What’s So Special About the Google Pixel 6?
Robert Cerff / 20-12-2021 / Reviews
Since Google’s 5G-enabled Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro launched in several countries in October, it quickly became a huge hit among reviewers and Android fans, with pre-orders selling out almost immediately.
But in South Africa, the buzz wasn’t as big because, to get your hands on this smartphone, you had to import it using package forwarding services such as MyUS and Aramex Global Shopper or find online stores in SA that will import it on your behalf as a ‘Special Import' item. However, we recently got news that a distributor will indeed be bringing the Google Pixel 6 range to SA shores for the first time.
If you’re looking to own a Pixel, here’s what you need to know.
Storage Options and Prices
The Google Pixel 6 has 8GB of RAM and two internal storage options – 128GB and 256GB. The price of the Pixel range starts at just under R17 000. The Pro features 12GB of RAM with three internal storage options (128GB/ 256GB/ 512GB) priced at around R24 000.
Reimagined Camera
For the first time since 2017, Google has upgraded the camera hardware in the Pixel range with new lenses, sensors and capabilities. The Pixel 6 Pro is the first model with three rear cameras – a 50MP main shooter, 12MP ultra-wide camera, and 48MP telephoto camera with 4X optical zoom. The standout feature is the Pro’s telephoto camera, which is fun to shoot with and creates sharp, detailed images.
The Pixel 6 has the same main and ultrawide camera as the Pro and produces crisp images in normal and low lighting conditions. The phones differ on the front - the Pixel 6 has an 8 MP camera with an 84-degree field of view, and the Pro has an 11 MP camera with a 94-degree field of view to fit more people in the frame.
Dynamic Display
Both phones have big displays that are vibrant, sharp and colourful. The Pixel 6 has a fully flat screen and features a 6.4-inch AMOLED panel with a 1080p-wide resolution and fast refresh rates at 90Hz for smooth scrolling and interactions.
The Pro bumps this up to a 6.7-inch AMOLED curved screen, featuring a 1440p-wide resolution and refresh rates up to 120Hz. It has one of the best display panels on the market right now and is similar to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Game-Changing New Chip
The Pixel range boasts a brand-new processor developed by Google named Tensor. It is the first processor built by the search engine giant and shows that it is willing to leave behind off-the-shelf processors such as Qualcomm. In terms of performance, Google Tensor allows the new Pixel to position itself as a competitor to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 by offering a smoother user experience. Apps open quickly, multitasking is effortless, and the interface is free of delays.
According to Google, other chipsets weren’t capable of handling its complex AI and Machine Learning algorithms. But thanks to Tensor, the range can run several ML algorithms without slowing down the phone in the slightest.
Superior Software
The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro has Android 12 already installed. Additionally, Google recently announced that it plans to provide software support for the range for up to five years. The new Android operating system perfectly integrates with the Tensor chip for a high-powered experience complete with innovative updates and much-awaited improvements.
The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are taking the international smartphone market by storm, impressing Android fans with the custom-built Tensor, reimagined camera hardware and captivating display.
