Google’s most affordable and palm-friendly twist on the Pixel 6, the $449 Pixel 6A, is now available for pre-order, as are the new Pixel Buds Pro. By focusing on the phone first, your pre-order will ensure you’re among the first to get your hands on the Pixel 6A on or near launch day, which is Thursday, July 28. Google announced the release date during its I/O conference in May, and we’ve been waiting very patiently.
The same goes for the $199 Pixel Buds Pro (scroll down for a $15 deal), Google’s first wireless earbuds that feature active noise cancellation and ship in a variety of bright color These are released on the same day and you can pre-order right now.
We have a review of the Pixel 6A here from Allison Johnson, and we’ll have a full review of the Pixel Buds Pro in the coming days. But whatever gadget you’re after, we’ve rounded up some shopping links and deals you might want to know about.
Where to pre-order the Pixel 6A
Compared to the 6.4-inch Pixel 6, the Pixel 6A’s 6.1-inch OLED display is much better suited for people with smaller hands or who prefer a smaller phone. It has some key features in common with Google’s more expensive flagship phones, most notably that it has the same Tensor processor. Plus, its overall design (a cross between the Pixel 6 and the upcoming Pixel 7) and Android software experience are familiar.
Its camera hardware is one section that’s taking a hit due to the lower price, though it should still deliver excellent photos compared to other phones in its price range. It has two rear cameras, one of which is a 12.2-megapixel primary camera, while the other is a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens with a 114-degree field of view. It has an 8-megapixel selfie camera.
- The Pixel 6A with 128GB of storage will cost $449.99 unlocked at the Google Store, Best Buy, and Amazon. As for the colors, it comes in sage green, chalk white or charcoal black.
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On Verizon: Buying the Pixel 6A on Verizon costs $50 more overall, but you’ll get support for the carrier’s 5G ultra-broadband support, if that sways you. Monthly payments start at $13.88 per month for 36 months.
Verizon is making the Pixel 6A free (in the sense that you’ll get it back in promotional billing credits every month for 36 months, totaling $499.99 at the end) so people can activate a new phone line on their 5G Start, 5G Do More, 5G Play or 5G Get More unlimited plans.
If you’re simply upgrading to Verizon and have one of their 5G Unlimited plans, you’ll get $100 off the total. (Note that this discount will be paid back to you in monthly blocks over a period of 36 months.)
Image: Google
Where to pre-order the Pixel Buds Pro
As mentioned earlier, the Pixel Buds Pro come with active noise cancellation, which can mute your surroundings while you listen to tunes. They’ll also come with multi-point connectivity, meaning the buds can automatically switch between the last two connected Bluetooth devices, from laptops and TVs to Android and iOS phones. Google says support for spatial audio will debut later this year, which should make watching a movie or show on compatible Pixel phones feel more immersive.
Other notable features include IPX4 water resistance and the ability to issue hands-free voice commands thanks to Google Assistant support. Additionally, the Pixel Buds Pro feature interchangeable ear tips for what should be a more personalized and therefore comfortable fit. Google also claims that the Pixel Buds Pro charge wirelessly and offer up to 11 hours of listening time (or seven hours if you use active noise cancellation).