Google has two new Pixel phones for you: the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. We’ve known they’ve been in the works for quite some time, not just because of the incessant leaks, but Google itself peeled the wallpaper off in August when it showed off a new custom-made processor that would power the pair. None of this has stopped the new Pixels from being two of the most hyped-up Android phones of the year.
These are the most feature-packed Pixel smartphones ever, but much of these smarts hinge on Tensor, the chip Google built from scratch to handle complex machine-learning (ML) algorithms. The company says this chip improves every single feature on Pixels, from Night Sight in the camera to voice dictation in the keyboard.
On paper, Google’s new Pixels have all the features you’d expect in phones that cost $700 and up, but the Pixel 6 starts at $599—$100 cheaper than last year’s Pixel 5 (8/10, WIRED Recommends). The Pixel 6 Pro, which has a few extra camera features we dive into below, starts at $899. That price also undercuts the “Pro” version of devices from manufacturers like OnePlus, Samsung, and Apple.
Do they measure up? We’ll have to wait and see if that’s the case or not, but here’s the nitty-gritty on these two Android phones. They’re up for preorder now and officially go on sale October 28.
Luxe Feel
Like Google’s first three Pixels, the new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have a new design that irrefutably stands out. There’s no mistaking this phone in a crowd. That’s thanks to a black visor that spans the back of the phones, which houses the camera system.
Above this bar is an accented color that’s different from what’s below the bar, further calling back to the two-tone design on the original Pixels. The colors are just as playful: Pixel 6 comes in Sorta Seafoam, Stormy Black, and Kinda Coral (my personal fave), whereas you can choose from Sorta Sunny, Stormy Black, and Cloudy White on the Pixel 6 Pro.
I’ve been using the two for the past few days and can’t share much about them just yet—look for our review next week—but these Pixels feel just as high-end as most $1,000 phones. The Pro especially has shiny aluminum around the edges that give it a classy look, whereas the Pixel 6 sticks with a matte texture that’s more subdued. Both are wrapped in glass, with Gorilla Glass Victus protecting the Pro’s screen, and Gorilla Glass 6 protecting the standard Pixel 6. Victus is a year or so newer than 6, and supposedly more protective.
These are also two of the larger Pixels Google has produced. The Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch screen and the Pro is a 6.7 incher, but they don’t feel drastically different in size. That’s because the Pixel 6 has thicker borders around the screen, and the Pro’s screen curves out to the edges to maximize screen space.
Maxed Out Specs
They have pretty much any feature you’d want in a top-end Android phone, including OLED panels, stereo speakers, full 5G connectivity, speedy Wi-Fi 6E, IP68 water resistance, and wireless charging (a new Pixel Stand wireless charger is on the way too). Both also have fingerprint sensors baked into the display, a first for Google but a feature that’s become the norm on most high-end Android phones.
Like its competitors, the Pixel 6 range does not include charging adapters in the box, just a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
For all the latest Technology News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
