The Google Pixel 6a was released as the less expensive entry in the Pixel 6 series of smartphones. While it did come with some diluted specifications, it appears that one of its features was software locked due to its lower price tag.
One of the major flaws that users pointed out was the lack of a high refresh rate display. According to official specifications, the Pixel 6a has a 6.1-inch OLED display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. In comparison, the Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch OLED display with a refresh rate of 90Hz. As a result, the display was one of the ways the company cut corners to reduce the price, with other downgrades occurring in the camera department as well.
Budget phone of the year? Pixel 6a with 90Hz unlocked pic.twitter.com/3suHD88KyZ
— Nathan (@TheLunarixus) August 10, 2022
However, it appears that the Pixel 6a 60Hz display is not due to a hardware limitation, but rather one imposed by Google. Developer Nathan revealed on Twitter (@TheLunarixus) that the Pixel 6a OLED panel has a 120Hz refresh rate and can operate at a maximum refresh rate of 90Hz. In other words, Google purposefully limited the feature.
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| Google Pixel 6a (Image Credit: Google) |
The reason for this is actually quite simple. The Pixel 6 starts at $599 USD, while the Pixel 6a starts at $449 USD. The downgrade was intended to compensate for the higher price tag of $150 USD, as both models share the same proprietary Tensor chipset, design, and camera specs. Furthermore, the Pixel 6a has a smaller battery capacity than last year's Pixel 5a and even the Pixel 6a, so the lower refresh rate saves battery life and even encourages people to opt for the more expensive entry in the series.
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