Google launches Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro with Tensor processor

Google has launched its Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones, complete with its self-designed "Tensor" chip and a 50-megapixel Octa PD Quad Bayer wide camera.

Previously teased by the search giant during Google I/O and at the start of October, the event for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro launch on Tuesday had Google providing firm details and specifications for its new smartphone lineup.

The Pixel 6 sports a 6.4-inch display with a 1,080 by 2,340-resolution OLED panel, complete with a 20:9 aspect ratio and 411ppi pixel density. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus cover glass, the screen has a contrast ratio greater than 1,000,000:1, with HDR support, and 90Hz refresh rate.

The Pixel 6 Pro switches to a 6.7-inch OLED LPTO display with a resolution of 1,440 by 3,120 resolution, giving it a pixel density of 512ppi. Offering an aspect ratio of 19.5:9, the screen has a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, a similar greater-than 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, HDR support, and the Victus cover glass.

Powering the Pixel 6 pair is the Tensor system-on-chip of Google's own design. The chip is made with on-device machine learning in mind, with it able to handle automatic speech recognition, live translation that also works with media, computational photography, and video features.

The chip consists of a 2+2+4 design for the CPU, consisting of two high-performance cores, two mid cores, and four high-efficiency cores, along with a 20-core GPU. Security is handled by the "Tensor Security Core" for sensitive task processing, while the "Titan M2" secures passwords and PINs.

On the back is a new camera system for the Pixel line, with a new 1/1.3-inch sensor to capture 150% more light. The 50-MP Octa PD Quad Bayer wide camera includes optical image stabilization, a laser-detect autofocus sensor, and an 82-degree field of view.

Both models also have a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera with a 114-degree field of view, with the Pro also having a 48-megapixel telephoto camera complete with a 4x optical zoom.

On the front, the Pixel 6 has an 8-megapixel f/2.0 camera with an 84-degree field of view, while the Pro gains a 11.1-megapixel version with f/2.2 aperture and a 94-degree field of view.

Google's extensive camera features from the previous generation transition to the new models, along with new features. The list includes Magic Eraser, Motion Mode, Real Tone, Face Unblur, and a Locked Folder.

Audio duties are handled by stereo speakers and three mics with noise suppression.

The Pixel 6, starting from $599, is available in three colors with 8GB of memory and in 128GB and 256GB capacities. The Pixel 6 Pro, starting at $899, has 12GB of memory and 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities.

Preorders for both models are now open, with a release date of October 28.