The Google Pixel 6 will be available in two versions: standard and pro, and will have a custom Tensor chip.
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| Image Credit: Google |
The Google Pixel 6 might be available in a couple of weeks. Despite the fact that competing firms are also releasing phones around this time, the Pixel 6 is likely to be the one to watch because it represents a significant shift in how Google designs its phones.
The Google Pixel 6 might be available in a couple of weeks. Despite the fact that competing firms are also releasing phones around this time, the Pixel 6 is likely to be the one to watch because it represents a significant shift in how Google designs its phones.
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The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro — yes, there will be two variants — are set to revolutionise the way we think about Google's phones. While there are still a few unknowns, the confirmed and speculated information is intriguing. The most important addition, according to an official Google teaser, is a new system-on-chip dubbed Tensor, which is supposed to provide the Pixel 6 series a slew of AI capabilities we haven't seen before.
Here's what we know about the Pixel 6's release date, pricing, specs, and features so far, as well as what we'd like to see from Google's next phone.
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Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro specs: Rumored
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| Image Credit: tom's guide |
Google Pixel 6 Tensor chip
The new Tensor SoC, which is highly focused on AI and machine learning, is the Google Pixel 6 standout feature. The Tensor Processing Unit, for example, could take a blurry photograph of a toddler and sharpen the child's face. The TPU would detect the hazy image as a face and make the appropriate changes.
The Pixel 6 can also use AI and computational photography to enhance video. The Pixel 6 can automatically alter the white balance and improve the dynamic range when shooting a sunset, for example.
When utilising speech-to-text, the TPU allows you to modify words on the keyboard while speaking, and the speech-to-text process is nearly quick. Tensor can do a lot of things, and these are just a few of them.
The Tensor processor could have a future beyond the Pixel 6 series, according to Google. According to a report, Tensor will power the Pixel Fold if it turns out to be more than a rumour.
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Google Pixel 6 release date rumors
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| Image Credit: Google |
When it comes to releasing Pixel flagships, Google has been rather consistent up until now. The phones generally always launch in October, however the Pixel 5 debuted a day earlier last year, on September 30.
We were expecting Google to keep its promise and release the Pixel 6 in early October. According to Google leaker Max Weinbach, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will be unveiled in October. A second report, by leaker Jon Prosser, alleges that the Pixel 6 will be available for purchase on October 28th, after pre-orders begin on October 19th.
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We're more inclined to believe the October dates than a competing claim on the Chinese microblogging site Weibo that the Pixel 6 would be released on September 13, maybe ahead of the iPhone 13. For one thing, Weinbach and Prosser have a better track record than an anonymous poster; for another, the Pixel 6 won't have to compete for attention with an iPhone 13 arrival in October.
Google just unveiled the Pixel 5a, a lower-cost variant of last year's Pixel 5 flagship, and has ceased selling the Pixel 5 to boot, so the decks are clear for a Pixel 6 release.
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Google Pixel 6 price
The Pixel 6 will be a "premium-priced product," according to Google, so we should expect it to be much more expensive than the Pixel 5, which launched at $699/£599. The Pixel 6 could start at $999, like the iPhone 12 Pro, but we'll have to wait and see what happens this fall.
Rick Osterloh, Google's SVP of Devices and Services, added some explanation to the German-language Der Spiegel magazine:
"For the previous two years - and really before that - we haven't been represented in the smartphone flagship segment. However, the Pixel 6 Pro, which will be pricey, was created for people who demand the most advanced technologies... However, the Pixel 6 belongs in the upper echelon and is capable of competing with similar items. It's what I'd describe as a "mainstream premium product."
Both Apple and Samsung have chosen to sell their phones at a lower base level – the iPhone 12 mini is $699, while the Galaxy S21 starts at $799. This time, however, it's clear that Google is going for a different tier.
Despite this, Google appears to be hopeful about the Pixel 6's sales. According to Nikkei Asia, Google's order for Pixel 6 units is more than 50 percent bigger than its 2019 order.
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Google Pixel 6 Camera
The Google Pixel 6 will have both a main sensor and an ultra-wide camera, according to reports. A 4X optical-zoom telephoto lens is included in the Google Pixel 6 Pro. Google also claims that the main wide-angle sensor now lets in 150 percent more light, but it doesn't elaborate. Based on finds within the code of the newest version of the Android Camera app, one probable leaked spec claims that the main camera on both phones will use the 50MP Samsung GN1 sensor.
The big news, though, looks to be all about Tensor and how Google's better computational photography would boost both still photographs and films.
Google has announced that it will be making modifications to the computational engine that powers its phones' cameras, with the new features set to debut in the autumn with the Pixel phones. Google claims it's working with image experts to improve the accuracy of its cameras' photographs of people of colour. That involves tweaking the Auto White balance to prevent over-brightening of darker skin tones and establishing more accurate detection for different types of hair so that hair stands out more from a photo's background.
