Everything we know about the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro (so far)

Remember the Google Pixel 5? No? Me neither. Thankfully, Google’s back and ready to make up for last year’s forgettable phone with a more impressive follow-up.

The new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are Google’s latest phones, but they won’t be available until sometime this fall. On Monday, the company teased its upcoming flagships via a blog post and Twitter, giving us some insight as to what’s in store.

From a completely redesigned look to the company’s first proprietary mobile chipset, and more, here’s what you can definitely expect from Google’s next-generation smartphones.

1) You’ll have the choice between two different versions

Google’s latest smartphone will come in two different models: the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro. While we don’t yet know what exactly makes the latter “Pro” over the standard Pixel 6, there are a few differences to note.

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According to The Verge, both phones have different display sizes and refresh rates. The Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, while the 6 Pro has a larger, 6.7-inch display at 120Hz.

It’s also worth noting the Pixel 6 Pro boasts three cameras, versus two on the Pixel 6. So, it’s safe to say the the Pro will likely be the more camera-centric device.

2) It doesn’t look like any past Pixel phone

In case you haven’t noticed, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro look really different from their predecessors — emphasis on “really.” Google has gone with a more industrial look this time around, opting for metal sandwiched between two glass panels.

Another huge difference as compared to past models is the rear camera system. The company says it went with the camera bar, as opposed to a square setup because the new sensors and lenses are a lot bigger this time around.

Both models also come in their own respective color options. The Pixel 6 will be available in black, pink, and green. Meanwhile, the Pixel 6 Pro will come in black, gold, and white. In its blog post, Google also notes the Pro has a “polished aluminum frame,” and the 6 has a “matte aluminum finish.”

3) Introducing all-new camera systems

As for camera specs, well, Google’s being vague about the exact size of the sensors. But the company did reveal the 6 Pro will feature a telephoto lens with a 4x optical zoom. The standard Pixel 6, on the other hand, will share the same camera system as the Pro, but minus the telephoto lens.

This camera bar definitely makes a statement.
Credit: google

According to Engadget, the Pixel 6’s main sensor will take in about 150 percent more light than the Pixels that came before it and both versions will include an ultra-wide lens.

As for the camera software, Google claims its new Tensor chipset will attribute to “a transformed experience.” Of course, we’ll have to look at some photo samples of our own to figure out exactly what that means, especially in comparison to previous Pixel cameras.

4) Goodbye Qualcomm, hello Tensor!

Speaking of Tensor, it’s the first chipset designed by Google. You know, similar to how Apple uses its own A-series chipsets in its iPhones. Rather than going with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon lineup (as it has in years past), the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will be powered by Google’s very own silicon.

Google went with its own chipset this time around.
Credit: google

The new chipset is supposed to improve performance when it comes to artificial intelligence and machine learning on the devices. And in addition to boosting camera capabilities, it’ll also help to enhance speech recognition (such as voice commands and translation), as well as other Pixel 6 features.

5) It’ll run Android 12, “Material You” included

Back in May, Google unveiled a slew of new features coming to Android 12 including “Material You” — which gives users more opportunities to personalize their UI experience. With Material You, you can choose a custom color palette and apply it to everything from the lock screen, volume controls, widgets, and more.

It’ll be available on both the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. That way, you can try and match the software of the Pixel 6 to the hardware — if you want to feel super coordinated, I guess.

Google didn’t say when in the fall we can expect its new flagships to arrive. But you can sign up now to receive updates on both smartphones via the company’s site.