About Google Pixel
The Google Pixel was first released in October 2016. We are now on our sixth generation of Pixel phones, with the Pixel 6 and 6 PRO. Yet despite having some excellent features, Google has struggled to get market share for its Pixel handsets, languishing in the same ballpark as Nokia (when was the last time you knew anyone with a Nokia?)
Google Pixel phones have won notoriety for photography, combining superb cameras with excellent picture processing software. However, as far as high-end handsets go, the Pixel 6 PRO is now a similar price to flagship phones from Samsung and other manufacturers.
What are Google Pixel phones?
Every October/November for the last four years, Google has launched a new, numbered addition to its range of Pixel phones. Google Pixel phones run on the Android operating system (also a Google product), and have since their inception used their market-leading cameras as their main selling point over and above the competition.
It's fair to say, though, that for the most part, Apple, Samsung and others have made huge leaps with their own cameras, leaving the latest Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 PRO with little if any superiority remaining in this respect.
Which Google Pixel models are available?
Although the current Google Pixel 6 is now available, its recent predecessors are still very viable smartphones. You can still find Google Pixel phones going back as far as the Pixel 4A 5G from a few providers.
- Google Pixel 6 PRO – Released in October of 2021 – The Pixel 6 PRO boasts a 6.7-inch QHD+ (512ppi) screen, 12GB RAM and options for 128GB and 256GB storage. It has three cameras on the back: a 50MP main camera, a 48MP, 4X optical zoom camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. The front of the phone has an 11MP camera. The 6 PRO can shoot 4K video at 30fps or HD video at 30fps or 60fps (A higher frame rate gives a crisper video image) The Pixel 6 and 6 PRO are the first of its handsets to use Google’s new Tensor processor, which is designed to bring some previously server based Artificial Intelligence onto the phone itself. So things like speech recognition, translating languages and AI driven photographic processing will happen on the handset instead of via the internet. Google says the phone can be run in “Extreme Battery Saver” mode, or up to 48 hours, or 24 hours in normal mode.
- Google Pixel 6 – Released in October of 2021, the Pixel 6 offers some great features at a more affordable price. It features a 6.4-inch FHD+ (411ppi) screen and 128GB of storage. It has two cameras on the back - a 50MP main camera and a 12 MP ultra -wide camera. The Front of the phone has an 8MP selfie camera. You can shoot video in 4K at 30fps or HD at 30fps or 60fps. The Pixel 6 and 6 PRO are the first of its handsets to use Google’s new Tensor processor, which is designed to bring some of the previously server based Artificial Intelligence onto the phone itself rather than via the internet. Google claims the phone can be run in “Extreme Battery Saver” mode, or up to 48 hours, or 24 hours in normal mode.
- Google Pixel 5A 5G – Released in August of 2021 just a few weeks prior to the release of Pixel 6, the Google Pixel 5A 5G offered an incremental upgrade to the Pixel 4A and Pixel 5. It features a larger 6.43-inch 415ppi screen, (Compared to the 6-inch screen of the Pixel 5). On the front is an 8MP selfie camera and the back sports a 12.2MP main camera plus a 16MP ultra-wide camera. It has an octa-core processor (8-cores) 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM.
- Google Pixel 5 – Released in September 2020. The Pixel 5 was one of the first 5G Pixel phones. The Pixel 4A 5G, was the other 5G model released that year. The Pixel 5 has a 6-inch, 432ppi screen. On the back are a 12.2MP main camera, and a 16MP ultra-wide camera. On the front you’ll find an 8MP selfie camera. It has 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and an 8-core CPU.
- Google Pixel 4A 5G – Released in October of 2020, the Google Pixel 4A 5G added 5G and some other upgrades to the existing 4A version. The 4A 5G has a 6.2-inch 413ppi screen, compared to the 5.8-inch screen on the older 4A.. It runs on a SM7250 Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. It has 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM onboard. On the front is an 8MP selfie camera , while the back has a 12.2MP main camera and a 16GB ultra-wide camera. Although it’s an older model, it is now very cheap indeed given it’s capabilities.
Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 4 XL features
Of course, you can still pick up a Pixel 4A 5G, but right now, it's all about the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 PRO. Here, then, let's take a little look at the features Google itself sees most fit to crow about.
Improved cameras and software
The Pixel 6 PRO has a 50MP main camera which has a wide lens, plus an ultra-wide camera for taking pictures of wider vistas or cramming more friends into a single shot. The Ultra-wide camera on the 6 PRO is 12MP. There is also a 48MP telephoto camera with 4X optical zoom, for shooting far-away objects. The front of the phone features an 11.1MP selfie camera. The Pixel 6 does not have a telephoto camera. But you will still find a 50MP main camera (wide-angle) and a 12MP ultra-wide camera, plus an 8MP selfie camera on the front.
The new Google Tensor processors used in the Pixel 6 and 6 PRO allow more use of AI directly on the phone itself. This gives more options for image enhancements and processing photographs. For example, you can now remove people from a picture or take pictures where the background is blurred and the people are not. This kind of “intelligent” photo editing and capture, relies on AI capabilities which previously required access to Google’s servers via the internet. Now you can do these things in seconds.The new cameras on the 6 and 6 PRO also feature new sensors which can pick up more light than the Pixel 5 could. Google claims that the Pixel 6 PRO has “the most advanced smartphone camera”.
