Google Pixel 6a is seriously tough — and now cheaper than ever

An image representing a deal on the Google Pixel 6a smartphone
(Image credit: Future)

In our Google Pixel 6a review, we praised the budget phone for its excellent camera performance, bright display and impressive design. But there's even more: it’s a rather durable smartphone and is now cheaper than ever, having dropped below $400. 

Starting with the durability side of things, serial gadget tester and torturer JerryRigEverything put the Pixel 6a through a series of tests to see how robust the affordable smartphone is. The YouTuber found that the Pixel 6a stands up well to scratches on its glass screen cover, chassis and camera housing. 

The Pixel 6a also survived JerryRigEverything’s flex test, something which other budget to mid-range phones can’t always endure. Admittedly, the plastic back panel — the flagship Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones use glass backs — can be scratched with a sharp knife, but it isn't likely to crack as glass can do if dropped on a hard surface. 

With IP67 dust and water resistance, as well as the use of an aluminum frame, the Pixel 6a should survive all manner of bumps and knocks, as well as a dunk in some water; we don’t recommend you take the phone into a pool with you, though. Again, such durability isn’t something we normally expect from phones that sit below the $500 mark, let alone under $400. 

Speaking of price, on Amazon the Google Pixel 6a has been reduced to $399, across all three colors: Sage, Chalk and Charcoal. That’s a $50 saving, merely a few months after the phone was released.

Google Pixel 6a: was $449 now $399 @ Amazon

Google Pixel 6a: was $449 now $399 @ Amazon
Amazon is offering an unlocked Google Pixel 6a at its lowest price ever. At $399 for all three colors, you can now get the phone for $50 less than before, further cementing its position as the best sub-$500 phone out there.

As such, what was already one of the best cheap phones is now even more affordable. Not only that, but you’ll be getting a smartphone with Google's ideal take on Android 12 (and with Android 13 coming soon) and with all the brains of the Tensor chip.

Now, the Pixel 6a isn’t perfect — but then no phone is, even the likes of the mighty iPhone 13 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. But for the price, it’s a killer smartphone and a worthy entry into our best Android phones list, rubbing shoulders with far more expensive models.

In short, if you want a capable, durable and affordable phone then you really should consider the Google Pixel 6a.

Roland Moore-Colyer

Roland Moore-Colyer a Managing Editor at Tom’s Guide with a focus on news, features and opinion articles. He often writes about gaming, phones, laptops and other bits of hardware; he’s also got an interest in cars. When not at his desk Roland can be found wandering around London, often with a look of curiosity on his face. 

Read more
Closeup of camera bars on four Google Pixel 8a phones
Hurry! The best value phone we've tested just got $100 cheaper
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a price just leaked — and it's way cheaper than iPhone 16e
google pixel 9 pro xl in pink with a lowest price deal tag
Hurry! Google Pixel 9 Pro XL just crashed to lowest price ever
Nothing Phone 3a Pro review photos.
Best cheap phones 2025 tested — March top picks
Pixel 9 shown in all colors
Holy smokes! Google Pixel 9 Pro just dropped to lowest price ever at Amazon before Presidents' Day
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Which phone should you buy?
Latest in Google Phones
CAD renderings of the Google Pixel 10 Pro
Latest Google Pixel 10 leak could make you want to skip it altogether
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a pre-orders could come with a free Google TV Streamer — what we know
The camera assembly on the Google Pixel 9
The latest Google Pixel update is breaking fingerprint scanners — but there may be a fix
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a will have to fix one crucial thing to hold off its low-cost rivals
Google Pixel 5 review
Google Pixel 10 lineup leaked in new renderings — here's what they look like
Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8a
Google Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 8a: Biggest changes to expect
Latest in News
iPhone 17 Pro render
iPhone 17 Ultra just tipped to replace Pro Max in new leak — with these key upgrades
RCS messaging on an iPhone
Forget green bubbles — iPhones will soon get encrypted RCS messaging to Androids
CAD renderings of the Google Pixel 10 Pro
Latest Google Pixel 10 leak could make you want to skip it altogether
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 — analysts say it will be massive hit even with price hike
Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso in Ted Lasso season 3
‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 is official — here’s what Jason Sudeikis revealed
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 shipments rumor hints at possible release window