Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 5: The Ultimate Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Pixel 6 offers a significant performance boost thanks to its Tensor chip and a brighter display, alongside faster charging. However, the Pixel 5 boasts slightly better battery life and a more compact design. Ultimately, the Pixel 6 is the better choice for most users seeking power and innovation, while the Pixel 5 remains a solid value.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Google Pixel 6 | Google Pixel 5 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - GB7N6, G9S9B16 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - G9S9B | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 258, 260, 261 Sub6/mmWave - GD1YQ |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GB7N6 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6 - GTT9Q | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 19 | 2020, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 28 | Available. Released 2020, October 15 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm (6.24 x 2.94 x 0.35 in) | 144.7 x 70.4 x 8 mm (5.70 x 2.77 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 151 g (5.33 oz) |
| IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~432 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 87.6 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | OLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Always-on display | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Google Tensor (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP20 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm |
| Features | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wired (based on 30W charger), PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 21W wireless Reverse wireless | 18W wired, PD2.0 12W wireless 5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4614 mAh | Li-Po 4080 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Sorta Seafoam, Kinda Coral, Stormy Black | Just Black, Sorta Sage |
| Models | GB7N6, G9S9B16, G9S9B, GR1YH | GD1YQ, GTT9Q, G5NZ6 |
| Price | $ 172.48 / C$ 238.84 / £ 169.99 / € 191.89 / ₹ 23,719 | € 181.31 / $ 272.44 / £ 136.00 |
| Pricing | ||
|---|---|---|
| 128GB 8GB RAM | - | $ 194.84 |
| RENEWED | - | $ 253.00 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 86h | Endurance rating 95h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | -26.9 LUFS (Good) | - |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 676831 (v9) GeekBench: 2899 (v5.1) GFXBench: 57fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Google Pixel 6
- Faster Performance (Tensor Chip)
- Brighter Display (699 nits)
- Faster Charging (Wired & Wireless)
- New Camera Features (Magic Eraser, Motion Mode)
- Larger Display
- Slightly lower battery life than Pixel 5
- Larger size may not suit everyone
Google Pixel 5
- Excellent Battery Life (95h Endurance)
- Compact Design
- Proven Reliability
- Potentially Lower Price
- Slower Performance (Snapdragon 765G)
- Less Bright Display
- Slower Charging
- Older Processor
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6 features a larger 6.4-inch OLED display with a smoother 90Hz refresh rate, offering a more fluid visual experience. While both have 'infinite' contrast ratios (a nominal term), the Pixel 6's measured brightness of 699 nits (Pixel 5) is noticeably higher, making it easier to see outdoors. The Pixel 5's smaller 6.0-inch display is more pocketable.
Camera Comparison
Both Pixels boast excellent cameras, but the Pixel 6 introduces new features like Magic Eraser and Motion Mode. While both capture stunning photos in various conditions, the Pixel 6's processing tends to be slightly more vibrant. Video recording capabilities are comparable, with both offering excellent stabilization.
Performance
The Pixel 6's Google Tensor chip provides a substantial performance upgrade over the Pixel 5's Snapdragon 765G. The Tensor chip excels in AI and machine learning tasks, enhancing camera features and overall responsiveness. Expect faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Pixel 6.
Battery Life
The Pixel 5 edges out the Pixel 6 in battery endurance, achieving a slightly higher endurance rating (95h vs 86h). However, the Pixel 6 supports significantly faster wired (30W vs 18W) and wireless (21W vs 12W) charging, mitigating the difference in longevity.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Google Pixel 6? Users prioritizing performance, a vibrant display, and faster charging will love the Pixel 6. It's ideal for those who enjoy mobile gaming or demanding apps. Who should buy the Google Pixel 5? Those seeking a more compact phone with excellent battery life and a proven track record at a potentially lower price point will find the Pixel 5 appealing.