We're still some time away from Google's Pixel 6a announcement, but we're already starting to hear some early rumors; given how much we liked the Pixel 5a, which came out in mid-2021, we have high hopes for the next budget Pixel.

In fact, the Pixel 5a needed so few upgrades that we think its successor can get by with only moderate improvements; some, like the Tensor chip for the Pixel 6a, are just wishful thinking. Some are more realistic, like the ultra-wide lens autofocus.

Currently, there are not many rumors to base them on, as the Pixel 6a is still a ways off, but it will at least be one of several new devices that Google will announce in 2022. For the latest rumors and speculation about the next Pixel, read on.

The Pixel 5a launched in the US and Japan on August 26, 2021. Google has not explained why the phone was limited to two countries, but it is expected to be related to the ongoing chip shortage plaguing the industry.

August seems to be Google's new timeline for the A Series: the Pixel 3a was revealed on May 7 at Google I/O 2019, while the Pixel 4a came out on August 20, 2020. Many blamed the delay in the 4a's release date on the COVID-19 pandemic; the late August 2022 schedule seems likely for the Pixel 6a.

As for pricing, it is fairly undecided. The smaller Pixel 3a (which came in two sizes) was $399, while the Pixel 4a was $349 below that. The Pixel 5a was then raised to $449 and added a second camera and 5G. My guess is that the Pixel 6a will probably stay in the $449 range, depending on the chip Google uses.

Photos of a dummy unit claiming to be the Google Pixel 6a show that the next cheap Google phone could mimic the Pixel 6 design. The turtle rubber, not the module, appears to be the main feature, as well as the elimination of the 3.5mm audio jack.

It is unclear how legitimate these images are. However, previous Pixel 'a' series phones have followed the design language put forth by the flagship Pixel model. This has been made even more plausible by the Google Pixel 6a renderings, which are reportedly based on leaked information.

Despite the controversy, the Pixel 6's design is certainly different, and it would not be a bad thing to see it carried over to the Pixel 6a. Alternatively, Google could go the other way and follow the Pixel 4a's design and make some adjustments to the camera specs and internal silicon.

Other rumors to date include a device codenamed "bluejay" for the Pixel 6a, according to Mishaal Rahman on Twitter; Rahman has said that it will include Sony's IMX363, IMX386, and IMX355 sensors He discovered a possible bluejay camera setup.

For reference, the Pixel 5a used the same 12MP IMX363 as its main sensor and an 8MP IMX355 as its front-facing camera. The ultrawide was a 16MP IMX481; the IMX386 was a 12MP sensor with a pixel size of 1.25µm versus the IMX481's 1.0µm. In other words, although the Pixel 6a's ultrawide camera has a lower resolution at 12 MP, the larger pixels in the sensor allow it to capture more light and produce brighter images.

Again, we really liked the Pixel 5a, calling it the best camera phone under $500 and handily beating out other phones in this price range. However, that doesn't mean the phone didn't have its flaws, and here's what we'd like to see improved for the next release.