Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6 Pro: All the differences
Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro have been around for more than a year ago but their popularity had barely dropped since. Especially after the Google Pixel 7 had been released, it might actually be a good deal to get these Google's flagship smartphones after the price drop.
However, choosing the right one for you might be tricky if you don't know what are the differences between the two. For that, we have made a comparison that highlights all the differences between Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro to help you decide between the two.
Without further ado, let's review all the differences in specs, features, and things you want to compare before choosing between Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
Google Pixel 6 vs Google Pixel 6 Pro
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| Google Pixel 6 vs Google Pixel 6 Pro |
Price and release date
| Pixel 6 | Pixel 6 Pro | |
| Announcement Date | 19 October 2021 | 19 October 2021 |
| Release Date | 28 October 2021 | 28 October 2021 |
| Release price | Starts at $599 | Starts at $899 |
Since both phones were made by Google and in the same series, both Pixel 6 and 6 Pro were launched during the Pixel launch fall event on 19 October 2021 and began to arrive at stores in the United States on 28 October 2021. At launch, Pixel 6 was priced at $599 for its cheapest variant while the pro version's price started at $899 for its cheapest model.
Design and display
| Pixel 6 | Pixel 6 Pro | |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame |
| Technology | AMOLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 110.6 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~512 ppi density) |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Screen Features | HDR10+, Always-on Display, 800 nits High Brightness Mode | HDR10+, Always-on Display, 800 nits High Brightness Mode |
While both phones share many similarities in terms of design and display, there are a few distinctions that can be made between the two.
First, Pixel 6 Pro sports a slightly curved screen while the regular Pixel 6 has a regular flat screen. The pro version is also visibly taller than its regular counterpart while maintaining the same height for both camera sections. Moreover, the back glass of the 6 Pro uses Gorilla glass Victus while the regular Pixel 6 uses older Gorilla glass 6.
As for the screen aspect, Pixel 6 Pro offers upgrades from its regular version, displaying a larger 6,7 Inches LTPO AMOLED with higher resolution as well as a higher refresh rate. Apart from those upgrades, the regular pixel still has the same Gorilla glass Victus protection and features such as HDR 10+, Always-on Display as well as High Brightness Mode just like the pro.
For color options, Pixel 6 is available in 3 colors: Sorta Seafoam, Kinda Coral, and Stormy Black while pixel 6 Pro is also available in 3 colors: Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny, and Stormy Black.
Hardware performance
| Pixel 6 | Pixel 6 Pro | |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor (5 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP20 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
Both Pixel phones are using Android 12 with the classic Pixel touch and can be upgraded to Android 13. Both phones have also been promised to be supported for at least 5 years from their initial release, meaning that Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will be supported for at least until 2026.
Speaking of processors, Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro use the same Google's custom processor, Google Tensor. Moreover, both phones share fairly similar scores for benchmarks such as Antutu with the pro displaying 738,147 and 734796 for regular pixel thanks to the same CPU they both uses.
Cameras
| Pixel 6 | Pixel 6 Pro | |
| Main Camera | 50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, Laser AF, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, Laser AF, OIS |
| Ultra Wide Camera | 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm | 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm |
| Additional Camera | - | 48 MP, f/3.5, 104mm (telephoto), 1/2", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 4x optical zoom |
| Front Camera | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm | 11.1 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.22µm |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps Selfie: 1080p@30fps |
4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps Selfie: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Camera Features | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
When it comes to camera quality, both Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 6 basically share the same main camera and ultra-wide camera. However, Google 6 Pro camera features one additional telephoto camera that allows you to make 4 times optical zoom, which will help you take great photos from a great distance.
Moreover, the pro version offers an upgrade for its selfie camera since it has a higher resolution (11.1MP), wider angle, and the ability to record 4K video or 60fps video on its front camera. Asides from that, both cameras share great camera features such as magic eraser although you should note that both Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro don't have unlimited photo storage.
