Google Pixel 6: Everything we know so far (May 21)

Update, May 21, 2021 (3:33 p.m. ET): We recently updated the Rumors Hub for Google Pixel 6 below with new leaked renders. The renderings show the vanilla model as well as an alleged “Pro” variant. Read on for all the details!

Original article: The Google Pixel 5 marks a return to the form for Google’s flagship products. The goal was to put the polarizing Pixel 4 series behind it and deliver a round and affordable flagship phone. After the end of the first year of the Pixel 5, all eyes are now on the follow-up, tentatively known as the Google Pixel 6.

See also: Everything you need to know about Google hardware

Below is every believable rumor we’ve heard so far about the next entry on the Pixel Line. Make sure you bookmark this page as we will update it with Google Pixel 6 info as soon as it lands!

Name and date of publication

Google hasn’t changed its naming strategy since the Pixel first launched in 2016. Even when the first “a” series device was introduced with the Pixel 3a, it kept the numbered naming system it had had since day one. So we’re pretty confident that the Google Pixel 6 will be the name of the next entry on the line.

However, a significant change is expected for the processor of this next phone (see below). There are also rumors that the design could get a wild makeover. These changes could be so big that Google deems it appropriate to start a new naming scheme. We haven’t heard anything to suggest this, however, so let’s stick with the Pixel 6 name until we hear something else.

As for the release date, Google launched every single Pixel phone in the fall, usually early October. The only anomaly in this trend is Pixel 5 from last year, which was launched in late September. Regardless of this, we are initially relying on a start date at the end of September or the beginning of October.

Google Pixel 6 theme

Recently, we’ve seen some leaked renders that may be the Google Pixel 6 line. We say “line” there because the renderings suggest that a Pro model is also in the works.

These renderings come from the reliable leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer. Its track record is excellent so we’re pretty confident that this is what the phone will actually look like. Check out the renders for the Pro model below:

With just one look, you can tell that these renders suggest that Google may be doing a lot of new things with the Pixel Line. The entire look and feel of the phone has been completely redesigned in these renders, with everything from the camera shock wave to the screen clipping showing changes.

As for the vanilla model, it seems to have a similar design, but with a flat display, smaller body, and minus a camera lens:

By the way, there were already indications from an early launch of Android 12 that a pixel with a built-in fingerprint scanner is on the way that matches these renderings. Additionally, there is evidence that a future Pixel phone could have a centered selfie camera cutout. This would be a deviation from the left-justified section that we saw in the last few pixels, and it also agrees with these renderings.

Google Pixel 6 specifications

Raw data has never been a focus for Pixel phones. As such, you can be sure that the Google Pixel 6 is almost certainly not going to be a special beast. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be weak either.

So far, the biggest rumor surrounding the Pixel 6 is the possible inclusion of a new, custom chipset, codenamed “Whitechapel”. This chipset is unique to the Pixel 6, which was jointly developed by Google and Samsung. Unfortunately, that’s about all we know about it. But here too we can draw conclusions about a few things.

First, this would be Google’s first attempt at making smartphone silicon. So it’s unreasonable to assume that the company would come out the window with anything better than the industry-leading Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Apple A14 Bionic. Instead, we expect something better than a general mid-range chip, but below insanely fast flagship chips.

Backing this theory is the rumor that the Google Pixel 5a might land with the Snapdragon 765G – the same chipset as the Pixel 5. If that fails, it means Google is confident that the Pixel 6 “Whitechapel” chip is better is than the SD765G.

We also have indications that the new pixels may support ultra-broadband technology (UWB). However, we still have no idea what that could mean.

As for the rest of the specs, we can assume they are no weaker than what we saw in Pixel 5. This means wireless charging, an IP68 rating, at least 128 GB of internal storage, 6 GB of RAM, etc.

Google Pixel 6 cameras

Hemmerstoffer’s renderings show a Vanilla model with two rear lenses and a Pro model with three. Unfortunately, we cannot say for sure what type of lenses it is. However, one of the Google Pixel 6 Pro lenses is almost certainly a periscope telephoto lens.

If we accept this assumption, the other lenses would undoubtedly be an ultra wide angle lens and the main sensor. These two lenses would likely translate to the vanilla model, so the periscope lens is what differentiates the two.

Connected: It is time for Google to adapt the hardware of the pixel camera to the outstanding software

There are rumors that the main sensor could be a 50MP shooter. This would strongly suggest that Google would finally upgrade its sensor for the first time since the Pixel 3 series. However, this rumor doesn’t have very strong legs at the moment.

Regardless, it is clear that Google intends to make a significant upgrade to its hardware with the Pixel 6 series. When you combine that with its unrivaled software, the Pixel 6 series could be among the best phones of the year when it comes to photos.

Price and availability

One of the aspects of the latest Pixel phones that have made them so successful is their pricing. While the Pixel 5 wasn’t “cheap,” it undercuts most of its competitors.

Hence, we would be surprised if Google wanted to turn the Pixel 6 into an expensive phone. It’s likely that the vanilla model could be more expensive than the Pixel 5, but it should fall well below the $ 1,000 range we’re seeing with many flagships. Of course, if the Pixel 6 Pro actually exists, this would inevitably be the more expensive device. It is possible that it will break into the premium flagship price area.

However, availability could be difficult. Google has never been good at getting Pixel phones to tons of regions around the globe. In addition, the ongoing global chip scarcity could make distribution difficult even within the core markets.

We’ll surely have more information on this as we approach autumn!

That’s all we have on Google Pixel 6 so far! Check back soon as we will update this with more rumors as soon as they land.