While we are not quite sure how one arrives at such a conclusion. It is fair to say that it is very good, but when compared with the Samsung S22 PRO and the iPhone 13, each of the phone’s cameras have strengths and weaknesses, so yes there are some things, like video image stabilisation which work better on the Pixel 6 PRO, but there are features like the S22 PRO’s excellent zoom photography, or the iPhones ability to save filters which one could argue are better. Though “better” in this situation probably comes down to how you like your pictures to look. Since each phone produces a different “look” to photographs, with the Pixel favouring cooler colours and more subtle contrast than the Samsung and iPhone offerings.
Night sight
Google Pixel 6 and 6 PRO can produce excellent pictures at night. They do it with a bunch of software algorithms but also by the traditional method of taking a longer exposure. Flagship Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxy s22 can also take excellent shots at night but they do this in part by illuminating the scene. The Pixel 6 does not do this, so is capable of capturing slightly more natural looking scenes. However, a long exposure means it can take longer for the camera to take the shot.
Google Tensor chip
The Pixel 6 and 6 PRO are the first handsets to include Google’s custom-built Tensor processor. A lot of what google does relies on AI, and chips from other manufacturers were not providing the dedicated AI capabilities which would allow Google to make full use of what it is good at. For this reason it came up with its own custom-designed chip, with AI at the core (pardon the pun) of its design. The chip is specifically designed to allow tasks like instant language translation and various photographic/camera wizardy to take place mostly on the phone itself, rather than via an internet connection. The camera directly uses photography capabilities which are engineered into the processor - rather than processing everything through software alone. It is also faster than previous Pixel CPUs and uses less power - extending the battery life.
Translation
The Pixel 6 and 6 PRO can translate foreign language videos and add subtitles live as you watch them. There are 55 different languages which it can translate. It will also translate street and shop signs, plus chats and messages.
Security
The new chips in the Pixel 6 and 6 PRO add more hardware based security to the phones. In addition both phones come with fingerprint sensors embedded in their screens.
Google Pixel 5G phones
5G is the latest mobile data networking technology which promises upload and download speeds many times that offered by 4G. 5G is now rolled out in most larger towns and cities and the 5G networks are expanding all the time. Most new phones have 5G capabilities with a few budget exceptions. The same is true of Google Pixel. All the new Pixel phones currently available from UK mobile providers, are 5G ready. If you are looking at used or refurbished phones, you will need a Pixel 4A 5G or newer handset to use 5G.
Which providers offer Google Pixel deals?
Unlike Apple's new iPhones and Samsung's new Galaxy phones, Google Pixel phones are a little more boutique, a little less common. You won't, in fact, be able to get a handset deal on a Google Pixel of any kind from Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Plusnet Mobile, ASDA Mobile, SMARTY Vodafone
But that said there are still plenty of places to get a Google Pixel phone. Here is what is on offer from the various mobile providers..
- BT Mobile – Offers the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 PRO. BT deals are available with up to 100GB of data and BT sports is included via the BT Sports app.
- VOXI – Offers the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 PRO and Pixel 4A 5G. With VOXI, you buy the phone separately to your no contract plan, you can pay monthly for the handset, but still cancel your calls and data deal anytime you like (though you will need to finish paying for the phone of course).
- EE – Offers the Google Pixel 6 and 6 PRO. It has a wide range of plans to go with your purchase, including flexible benefits and unlimited data, so long as you're prepared to pay for it
- iD Mobile – Is the in-house brand for the Carphone Warehouse and operates on the Three network. It offers Google Pixel 6 and 6 PRO handsets with a wide variety of plans to go along with them
- O2 – currently offers the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 PRO. If you want a cheaper option, it still offers the Pixel 4A 5G as well. All available with a wide choice of contracts.
- Three – Offers all kinds of deals on Google Pixel 6, including some with unlimited data. At the time of writing this was the only model of Pixel phone available from three.
- GiffGaff – Offers the Google Pixel 6/ 6 PRO, You can buy the handset outright or on a pay monthly deal. You then get your call and data plan as a separate subscription. A wide variety of plans are available.
Frequently asked questions
What is Google Pixel?
Google Pixel phones are Android smartphones made by search giant Google. The first Google Pixel phone was launched in 2016, with heavy emphasis on its superior photography. Upgrades have been annual and incremental, with the current handsets being the Google Pixel 6 and larger Google Pixel 6 PRO giving current competitors such as iPhone 11 and Galaxy S22 a good run for their money.
Are Google Pixel phones any good?
As a general answer, yes. Forming a part of the upper mid-range of phones, Google Pixel phones strike a nice balance between features and price. There are better phones in many respects, but arguably, there are no better phones for the same money.
Can I connect Google Pixel phones to my TV?
Yes. Every Google Pixel phone from the original Pixel onwards allows you to cast your phone's display onto your TV, monitor, projector or whatever. However, your TV will need to support Chromecast. If it doesn't, you can buy a Chromecast stick to plug into one of your spare HDMI ports.
Can I get Google Pixel phones SIM-free?
Yes. All of the providers of Google Pixel phones outlined in this article will sell you a Pixel Phone outright, if you so desire. You can also purchase one both directly from Google, or from online electronics retailers such as Amazon, Currys and PC World.
Can I buy refurbished Google Pixel phones?
Yes you can. There are now six year’s worth of Google Pixel phones to choose from with plenty of new and older models available refurbished. If you want a 5G Google PIxel, you will need to buy a Pixel 4A 5G, Pixel 5 or Pixel 6 or any of their variants such as the PRO or A versions.THe older 4A 5G is now very cheap, both new and refurbished.
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