The Google Pixel 6a is the budget smartphone in the Pixel 6 line, but it’s far from low quality. Although its specs aren’t nearly as impressive as the Pixel 6 or 6 Pro, it’s still a step up from previous Google devices. And that includes Google’s approach to waterproofing.
Having peace of mind that your phone isn’t in peril when simply bringing it with you to the pool is one of the main appeals of waterproof devices. That said, there’s a huge difference between when a phone is water-resistant versus waterproof. Knowing the difference between individual phones is important so that you can understand the limits of your device. However, interpreting the code associated with waterproofing can be a little tough. Here’s what you need to know about the Pixel 6a’s waterproofing.
The Google Pixel 6a is rated with IP67 water and dust protection. According to Google, this means that the smartphone can “take a little water and dust,” but what does that really mean?
The code is made up of two letters and two numbers. The “IP” simply stands for “Ingress Protection,” which is the type of scale that most devices use to measure how well-protected they are. The first number rates the device on how well it’s protected from solid objects like dirt or dust. The scale ranges from no protection (0) to complete protection (6).
The second number rates the device on how well it’s protected from water and other liquids. The scale is from no protection (0) to protected from long periods of total immersion in high-temperature pools with multiple jets (9).
With that scale to go on, the Pixel 6a is totally protected from dust and other solid objects. When it comes to liquids, its rating means that it’s generally safe to have around water, as it can be submerged 3 feet below the surface for about 30 minutes without issue. It’s not the most water-resistant device on the market, but if it takes a quick dunk in the sink or bath, it shouldn’t be an issue.
Other phones with IP67 protection include the 2022 iPhone SE and the Google Pixel 5a. Most flagship smartphones, including the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, have begun supporting IP68 for better protection, but because the Pixel 6a is a more budget device, it shouldn’t be a huge surprise that it’s not at well equipped as its higher-quality counterparts.
Are you tired of paying for streaming services you never watch just to get a phone plan feature you actually want? T-Mobile has good news for you! The carrier is rolling out new plans, called T-Mix, in early November to replace its old Experience lineup with a build-your-own perks system called Picks.
The benefits you choose vary from streaming and gaming to food delivery, AI, satellite service, and phone discounts. But if you are satisfied with your existing plan, you can keep it.
Merely days after the iPhone Duo hit the shelves, images of broken screens on the phone started popping up across social media. Until now, it’s been unclear what’s causing the line of defective pixels that appears vertically along the crease, as well as horizontally, on the phone’s inner display.
Apple has finally acknowledged the issue, which has shown up on iPhone Duo units owned by customers as well as demo units in stores. In a statement shared with Bloomberg, Apple says that not all iPhone Duo units are affected and that those that are tend to show the display fault early on. The company added that users who experience problems with their iPhone Duo display should contact AppleCare for a replacement.
Not long ago, Apple treated independent repair like an act of outright hostility. The Cupertino giant locked down parts with serial-number pairing, while repair tools remained firmly out of reach of anyone outside its authorized repair network. More importantly, the company waged a legal and lobbying battle against right-to-repair legislation.
I've covered enough of these fights over the years to know what a shift looks like. That's why what happened in October 2026 genuinely caught me off guard. The day the iPhone Duo went on sale, what may be the most mechanically complex iPhone to date, Apple pulled off a surprising about-face. It published teardown-style repair manuals for a handful of major components.