Pixel 6 vs Pixel 5: prices, photos, performance, what are the differences?

The official launch of Google Pixel 6 took place on October 19, 2021. After a one-year transition, Mountain View company is making a strong comeback in the smartphone market with this new generation. But that doesn’t mean the Pixel 5 is getting old, the predecessor still offers many advantages. So which of the two should you choose? What are the main differences between Pixel 6 and Pixel 5? This comparison will help you see more clearly.

Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 5 datasheets

Here is a summary of the technical specifications of the two smartphones. We will analyze these features in more detail later in this article.

Design: Pixel 6 changes the game

The first striking item, the Pixel 6, is more impressive than the Pixel 5. It displays dimensions of 158.6mm (H) x 74.8mm (W) x 8.9mm (D) versus 144.7 x 70.4 x 8mm for more compactness. its predecessor. The Pixel 6’s weight is also much higher than the Pixel 5 (207 to 151 grams), which is an increase due to the size increase, particularly the addition of a larger battery.

The Pixel 5’s screen is protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 6, while the Pixel 6’s screen is covered with a more efficient Gorilla Glass Victus. Both models are IP68 certified water and dust resistance.

Aesthetically, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 5 have nothing to do. Google has completely overhauled its copy and dares an original and unique design with its new reference. Back, photo block style “January” Pixel 5 is replaced by Pixel 6 with a horizontal configuration of sensors integrated in a prominent band. In addition, Google finally moved the fingerprint reader on the back of the Pixel 5 to the bottom of the screen for the Pixel 6, making it a much more practical position for the user. While the Pixel 5 plays in monochrome, the Pixel 6 relies on the difference in hues with two distinct color spaces separated by a wide black band.

With such a back, the Pixel stands out from afar. But there are some changes on the front as well. The punch that houses the front camera leaves the upper-left corner of the plate to position itself on axis, while the borders around the screen are slightly thinner.

Display: a fairly compact Pixel 5

Both panels are based on OLED technology. Compact format enthusiasts will be pleased with the Pixel 5’s 6-inch size. 6.4 inches from Pixel 6 It will be preferred by users who want a larger screen. The latter has a discreetly longer format with a 20:9 ratio compared to the 19.5:9 on the Pixel 5.

Pixel 6 has a definition of 2400 x 1080 pixels and Pixel 5 has 2340 x 1080 pixels. Because it’s larger, the Pixel 6 offers a lower pixel density than the Pixel 5 (411 pixels per inch versus 432 pixels per inch). The refresh rate reaches 90Hz on both models, all support HDR10+ and Always-on functionality.

Improved performance with a Google-designed SoC

This is one of the eagerly awaited points for the Pixel 6, where Google has put the “in-house” chip developed with the help of Samsung into a device for the first time. Called the Google Tensor, this SoC is machined as thin as 5 nm and should be both very efficient and energy efficient. Especially since we think Google has optimized the Pixel 6 with small onions to get the most out of the chip, as it meets the specs imposed by the American group itself.

The Pixel 5 is happy with last year’s midrange SoC. Snapdragon 765G 5G From Qualcomm, it obviously won’t be able to compete with a high-end chip this year. The Pixel 5 runs very smoothly and can of course run any Android, but a difference will be felt, especially in the long run. Google communicates at: Up to 80% better Pixel 6 performance Compared to those of the Pixel 5, we usually see an increase of around 30% from one generation to the next.

As for memory, Google offers the same amount of RAM (8GB) and storage (128GB), but the Pixel 6 benefits from more advanced technologies than the Pixel 5: LPDDR4 versus LPDDR4 for RAM and UFS 3.1 versus UFS 2.1 for internal memory. .

Pixel 5 and Pixel 6 are of course both 5G compatible.

Finally real autonomy on the Pixel 6?

Pixels were often criticized for their very fair autonomy, Google finally addressed the issue. Originally worked on the Pixel 5 and its 4080mAh battery, the Pixel 6 goes even further with a battery. 4600mAhCombined with the Tensor chip, it should in any case guarantee more comfortable autonomy than the Pixel 5.

And wired charging gets faster on the Pixel 6, which can only get 30W versus 18W for the Pixel 5. Despite being a large battery, thirty minutes is enough to charge the Pixel 6 from 0% to 50%. Wireless charging also evolves from generation to generation, increasing from 12W to 21W from Pixel 5 to Pixel 6. But beware, only the new Pixel Stand can take advantage of this 21W, with this mobile all other charging stations are limited to 12W.

Camera: Pixel 6 takes over

Google includes Pixel 6 a 50 MP Quad Bayer main sensor With Octa PD technology with 1.2 μm pixel width and f/1.85 aperture to capture the light well. It replaces the optics of the Pixel 5, which is a 12.2 MP, f/1.7 and 1.4 µm sensor. Optical stabilization and laser autofocus are available in both cases. Googling suggests “Catches 150% more light” On Pixel 6.

The ultra-wide-angle lens is also improving. Pixel 5 has a 16 MP, f/2.2, 1.0 µm and 12 MP, f/2.2, 1.25 µm sensor from 107° field of view and Extended field of view up to 114° On Pixel 6.

For video, there is no big change between the two iterations, with the possibility of filming. 4K at 30 or 60 frames per second and up to 240 frames per second at 1080p for slow motion effects on both.

Google reuses the same front photo sensor in Pixel 6 as Pixel 5: 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm.

As a guide to what’s new in photography compared to the Pixel 5, the Pixel 6 offers anti-blur for shooting with clean faces even in difficult conditions. Motion mode will enhance photos taken while on the move, while True Tone will highlight the people in their photos, especially glorifying their skin. And with the magic eraser of Google Photos, it becomes possible to erase some unwanted background elements from a snapshot.

Software: Android 12 on both models

The Pixel 6 was launched directly under Android 12, the brand new version of Google’s mobile operating system. The Pixel 5 natively ships Android 11, but should soon switch to Android 12 via an update. Logically, the Pixel 6 will be supported for one more year than the Pixel 5 for annual feature updates and monthly security patches.

The Pixel 6 has a few special features. The tensor chip makes it possible to expand the capabilities of machine learning used by the user to learn from smartphone use to adapt and improve autonomy, as in the latest iPhones. Along with software enhancements, the SoC provides access to additional options for the camera and improves machine translation and voice recognition.

Finally, the Pixel 6 is even more secure than the Pixel 5, thanks to the combination of Google Tensor, TITAN M2 security key and software.

Similar rates when released

Pixel 6 is available from: 649 euros, with three-month YouTube Premium and Google One subscriptions offered. Pre-order (until October 27, 2021) also deserves you the Bose 700 wireless noise canceling headphones. A really interesting offer and an attractive price-quality ratio that we don’t necessarily expect from Google in the smartphone market.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 5 is no longer officially marketed on the Google Store, but it is still possible to buy from retailers. According to the exit price 629 eurosDefinitely not worth it against the Pixel 6. However, if you manage to get it at a discounted price, it could be a good deal as the smartphone still has a lot to offer.