Pixel 6 Pro vs Pixel 6: Which Google Phone Reigns?
Choosing a new phone can be tough, especially when you’re looking at flagship contenders. Google’s Pixel lineup has consistently impressed, but the differences between the Pixel 6 Pro and the standard Pixel 6 might leave you scratching your head. This comparison aims to clarify those differences and help you make the best decision for your needs.
Both phones boast impressive camera systems, sleek designs, and the promise of a pure Android experience. However, there are some key distinctions that set them apart. The Pixel 6 Pro offers premium features and a larger display, while the Pixel 6 provides a fantastic experience at a more accessible price point.
We’ll dive deep into the specs, performance, camera capabilities, and overall value of both the Pixel 6 Pro and the Pixel 6. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which phone is the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget. Get ready to discover which Google phone deserves a spot in your pocket!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Pixel 6 Pro | Pixel 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Display Type | LTPO OLED | OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz |
| Main Camera | 50MP + 48MP Telephoto + 12MP Ultrawide | 50MP + 12MP Ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 11.1MP | 8MP |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Battery Capacity | 5003 mAh | 4614 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 23W | 21W |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Processor | Google Tensor | Google Tensor |
| Weight | 210g | 207g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Pixel 6 Pro: 6.7-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate, QHD+ resolution. Offers a smoother and more detailed viewing experience with its higher refresh rate and resolution, but can be a battery drain.
- Pixel 6: 6.4-inch OLED, 90Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution. Provides a vibrant display with a good balance of smoothness and battery efficiency. The lower resolution and refresh rate are noticeable compared to the Pro.
- Winner: pixel 6 pro
Cameras
- Pixel 6 Pro: 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto (4x optical zoom). Includes a telephoto lens for enhanced zoom capabilities and better image quality at a distance. More versatile camera system.
- Pixel 6: 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide. Offers excellent image quality in most situations, but lacks the telephoto lens of the Pro model.
- Winner: pixel 6 pro
Zoom Capabilities
- Pixel 6 Pro: 4x Optical Zoom, Super Res Zoom up to 20x. Provides significantly better zoom capabilities compared to the standard Pixel 6, allowing for detailed shots from further away.
- Pixel 6: Super Res Zoom up to 7x. Lacks the dedicated telephoto lens, limiting zoom quality and range compared to the Pro.
- Winner: pixel 6 pro
Battery
- Pixel 6 Pro: 5003 mAh. Offers a large battery, but the higher resolution and refresh rate screen can impact battery life, potentially requiring daily charging.
- Pixel 6: 4614 mAh. Provides solid battery life, often lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use, due to the less demanding display.
- Winner: pixel 6
Design and Build
- Pixel 6 Pro: Curved edges, polished aluminum frame, glass back. Offers a premium feel and design, but can be more prone to accidental drops and damage.
- Pixel 6: Flat display, matte aluminum frame, glass back. More durable design due to the flat display and frame, but may feel less premium.
- Winner: pixel 6 pro
RAM
- Pixel 6 Pro: 12GB RAM. Provides ample memory for multitasking and demanding applications, ensuring smooth performance.
- Pixel 6: 8GB RAM. Sufficient for most users, but may show slight performance differences when handling intensive tasks.
- Winner: pixel 6 pro
Price
- Pixel 6 Pro: Higher price point. Reflects the premium features and specifications.
- Pixel 6: More affordable. Offers a more accessible price while still delivering a flagship experience.
- Winner: pixel 6
Size and Weight
- Pixel 6 Pro: Larger and heavier. More comfortable for some, but can be cumbersome for those who prefer a more compact phone.
- Pixel 6: Slightly smaller and lighter. More comfortable for one-handed use and easier to carry.
- Winner: pixel 6
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | Pixel 6 Pro |
| Camera (Overall) | Pixel 6 Pro |
| Performance | Tie |
| Battery Life | Pixel 6 Pro |
| Value | Pixel 6 |
| Design | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Processor: Both phones utilize Google’s custom Tensor chip, ensuring a consistent and powerful performance experience.
- Software: Both devices run on Android, providing a clean, bloatware-free user interface and timely software updates directly from Google.
- Main Camera: Both feature a 50MP main camera that captures stunning photos with excellent detail and dynamic range.
- Water Resistance: Both phones are IP68 rated, offering protection against dust and water submersion.
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones support 5G, providing fast data speeds where available.
Pixel 6 Pro Vs Pixel 6 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
Both the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 6 boast a striking design, but differ in materials and build. The Pixel 6 Pro features a premium build with a polished aluminum frame and a curved glass display, giving it a more refined feel. Its larger size also contributes to a more luxurious experience. The Pixel 6, while still stylish, utilizes a matte aluminum frame and a flat display, which is slightly more durable. Overall, the Pixel 6 Pro offers a more premium in-hand experience, while the Pixel 6 is arguably more practical for everyday use due to its flat screen and slightly smaller size.
