Google Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro? Here we show you the technical similarities and the differences between the two top smartphones from Google. If, on the other hand, you are looking for precise measurement data and practical impressions, you should visit our detailed tests.
-> To test the Google Pixel 6
-> To test the Google Pixel 6 Pro
The Pixel 6 cameras
The sensor of the main camera should be able to capture 150 percent more light than its predecessors. The maximum resolution is 50 megapixels (MPixels). Both models also offer an ultra wide-angle lens with 12 MPixel. The other camera features show the first differences between the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, because only the Pro model has been given a telephoto lens with optical zoom. The models also differ when it comes to the front camera, but not quite as clearly: The Pixel 6 snaps photos with a maximum of 8 MPixels, the 6 Pro with 11.1 MPixels. In addition, the Pro model has a slightly larger detection angle, which should be particularly noticeable for group photos.
The real highlight is not necessarily the camera hardware, but the software for image optimization – and here both smartphones are equally equipped. The range of functions includes, among other things, a portrait, panorama and night vision mode, a sharpener, which should get more out of the picture even in poor lighting conditions, and an eraser, which automatically removes objects or people from the picture. The motion mode, which is intended for dynamic sports photos, also sounds exciting (see the image gallery below for examples).
More power and longer service
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro also have the in-house Tensor chip in common, with which the devices run 80 percent faster than the Pixel 5 according to Google. The test shows that the Pixel phones do not set new records, but they are right at the top join the Android ranks. Thanks to the Tensor SoC, the battery should also have more stamina – but this was not confirmed in the test. The batteries are okay overall, but they don’t set top values compared to other Android smartphones.
The rest of the hardware is more or less standard in the current upper and high-end class: The Pixel 6 is available with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal memory. The Pixel 6 Pro, on the other hand, gets a whopping 12 GB of RAM and either 128 GB or 256 GB of internal memory. The front and back are made of Gorilla Glass. The actual frame of the Pixel 6 gets a matte finish, while the Pixel 6 Pro gets a glossy finish.
Other features include WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, a fingerprint sensor under the display, NFC as well as 5G and Google Cast. The smartphones do not offer a jack connection. The devices can be operated via eSIM and a nano SIM card (dual SIM function).
3 years Android upgrades, 5 years support
It is also interesting that Google deviates from the well-known 2-year update principle. The Pixel 6 models should now receive three years of Android upgrades and five years of security updates. This is a clear advantage compared to the Android competition, because support usually ends after two years, and cheap smartphones often don’t even get an update at all, let alone an upgrade to a new Android version. It remains to be seen whether other manufacturers will follow suit.
You can see other differences and similarities between the two Pixel smartphones in the table.