Despite not having 5G in its name like the Pixel 5a 5G, the phone does support 5G connectivity. That’s because it’s powered by Google Tensor, the same chipset found in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, which includes a 5G modem.
To answer the main question, the Google Pixel 6a does support 5G. That is true for both unlocked and carrier-locked models of the phone, so no matter which variant you choose, you will be able to connect to 5G networks.
The Pixel 6a is 5G support, however, comes with a catch.
There are various types of 5G networks available, and only certain phones are compatible with all of them. Similarly, not all Pixel 6a models are compatible with all 5G networks. The Google Pixel 6a unlocked variants are only compatible with sub-6 5G networks.
Even carrier-locked versions sold by some of the major US carriers, such as T-Mobile and AT&T, only support sub-6 5G, despite being branded differently. Verizon, for example, refers to its Sub-6 5G as Nationwide 5G, while AT&T simply refers to it as 5G, and T-Mobile refers to it as Extended range 5G.
Is Pixel 6a is 5G?
Google’s new Pixel 6a smartphone packs a lot of punch for the price, including 5G support.