Furthermore, the Android12 Beta code mentions that the Pixle 6 Pro will include a specific "p21 fronmmt setup" feature that will not be available on the standard phone. According to 9to5Google, this could be a reference to the Pixel 6 Pro's ability to take 4K selfie films.
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Google Pixel 6 design and colors
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| (Image Credit: Google) |
The design of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro is the most noticeable feature. Both Pixel phones have a two-tone design with a prominent black rectangular camera bar across the top of the phones' rears.
Pink, bluish-gray with a faint yellow accent, and black models with a light-gray top accent hue are among the Pixel 6's colour options. The Pixel 6 Pro is available in three colours: black-on-gray, white with a cream or soft slate accent bar, and pale orange with a stronger orange accent.
The majority of the glass back appears to be matte, while the area above the camera bar appears to be brighter and glossier.
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| (Image Credit: Google) |
The Pixel 6's front is almost entirely made of screen, with a centred hole punch cutout for the selfie camera. It's also nice to see how tiny the display's bezels are.
Another welcome change is that Google has ditched the Pixel 5's under-display earpiece in favour of a more traditional earpiece speaker on the Pixel 6. The speaker has been criticised for being extremely loud and leaking sound.
Google has shown off what the Pixel 6 Pro looks like in the hand, with a video, and an Instagram post that also offers us a clearer look at the Material You design improvements introduced by Android 12.
So far, it appears to be a really appealing phone, straddling the line between a basic utilitarian appearance and an intriguing camera strip and colour accents. We only hope it's enjoyable to use, however previous Pixels have done so admirably, so we shouldn't be concerned.
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| (Image Credit: Google) |
Google Pixel 6 display
The Google Pixel 6 will have a 6.4-inch full HD+ display with a refresh rate of 90 frames per second. The Pixel 6 Pro has a bigger 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. We would have preferred a 120Hz panel on the smaller Pixel 6, but it's understandable that Google would want to distinguish the two phones.
Google Pixel 6 fingerprint reader
We're delighted to inform that Google appears to be moving away from a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor in favour of an under-display fingerprint scanner on the Pixel 6. This should make unlocking the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro a lot easier. However, we don't know if the sensor is an optical scanner or uses ultrasonic technology.
Google Pixel 6 battery
The battery life of previous Pixels has been an issue. In our battery test, the Pixel 5 lasted for 9 hours and 29 minutes on its default 90Hz mode, which is below average for a smartphone with a 4,000 mAh battery. With the Pixel 6, Google only promises "all day" battery life, which is a bit of a stretch.
For the Pixel 6, Google may opt for a larger battery. According to recent reports, the Pixel 6 Pro would include a 5,000 mAh battery to power its enormous display. According to Jon Prosser, the Pixel 6 will have a 4,614 mAh battery, which is a significant upgrade over the Pixel 5.
Another rumour is that the Google Pixel 6 will gain faster wireless charging thanks to a new Pixel Stand in the works. Thanks to fans in the stand that keep the pad and phone cool, the new Pixel Stand could enable speedier charging.
Google Pixel 6: Will there be a charger?
Google could follow the lead of the iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S21 and ditch the charging brick that has previously been included in Pixel phone packaging. That means it will only come with a USB-C charging cord, ostensibly to reduce e-waste. Some people may be annoyed by this probable move because it entails purchasing an additional item in addition to the flagship phone.
On the plus side, the Pixel 6 may be able to charge at 33W instead than the previous models' 18W. This would greatly improve the charging speeds of the Pixel 6 when compared to previous versions, and would be especially useful for those supposed larger batteries.
Furthermore, according to a fresh report, the Google Pixel 6 could have increased wireless charging power from 10W to 23W. That would be speedier than the Apple and Samsung phones described earlier.
Google Pixel 6: What we want
Not only will we be saturated with current phones like the Galaxy S21 by the time the Pixel 6 releases, but Apple will almost certainly have released the iPhone 13. (This isn't even taking into account other recent phone launches, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 3.) With such fierce competition, Google will have its work cut out for it to make the Pixel 6 stand out.
Here’s how we think Google can pull that off.
With three back cameras swiftly becoming the industry standard (at least in flagship models), Google's Pixel phones stand out as an oddity with only two. With a trio of cameras — a main shooter, telephoto, and ultrawide camera combination — the Pixel 6 Pro appears to be following similar pattern. Plus, it will maintain the Pixel's status as one of the greatest camera phones.
The 90Hz refresh rate on the Pixel 5 is fantastic, but a 120Hz refresh rate would be even better, and we'd love to see that on the Pixel 6. That faster refresh rate will really take games up a notch, especially with services like Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming (previously known as xCloud) bringing big-budget game streaming to phones.
We understand Google's desire to encourage users to purchase a Chromecast, but there's no reason why the Pixel 6 can't output HDMI video via a USB-C to HDMI adapter. It's quite useful to be able to connect your phone to a TV in this manner, especially when travelling. It feels antiquated to have to use a Chromecast (much alone have to buy one in the first place) to access entertainment from your phone to a TV, so this is something Google could simply remedy.