Upgrade or save money, what actually makes sense? I used the Google Pixel 6a and Google Pixel 8a as daily phones for over a month each in Dhaka heat, traffic, and crowded networks. The Pixel 8a feels smoother, brighter, and calmer under load. The Pixel 6a still delivers Pixel photos at a lower cost. Prices in Bangladesh are unofficial and move with stock and dollars. Below is a tight breakdown, pricing reality, gaming comfort, network stability, camera reliability, display usability.

I checked prices by visiting Bashundhara City, Jamuna Future Park, Multiplan, and several smaller shops, plus online sellers. Google Pixel 6a isn’t officially sold anymore, so it’s fully unofficial, cheaper, but prices vary shop to shop. Pixel 8a is newer and in deman, prices are higher and fluctuate with stock and dollar rates. Over time, I’ve seen 6a slowly dip, while 8a swings based on availability.

Unofficial / Grey Market Buying Risk

With both phones, warranty is the biggest concern. Most units come without official Google support in Bangladesh, so buyers depend heavily on shop reputation and after-sales promises.

Gaming was one of my main stress tests. I played PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact on both phones, usually in warm rooms without AC. The Pixel 6a, powered by Tensor G1, handled PUBG and CODM smoothly on balanced settings, but after long sessions, I noticed heat buildup and slight frame instability. Genshin Impact was playable, but not something I enjoyed for extended sessions.

The Pixel 8a, with Tensor G3, felt noticeably more stable. Frame drops were fewer, graphics stayed consistent longer, and thermal control was better during 30 - 40 minute sessions. This matches what benchmarks suggest, but more importantly, my hands felt the difference, less heat, less discomfort. Still, phones like Poco F5 or iQOO Neo series offer stronger raw gaming performance in this price bracket.

Battery Health Reality

After long gaming sessions, the Pixel 6a drained faster and warmed more, while the Pixel 8a maintained battery health better over repeated stress sessions, based purely on my daily charging habits.

I tested both phones using Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi, and Airtel across central Dhaka, residential areas, and highway travel. On 2G and 3G, both phones performed similarly for calls. On 4G LTE, the Pixel 8a consistently held stronger signals indoors, especially on Grameenphone. The Pixel 6a sometimes dropped speeds in crowded areas like markets.

Neither phone offers active 5G in Bangladesh yet, but the Pixel 8a feels more future-ready with better modem efficiency. Wi-Fi stability was stronger on the Pixel 8a, especially on dual-band routers. Some competitors like Samsung Galaxy A55 offer slightly more stable network tuning, but Pixel 8a is clearly ahead of the Pixel 6a. 

Camera testing wasn’t rushed. I took family photos, street shots, food images, and night photos while walking around Dhaka. Both phones use similar 12MP main sensors, but processing differs. The Pixel 6a still captures excellent daylight photos with natural colors. However, in low light, noise creeps in faster. 

The Pixel 8a delivers more consistent results, better HDR balance, cleaner night shots, and improved video stabilization. Skin tones also look more accurate. While phones like Samsung Galaxy S21 FE offer stronger video features, the Pixel 8a felt more reliable overall.

The Pixel 6a’s OLED display is sharp and color-accurate but limited by brightness and 60Hz refresh rate. Indoors, it’s fine. Outdoors, it struggles. The Pixel 8a’s OLED panel is brighter, smoother with 120Hz refresh rate, and easier on the eyes during long scrolling sessions. Watching YouTube or using maps outside felt noticeably better on the 8a. Some Xiaomi phones offer even brighter panels, but Pixel 8a balances clarity and comfort well. 

The Pixel 8a is the smarter long-term choice for most Bangladeshi users. Pixel 6a still works well, but the gap is clear in daily comfort, display, and longevity.

Does Pixel 8a heat less than Pixel 6a?

Yes. In my daily gaming and navigation use, Pixel 8a stayed noticeably cooler during longer sessions.

Is Pixel 6a still good in 2026 Bangladesh?

It’s usable, but limited updates and weaker performance make it less future-proof now.

Which phone has better camera consistency?

Pixel 8a delivers more reliable results, especially in low light and video stabilization.

Gaming performance gap big?

Moderate. Casual gamers won’t mind, but long sessions favor Pixel 8a. 

Any better alternatives at this price?