The 5G Google Pixel 6 Pro is finally launched in Singapore. Being the first device to use Google’s own processor and new camera sensors, this is a device that everyone is talking about since it’s launch last year in other countries.
Powered by the Google Tensor with 12 GB LPDDR5 RAM ยท 128 GB/256 GB/512 GB UFS 3.1 storage, the performance far surpass earlier generation of the Pixels. It comes with Android 12 preinstalled.
Bearing a full screen of 6.7″ QHD+ screen at 512 ppi, display is fluid with it’s 120 Hz smooth display. It also has a HDR support and full 24 bit depth 16 million colours.
The Pixel 6 Pro isn’t that big in size. It has a dimension of 163.9 height x 75.9 width x 8.9 depth and weighs 210 grams. Integrated in the phone is a 5003 mAh battery which can last up to 48 hours with extreme battery saver. It supports fast charging of up to 50% in 30 minutes using Google 30W USB C charger sold seperately. It is also Qi-certified.
The camera system is updated with a rear 50 MP, 48 MP telephoto and a 12 MP ultrawide and a front 11.1 MP camera. (more details on next page).
As for network connectivity, the phone supports a Physical SIM and a eSIM. The modem supports the 5G Sub 6 bands 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/28/30/38/40/41/48/66/71/77/78 and 4G LTE bands B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/38/39/40/41/42/46/48/66/71
[nextpage title=”Camera system”]
Camera System
If you have been a Pixel user since the Pixel 2 to 5 series, you would have noticed that Google didn’t provide a overall update to it’s camera system. The only probably change was the introduction of optical zoom (on Pixel 4) but the 12.2 MP f/1.7 aperture camera for it’s rear camera was used throughout the 3 generations.
The Sony IMX363 12.1 sensor is now phased out. Replacing the rear camera is a 50 megapixel Quad Bayer wide camera with an aperture f/1.85. It is not known the sensor but it is suggested to be one of the Samsung 50 MP sensor. It comes with OIS, 82 deg field of view, 12um pixel width.
It also has a 12 MP Ultra wide camera of f/2.2 aperture with 114 deg of view and 1.25 um pixel width. Telephoto is back with a 48 MP, f/3.5 aperture, 23.5 deg field of view, 0.8 um pixel width sensor. The telephoto supports 4X optical zoom and a max of 20X digital zoom.
The front potrait camera is now a 11.1 MP, f/2.2 aperture fixed focus, 94 ultrawide field of view and 1.22um pixel width.
Something new to the Pixel 6 Pro is the Magic eraser which you automatically detects background objects which you can select it to be ‘removed’ from the picture.
Motion mode is also unique to the Pixel 6 Pro which allows you to take long exposure photos. Action pane on the other hand allows you to shoot creative photos which focuses on a moving subject and act a blur to the background. There is also Real Tone which enhances skin colour and Face unblur which fixed motion blur while taking photos.
1080p video recording at 30 FPS, 60 FPS
The front camera supports 4K video recording at 30 FPS, 1080p video recording at 30 FPS, 60 FPS
Some interesting features include :
4K locked video stabilisation
1080p active video stabilisation
Digital zoom up to 20x
[nextpage title=”Sample camera shots – SuperRes zoom 20x, Magic Eraser, Long exposure and pan”]
Magic Eraser
Magic eraser is a feature that helps to detect and remove objects from the scene. In this case, it automatically detects the moving crowd and you can selectively ‘delete’ it off the photo. This is not something new as we have seen similar ones on other brand of phones.
Long Exposure and Pan
Long exposure basically add light trails to moving objects. Action pan is just the opposite which blurs out the background.
In the past, it is difficult to achieve a nice long exposure without a tripod. With Pixel 6 Pro, this can be done without one.
SuperRES 20x zoom with optical 4x zoom
The telephoto feature has been improved and it is now able to do a digital zoom of 20X.
Here are some pictures of the zoom taken from wide angle to 1x, 2x, 4x and 20X zoom.
Other night shots
More photos and comparisons will be posted at https://www.facebook.com/ocworkbench
[nextpage title=”Video shot in 4K”]
[nextpage title=”Performance”]
PCMARK Work 3.0 performance results
The score of 11887 puts the phone in the same league as the Mi 11X, POCO F2 Pro and Samsung S20 FE 5G
Geekbench results
Using Geekbench 5, we benchmark the Pixel 6 Pro and get the following results. There is no doubt it is faster than the Pixel 4 and Pixel 5 based on Snapdragon 765G and 855 respectively. The score is closer to that of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G (based on Samsung Exynos 2100) or MI 10T Pro 5G based on Snapdragon 865 for single core result.
In terms of multi core score, it is in the league of the OnePlus 7 Pro based on Snapdragon 855.
Reference : https://browser.geekbench.com/android-benchmarks
As for vulkan score, it leads the nearest competitor the Samsung S21 5G Ultra 5G (5904) by 28%.
[nextpage title=”Conclusion”]
Google Pixel 6 Pro is the 3rd series of Pixel we review here on OCWorkbench#. Pixel 6 series is also the first to replace the old camera system with a 50 MP sensor and re-designed and repositioned the cameras in a stripe at the backplate of the phone. I like this new improved design especially it’s a curved edge and glossy finish.
Finally, it has caught up with the competition by introducing features like magic eraser, long exposure shots etc. Night shots with Pixel 6 Pro is outstanding. Even with the 4X optical zoom, images turn out bright and clarity isn’t lost. Although it can do a digital zoom at 20X, it is expected that the quality will be pixelated.
Performance wise, the Google Pixel 6 Pro is based on Google’s own Tensor processor. During our daily usage for watch videos and playing a bit of games, the phone feels a bit warm. Speed wise, it is on par with a Snapdragon 865 or the Samsung Exynos 2200.
Currently, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will work on 5G SA/NSA network of both Singtel and Starhub only. It is a pity that M1 and TPG users are left out. At the moment, VoLTE still does not work on M1 and TPG.
[update: June OTA software update, 5G SA and NSA support to M1 will be added for both Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.]
The models for the Singapore market are GB7N6 for Pixel 6 and GLU0G for Pixel 6 Pro.
Pricing information:
Pros :
- 120Hz smooth display
- 5G SA/NSA support*
- Long exposure, magic eraser, face unblur
- 4X optical zoom
- IP68
- 5 years of security updates
Cons:
- No charger provided
- Fingerprint recognition is buggy
Ratings
- Performance 9
- Design 9
- Features 8
- Usability 10
- Value for money 8
- Score : 8.8 / 10
#Pixel 5 was not launched in Singapore
*Singtel and Starhub 5G networks only.
Check out our original Pixel 4 , Pixel 3 Review