For years now, the Google Pixel device lineup from Google has honestly been a little lacklustre. Now, this is mostly because Google has focused its efforts almost entirely on the software and leaving the hardware for others. This strategy has meant that Google has been routinely stuck in the mediocre device game with some success of course with its device’s camera technology. With the Google Pixel 6 Pro, Google users a new era for its smartphone business bringing new flagship quality hardware to the game.

Expectations were high

Google has spent months teasing this device and the buildup was intense. Over several months, Google leaked or shared information about the upcoming device and some of the new technology that it would feature. It was clear early on that Google was re-imagining the design of its Pixel lineup and tearing down the hardware for a complete re-build. One of the many announcements from the company was the fact that they were designing their own SOC (system on a chip) called Tensor for the Pixel 6. This Tensor chip was thought to be a total game-changer in the mobile space as Google’s finesse with software would likely bode well for a total Google SOC design.

A true flaghship was delivered

The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are nothing like their predecessors because they finally pack the hardware gear of a true flagship device.

The Pixel 6 starts at $799 CAD and comes in three colours (Kinda Coral, Sorta Seafoam and Stormy Black.) The Stormy Black variant comes in 128 GB and 256GB storage capacity and the other two colours (Kinda Coral and Sorta Seafoam) come in 128GB only. The Pixel 6 features a dual-camera system with 50MP wide and 12MP ultrawide sensors with an 8MP front-facing sensor. The operating system is Android 12 out of the box. The device also features a 6.4″ FHD (full-HD+) smooth display with up to a 90Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM and a 4614 mAh battery.

The Pixel 6 Pro starts at $1,179 CAD and comes in the same three colours as the Pixel 6 ( Kinda Coral, Sorta Seafoam and Stormy Black.) Similar to the Pixel 6, only the Stormy Black comes in 256GB capacity and all other colours/variants in 128GB. The Pixel 6 Pro features a three-camera system on the rear of the device ( 50MP primary, 48MP telephoto and 12 MP ultrawide) and a front-facing 11.1MP sensor. The display is a 6.71″ AMOLED with up to a 120Hz refresh rate and 512ppi. Unlike the Pixel 6, the Pro has 12GB of RAM and a larger 5,000mAh battery.

Pixel 6 is now more personal

Google has been working hard to make the software more adaptive and personalized. This initiative is “material you” which the company says will adapt the operating system (icons, and colours) to the user’s background image of their choice. From our initial review of this software update, there are lots of new options and customization for the operating system. That being said, most of these customizations are limited to icon colours and system dialogues.

Pixel 6 / Pixel 6 Pro is avaliable with Pixel Pass in the US

Customers in the United States will soon be able to get the Pixel 6 through a new subscription option. Starting at $45 per month for U.S. customers, Pixel Pass gives you a Pixel 6 along with Google One, YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium, Google Play Pass and Preferred Care. Pixel Pass with Pixel 6 Pro starts at only $55 per month. This service is only available through the Google Store and at present in the US.

More to come…

We will have complete, in-depth coverage of both the Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro when the devices launch worldwide on October 28th. Follow us on our Facebook and Twitter pages for more updates.