Which Google flagship suits you best?

While the Pixel 5 generation had only one model — critics will still highlight the mid-range SoC — the 2021 update of Google's flagship family has two truly top-of-the-line devices. But instead of separating them just by screen size and battery, the Pixel 6 models bring important differences, some with an impact on everyday life.

	Google 2021 Lineup
Product
Photo
Screen	6.4-inch OLED 1,080 x 2,400 pixels (411 DPI) at 90 hertz	6.7-inch LTPO OLED 1,440 x 3,120 pixels (512 PPP) 120 hertz
SoC	Google Tensor 2x ARM Cortex-X1 @ 2.80 GHz 2x ARM Cortex-A76 @ 2.25 GHz 4x ARM Cortex-A55 @ 1.80 GHz 20x ARM Mali-G78 (GPU)
Memory (varies by region)	8GB LPDDR5-6400 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1	12 GB LPDDR5-6400 128GB, 256GB or 512 GB UFS 3.1
Micro SD	n/d
Main camera	50 MP | f1.85 | 25mm | 1.2 µm | 82° FoV | OIS (Samsung GN1 sensor: 1/1.31'')
Ultra wide angle	12MP | f/2.2 | 16.3mm | 114° FoV
Telephoto lens	n/d	48 MP | f/3.5 | 104mm | 0.8 µm | 23.4° FoV | 4x optical zoom | OIS (Sony IMX586 sensor: 1/2'')
Video	4K @ 60fps (rear) 1080p @ 30 fps (front)	4K @ 60fps (rear) 4K at 30 fps (front)
Selfies	8 MP | f/2.0 | 1.12 µm | 84° FoV	11MP | f/2.2 | 1.22 µm | 94° FoV
Audio	Stereo speakers
Battery	4,614 mAh	5,003 mAh
Wired charging	Max 30 watts
Wireless charging (Qi)	Max 21 watts	Max 23 watts
UWB	n/d	Yes
Assessment	Go to review	Go to review
Prices (abroad)	From US$599 / €649	From US$899 / €899
	In Brazil only by independent import

We'll go into more detail about the differences below. If more differences emerge during testing with the models, we'll update the text.

Pixel 6 vs. Pixel 6 Pro: Models and prices

The 2021 generation of Google flagships is divided into two models, similar to what Samsung and Xiaomi do with their top-of-the-line models and the Ultra option.

Storage options vary depending on the market where Google sells the device, and it seems that Europe will not have the highest capacity options for each model. Brazil, once again, will be left out of the Pixel 6 launch and is unlikely to receive the phone.

It is also worth noting that the Pro model is available in more sober color options — white, black and beige —, while the traditional Pixel 6 has more colorful versions — orange and green, in addition to the black option.

Pixel 6 vs. Pixel 6 Pro: Screen is the biggest difference

At first glance, the two models can already be identified by their screens. But while the XL versions of previous Pixel generations — except for the 5th, which did not have an option with a larger screen — were basically differentiated by the size of the diagonal, the Pixel 6 line brings important distinctions.

Starting with the resolution, which is FullHD+ on the conventional model (1,080 x 2,400) and QuadHD+ on the Pixel 6 Pro (1,440 x 3,120). Considering the screen sizes — 6.4 and 6.7 inches, respectively — the result is a higher density of pixels points on the Pixel 6 Pro: 411 PPP vs 512 PPP.

In addition, another important difference is in the operation of the OLED panel. While the Pixel 6 maintains the 90 Hz refresh rate of the previous generation, the Pixel 6 Pro features LTPO technology that allows the screen refresh rate to be changed from 10 to 120 Hz, optimizing power consumption.

The screen finish also changes between devices, the conventional model is equipped with a flat screen, while the Pixel 6 Pro uses a slightly curved display on the sides. In practice, the more expensive model has smaller bezels. Both models have Gorilla Glass Victus protection over the display, to reduce the chance of scratches and shattering.

Pixel 6 vs. Pixel 6 Pro: New cameras

On the back, although both models follow a similar design, the horizontal strip that houses the photographic set holds another difference between the Pixel 6 phones. While both models have the same main and ultra-wide sensors, the Pro option stands out for its telephoto camera.

The 48-megapixel sensor lens available only on the Pixel 6 Pro is of the periscopic type and offers 4x magnification, with a 23.4° field of view, without giving up optical image stabilization.

The selfie camera also changes between the models, with an 8-megapixel sensor on the Pixel 6 and 11.1 MP on the Pro. In addition, the field of view is different — 84° and 94°, respectively — and only the Pixel 6 Pro is capable of recording videos with the front camera in 4K resolution; the conventional model records up to 1080p, with 30 fps on both phones.

Pixel 6 vs. Pixel 6 Pro: battery and charging

As expected, the Pixel 6 Pro takes advantage of its larger dimensions to use a battery with more charging capacity — 5,003 mAh, compared to 4,614 mAh for the smaller model. But according to Google, the autonomy between the models should be equivalent, around 24 hours in normal use, or up to 48 hours with the power saving mode.

In the charging section there is another difference between the models, more specifically in wireless charging. Both are compatible with the Qi standard, but while the maximum charging power wireless The Pixel 6's is 21W, the Pixel 6 Pro supports up to 23W.

Wired, both are compatible with USB-C PD 3.0 chargers, at a maximum power of 30 W. But the power adapter is not included in the packaging of any of the Pixel 6 models, it is worth noting.

Conclusion

The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones have important differences, reminiscent of the distinction between the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro Max, or the Galaxy S21 and S21 Ultra. Not only is the screen bigger, but features such as resolution, refresh rate and camera setup also change between the models.

The Pixel 6 Pro's more sophisticated set is reflected in the price, which is about 50% higher than the standard Pixel 6. The prices alone help guide the choice between one model or another, even so, photography fans should take into account the telephoto camera, which offers more creative options, in addition to the larger field of view of the front camera.

The screen is another point to consider, with the difference between flat and curved finishes, in addition to the aforementioned points of size, resolution and refresh rate.

In my opinion, the Pixel 6 Pro doesn't quite justify the higher price tag, even though I understand the importance of the telephoto lens and the 120Hz display. For those who value both points, however, either device seems to be the most interesting Android phones of the year — along with the Fold 3.