Olivia Cavallaro Tech 07.31.2022 23:Jul PM EDT

Pixel 6A Gets Update Soon After Launch: Here’s What to Expect

Google's new Android smartphone immediately received an update following its release.

Google released a Pixel 6A update just days after the Android smartphone was released. The update addresses an issue that prevented users from unlocking the bootloader and performing mods and is bundled within the device's first update that was released last week.

The Verge reported that some phone manufacturers and carriers prevent users from accessing the device's bootloader, but Google in fact does. Users can access the bootloader of Pixel 6A's that are not tied to a specific carrier, which are often referred to as "unlocked" devices.

The bootloader is a piece of software that loads a device's operating system or OS when it turns on. Accessing the bootloader on an Android device lets the user have full control over the OS in what is called rooting. This also allows users to install modded versions of Android, which are called ROMs.

Latest Release of Google Pixel 6A Disabled Bootloader Unlocking Process

According to Android Police, issues of unlocking the Pixel 6a's bootloader arose last week, with reports from people in several forums confirming that the bootloader on the Android device is inaccessible. Under Developer OPtions, the setting that a user needs to toggle to launch the unlocking process can't be adjusted and is "grayed out."

The first Pixel 6A update fixes this issue, but no functional patch notes were included in the said update, implying that there was no way to find out what type of fixes or changes may have been included at the time. It also may require a factory reset following the update.

The Pixel 6A update from Google appears to be available for Verizon, Verizon MVNOs, and Japanese carriers, but users with other carriers should expect a rollout soon as well.

Google Pixel 6A Feature Arrives in Other Pixel 6 Devices

Last week, TechRadar reported that the expanded mode of the Magic Eraser, a tool that uses AI to remove unwanted objects in pictures, was going to be made available in earlier Pixel 6 devices. Upon the release of the Google Pixel 6A, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro also got an update that included Camouflage mode with the Magic Eraser, making it no longer unique to just the Pixel 6A.

The report argued that users should go for the "superior older phone over its budget alternative," especially when the Pixel 6A features are being made available to the Pixel 6 anyway. The report advised that as long as the Google Pixel 6A maintains a stable price after its launch, then users should definitely go for the older models. However, it is notable that these cheaper alternatives often drop their prices or go on sale after a few months, so users will face a tougher decision then.

Earlier in July, 9to5Google recommended that users who are looking to purchase a new Pixel should rather consider watching out for discounts on the Pixel 6, whose price had gone down to $499 last month on Amazon during Prime Day. The Pixel 6A comes with a $449, which could go lower in the next few months.

The only differences are the RAM, which according to the report shows a small decrease of 8Gb to 6GB and a step back from wireless charging. Also, the body is built with mostly plastic instead of glass. In terms of the camera, the Pixel 6A has the same 12MP setup present in previous Pixels, but the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro has the better 50MP camera.

The Pixel 6A attempted to compensate for a better fingerprint sensor, which earned intense criticism in the Pixel 6. Lastly, both Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6A have the same update policy of at least three years of major Android updates and five years of security updates. This means, however, that the Pixel 6A's release will allow itself a few more months, with support going through to about October 2026.