Battery and Charging
| Pixel 6 | Pixel 6 Pro | |
| Capacity | Li-Ion 4614 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 5003 mAh, non-removable |
| Charging Capability | PD3.0, 50% in 30 min (advertised) | PD3.0, 50% in 30 min (advertised) |
| Charger Type | Wired, 21W Wireless, Reverse Wireless | 23W Wired, 23W Wireless, Reverse Wireless |
| Battery Life | Average 2 days (moderate usage) | Average 1 day 17h Battery life (moderate usage) |
When it comes to battery, Pixel 6 Pro offers a slightly bigger battery capacity with 5003 mAh compared to the 4614 mAh that the regular Pixel 6 has. Apart from that, both feature wireless charging with the pro version can charge faster with its 23W charging capability. Moreover, you can also make reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge your buds easily without any hassle.
Despite having a smaller battery capacity, it is reported that Pixel 6 performed better when it comes to battery life. However, with the fast charging capability, you won't be needing to worry about your phone being drained since you can just plug in your phone for less than an hour and your phone will be ready to go.
Storage and RAM
| Pixel 6 | Pixel 6 Pro | |
| Storage and RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM 256GB 8GB RAM UFS 3.1 |
128GB 12GB RAM 256GB 12GB RAM 512GB 12GB RAM UFS 3.1 |
Storage-wise, both the regular and pro variant of Pixel 6 use UFS 3.1 technology and also offer 128GB and 256 GB storage. However, Pixel 6 Pro offers one additional variant of 512GB micro SD, and speaking of RAM, the pro variant comes with a bigger RAM of 12 GB compared to the 8GB RAM Pixel 6 has. Unfortunately, both Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 pro do not have an SD card slot
Dimensions and weight
| Pixel 6 | Pixel 6 Pro | |
| Dimensions | 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm (6.24 x 2.94 x 0.35 in) | 163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) |
| Weight | 210 g (7.41 oz) | 207 g (7.30 oz) |
While both Pixel 6 and 6 Pro relatively have the same weight, the pro version has a slightly wider dimension since the pro version has a larger screen compared to the regular Pixel 6.
Connectivity and sensors
| Pixel 6 | Pixel 6 Pro | |
| Network | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Ultra-wideband | No | Yes |
Speaking of connectivity and sensors, Pixel 6 and 6 Pro virtually have no differences. Both phones offer great connectivity with high-end 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth technology, along with wide support of GPS and sensors such as NFC.
Not only that, both Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro feature an under-display fingerprint that will make the experience of unlocking your phone seamless. However, the only difference between the two is that the Google pro variant has Ultra-wideband support while the Google Pixel 6 doesn't.
Audio
Those who are a fan of wired headphones, unfortunately, will be disappointed since both Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro has no headphone jack. However, you can always use wireless buds, and speaking of speakers, both phones feature excellent stereo speakers.
IP ratings
When it comes to IP ratings, both phones have already been rated with IP68 which means that both phones can withstand immersion in water for up to 30 minutes within a depth of 1.5 meters (almost 5 feet), therefore making Pixel 6 and 6 Pro water-resistant.
This feature will be helpful in case you accidentally spill water over your phone or drop your phone into the sink or tub. However, you are encouraged to not intentionally submerge your phone and to be careful around salt and chemical water since both phones are still not entirely waterproof.
SIM card
For SIM cards, both phones offer dual sim with the configuration of 1 nano-SIM card and 1 eSIM. So, in case you want to add an additional SIM aside from the physical one, you may contact your preferred provider to get an eSIM for the phone.
Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6 Pro: Which one you should get?
Asides from having similar key specs, Google Pixel 6 Pro offers upgrades in some aspects that are nice to have such as a larger screen, smooth refresh rate, additional telephoto camera, better selfie camera, bigger storage and RAM, larger battery capacity, and faster wireless charging. However, despite being inferior, Google Pixel 6 still shines in the key aspects as the Pixel 6 shares a lot of specs in common with the pro version while being much cheaper.
Now to decide which one you should get, think if you will be using the extra features or need the upgrade in screen, storage, and RAM. If you think that you will need the upgrades and extra features, the $300 gap will definitely be worth it for you. But if you think that you don't need the extra features the pro version has to offer, considering the price now, Google Pixel 6 is still very much a good deal.
