Pixel 6a not impressing

[mike713]

I expected having a Pixel phone that it would have all kinds of awesome customization with Android, but thus far I'm not very impressed. Most of the app features come with app updates on any Android phone. But I thought surely Android Pixel would have better features. Seems like the other brand phones have better customizations in them.
Any advice or thoughts?

 

[B. Diddy]

The advantage of Pixel phones isn't so much the customization -- that will be pretty much on par with any other manufacturer (although I think some Chinese phones don't allow for custom launchers). The primary advantage of Pixel phones is support -- 7 years of guaranteed OS upgrades and monthly security updates for the most recent Pixel 8 line (the 6a was released before this, so it gets 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates: https://support.google.com/nexus/an...-pixel-pro-pixel-a-pixel-pixel-pro-pixel-fold). Samsung rivals this, but only with their flagships, while the Pixel "a" line gets the same support as the flagships. Most other manufacturers are much less robust when it comes to updates.

 

[Laura Knotek]

If you're interested in customisation, then you might want to try a 3rd party launcher. That's what I did when I found stock Android boring.

 

[B. Diddy]

I moved this from the Android 14 forum to the Pixel 6a forum for more specific traffic.

 

[ras47]

The a-series Pixel phones are lower cost "bargain" phones. Bargain is a relative term though.

 

[mike713]

The advantage of Pixel phones isn't so much the customization -- that will be pretty much on par with any other manufacturer (although I think some Chinese phones don't allow for custom launchers). The primary advantage of Pixel phones is support -- 7 years of guaranteed OS upgrades and monthly security updates for the most recent Pixel 8 line (the 6a was released before this, so it gets 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates: https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/4457705?hl=en#zippy=,pixel-a-pixel-pixel-pro,pixel-a-pixel-pixel-pro-pixel-a-pixel-pixel-pro-pixel-fold). Samsung rivals this, but only with their flagships, while the Pixel "a" line gets the same support as the flagships. Most other manufacturers are much less robust when it comes to updates.

Thx for that explanation, I didnt know that but it def makes sense. However, the longer OS updates is a factor. I just expected a bit more, but I'm still fine with the phone overall.

 

[mike713]

If you're interested in customisation, then you might want to try a 3rd party launcher. That's what I did when I found stock Android boring.

I've tried most, been using Nova 7 bc I like that can backup and save themes. Any you're particularly impressed with? and thx

 

[mike713]

The a-series Pixel phones are lower cost "bargain" phones. Bargain is a relative term though.

The main reason I got the a-series is the size. I dont like having a huge phone. I bought the 6a specifically after a work associate bought the 7a and I learned they are the same size (a-series) and the main differences between the 6pro-6-6a is being the ram and screen size, and other hardware specs are the same. Same with 7,8,9. Thx tho
btw, only need/want a small phone bc I still use full blown computers with big screens lol. I'd actually prefer going back to an actual Star Tac flip phone

 

[ras47]

The main reason I got the a-series is the size. I dont like having a huge phone. I bought the 6a specifically after a work associate bought the 7a and I learned they are the same size (a-series) and the main differences between the 6pro-6-6a is being the ram and screen size, and other hardware specs are the same. Same with 7,8,9. Thx tho
btw, only need/want a small phone bc I still use full blown computers with big screens lol. I'd actually prefer going back to an actual Star Tac flip phone

I would jump on a 5G-capable StarTac in a heartbeat!

 

[mike713]

I'm actually a Motorola fan. My Moto's had more features and customization than this Pixel too. Like my Moto would show the devices connected to my hotspot, the Pixel doesn't even do that.
#hotspot

 

[Laura Knotek]

I've tried most, been using Nova 7 bc I like that can backup and save themes. Any you're particularly impressed with? and thx

Nova is also what I've used. That's the only 3rd party launcher I've used. I've used Nova on all brands of Android I've owned.