Google Pixel 6 versus Pixel 6 Pro: what’s the difference?

CHOOSING between the top Google devices can be tough, especially between the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

So we’ve put both head-to-head to help you choose, comparing everything so you can work out which is the perfect fit for you.

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• Google Pixel 6 (2021), £440 – buy here
• Google Pixel 6 Pro (2021), £449 – buy here

If you’re in the market for a Google handset then the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are likely already on your radar.

The Pixel 6 series was released back in October 2021 but is still worth considering and holds up as one of the top devices in the Android world.

Since it was succeeded by the Google Pixel 7 in 2022, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro have both become more affordable options – but are they still credible devices?

This guide will put the two former flagships head-to-head, comparing everything from design, features, cameras, and price. Read on to find out which is best for you.

For an in-depth breakdown of both devices read our tech editor Sean Keach’s Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro review, where he gives his expert verdict.

Read more on phone comparisons

Google Pixel 6 vs Google Pixel 6 Pro: at a glance

Similarities:

As the Google Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro were released alongside each other as sister devices they share some key specifications, with the Pixel 6 Pro offering some exclusive features.

Both devices come with the new Tensor chipset and 5G connectivity: a step up from previous generations, and definitely making both phones future-proof.

You’ll also find both come with Fingerprint Unlock with the in-display fingerprint sensor and also come with the same generous 128GB base storage.

Both the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have matching 50MP wide-angle cameras and 12MP ultra-wide cameras, but you will find the Pro model does come with some added extras.

The similarities don’t stop there either – as is becoming standard in the smartphone world both handsets come with Qi wireless charging.

Differences between Pixel 6 and 6 Pro

As you would expect from a base model and its pro counterpart, there are several differences between these two handsets, with the Google Pixel 6 Pro offering some substantial upgrades.

To begin, the Pixel 6 Pro has a larger footprint, with a large 6.7-inch OLED display compared to the Pixel 6’s 6.4-inch. This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker as both are larger than the average smartphone on the market.

Where things really heat up is the core specs, both come with speedy refresh rates, but the Pixel 6 Pro edges out in front with a 120Hz rate for a smoother user experience, compared to the Pixel 6’s 90Hz refresh rate.

You’ll also find the Pixel 6 also has less RAM than its Pro sibling, 8GB vs the Pro’s 12GB, and the Pixel 6 also has a smaller maximum storage capacity at 256GB compared to the huge 512GB of the Pixel 6 Pro. compared with the Pixel 6 Pro.

The screen size and storage isn’t the only thing the Pixel 6 Pro goes all out on either, it comes with a larger battery, 5003mAh compared to the smaller 4614mAh on the Pixel 6.

Google Pixel 6 Pro vs Pixel 6: Camera

The cameras on the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro were a leap ahead in Google’s line-up, and while both devices share these innovations, they really shine on the Pixel 6 Pro.

Although the camera set-up is similar on these devices, with both featuring a 50MP main lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens, the Google Pixel 6 Pro adds a third camera to its arsenal in the form of an impressive 48MP telephoto lens.

This third lens adds a unique 4x optical zoom and a huge 20x digital zoom compared to the Pro model, while the Pixel 6 comes with up to 7x digital zoom. This could be enough to seal the deal for you if you’re a keen photographer.

The front-facing camera on both devices features a 12MP lens, but you will get a larger field of view with the Pixel 6 Pro, which will benefit the selfie-takers out there.

While you’ll get an 84-degree field of view on the Pixel 6, the Pixel 6 Pro gets a 94-degree field of view to fit more in the frame.

Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6 Pro: Design

The most notable difference between these two devices is the size difference, with the Pro model (as usual) being the larger of the two at 6.7 inches compared to the 6.4 inches on the Pixel 6.

The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro also introduced a fresh new design format to that of its predecessors, with both devices showcasing the newly designed horizontal rear camera.

The new design also gives both devices a similar look and a premium feel. But, while both come with the new high-end Victus glass display, only the Pixel 6 Pro comes with a Victus back glass while the Pixel 6 keeps the Gorilla Glass we’ve seen on older models.

The Google Pixel 6 comes with the traditional flat-screen display while the Pixel 6 Pro has gone in a new direction for Google with curved edges, something that has divided users who either love or hate it, but it is also featured on the Pixel 7 so it appears to be here to stay.

Pixel 6 Pro vs Pixel 6: Features

As the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are part of the same series they offer very similar features, that the Pixel 6 Pro may edge out in front of due to its added specs.

Having first appeared on the Pixel 6 series, the now fan favourite Magic Eraser made a storm when the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro were released and help eliminate unwanted photo bombers.

You’ll also get Motion mode for long exposures and action shots, along with Face Unblur which can bring definition to photos that would otherwise end up in the bin.

But with the Google Pixel 6 Pro, you get an added photo lens and impressive 20x digital zoom that for keen photographers will make all the difference to on-the-go shots.

Google Pixel 6 vs Pro: Battery life

Google claims that both the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro come with a beyond 24-hour battery life, which can be extended to an impressive 48 hours using the Extreme Battery Saver mode.

But in terms of numbers, you will get a larger battery on the Pixel 6 Pro, due to its larger footprint it can accommodate a 5003mAh, whereas the Pixel 6 comes with a 4614mAh battery.

The Google Tensor chip can optimize things for you to help you save battery, but as with anything it comes down to your own use and these are benchmark stats.

As more smartphone brands become more environmentally aware they are removing chargers from their devices, and things are no different here, with neither coming in the box.

But in that same vein, both devices support Qi wireless charging as more smartphone brands move towards this method.

Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6 Pro: Price

On their respective releases, the Pro model came at a premium, but you can now get your hands on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro for a similar price, and bag some great deals when it’s on sale.

This is why, as it stands, there is currently only a £9 price difference between the SIM-free handsets as they are on sale.

• Google Pixel 6 (2021), £440 – buy here
• Google Pixel 6 Pro (2021), £449 – buy here

There is a bigger disparity in price if you are looking to pick up a pay-monthly plan – at Vodafone, you can pick up the Google Pixel 6 with 100GB of data for £42 per month, while the Google Pixel 6 Pro comes in at £48 per month for the same plan.

Here are the retailers that stock both handsets:

Google Pixel 6 versus Google Pixel 6 Pro: Which to choose

All things considered, the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are close contenders with similar features, but with added extras at a marginal cost, it could be worth opting for a Pro device.

This guide has hopefully helped you decide which criteria are important for you, and what device will fit you best.

Choose the Google Pixel 6 if:

• You are on a tight budget
• You prefer a smaller screen size
• You prefer the flat screen over the curved design

Choose the Google Pixel 6 Pro if:

• You prefer a larger smartphone
• You need more memory and storage
• You want the added telephoto camera lens

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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk