One of many questions individuals have concerning the Google Pixel 6a is whether or not or not it has a headphone jack. Earlier Pixel a-series telephones — the Pixel 3a, Pixel 4a, and Pixel 5a — all shipped with 3.5mm headphone jacks. It was handy, useful, and a notable distinction in comparison with the lacking headphone jacks on dearer Pixels. In reality, whereas selling the unique Pixel telephone in 2016, Google poked enjoyable at Apple for releasing the iPhone 7 with out a headphone jack — solely to drag a 180 and launch the headphone jack-less Pixel 2 a yr later.
For those who’re considering getting the Pixel 6a and are studying this text, you’re in all probability asking your self, “Since Google stored the headphone jack on the earlier Pixel a-series telephones, would it not do the identical for the Pixel 6a?” Sadly, the corporate is making the Pixel 6a the primary within the funds line not to hold the three.5mm headphone jack.
Of all the brand new upgrades Google talked about for the Pixel 6a at Google I/O 2022 — together with the Tensor processor, longer battery life, sleeker design, and sturdy digicam options — it disregarded the headphone jack. Whereas the corporate didn’t give an official rationalization as to why it eliminated the headphone jack, from an financial perspective, not together with the port in all probability made the Pixel 6a cheaper to fabricate and helped justify the $449 price ticket. From a advertising perspective, Google determined to comply with the development Apple began of releasing headphone jack-less smartphones with open arms. And it’ll fortunately promote you a pair of Pixel Buds Professional should you want them.
The best way to take heed to audio on the headphone jack-less Pixel 6a
The Pixel 6a not having the headphone jack like its predecessors isn’t the top of the world. Not less than not when it comes to the way you take heed to audio from movies, music, and telephone calls.
One solution to take heed to audio within the Pixel 6a is to get a pair of wi-fi headphones. Google has a line of Pixel Buds with a few choices to select from, relying in your funds. There are the Pixel Buds A-Collection for $99, and the Pixel Buds Professional for $199. For those who nonetheless need to maintain on to your wired earphones for pricey life, you’ll be able to plug them into the Pixel 6a utilizing a USB-C to three.5mm headphone jack dongle. And should you’re at a celebration or the seaside and need to share your music with your pals, it’s also possible to use exterior Bluetooth audio system or the 6a’s built-in stereo audio system.
Is the dearth of a headphone jack on the Pixel 6a disappointing? Positive. However that’s simply the place the smartphone market is heading — and has been for a while. New telephones come out, there’s no headphone jack current, and that’s how issues go.
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