Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6 Pro: Which one should you buy?
Google has finally unveiled the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, marking the first Google flagship that we’ve seen in two years since the Pixel 4 and 4 XL. But if you’re stuck deciding between the two, we’ve done a bit of a deep-dive to help you decide whether you should get the Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6 Pro.
Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6 Pro: Spec Comparison
| Google Pixel 6 | Google Pixel 6 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From $599 | From $899 |
| Screen size | 6.4-inches | 6.7-inches |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 3120 x 1440 |
| Density | 411 ppi | 512 ppi |
| Processor | Google Tensor | Google Tensor |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 128 | 256GB | 128 | 256 | 512GB |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 4900 mAh |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 |
| Rear camera | Dual cameras: 50MP, f/1.85 (main) 12MP, f/2.2 (ultra-wide) |
Triple-cameras: 50MP, f/1.85 (wide), 12MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), 48MP, f/3.5 (telephoto) |
| Front camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 84-degree FoV | 11.1MP, f/2.2, 94-degree FoV |
| Bluetooth | v5.2 | v5.2 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm | 163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 207g | 210g |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes @ 21W | Yes @ 23W |
| Special features | 90Hz refresh rate, 30W fast charging, 21W Qi wireless charging, in-display fingerprint sensor, WiFi 6E, 5G, mmWave (VZW only) | 120Hz refresh rate, 30W fast charging, 23W Qi wireless charging, in-display fingerprint sensor, WiFi 6E, 5G, mmWave (VZW only) |
Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6 Pro: Key Similarities
Unless you’re holding these devices side by side, you might have a hard time differentiating the two. The displays are two different sizes, which means the same for the body, but from a design perspective, they are the same. There’s a massive camera bar across the back, along with a combination of plastic, glass, and aluminum when it comes to the materials being used.
Regardless of which option you pick, you’ll enjoy IP68 water and dust resistance rating. This is something that we have a tendency of taking for granted, so it definitely shouldn’t be overlooked. Especially when you consider that the Pixel 6 is $300 cheaper.
Looking at the cameras, there are two similarities, and that’s it. For one, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro feature a main 50MP sensor capable of handling of recording video in 4K resolution at up to 60fps, along with 1080p video at 240fps. Both of Google’s devices also share the same 12MP ultra wide sensor, complete with a 114-degree field of view and f/2.2 aperture.
In terms of security, Google has implemented an under-display scanner, which comes as no surprise given the trend in other Android phones. Along with the Google Tensor chip providing all of the power, Google has also integrated its Titan M2 chip into the SoC. Combined, Google claims this is the most secure Android phone on the market.
Battery capacity may differ, but we do have both fast wired charging and wireless charging across the board. Wired charging, when using a compatible charger, can reach speeds of up to 30W. Meanwhile, there are two slight differences in wireless charging as the Pixel 6 can charge at up to 21W, compared to the 23W offered by the Pixel 6 Pro. Battery life is also expected to be the same, as Google claims these phones will last for up to 48 hours using Extreme Battery Saver Mode, along with lasting for “beyond 24-hours”.
Finally, and perhaps most obviously, both devices launch with Android 12. Not only is the latest version of Android that Google has to offer, but it also brings Material You’s dynamic theming engine to the masses.
Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6 Pro: Key Differences
There are two differences that you might notice right away if you’ve been eyeing up either of these devices. The first of which is the different colors, as the Pixel 6 is available in Sorta Seafoam, Kinda Coral, and Stormy Black. The devices share the Stormy Black color, but the Pixel 6 Pro replaces the awesome Coral and Seafoam with the boring Cloudy White and Sorta Sunny.
Next up are the displays themselves. The Pixel 6 is equipped with a 6.4-inch FHD+ display, providing a 90Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 6 Pro offers a larger 6.7-inch LTPO QHD+ display, with a faster 120Hz refresh rate. With the 6 Pro, Google is likely using the same display found in the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which offers a variable refresh rate and simply looks stunning.
As we mentioned before, both handsets use the same 50MP primary camera and 12MP ultra-wide lens. But the Pixel 6 Pro has one massive advantage in that it includes an additional 48MP telephoto camera offering a 4x optical zoom and 20x digital zoom. You can technically use the zoom on the Pixel 6, but this is limited to 7x digital zoom only. Looking at the selfie cameras, these also mark two pretty major differences. Both devices use a 12MP lens, but the Pixel 6 is limited to an 84-degree field of view compared to the Pixel 6 Pro’s 94-degree FoV.
Both handsets are powered by Google’s Tensor chip and include the Titan M2 security chip. But in terms of specs, the Pixel 6 is “limited” to 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage. The Pixel 6 Pro ups the ante a bit with 12GB of RAM, and an additional 512GB configuration.
Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6 Pro: Which Should You Buy?
The answer to this question is pretty much the same as most Android phone comparisons. If you want the biggest and best phone that Google has to offer, with all of the bells and whistles, then the Pixel 6 Pro is the way to go. It has a larger display, faster refresh rate, bigger battery, better selfie camera, and additional telephoto lens on the back. If you don’t want all the bells whistles, and are okay with settling for most of the bells and whistles, you can’t go wrong with the Pixel 6. Then, there’s the whole issue of price, as the Pixel 6 is $300 cheaper than the Pixel 6 Pro, so it’ll come down to what you can afford and what you want from your phone.