After months of speculation, Google has finally unveiled its Pixel 6 and 6 Pro phones. While most of this speculation was right, it missed out a ton of new features you can expect with the new Pixel 6 range. One thing we missed was the Pixel 6 Pro’s support for mmWave in Australia. Here’s what that insanity means, and everything else you need to know about the two devices.
This post has been updated since it was first published.
Google tells us the new Pixel 6 and 6 Pro is the result of bringing together the best of Google’s AI, software and hardware. It wants to expand on its search engine expertise to give you AI that’s helpful, not annoying.
New Look And Feel For The Pixel 6 And 6 Pro
The exterior got a bit of a makeover this series.
The Pixel 6’s design hasn’t really been a secret for months now, but Google found a way to make its latest flagship phone unique with callbacks to previous Pixels thanks to its tri-tone design and soft pastel colour options (Stormy Black, Kinda Coral, and Sorta Seafoam for the Pixel 6, and Stormy Black, Cloudy White, and Sorta Sunny for the Pixel 6 Pro).
The casing is a sort-of frosted yet translucent shell that looks pretty cool, I must say. And the display is made with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, said to be up to 2x more scratch resistant than previous Pixel phones. They kinda look a bit more luxurious than their predecessors.
Google is hitting the sustainable mark here; the phones are designed with recycled aluminium and their cases are also made with recycled materials.
They’re rated IP68, which means it can take a little water and dust, but just don’t submerge them and expect Google to replace your devices.
The Pixel 6 And 6 Pro Specs
Pixel 6
- 4-inch display (FHD)
- 90 Hz refresh rate
- 128GB and 256GB storage options
- 8GB of RAM
- 4620mAh battery
- Dual camera system (50-megapixel primary camera and a 12-MP ultra-wide camera)
- Fingerprint unlock
- 6mm x 74.8mm total size
- 206 grams in weight
Pixel 6 Pro
- 7-inch display (QHD+ OLED)
- 120 Hz refresh rate (with LTPO technology, the Pro can lower to 10Hz to save battery)
- 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage options
- 12GB of RAM
- 5000mAh battery
- Triple rear camera system (50-megapixel primary camera, a 12-MP ultra-wide camera and a 48-MP telephoto camera with 4x optical zoom)
- Fingerprint unlock
- 9mm x 75.8mm total size (making the Pixel 6 Pro the largest Pixel to date)
- Weighs 212 grams (only 6 grams heavier than the Pixel 6)
- 5G Sub-6 and mmWave support
Yep, That’s Right, mmWave Support
5G, like 4G, is made up of many different technologies all working together. One such tech that brings 5G to life is mmWave. mmWave (millimetre wave) is a short-range, high-frequency network tech. The Google Pixel 6 Pro is the first mobile device that’s mmWave capable.
Not to brag, but Telstra this week clocked 3.6Gbps using a Pixel 6 Pro testing Telstra 5G mmWave, so it’s capable of blistering speeds.
While both Pixels support 5G, the insane speeds are only achievable on the 6 Pro.
The Camera, Ho-Boy It’s Got Skills
Both Pixels pack a decent, if not great camera system.
The Pixel 6 has a dual camera system, which comprises a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 12-MP ultra-wide camera.
The Pixel 6 Pro has a triple rear camera system, comprising a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 12-MP ultra-wide camera and a 48-MP telephoto camera with 4x optical zoom. Its main sensor captures 150 per cent more light than the Pixel 5. Google reckons this will bring you vivid colour and a greater accuracy to photos.
Buh-Bye Photobomber
Although we unpack the cameras across both the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro over here, it’s worth noting our favourite feature: Magic Eraser.
Magic Eraser will automatically suggest objects to remove with just a tap, or you can manually circle an object to remove it. This works for cars, people or anything really.
Google’s AI builds up the gap to look like the thing was never there.
Other Camera Improvements
Long exposure capabilities, face un-blur for if the pic is rad but you moved and real tone is Google’s way of saying their camera now understands more skin colours than white exist. There’s also improvements to video.
But Wait, There’s More To The Pixel 6 And 6 Pro
Security
Google is touting this as the most secure range of Pixels to-date.
In addition to Tensor, the Pixel 6 is actually packing a second Google-designed processor, the Titan M2 security chip. Not only does the Titan M2 allow the Pixel to offload sensitive authentication processes to dedicated security hardware, the Pixel 6 also features a new Security hub that helps make it easier to manage your security settings while also providing suggestions and tips on how to safeguard your data and block potential malware.
We’re also getting five years of security updates (a new high bar for any Android phone).
The Privacy Dashboard allows you to set different permissions across the device, the Security Hub can be personalised and Google is also now stopping a bunch of spam (via messaging apps) from reaching you.
Tensor
Google set the stage in August for the Pixel 6 by revealing its new Tensor chip, which has been custom-designed by Google to provide significantly better AI and machine learning performance.
Google’s Pixel lineup is always about the software, and the Pixel 6 is no different. The new features packed into the Pixel 6 wouldn’t be possible without Google’s new custom-built Tensor chip, which uses a more accurate on-device voice model while also sucking up 50 per cent less power than before.
Fast Charge
The Google Pixel 6 range boasts 30W fast charge, with adaptive charging. Adaptive charging sees the phone charge steadily overnight to preserve long term battery health.
There’s also a ton of settings to preserve daily battery usage. Google says to expect an entire day out of your phones.
Speech Recognition & Live Translate
We dive a little bit more into this, but there’s a few super cool features that come along with these new Pixels.
The voice assistance is smarter, you can now translate text into other languages (meaning you can type in English and the other person can be typing in Japanese and you both receive the messages in your chosen language), and it can be used across multiple apps.
The recorder also translates real good.
Cons?
We’re really stretching here, but the only cons I’ve noticed so far are a lack of microSD card storage, no 3.5mm audio jack and nothing like a Pixel 6 Mini for anyone who prefers a more compact handset. Also, where’s our folding Pixel, guys?
So Which One Do I Get?
Both?
The Pixel 6 is perfectly fine for every day use and the camera is fine. The Pixel 6 Pro, however, takes everything one step further for that premium experience. The 6 Pro is quite large, however, but mmWave might be enough to draw us right in.
Pixel 6 And 6 Pro Pricing And Availability
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will be available for pre-order from today, October 20, and they’re both coming soon to the Google Store, Telstra, JB Hi-Fi, Optus, Vodafone, Harvey Norman and Officeworks.
Pixel 6
- 128GB model RRP $999
- 256GB model RRP $1,129
Pixel 6 Pro
- 128GB model RRP $1,299
- 256GB model RRP $1,449
- 512GB model RRP $1,599