Google has unveiled its new Pixel 6 smartphone. Running Android 12 and Google's own Tensor processor, the phone starts at USD 599 for the standard model and USD 899 for the Pro version. The phone launches in the US first, on 28 October with all major carriers, along with a new range of specially designed cases from Google.
In addition, Google is offering the Pixel Pass, bundling its services with the phone. Starting at USD 45 per month for US customers, Pixel Pass includes a new Pixel 6 along with Google One with 200 GB cloud storage, YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium, Google Play Pass and Preferred Care for device repairs. With a Pixel 6 Pro, the package starts at USD 55 per month on a two-year contract. Customers who also take Google Fi mobile service in the US get another USD 5 off the monthly price.
Camera upgrade, Tensor SoC
The latest Pixel comes with a new design, with a black camera bar stretching across the back of the phone and a choice of several pastel colours. The Pro model is available with a polished metal unibody and curved glass, inspired by luxury jewelry and watches, Google said. The company also includes five years of security updates with the device.
The Pixel camera brings a new 1/1.3 inch sensor on the back, which Google says captures up to 150 percent more light compared to the Pixel 5. Both phones also have new ultrawide lenses with larger sensors, while the Pixel 6 Pro also gets a telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom and up to 20x zoom on the improved Super Res Zoom.
There’s also an upgraded ultrawide front camera that records 4K video. Google has partnered with Snapchat to promote this feature, with a new Quick Tap to Snap option coming to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro later this year.
The main innovation is Google's own Tensor system-on-chip, focused on getting the most out of the latest machine learning technology. Google said the chip supports improved speech and facial recognition, and features such as live translate in chat apps and Motion Mode on the Pixel camera to capture smoother moving images. With HDRnet, it's also able to bring the quality of Pixel photos to all video modes as well, while the Titan T2 security core provides enhanced security across all levels.
Android 12 release
The same day as the Pixel announcement, Google started the roll-out of Android 12. Its Pixel smartphones are the first to get the OS upgrade, followed by selected models from Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Tecno, Vivo and Xiaomi later this year.
US carrier discounts, free headphones
US carriers announced significant discounts on the new 5G Pixel phones. T-Mobile US is offering both the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro free with an eligible trade-in and subscription to its Magenta Max plan, with the rebate delivered over 24 monthly bill credits. With any new line, customers can get USD 500 off the Pixel models at T-Mobile.
At AT&T, new and existing customers can get up to USD 700 off the phones with a trade-in, while Verizon has a similar discount for new customers trading in a phone. For existing customers, Verizon offers up to USD 350 off with a trade-in and Unlimited subscription.
With retailers in the US, such as Best Buy and B&H Photo, Google also is offering a free pair of its Pixel Buds wireless headphones with the purchase of a Pixel 6. Buyers in Europe will be entitled to free Bose noise-cancelling headphones when they pre-order the device in Germany, France, Ireland or the UK.
