Price and Specifications
The Google Pixel 6 was launched in October 2021 as the first device to feature Google’s custom-designed Tensor chip, marking a significant shift in the company’s approach to smartphones. It represents the beginning of a new generation of Pixel devices with a strong emphasis on AI, machine learning, and software integration, all powered by Google’s own hardware. The Pixel 6 offers an updated design, a robust camera system, and the latest Android software, all at a competitive price point in the flagship segment.
In this article, we will explore the price, specifications, and key features of the Google Pixel 6, offering an in-depth look at why it became one of the most talked-about Android smartphones in 2021.
Price
At launch, the Google Pixel 6 was priced as follows:
- $599 USD for the 128 GB storage / 8 GB RAM variant
- $699 USD for the 256 GB storage / 8 GB RAM variant
The Pixel 6 is positioned as a premium mid-range to flagship device, offering a comprehensive set of features at a price lower than many other high-end smartphones from companies like Apple and Samsung. The lower base price, combined with the high-end specifications, made the Pixel 6 an attractive option for users looking for a top-tier smartphone experience without the $1,000+ price tag typical of flagship phones.
As newer models like the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 have been released, the price of the Pixel 6 has likely dropped even further, making it an excellent option for those looking for a premium experience on a budget.
Key Specifications
1. Display
- Screen Size: 6.4 inches
- Type: AMOLED, Full HD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels)
- Pixel Density: 411 PPI (pixels per inch)
- Aspect Ratio: 20:9
- Refresh Rate: 90Hz (Adaptive)
- Brightness: Up to 600 nits (Typical), 800 nits peak brightness
- Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for durability
The Pixel 6 features a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels), offering sharp, vivid visuals and deep blacks. The AMOLED technology ensures rich contrast and colors, making it an ideal choice for media consumption, gaming, and general use. The display has a 90Hz adaptive refresh rate, which adjusts based on the content on-screen. While it’s not as smooth as the 120Hz displays found in some other flagship devices, the 90Hz is still a significant improvement over the standard 60Hz displays found in lower-end smartphones.
The display also features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, providing better durability against drops and scratches compared to previous generations. With a peak brightness of 800 nits, the Pixel 6 is highly usable outdoors, and the screen remains visible even in bright sunlight.
2. Camera
The camera system on the Pixel 6 is one of its standout features, leveraging Google’s expertise in computational photography to deliver stunning images and videos. The device comes with a dual-camera system on the rear, powered by Google’s Tensor chip, which enhances image processing, AI features, and overall camera performance.
- Rear Camera:
- 50 MP (f/1.85) – Main Camera (Wide)
- Quad Bayer Sensor for better low-light performance
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for stable shots
- Laser Autofocus for faster focusing in low light
- HDR+ for improved dynamic range
- Night Sight for exceptional low-light photography
- Real Tone for more accurate skin tones
- Super Res Zoom for sharp images at higher zoom levels (up to 8x)
- 12 MP (f/2.2) – Ultra-Wide Camera
- Field of view: 114°
- Ideal for group shots and wide-angle photography
- Front Camera:
- 8 MP (f/2.0) Camera
- Supports HDR+ for bright, detailed selfies
- Supports Portrait Mode for a bokeh effect
The 50 MP main camera on the Pixel 6 takes full advantage of Google’s AI and image processing to deliver photos with exceptional clarity, color accuracy, and detail. The large 1/1.31-inch sensor allows for better light capture, resulting in excellent performance in low-light conditions, especially with the Night Sight mode. Google’s proprietary HDR+ and Real Tone ensure that photos look natural and lifelike, even in tricky lighting.
The 12 MP ultra-wide camera offers a 114° field of view, making it ideal for group shots, landscapes, or architecture photography. Google’s Super Res Zoom allows users to zoom in up to 8x without sacrificing too much quality, though it’s not a true optical zoom, and some quality loss is evident at higher levels of zoom.
For the front camera, the 8 MP shooter provides clear and detailed selfies with great color reproduction. Portrait Mode adds a pleasing bokeh effect, blurring the background to make the subject stand out.
3. Performance
- Chipset: Google Tensor (5nm, octa-core)
- CPU: 2x Cortex-X1 (2.80 GHz) + 2x Cortex-A76 (2.25 GHz) + 4x Cortex-A55 (1.80 GHz)
- GPU: ARM Mali-G78 MP20
- RAM: 8 GB LPDDR5
The Google Tensor chip is a custom-built SoC (system on a chip) that powers the Pixel 6. This is a major departure from previous Pixel devices, which used Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. The Tensor chip is optimized for AI, machine learning, and computational photography, enabling advanced camera features like Real Tone, Magic Eraser, and improved speech recognition with Google Assistant.
The Tensor chip also helps deliver fast and responsive performance for day-to-day tasks, gaming, and multitasking. With 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the Pixel 6 handles apps, heavy workloads, and gaming smoothly without significant slowdowns or stuttering.
While the Tensor chip isn’t as powerful as some flagship processors like the Snapdragon 888 or Apple’s A15 Bionic, it is more than capable of handling most tasks and delivers excellent efficiency, particularly in AI and machine learning applications.
4. Battery
- Battery Capacity: 4600 mAh
- Charging:
- 30W USB Type-C fast charging (sold separately)
- Wireless Charging: Supports 18W Qi wireless charging
- Reverse wireless charging: Yes (for charging accessories like earbuds)
The 4600 mAh battery in the Pixel 6 provides solid all-day battery life, even with the Tensor chip and the high-resolution display. Battery life may vary depending on usage patterns, but for average users, the device can last a full day with moderate usage. Google has optimized the battery to work well with the Tensor chip, ensuring efficient power consumption.
The phone supports 30W USB-C fast charging, but note that the charging brick is not included in the box, meaning users will need to purchase one separately. Wireless charging is supported at up to 18W, which is slower than wired charging but still offers convenience for those who prefer a cable-free charging solution. Reverse wireless charging allows users to charge compatible accessories like Pixel Buds by placing them on the back of the phone.
5. Storage
- Internal Storage: 128 GB or 256 GB (non-expandable via microSD card)
The Pixel 6 is available in two storage options: 128 GB and 256 GB. While the device offers ample storage for most users, it does not support expandable storage via a microSD card. For users who need extra space, cloud storage options such as Google One can be used to back up photos, videos, and documents.
6. Software
- Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 12, and eligible for future updates (Android 13, 14, etc.)
- Google’s Clean Android Experience: The Pixel 6 runs the purest version of Android, without bloatware and with regular updates directly from Google.
- Google Assistant: Deep integration of Google Assistant allows users to interact with the device through voice commands, manage smart home devices, and more.
- Security: Titan M2 security chip for advanced protection
- Google Features: Includes Live Translate, Magic Eraser for photo editing, and Call Screening to block spam calls.
As a Pixel device, the Pixel 6 benefits from direct software updates from Google, with three years of OS updates and five years of security patches. The device comes with the latest features from Android 12, including a new Material You design that allows for more customizable UI elements, privacy enhancements, and improved multitasking.
The Tensor chip enables a range of new AI-based features, such as