With the official launch of Google’s 2021 device lineup still a few months away, anticipation continues to build as leaks surface, and Google shares select details. The company has even revealed the design, offering an early glimpse of what’s to come. Here’s a comprehensive look at everything we know so far about the Pixel 6.
Release date: When does the Pixel 6 come out?
The most pressing question for enthusiasts revolves around the launch date: when will Google debut its highly anticipated soft reboot of the Pixel lineup?
On October 5, 2021, Google officially announced a launch event for its two new smartphones. The pre-recorded event is scheduled for October 19 at 10:00 AM PT and will be streamed online, with no in-person component announced.
While Google has yet to confirm the Pixel 6’s exact release date, pre-orders are expected to open immediately following the event. Shipments, however, are likely to begin a week or two later. October 28 has surfaced as a potential release date for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, with retail leaks supporting this timeline.
What are the Pixel 6 specs?
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro mark a significant shift in Google’s smartphone lineup, introducing a range of new features and upgrades. Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications for both models:
Pixel 6
- Display: 6.4-inch AMOLED, Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400), 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Google Tensor chip, a custom-designed SoC built for AI and performance
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Rear Cameras:
- 50 MP wide-angle main sensor
- 12 MP ultra-wide sensor
- Front Camera: 8 MP
- Battery: ~4,600 mAh with fast charging and wireless charging support
- Software: Android 12 out of the box
- Security: In-display fingerprint sensor, Titan M2 security chip
- Connectivity: 5G support, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
- Build: IP68 water and dust resistance, Gorilla Glass Victus protection
Pixel 6 Pro
- Display: 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED, QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3120), 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- Processor: Google Tensor chip
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB
- Rear Cameras:
- 50 MP wide-angle main sensor
- 12 MP ultra-wide sensor
- 48 MP telephoto sensor with 4x optical zoom
- Front Camera: 11.1 MP
- Battery: ~5,000 mAh with fast charging and wireless charging support
- Software: Android 12
- Security: In-display fingerprint sensor, Titan M2 security chip
- Connectivity: 5G (Sub-6GHz and mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
- Build: IP68 water and dust resistance, Gorilla Glass Victus
Shared Features
- Design: Distinctive two-tone finish with a horizontal camera bar
- Charging: Fast charging (wired and wireless) with support for the new Pixel Stand
- AI Features: Enhanced computational photography, live translation, and on-device speech processing powered by Tensor
The Pixel 6 series represents Google’s most advanced hardware and software integration to date, focusing on AI-driven features, premium performance, and a bold new design.
How big are Google’s new phones?
With its 2020 Pixel lineup, Google opted to skip the “XL” size entirely, but the Pixel 6 Pro is set to change that. According to a credible leak, the Pixel 6 Pro will be the largest Pixel phone to date, boasting a massive 6.67-inch display. To put this into perspective, here’s how the dimensions of the Pixel 6 Pro compare to previous XL-sized Pixel devices, as well as the regular Pixel 6:
- Pixel 6 Pro: 163.9 x 75.8 mm
- Pixel 6: 158.6 x 74.8 mm
- Pixel 4 XL: 160.4 x 75.1 mm
- Pixel 3 XL: 158 x 76.7 mm
- Pixel 2 XL: 157.9 x 76.7 mm
- Pixel XL: 154.7 x 75.7 mm
Interestingly, the Pixel 6 Pro is also comparable to Google’s biggest phone in history, the Nexus 6. Nicknamed “Shamu” as a playful jab at its size, the Nexus 6 measured 159.3 x 83 mm—slightly shorter but significantly wider than the Pixel 6 Pro.
The Pixel 6 Pro’s substantial size clearly makes up for the absence of an XL model in 2020. However, even the “smaller” Pixel 6 is no compact device. With dimensions of 158.6 x 74.8 mm, it’s actually larger than the original Pixel XL, blurring the line between standard and XL-sized smartphones.
Google’s return to larger devices with the Pixel 6 lineup ensures users have more options to suit their preferences, offering both standard and oversized models for the first time in years.
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What is the Pixel 6 price?
Pricing for the Pixel 6 series remains a key point of speculation, with the Pixel 4 lineup offering a useful benchmark. The Pixel 4 started at $800 for the standard model, while the larger Pixel 4 XL was priced at $900. It’s reasonable to expect the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro to fall within a similar range—or perhaps even higher—given Google’s recent comments about positioning these devices as “premium-priced products.”
