The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are officially launched today and they look just as crazy as the mock-ups predicted. The two handsets, which will go on sale later this year signal a huge design change for the Google Pixel with a camera bump that looks like it comes straight from Star Trek: The Next Generation.
While the look of the phones was not a huge surprise the internal details have until now remained pretty much a secret. The biggest news is that both the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will use Google’s new custom-built system on a chip (SoC). This has been on the cards for a few years, but its power will impact all elements of the phone.
Of course the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will both run the new Android 12 platform with its Material You design language. This is designed to make a more fluid user experience and allow you to customize the look and feel of the phone to your own style.
- The legendary speakers you can pair with your phone
- Best phones 2021: the very best smartphones, ranked
Google Tensor
Google’s new custom-built processor, Tensor, is actually a system on a chip (SoC). This means that it contains not only the CPU but also other system elements, such as the graphics, cache, RAM and storage. Apple’s M1 processor is also an SoC and owes its speed and efficiency to this design.
The full details of Google’s Tensor SoC have not been revealed, however it suggests that security, AI and photography are at the heart of its design. It will be interesting to see how this translates to performance once the phones are available for testing.
Google Pixel 6 design
The look of the new Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro has divided the T3 team, with some seeing the departure from the old Pixel style a step too far. However, other have praised its bold new look.
The contentious point is definitely that huge camera bump that extends all the way across the back of the phone. This has been redesigned to accommodate the improved sensors and lenses in the camera system (though details of what those are haven't been given).
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
As T3's Editor-in-Chief, Mat Gallagher has his finger on the pulse for the latest advances in technology. He has written about technology since 2003 and after stints in Beijing, Hong Kong and Chicago is now based in the UK. He’s a true lover of gadgets, but especially anything that involves cameras, Apple, electric cars, musical instruments or travel.
-
Aston Martin DB12 Goldfinger Edition contains real gold, but no ejector seat
Forget The Man with The Golden Gun, this is the car with the golden gearstick
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Motorola's next Razr foldable could come with a neat new tech idea
Or perhaps we should say a future Razr...
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
3 reasons to buy the Xperia 1 IV over the Pixel 6 Pro
Thinking of getting a new Android smartphone? We take a look at why you should consider the Sony Xperia 1 IV
By Max Slater-Robins Published
-
Google’s flagship Android phone just got a massive price cut
The range-topping Google Pixel 6 Pro is down to the lowest price thanks to this huge discount
By Carrie Marshall Last updated
-
Android 12 is the best thing about the Google Pixel 6 and its available for all Pixel phones
The Material You design of Android 12 looks stunning and it integrates all parts of the phone perfectly
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
Google Pixel 6 unboxing video: T3 reveals what you get
The Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro have a new reimagined design and it’s stunning!
By Yasmine Crossland Last updated
-
Google's Pixel 6 has a secret weapon in its Tensor hardware
This might be the fastest Android yet
By Ian Morris Published
-
Seeing the Google Pixel 6 in its new video has made up my mind
A new Google teaser video shows the Pixel 6 out in the open and I’ve come to a few decisions about the handset
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
Google Pixel 6 rumored to be slightly delayed to avoid iPhone 13 launch
An October launch seems likely, despite earlier rumors
By Ian Morris Published
-
Google Pixel 6 Pro phone case images hint at handset's camera array layout
A third-party case maker has given the biggest clue yet of what to expect from the Google Pixel 6 Pro cameras
By Mat Gallagher Last updated