Our favorite Android phone, the Google Pixel 6A ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ), is on sale for the lowest price we’ve seen: $299 ($150 off) . This is available at a variety of retailers, but it’s a limited-time deal, so there’s no telling when it’ll end. We’ve also found some killer discounts on other Google hardware, like the Pixel Buds Pro for $150 ($50 off) and the Nest Audio for $50 ($50 off) .
Read on further to see why we like these gadgets so much. If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism.
Learn more . Pixel 6A The Pixel 6A will get three OS upgrades and five years of security updates, so it’s pretty well-supported for years to come for a phone at this price. The highlight is the processor: It’s powered by Google’s Tensor chip, which is also found in the flagship Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro —you’re getting the best performance around for the money.
This processor also enables numerous smart features that are genuinely helpful every day; you can read more about these features here . The display is excellent, with a sharp 6. 1-inch AMOLED screen that’s bright enough to read in direct sunlight and offers deep blacks.
This screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, so we suggest using a screen protector to keep it from getting scratched (we have case and accessory recommendations here ). We were a little disappointed that the Pixel 6A did not share the same camera as its flagship counterpart, which was a hallmark of previous A-series phones. Instead, you get the same main 12-megapixel camera sensor found in the Pixel 5.
There’s also a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. Together, the photo results are still a cut above all budget and midrange phones . Read more about the phone in our review .
Pixel Buds Pro The Pixel 6A, like most mid- and high-end phones these days, does not come with a headphone jack . You can bypass that issue by scoring a great deal on the excellent Pixel Buds Pro ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ). These wireless earbuds offer the best bang for the buck, even at full price, and right now you can score them for $50 off.
We like the Pixel Buds Pro for their punchy bass and super comfortable design. The wireless charging case makes recharging a snap and you’ll get a solid seven hours of playtime even with noise canceling on. A single 11-mm dynamic driver inside each Pixel Buds Pro delivers a surprisingly robust soundstage, made possible in large part by Google’s excellent digital signal processing and noise canceling.
The buds are also plugged into Google Assistant, so you can shout “Hey Google” and call up songs, timers, or whatever you need. There are a few other good Google deals happening right now. Check ’em out! Google Nest Audio The already affordable Google Nest Audio speaker ( 8/10 WIRED Recommends ) is down to a mere $50.
That’s a good deal on one of our favorite smart speakers, especially if you prefer Google Assistant to control your smart home. At this price, you can get two for the price of one , pair them together, and really crank up the tunes. Read our Best Smart Speakers guide for more.
If you’re just starting out in the smart home world, the smaller Nest Mini ( 7/10, WIRED Review ) is also on sale and makes a somewhat cheaper way to test the waters. This one is wall-mountable. If your primary use for it is playing music, it’ll do the job, but the Nest Audio will serve you much better.
This compact speaker is best for the areas in your home where Google Assistant might not be able to hear you, like the garage, so you can ask it to turn on the lights as you walk in. Read our Best Google Assistant Speakers guide for more details. The Nest Hub Max ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is Google’s biggest smart display and the only one with a camera.
That means you can use it for video calls on Google Meet or Zoom. There’s a physical switch that can cut power to the microphones and camera for privacy. You can follow recipes or watch Netflix on this 10-inch screen, and see visual responses to your queries to Google Assistant.
If you have a compatible smart doorbell or security camera, you can view the videofeed, too. This smaller smart display doesn’t have a camera, but it does have the ability to track your sleep, which can be handy if you want a way to track this data without having to wear a wearable. Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-Year Subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off) .
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From: wired
URL: https://www.wired.com/story/google-pixel-6a-and-pixel-buds-pro-on-sale-october-2022/