However, retail leaks suggest a surprising twist. The Pixel 6 is rumored to start at just $599, making it the most affordable flagship-tier Pixel in the lineup’s history. Meanwhile, the Pixel 6 Pro is expected to have a starting price of $899, undercutting many competing premium smartphones.
If these leaks prove accurate, Google’s Pixel 6 series could deliver significant value while still competing with high-end offerings from other brands, striking a balance between affordability and premium features.
Google keeps teasing the Pixel 6 Pro.
As the Pixel 6 Pro and its sibling edge closer to their official launch, Google has ramped up its promotional efforts, offering tantalizing glimpses of the highly anticipated devices.
In mid-September, the company released its first full-length advertisement for the Pixel 6, showcasing the phone in action and emphasizing the Material You design language introduced with Android 12. To complement this, Google shared an Instagram post featuring an array of Pixel 6 devices, celebrating the personalized aesthetics of Material You.
In the same week, Google launched a branded content partnership in the UK, integrating the Pixel 6 into a television series where the characters prominently featured it. This push reflects Google’s confidence in its new devices, underscored by reports that the company has instructed suppliers to prepare for shipment volumes exceeding those of 2019—Pixel’s best sales year to date. The devices are reportedly being manufactured in China.
Adding to the excitement, Google teased the Pixel 6 further with new images of the front of the device and a well-timed teaser released just minutes after Apple unveiled its iPhone 13 series. Even the wallpapers featured in these teasers have found their way online, sparking additional anticipation.
Google’s marketing efforts extend beyond digital campaigns. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have been displayed in the company’s flagship New York City retail store, while billboards, magazine ads, and creative promotions, such as special-edition “original chips” potato snacks, have appeared across the U.S. These playful chips are a nod to the new Tensor chipset powering the Pixel 6 series.
By September 20, the devices had received FCC approval, marking an important milestone for their release in the U.S., where Google clearly has ambitious sales goals.
In addition to these campaigns, last-minute leaks have revealed a second-generation Pixel Stand and a new silicone case design that appears to replace the fabric cases used with earlier Pixel models.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro as we continue our comprehensive coverage of these exciting devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Pixel 6 being released?
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will be officially unveiled during Google’s event on October 19, 2021. Pre-orders are expected to open on the same day, with a rumored release date of October 28, 2021.
How much does the Pixel 6 cost?
Leaks suggest that the Pixel 6 will start at $599, while the Pixel 6 Pro will begin at $899, making them competitively priced compared to other flagship smartphones. However, official pricing will be confirmed during the launch event.
What is the Google Tensor chip?
The Google Tensor is a custom-designed processor built by Google to optimize AI and machine learning tasks. It enables features like improved computational photography, live translation, and on-device speech recognition while delivering strong overall performance.
Is the Pixel 6 waterproof?
Yes, both the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are rated IP68, meaning they are resistant to water and dust.
Does the Pixel 6 support 5G?
Yes, both models support 5G connectivity, including Sub-6GHz and mmWave (varies by region and model).
Will the Pixel 6 have a charger in the box?
No, Google has confirmed that the Pixel 6 will not include a charger in the box, following the industry trend of reducing electronic waste.
Where will the Pixel 6 be available?
The Pixel 6 series will launch in select regions, including the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, and parts of Europe and Asia. Availability may expand over time.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro mark a bold step forward for Google’s smartphone lineup, offering premium hardware, innovative features, and competitive pricing. Powered by the custom-designed Tensor chipset, these devices emphasize AI-driven performance, advanced camera capabilities, and seamless integration with Android 12’s Material You design.
With its standout two-tone design, high-end displays, and flagship specifications, the Pixel 6 series represents Google’s most ambitious effort to date in redefining what a Pixel phone can deliver. Moreover, the competitive pricing—starting at $599 for the Pixel 6—positions the lineup as one of the best value propositions in the flagship smartphone market.
From photography enthusiasts to power users, the Pixel 6 series caters to a wide range of needs while showcasing Google’s unique approach to innovation. As the launch approaches, it’s clear that Google is not just refining the Pixel experience—it’s reinventing it.
