Google Pixel 6 launches with new chip and Pro edition

The Google Pixel 6 also offers a 50MP main camera and 12MP ultra-wide lens with a 4,615mAh battery designed to last a full day.

At launch on 28 October 2021, the Google Pixel 6 will start from £599 and all four major UK operators are stocking the handset in various colours.

There is also a Google Pixel 6 Pro model available with prices starting from £849.

Google Pixel 6

The headline change in the Google Pixel 6 compared to previous Google Pixel handsets is the use of the Tensor chip made by Google themselves.

Understandably, Google are keen to highlight the benefits of their own chipset, but potential customers will be more interested in the other specifications.

Here are the main features of the Google Pixel 6:

• 6.4-inch AMOLED screen
• 90Hz refresh rate
• 128GB or 256GB storage
• 8GB RAM
• 50MP wide lens and 12MP ultrawide lens
• 8MP selfie camera
• 4,614mAh battery with 21W wireless charging
• IP68 dust/water resistant
• Gorilla Glass Victus on front and Gorilla Glass 6 on rear

Three colours are available: Sorta Seaform, Kinda Coral and Stormy Black.

The launch price of the Google Pixel 6 is £599 for the 128GB model and it will be released on 28 October 2021.

Pro model

Along with the standard handset, the Google Pixel 6 Pro is being released on the same day with prices starting from £849.

One of the main differences between the two handsets is the larger screen on the 6 Pro featuring a higher resolution and a higher refresh rate of 120Hz.

It also has a third camera lens in the form of a 48MP telephoto lens and an improved 11.1MP selfie camera on the front of the device that can shoot video in 4K (the selfie camera on the standard model is limited to 1080p).

The Google Pixel 6 Pro also features a 5003mAh battery, 12GB RAM and has a 512GB storage option, plus the rear of the handset also has Gorilla Glass Victus as well as the front.

Again, three colour options are available: Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny or Stormy Black.

Evolution

The release of the Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro marks an evolution in the way Google design and market their devices.

While much attention will focus on the physical appearance of the camera unit on the Pixel 6 (it's an unusual black band across the rear of the device), it's what is inside the phone that makes it different to previous models.

The Google Tensor chip is designed to bring AI intelligence to smartphones which, Google say, will push the limits of what is possible on a smartphone. It's something they've been working on for a long time and, since it's been built specifically for the Pixel 6, it's a custom design to work with the specs of the device.

Along with the new chip, Google have opted to include a Pro model of their latest device featuring a larger screen, another camera lens and other enhanced features.

They have previously included XL models as we saw with the Google Pixel 4, yet there wasn't a sense the 4 XL was aiming to compete with the flagship offerings of other manufacturers.

Last year's effort, the Google Pixel 5, didn't have an XL sibling and was actually a downgrade in terms of specs and price.

A new chip and a new Pro model signal Google's intention to battle with the big names in smartphones like Samsung with their flagship S21 range, but there are plenty of Android-based competitors in a crowded market, so it remains to be seen whether the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro can cut through the noise.