Let’s talk about the six big takeaways

The Google Pixel 6 theme renders that recently came to light are really special, aren’t they? With both the Pixel 6 and what’s called the Pixel 6 Pro in circulation now, we have a general idea of ​​what might be in store for Google phone fans this fall. The renderings certainly gave us a lot to think about and think about. Here’s what we’re concerned with.

The Pixel 6 is the biggest design change in the series’ history

While there are some fundamental similarities between Pixel 6 and earlier generations of pixels (think of the black and white color scheme), the new renders show a distinct break with the designs of the past.

The first three Pixel phones had two-tone backs and simple single-camera designs. The Pixel 4 and Pixel 5 have done away with the two-tone look in favor of a single color on the back and adopted square multi-lens camera systems. The Pixel 6 looks neither two-tone nor square. Instead, we have three colors and a camera tape that runs from side to side.

Google has always been one to mix in a little pop of color. The orange mixed with black and white is very Google-y and yet looks very different.

These phones also have sharper corners and bare metal bezels when compared to older Pixel phones that are usually color matched. The Pixel 6 Pro is now said to have a curved display – another first for the Pixel line.

It’s safe to say that the Pixel 6 series represents a major design shift for the search giant.

There is no escaping the bump

Substantial camera bumps have become a common design element of modern flagship smartphones. Almost every top-level device has a large camera module that dominates the rear. Think of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra and you will understand what I mean. Google seems to have fallen victim to the same problem, although it is treated differently.

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In these renderings we see a raised band running from side edge to side edge. There are several lenses within the band. Apparently there are two lenses on the Pixel 6 and three lenses on the Pixel 6 Pro – one of which is a periscope lens. Switching to a three-lens system could be a serious improvement to the Pixel line, which has been limited to just one or two rear-view cameras since its inception. We can only hope that Google will change the primary sensor under these lenses as well.

It’s a nice change from the square and rectangular shapes of today’s beefy camera modules, even if the bump is still there.

Does the Pixel 6 fit Android 12?

Google has generally done a good job of customizing the look and feel of its hardware to match its software. The Pixel 3, 4, and 5, for example, were simplified, sleek-looking devices that complemented the material design of their respective versions of Android.

These Pixel 6 renders look clean and almost functional. Google’s Pixel phones are known for their simple design, but the harder edges of the Pixel 6 phones don’t necessarily match the rounded corners visible in the elements of the Android 12 user interface. Think of the new curved shapes of the Android 12 quick settings menu or notifications and you will understand what I mean.

On the other hand, I like the mix of black, white and orange, but Android 12 is all about “Material You”. The color palettes of both the hardware and the software in the renderings could go pretty well together, but it all depends on what colors you pick for Android’s updated UI. It will be interesting to see how Google compares other hardware color variants to this customizable software color palette.

Is the Pixel 6 too general?

Some commentators have referred to the Pixel 6 renders as “third-rate” designs that could come from any phone manufacturer. Calling them generic non-Google designs is, of course, a matter of opinion, but they don’t take into account the full history of the Pixel line.

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The Pixel and the Pixel 2 were clearly exercises in raw industrial design. Both were a mix of metal and glass components and strange plate shapes that didn’t necessarily go well together. The Pixel was a little more cohesive to my eyes than the Pixel 2. The Pixel 4 went the other way and possibly simplified the look of the series with its all-glass back panel. If you want to look at a generic phone, check out the Pixel 4 or the Pixel 5. These phones are google-y in the most intense way.

With the Pixel 6, Google pulls an Apple and thinks differently. The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro may look industrial, but few phones mix colors this way. I wouldn’t call them too general.

Pixel 6> Pixel 3, 4, 5

Based on the previous thought, the Google Pixel 3, 4 and 5 were overly simplified devices with little personality. Maybe their personality was that they didn’t have a personality. The Pixel 5 is practically a bar of soap with rounded edges and a sleek design. It could be a kid’s phone. It looks like a starting price from 2017.

The Pixel 4 was a 2019 phone through and through. The design clearly showed that Google is chasing Apple, and the iconic look of the iPhone. Among the things that gave it away as an iPhone wannabe was the curved side rails, the back glass panel with the square camera module, and the large forehead for the face recognition module.

The all-glass Pixel 3 was a disaster thanks to the really ugly “bathtub” notch on the front. I still can’t get over how bad it looked.

These Pixel 6 theme renders give us a little more to see. I don’t call them the best looking phones ever, but I think they’re a good step away from previous Pixel designs.

Remember: rendering is not the right thing to do

The source of the latest renderings is Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka @ OnLeaks) is a pretty reliable leaker. Even so, it’s just as possible that we’re looking at early designs that aren’t 100% final. Google still has time to tweak the color palette and other aspects of the design before production begins.

Additionally, the latest Pixel 6 design renders are sourced from CAD. As clean as they look, it’s important to remember that this is not the reality. Renderings are computer generated images, not actual images. Phones tend to look better in real life than they do when they are rendered, especially when it comes to CAD rendering. In other words, do not reserve any final judgment until we have seen reality in person.

We know that roughly 72% of you think the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro look good. How do you see the new phones compare to older Pixel devices? Let us know in the comments below.