Can Google sell the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro?

It has been almost five years since Google has stepped into the hardware world with its smartphones. Their Pixel phones always offered flagship hardware with stock android. But Google seems to struggle a lot with sales of every Pixel iteration. A good camera or stock software experience could not provide them impressive sales. This year, the Pixel 6 lineup also headed in the same direction. If google cannot pull back, they would fail to convince consumers to buy their phones.

Google's new Pixel 6 & Pixel 6 Pro

Before Pixels, they used to contact reputed manufacturers to make phones for them. Google provided the software for those phones. The Nexus-branded smartphones offered flagship hardware with clean software to ensure a lag-free smooth experience. 

Very first Nexus by HTC, the Nexus ONE (photo : androidguys)

At the same time, Nexus phones offered first-in-line software update from Google. As a result, they sold a lot of phones. The Nexus 5 was the most famous phone in pre Pixel era. After it, the Nexus 6 came with a 5.69 inches display. It also sold like crazy and made Google huge profits. 

The infamous Nexus 5 and 6 (photo : 9to5google)

Google did not have the authority over the Nexus phone's designs. To design their hardware with optimized software, Google started the Pixel brand in 2016. The Pixel designs were in-house so, Google has the full authority. They are offering the sixth iteration of Pixels this year. There are two distinct models as Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Whether they can sell those phones or not, that is the question. Let's find out if Google has what it takes to sell phones in 2021.

The specifications

Google is offering two phones this year. Aside from the Pixel 5a, the flagship lineup has a regular Pixel 6 and a Pixel 6 pro. Last year they released the Pixel 5 as a flagship. Unfortunately for us, it had mid-range specifications. Even with a decent offering, Google failed to sell the Pixel 5. This year Google is trying something new to stand out from other Android smartphone manufacturers.

Design

Until the Pixel 5, Google was following the same design language they introduced with the Pixel 2. Even the Pixel 5a might come with the same design. But Pixel 6 is changing the trend with a new look. 

Google is following a metal a glass combo for their flagships. They are using an aluminum frame with tempered glass on the front and back. This time Google is putting their work into the design. The Back of Pixel 6 and 6 Pro looks different from others with a bar-style camera housing.

Pixel 6's new design (photo : Google)

A handful of Youtubers like MKBHD and journalists such as Dieter Bohn from The Verge got a sneak peek at the latest offerings from Google. So far, they like the new look and praise Google for it. But is it enough to provide good sales?

Displays

In Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, google is providing their bests displays. The Pixel 6 gets a 6.4-inch punch-hole display with a 1080p+ resolution. The Pixel 6 Pro gets a huge 6.7-inch QHD+ display. It also has a punch-hole. Therefore, you are getting a full-screen viewing experience from both models.

Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro display (photo : @OnLeaks)

Google is also providing a high refresh rate to the Pixels. In Pixel 6 you will get a 90Hz refresh rate. On the other hand, Pixel 6 Pro provides a 120Hz refresh rate. It means you will have the best gaming experience from these phones.

Google Tensor

As mentioned earlier, Google is doing something new with their flagships this year. They are offering the phones with a custom SoC. It is called the Google tensor. Upon release, Google might give this chipset a different name. 

Google's new custom Tensor SoC (photo : Google)

MKBHD and Dieter were impressed with the performance of Tensor. They said that it provides a snappy user experience and a lag-free operating system. Moreover, Google is probably offering 12GB of RAM this time. A custom chip with sufficient RAM will have a fast response even after years of usage.

Sundar Pichai is excited with ne Tensor chipset (photo : @sundarpichai)

You might think that Tensor is a custom chipset. But it is a tweaked version of Samsung's Exynos 2100. So, Google is partnering with Samsung to make their flagship chipset this year. They are designing the SoC. And Samsung will be manufacturing it. You can stay confident that Google will put some Pixel-exclusive features on this chipset. 

Camera

Pixels were always good performers in the camera department. Especially from Pixel 2, Google has introduced its Visual Core technology to show some impressive camera features. They used a single camera to take portrait photos when other manufacturers used two different modules to understand the depth. Moreover, the Pixel Smart HDR feature shook the smartphone industry with stunning picture quality. 

Bar style camera housing (photo : Google)

Until the Pixel 5, Google only provided 12MP modules in their phones. The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro is getting a new ISOCELL GM 1 sensor with 50MP resolution. Alongside you are getting a 12 MP ultrawide camera. The 6 Pro gets an extra camera as 48MP telephoto. It has the periscope zoom technology to provide 4x optical zoom.

Live image of the Pixel 6 Pro's camera (photo : TECHDROIDER)

With new camera sensors and possibly new Visual Core technology, Google has promised to provide the best photography experience. MKBHD and Dieter also said that the Smart HDR feature could come to videos as well. It would be a challenge for other smartphone manufacturers if Google can provide HDR videos like their photos. It could lure people into buying Pixels.

Mistakes of Google

The Pixel phones were always good offerings with great hardware and stock Android. But, Google never managed to ensure good sales for any iteration. Sometimes they have priced their phones too high. Even they had terrible designs. Thanks to the Pixel 3 XL, the bathtub meme was huge. Tech enthusiasts and the general public mocked the hell out of this phone.

This year Google is releasing its Pixel 6 and 6 Pro to selected markets. Due to the worldwide chip shortage, they have planned a list of countries to sell their phone initially. When the supply is sufficient, they might look at other potential countries.

If you look at the list, Google is avoiding one of the most potential markets in India. They might have a hard time in India selling the previous Pixels. As it is a competitive market, you must price your phones reasonably. If Google can keep its pricing acceptable to Indian customers, their phones will sell like hotcakes.

Conclusion

You can never predict the future. Until the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are released, we must wait and see. What do you think of the latest offerings from Google? Share your thoughts on Google's approach to custom Soc. Can they pull off a good sale this year? Or will it be a disaster for them? What do you think they are mistaking?