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6 Pro sports a larger 6.7-inch curved OLED display with a QHD+ resolution and a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate. This translates to sharper visuals and smoother animations. The Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch flat OLED display with a FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. While still excellent, the Pixel 6’s display isn’t quite as vibrant or as fluid as the Pro’s. The Pro’s display is ideal for media consumption and gaming, while the Pixel 6 is still perfectly adequate for everyday tasks and offers a more comfortable experience for some users due to its flat design.
Camera Capabilities
Both phones share the same primary camera sensor and ultrawide lens, delivering exceptional image quality, especially in Google’s signature computational photography. The Pixel 6 Pro benefits from a telephoto lens, enabling 4x optical zoom and impressive portrait mode capabilities. This adds versatility to your photography arsenal. The Pixel 6, while excellent, lacks this telephoto lens. Both phones offer superb low-light performance, thanks to Google’s Night Sight. The Pixel 6 Pro takes a slight lead in overall camera versatility and reach.
Performance and Software
Both phones are powered by Google’s Tensor chip, offering a smooth and responsive user experience. The Pixel 6 Pro comes with more RAM, which may provide slight advantages in multitasking and more intensive tasks. Both devices run the latest Android version with guaranteed software updates directly from Google. The software experience is clean and intuitive, with exclusive features like Magic Eraser and Real Tone. Performance is excellent on both devices, but the Pro may hold a slight edge in demanding situations.
Battery Life and Charging
The Pixel 6 Pro has a slightly larger battery, offering potentially longer battery life compared to the Pixel 6. However, battery life will vary based on usage patterns. Both phones support fast charging, though the charging speeds aren’t as fast as some competitors. The Pixel 6 Pro also supports wireless charging, including reverse wireless charging. The Pixel 6 also supports wireless charging. Overall, both phones provide all-day battery life for most users, but the Pro has a small edge.
Price and Value
The Pixel 6 Pro is the more expensive of the two devices, reflecting its premium build and added features. The Pixel 6 offers excellent value, providing a flagship-level experience at a more accessible price point. Consider your budget and priorities. If you value the premium build, telephoto lens, and larger display, the Pixel 6 Pro is worth the investment. However, if you’re looking for an excellent phone with great performance and camera capabilities at a more affordable price, the Pixel 6 is an excellent choice. Both phones represent excellent value.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Pixel 6 Pro If…
- You prioritize a larger, more immersive display with a higher refresh rate.
- You want the versatility of a telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities.
- You desire the extra RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding applications.
- You need the most premium experience with the best features Google has to offer.
Buy Pixel 6 If…
- You prefer a more compact and manageable phone size.
- You want to save some money without sacrificing too much performance or features.
- You are happy with a great main camera and ultrawide lens.
- You don’t need the telephoto lens and prefer a more affordable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in screen size?
The Pixel 6 Pro boasts a larger 6.7-inch display, while the Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch screen. The Pro’s display is also curved, and has a higher resolution and a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience. The Pixel 6 has a flat display with a FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, which is still excellent.
Does the Pixel 6 Pro have a better camera?
Yes, the Pixel 6 Pro has a more versatile camera system. It includes a telephoto lens, enabling optical zoom and enhanced portrait mode capabilities, which the Pixel 6 lacks. Both phones share the main and ultrawide lenses, delivering fantastic image quality thanks to Google’s computational photography, but the Pro offers more options.
Which phone has better battery life?
The Pixel 6 Pro generally offers slightly better battery life due to its larger battery capacity. However, the actual battery life will depend on individual usage patterns and settings. Both phones provide all-day battery life for most users, and both support fast charging. The Pro also supports wireless charging, including reverse wireless charging.
What processor do they both use?
Both the Pixel 6 Pro and the Pixel 6 are powered by Google’s custom-designed Tensor chip. This chip provides excellent performance and enables unique features like Magic Eraser and improved voice typing. The Tensor chip is optimized for Google’s software, ensuring a smooth and integrated experience across both devices.
Are both phones waterproof?
Both the Pixel 6 Pro and the Pixel 6 are water-resistant, but not fully waterproof. They have an IP68 rating, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. It’s recommended to avoid prolonged exposure to water and to dry the phone if it gets wet.
What is the price difference?
The Pixel 6 Pro is the more expensive of the two phones, reflecting its premium design, larger display, and additional features like the telephoto lens. The Pixel 6 is priced more affordably, offering excellent value for its performance and camera capabilities. The exact price difference varies depending on the storage configuration and retailer.
Do they both receive software updates?
Yes, both the Pixel 6 Pro and the Pixel 6 receive guaranteed software updates directly from Google. This includes Android version updates, security patches, and feature drops, ensuring that you have the latest software and security features. Google’s commitment to timely updates is a key benefit of owning a Pixel phone.
Final Verdict
The Pixel 6 Pro offers a more premium experience with its refined design, larger, more vibrant display, and versatile camera system. While the Pixel 6 delivers exceptional value and a similarly great user experience, the Pro excels in several key areas. The deciding factor depends on budget and specific needs.
Winner: Pixel 6 Pro