yet.

But despite what Google says, the Pixel 6’s battery life for many is bad — and the same Tensor that’s in the Pixel 6a could be to blame. When I reviewed the Pixel 6 over a long-term period for Digital Trends, I noticed that the battery life was not as good as advertised. This held on my Pixel 6 Stormy Black, as well as the Sorta Seafoam model that replaced it.

As the weather warmed up and I started spending more time outdoors and less time at home, it became clear to me that the Pixel 6 was incapable of lasting the promised 24 hours from a charge, frequently losing 15% to 20% before stepping off a train after just listening to music and reading via the Kindle app. I’m not alone on this. Early reviews for the Pixel 6 noted wildly differing battery claims, with some reviewers seeing fantastic battery life while others noted average to poor battery life.

Moving away from the immediate launch coverage of the Pixel 6, you can also see the phone underperforming on (admittedly unscientific) battery tests on YouTube, as well as complaints on Reddit and Twitter. Analyzing Tensor’s battery efficiency last year, Anandtech found that Google’s Pixel 6 Pro didn’t perform as well as comparable Snapdragon-equipped phones. “The Tensor SoC also just doesn’t appear to be as efficient. Particularly, many UI workloads would be run on the A76 cores of the chip, which just outright have a 30% perf/W disadvantage.

The phone ends up OK in terms of absolute battery life, however, performance metrics are lower than other devices,” Anandtech wrote, further noting: “U.S. readers who are used to Qualcomm phones might also encounter efficiency regressions when under cellular data.”

If Tensor’s to blame, and it looks like it, it’ll be a downgrade from the Pixel 5a in an area of the phone that’s quite noticeable. Reviewing the Pixel 5a 5G, Digital Trends wrote: “Battery life is a big step up over the Pixel 4a 5G. With a 4,680mAh cell, it’s one of the beefier batteries I’ve seen on a midrange phone and significantly longer-lasting than the 3,885mAh cell on the Pixel 4a 5G.

I averaged around one-and-a-half to two days of regular use before needing to top up, with standard daily usage consisting of some browsing, checking Twitter, playing games, and snapping photos.” With the Pixel 5a (and the 5 before it), Google nailed battery life. Now, it’s taken a step back, without any super-fast charging shenanigans to make up for it. It’s not as though using Tensor is a bad choice though.

It’s a very powerful chip — more so than any Snapdragon 600 or 700 series that would typically be substituted. It also supports all of Google’s AI wizardry, for better or worse. It’s the iPhone SE of Android, a well-built, semi-compact, inexpensive phone.

At the same time, battery life is the heart of any good mobile phone. Without being able to last untethered from a wall, quite a few features lose their luster. Much like the heart that’s in your body, you really shouldn’t spend much time thinking about it if it’s working well.

With a 4,000 mAh+ battery, the Pixel 6-series should outperform the Pixel 5 and below. Whether as a result of the unusual Tensor core configuration, the Exynos modem, or whatever else, it does not do so consistently. It’s not a problem for you or me to work on — it’s for Google to fix with Tensor 2 and the Pixel 7.

Till then, you can expect the Pixel 6a to perform better than the Pixel 5a.

Just don’t expect it to last anywhere as long.

Editors’ Recommendations

Tags:

apple-store-gb listed on couponmatrix.ukchill-factore listed on couponmatrix.ukflavourly listed on couponmatrix.ukmappin-and-webb listed on couponmatrix.ukmuseum-selection listed on couponmatrix.uk4th-and-reckless listed on couponmatrix.uk
apple-store-gb listed on couponmatrix.ukWhether you’re an Apple old-hand or just dipping your toe into the world of iPhones and Macs, Apple is constantly revolutionising its product lines and you’ll love the newly developed smartphones, computers and gadgets all featuring signature Apple features. With an Apple voucher from us, you’ll be able to update your handset and upgrade your home office without breaking the bank, so what are you waiting for?
chill-factore listed on couponmatrix.ukWhy wait for the colder season when you could be walking in a winter wonderland at any time of the year? Get your skates on and head to Chill Factore, the UK’s longest indoor ski slope, for all the winter sports fun you could hope for! A Chill Factore discount code from us will warm the cockles of your heart and allow you to enjoy sledging, sliding, ski lessons and more, without your finances freezing up.
flavourly listed on couponmatrix.ukCalling all beer and wine connoisseurs! Meet Flavourly. Bringing you exciting flavours from the best beer and alcohol in the world, Flavourly is made up of a team of experts who specialise in identifying the best beers, spirits and wines on the market, to bring a world of taste to your lips. Grab a Flavourly voucher code and experience the very best beverages from the comfort of your own home, without paying a hefty price. So, whether you want to give the ultimate gift or stock up your cupboards with a selection of delicious drinks, Flavourly has you covered.
mappin-and-webb listed on couponmatrix.ukMappin & Webb are as respected as UK jewellers come. Holding a royal warrant for over 100 years, the company todays is proud to hold the Crown Jeweller as its master craftsman. You can put a piece of this prestigious jewellery in your own personal collection for a digit or two less with a Mappin & Webb discount code. Showcasing only the finest rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches and more from their expert jewellers, there is no equal match in beauty and quality.
museum-selection listed on couponmatrix.ukWhen you shop at Museum Selection it’s never been easier to upgrade everything in your life at the same time - from your wardrobe to your outside seating area, you can give your whole home a makeover in a jiffy! With a Museum Selection discount code from us you’ll be amazed at the reduction you’ll get on your order subtotal, making purchasing that conservatory a walk in the park for your bank account.
4th-and-reckless listed on couponmatrix.ukSet yourself apart from the pack with 4th & Reckless, the forward-thinking fashion brand with an eye for the exceptional. From effortless one-shoulder tops to elegant and flowing maxi dresses, we’re sure you’ll find no shortage of jaw-dropping designs to buy for less with the latest 4th and Reckless discount codes. Featuring an ever-expanding selection of threads to suit almost every occasion, there’s no event in which 4th & Reckless can’t make you look your best.