Google has taken an unusual approach to leaks over the past few years, revealing models and designs before their official announcement and actually confirming leaks. This year it’s taking that to another level, showing off the Pixel 6 (and Pixel 6 Pro) in their full visual glory well before its expected official announcement, which would typically happen in the fall.
I mean, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em, right?
First things first, here’s our first look at the devices. They match leaks from earlier in the year, although the phones definitely look more refined than those early renders.
Here's a sneak peek at the newest Google Phones powered by Google Tensor – the brand new chip designed by Google, custom-made for Pixel.
Both are coming later this year.
We’ll tell you a little about them in this ? ?
(1/13) pic.twitter.com/SRhzvRA7WC
— Made By Google (@madebygoogle) August 2, 2021
Oooohh, ahhhh.
Google goes into detail about the devices in this Twitter thread, but I’ve summarized the news below:
- There are two new devices, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
- The Pro has 3 cameras, the regular model just two — the latter is missing a telephoto lens.
- The phones are powered by Google’s first-ever smartphone chip — the Google Tensor (leaks previously gave the codename ‘GS101’).
- The processors are focused on AI and machine learning tasks, which Google claims will improve the camera, voice commands, translation, captioning, and dictation.
- The front-facing camera is now in the middle of the phone
- The smaller Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch screen with a 90Hz refresh rate.
- The Pixel 6 Pro has a 6.7-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- The phones will use Google’s new Material You UI unveiled at I/O, because of course.
- The device is “built with the most layers of hardware security of any phone.”
Material You will be best on #Pixel6.
The colors, the camera, the form, and what’s on the screen all work together in a single, fluid experience.
(9/13) pic.twitter.com/K6BRF9ZKEY
— Made By Google (@madebygoogle) August 2, 2021
The company may have just given us a huge taste of the new devices, but that doesn’t mean it’s revealed everything up its sleeve. Google says it won’t be sharing any images from the Pixel 6 yet, for example, implying that it has some fancy new tricks up its sleeve.
We made a chip!#Pixel6 is powered by our first ever smartphone SoC: meet Google Tensor
(5/13) pic.twitter.com/0Kts53Tfqm
— Made By Google (@madebygoogle) August 2, 2021
Chances are the cameras will be better simply by virtue of having better hardware — that massive camera bump suggests that Google has finally invested some money in getting a larger camera sensor. That said, it could still be for show, and we’ll have to wait until the device is closer to release.
Whatever the case, it’s clear Google is going all out with Pixel devices this year, and trying to cement itself as a stronger competitor to the likes of Apple and Samsung; it’s looking for wider mindshare rather than just being a phone for some enthusiasts and Google fans. It’s no wonder the company opened an official Google Store in NYC this year, with more stores surely to come.
Google already has a landing page for the new devices with a few more images and details if you want to learn more.
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