Hello,
I would like to switch from my Fairphone 4 to GrapheneOS and therefore get a Pixel. My choices currently are:

  1. Get a Pixle 6a now for 330 bucks
  2. Get a Pixle 7 now for 570 bucks
  3. Wait for the Pixle 7a

Question is, when and at what price will the 7a be available and how fast after the release will GrapheneOS be ready for the 7a?
What would be the best choice for me, daily usage, no games, like to take pictures, happy with my FP4 except the OS..
Thanks, Andy

    The 7a (if Pixel devices stick to past schedules) will probably be release mid or late July of this year. The 6a will still get lots of support and I believe it to be the best bang for your buck. It is, arguably, the best mid range device out there, period. If you prefer a smaller, lighter device go for the 6a. If you want a larger device with more screen real estate go for the 7. Personally, I've got the 6a and it's the perfect size and weight for me.

    AndyG how important is the camera? The 6a uses the same, "old" sensor as the last few generations of Pixels. The 7 and 7a (expected) have better camera sensors.

    The 6 and 7 series devices will get 5 years of security updates, so the 6a should still receive plenty of support.

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    AndyG I was in the past considering getting Fairphone. What particular things that you disliked about the usage and the OS of it please? Or to rephrase that, what makes you switch to GrapheneOS?

    Pixel 6a came out in july for 450$. It went down to 300$ for Nov-Dec. I would assume the same for Pixel 7a. But you will have to wait some 8 months for that.The 6 series generally have minor touch (not registering) problems all over the screen. The 7 might not. I personally liked the 6 look better than the 7. For me price was the big factor. big difference in price may not justify the jump from A to regular series.

    A whole bunch of factors for you to decide.

    Between the 6a and 7 I chose 6a because of looks, size, weight, and the big price savings.

    Think about how long you want to have the phone. If you wanna have it for 5 years, might you prefer to have the better hardware for that period even if it costs more.

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      User2288 I own 6a and I am very happy with it performance-wise. Unless you are planning to use heavy graphical applications on it, I reckon in 5 years it will still be adequate. Only thing I worry about is battery life, but I am prepared to change the battery myself as I did with several phones in the past. So I would recommend to save money and rather spend what you save on your loved ones.

      7 vs. 6a are in all essence very similar phones and it all boils down to how important a better screen, a slightly faster and more efficient processor and a better camera with "ultra wide" sensor is to you and if it justifies the doubling in price.

      I went with the 7 but the 6a is a very good phone too and the camera is actually still pretty good despite being a slightly old sensor.

      I would go to a store where you can try both phones before you make your decision.

        trilogy6202 I would go to a store where you can try both phones before you make your decision.

        Bingo. Winner comment right here.

        User2288 But you will have to wait some 8 months for that.

        Are you sure about that? Anything I've read says "probably July". That's only 4-5 months.

          I would probably wait for the 7a in order to benefit from 1 year additional support, but the price gap with 6a might have led me to reconsider the position. I would in no way have paid the additional price to take away the "a".
          Happy owner of a 6a.

            brookie229 Are you sure about that? Anything I've read says "probably July". That's only 4-5 months.

            I meant 8 months for the price of the 7a to drop. Which is also not for sure guaranteed, but likely.

            Other things that come to mind worthy of mention are:

            • the security update remaining time is something to consider as well as Eirikr70 said.
            • The look of the body was a factor for me, but in reality I now realize was completely pointless, because all pixels are EXTREMELY slippery. THE slipperiest phone I ever used. They are impossible to use without a cover. And so the cover really covers the pixel, and whatever "looks" you cared about is done.
            • paying 100-150$ more for the none-A version I think is worth it (you get better build) if the benefits are of use to you, however paying 250-300$ more is not.
            • Getting the 7 at a good discounted price may not be a bad idea.

              They always use the same scheduling and price tactics. Whatever the MSRP, lower it by 150$ for the A models in 5 months.

              For the regular and pro models lower by 150-250$ in 5-6 months.

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              User2288 don't look at the body, you always show it in a case, unless you are suicidal. If you need something today, don't think about tomorrow, you need to get through today first. (From a happy owner of 6a)

                I own the 6 and 6a, the 6a is awesome

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                Yeah, I know. I thought I was gonna use it without cover, but once I saw how slippery it was I knew it was gonna fall for sure outside. Finding good clear cases for it isn't too easy either. But anyway.

                Not sure anything can beat the 6a with that price.

                Thanks for all the replies. I compared the specs between the 6a and 7 (especially the camera) a bit more, they seem to be pretty close (and camera-wise way better than my FP4). Waiting for the 7a for the additional year of support, which is not really a year more since the 6a still has 4.5 years atm, is not something I would want. Therefore I dropped by the store on my way home and picked up a 6a :-)

                @[deleted]: the FP4 is quite nice and good, but it's on Android 12 and has all the google stuff on it.. Otherwise it is a good phone and I really like the concept.

                  AndyG My Pixel 4a was rapidly breaking down so I changed with very short notice. Went for the 7. I'm not a fan. I loved the 4a: small, light, handy, battery lasting 2 days. The 7 is bulky, heavy and battery's not great.

                  AndyG Therefore I dropped by the store on my way home and picked up a 6a :-)

                  Given the prices you mentioned, the 6a I think is the right choice. congrats.

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                  I have the pixel 6a and it is simply perfect, it I took it for are price of 320€. If you are not a big gamer I can only highly recommend it