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Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro: Preorders, specs, pricing, features and everything else you need to know
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro sure do look nice, wouldn't you say?
The leaks can stop now. Google's Pixel Fall Launch event took place on Tuesday where the Android-makers latest pair of smartphones finally became official.
We already knew what the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro looked like, and we had a really good idea of what kind of features either phone would offer thanks to both Google pre-announcing things like the switch to its own Google Tensor processor, and a series of leaks leading up to the launch.
But as with all leaks and rumors leading up to any device launch, until the company makes the announcement, anything can change.
Here's everything we know about the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
- Pre-orders start today, Oct. 19
- Deliveries arrive Oct. 28
- Pricing starts at $599 or $899
Google and its carrier partners are taking preorders for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro starting today. Deliveries, as well as general availability in retail stores, will start Thursday, Oct. 28.
What do we know about the design of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro?
- Corning Gorilla Glass on the front and back
- IP68 water and dust resistance for both models
- Three color options for either model
The design of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro is unique. Both phones have a glass front and back. The standard Pixel 6 has a matte finished metal frame, while the Pixel 6 Pro has a polished frame that covers the sides of the device.
The display on the Pixel 6 stops at the edge, while the Pixel 6 Pro has a similar look as older Samsung Galaxy Edge devices with the screen wrapping around both sides of the phone.
The most notable design element of both devices is the camera bump on the back of the phones. Instead of vertically stacking the cameras, or even doing a square array of lenses in the top corner of the phone as was the case on previous Pixel phones, Google put a horizontal line across that spans the width of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro near the top of both devices.
Inside the bump is the respective camera modules for each model, laser detect auto focus and the flash. The bump itself sticks out from the back of the phone, preventing it from laying flat on a surface, but because it goes across the entire device neither phone rocks when you press on it while it's sitting on a desk.
The hardware, so far, is the true star of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
What kind of software features are coming to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro?
- Both devices run Android 12
- The Camera app and Assistant are getting smarter
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are launching with Android 12 preinstalled, making them the first devices to use the official build of Android 12. Until now, Android's next mobile operating system was only available for older Pixel phones through the Android Beta program or through beta programs from Android hardware partners.
Android 12 has a drastically new design and look thanks to what Google is calling the Material You design. Material You uses your phone's wallpaper to determine the highlight colors for the rest of the operating system, and can even create app icons or alter widgets to match your wallpaper.
There are also new privacy features in Android 12, including the ability to see when an app is accessing your phone's camera or microphone (and block them from doing so) as well as a privacy dashboard that details when and how often apps are accessing your personal information.
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are both getting several new camera features. The Magic Eraser tool can remove unwanted items (or people and animals) that distract from your original photo subject. There is also a new Motion Mode in the camera app that makes it possible to take long exposure shots or add a blurry background to objects that are moving.
As far as Google Assistant is concerned, the Pixel 6 lineup are receiving some handy new features. The speed of Assistant voice typing has been improved, and there's a new feature that helps you decide when to call a toll- free number by showing the wait times, broken down hour by hour, for the respective business you're attempting to call.
Specifications for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
Here's a breakdown of all the specs for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro:
| Google Pixel 6 | Google Pixel 6 Pro | |
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 12 |
| Display | 6.4-inch FHD+ 2400x1080 OLED. 90Hz Smooth Display | 6.7-inch QHD+ 3120x1440 LTPO OLED. 120Hz Smooth Display |
| Processor | Google Tensor, Titan M2 security processor | Google Tensor, Titan M2 security processor |
| Memory | 8GB LPDDR5 | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50 MP Octa PD Quad Bayer wide camera, 12 MP ultrawide camera | 50 MP Octa PD Quad Bayer wide camera, 12 MP ultrawide camera, 48 MP telephoto 4x optical zoom |
| Front Camera | 8 MP 84-degree field of view | 11.1 MP 94-degree field of view |
| Battery | 4,614 mAh | 5,003 mAh |
| 5G support | Sub-6 and mmWave | Sub-6 and mmWave |
| Connectivity | USB-C, 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC | USB-C, 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, Ultra-Wideband chip |
| Biometrics | Under display Fingerprint Unlock | Under display Fingerprint Unlock |
| IP Rating | IP68 water and dust resistance | IP68 water and dust resistance |
| Dimensions | 6.2 x 2.9 x 0.4-inches, 7.3 oz | 6.5 x 3.0 x 0.4-inches, 7.41 oz |
| Colors | Stormy Black, Kinda Coral, Soa Seafoam | Stormy Black, Cloudy White, Soa Sunny |
| Starting price | $599 | $899 |