Skip to main content

Pixel 6a to pack the same Google Tensor chip as Pixel 6 Pro

Google Pixel 6a has been in the rumor mill for a while, and the device has now been spotted on Geekbench. Courtesy of  MySmartPrice, the listing suggests that the upcoming Pixel will be powered by the same Google Tensor chip as the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

The Pixel 6a packing the same chip as the flagship Google Pixel series is one of the many advantages of Google making its own processor. And it means that the upcoming midrange device is likely to get the same smart features (like Magic Eraser) on the Pixel 6 lineup. It also means that you are likely to get the same number of OS updates and smart Google Assistant features as the flagship Google smartphones.

The rear panel of the Google Pixel 6.
Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

As for the Geekbench scores, the Pixel 6a got 1,050 points in the single-core test and 2,883 in the multi-core test. Make what you will of those numbers, but we expect the device to fly through daily tasks like its older siblings. The Google Pixel 6a is touted to sport a 12.2MP Sony IMX363 primary camera and a 12MP Sony IMX396 ultrawide lens. If we are to speculate, we are likely to see Pixel 6-level of camera optimizations on the software front, meaning that, we’ll get good output from those cameras. The smartphone could have a 6.2-inch Full HD+ display with an 8MP Sony IMX355 selfie shooter.

Recommended Videos

If the Tensor reports prove accurate, it’ll be a big step up for the Pixel “a” series. The cheaper line has served as a watered-down version for the main Pixel series in the past, cutting down on things like RAM, processors, and build quality. Aside from the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5a which shared the same processor as the very mid-range Pixel 5, the Pixel 3a and 4a had lower-powered processors than their non-A counterparts. It’ll help Google compete with cheap smartphones from Chinese manufacturers, most of which pack in powerful flagship-level chips for sub $500 prices. It’ll also be able to trade blows with Apple’s rumored iPhone SE series, which the company will no doubt equip with an A15 chip. Whether in the U.S. market or in Europe and Asia, it’ll be a boon for the company if it hopes to claw some market share gains.

Prakhar Khanna
Prakhar Khanna is an independent consumer tech journalist. He contributes to Digital Trends' Mobile section with features and…
Google rolls out pulse loss detection to Pixel Watch 3 users
Pulse detect on Pixel watch 3

Google has begun rolling out its Loss of Pulse Detection feature to Pixel Watch 3 owners in the United States. This potentially life-saving feature uses the watch's optical heart rate sensors to detect if the wearer's pulse ceases at any point. That can include instances like cardiac arrest or other heart-related abnormalities. When these issues are detected, the watch can automatically contact emergency services should the wearer become unresponsive. The rollout is gradual, with availability expected to reach all users over the next few weeks.

Initially announced alongside the Pixel Watch 3 in August 2024, the feature was already available in several European countries. However, its US debut required clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being released which was granted in late February 2025. Now that it's headed out to new and old Pixel Watch 3 owners, now might be a good time to invest in one should be looking for an alternative to the smartwatch you might currently be wearing.

Read more
Google Pixel Watch now gives you scam protection right on your wrist
A person sitting down and wearing the Google Pixel Watch 2.

The Google Pixel Watch 2 and 3 are already among the best smartwatches, but now, Google decked them out with another handy feature. Google is adding Scam Detection to its watches, enhancing security without making you pull your phone out of your pocket.

We all deal with scam calls on a regular basis, and Google's Scam Detection is just one way tech companies try to combat the nuisance (and safety hazard) of these calls. This tool listens to calls and uses AI to detect conversation patterns that scammers have been known to use. If something sounds shady, Scam Detection will send you a notification accompanied by a sound and vibration.

Read more
I hope the Pixel 10 Pro Fold camera is better than rumored, here’s why
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold's camera module.

One of last year's best surprises was the redesigned Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Google’s second-generation folding phone fixed most of the challenges identified with the Pixel Fold and positioned it as the folding equivalent of the Pixel 9 Pro series.

Flagship performance, a squared design, and the iconic porcelain white colorway all helped the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to feel part of the current lineup rather than as a separate product range as Samsung did with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. 

Read more