The recently launched Google Pixel 6 comes with a lot of new features, including a custom chipset, an improved display and a more powerful camera, just to name a few. As the newest phone in the Pixel lineup, naturally, we want to compare it to its predecessor, the Pixel 5, to see their differences in performance, design and other areas. So what are the differences? And should you upgrade to the Pixel 6? We compare the two phones below.
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Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 5 Comparison Chart
| Model | Google Pixel 6 | Google Pixel 5 |
 |  | |
| Price | Check price at Amazon | Check price at Amazon |
| Dimensions | 6.24 x 2.94 x 0.35 inches 7.30 oz Gorilla Glass Victus front Gorilla Glass 6 back Aluminum frame IP68 | 5.7 x 2.77 x 0.31 inches 5.33 oz Gorilla Glass 6 front Aluminum back & frame IP68 |
| Screen | AMOLED 6.4 inches 1080 x 2400 pixels 90Hz | OLED 6 inches 1080 x 2340 pixels 90Hz |
| Chipset | Google Tensor Android 12 | Snapdragon 765G 5G Android 11 (upgradable to 12) |
| Storage & RAM | 128GB 8GB 256GB 8GB USF 3.1 | 128GB 8GB UFS 2.1 |
| Camera | Main: 50 MP, f/1.9 wide 12MP, f/2.2 ultrawide Selfie: 8 MP, f/2.0 wide | Main: 12.2 MP, f/1.7 wide 16MP, f/2.2 ultrawide Selfie: 8MP, f/2.0 wide |
| Audio | Loudspeakers Bluetooth | Loudspeakers Bluetooth |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e Bluetooth 5.2 NFC | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 5.0 NFC |
| Battery | Li-Ion 4614 mAh Fast charging 30W Wireless charging 21W Reverse wireless charging | Li-Po 4080 mAh Fast charging 18W Wireless charging 12W Reverse wireless charging |
| Colors | Kinda Coral, Stormy Black, Sorta Seafoam | Just Black, Sorta Sage |
Design
With its larger display, the Pixel 6 is bigger and heavier than the Pixel 5.
In terms of design, these two phones differ quite a bit. The Google Pixel 6 has a more squarish form factor due to having sharper corners, as opposed to the rounded corners of the Pixel 5. The camera hole is also moved from the corner to the center on the Pixel 6. Another difference worth noting is with the camera modules at the back. On the Pixel 5, the camera array is at the top right corner, whereas on the Pixel 6, it spans the entire top part of the phone.
When it comes to size, the Pixel 6 is bigger and heavier due to having a bigger 6.4-inch screen (more on their displays below). The Google Pixel 6 dimensions and weight are as follows: 6.24 x 2.94 x 0.35 inches and 7.30 oz. Compared to those, the Google Pixel 5 measures only 5.7 x 2.77 x 0.31 inches and weighs only 5.33 oz. The Google Pixel 5 is much easier to use with one hand due to the size difference.
As for build quality, the newer Google Pixel 6 has a more premium construction. It has an aluminum frame and a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus and 6, respectively). On the other hand, the Pixel 5 has an aluminum frame and back and a glass front (Gorilla Glass 6). The Google Pixel 6 has a more premium feel to it, but it’s a lot more slippery to hold than the Pixel 5, which has resin applied on top of its metal build.
Display
The Pixel 6 AMOLED screen is brighter and more color accurate than the OLED display of the Pixel 5.
One of the most notable upgrades on the Pixel 6 is its display quality. The Google Pixel 6 sports a full HD 6.4-inch AMOLED screen, whereas the Google Pixel 5 has a full HD 6-inch OLED screen. The Pixel 6’s AMOLED screen has more accurate colors and higher brightness, so it won’t struggle as much under direct sunlight. Also, the increase in size is a welcome upgrade if you prefer a bigger phone.
Both phones have a 90Hz screen, so scrolling and using them will feel smooth. While they aren’t as fast as the 120Hz screen of the Google Pixel 6 Pro, 90Hz is still a huge leap from 60Hz.
Performance and Hardware
The Pixel 6 camera is much better, especially in low light environments.
With the Google Pixel 6, Google moved away from Qualcomm chipsets and manufactured their own mobile SoC, the Google Tensor. In terms of performance, the Tensor chip is definitely an improvement over the Snapdragon 765G SoC that the Pixel 5 has. Google has stated that it is up to 80% faster than the Snapdragon 765G, and that it is also more efficient to conserve battery life.
Additionally, the Tensor chip works with the Titan M2 security chip more flawlessly to provide better security for your phone. However, the biggest benefits that come with the new Tensor chips are in artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve the “Google Experience.” Features such as speech recognition, Live Translate, and more, are much improved.
When it comes to camera, both phones have a dual setup. However, the Pixel 6 now sports a main camera with 50MP sensor and f/1.9 aperture—a huge upgrade over the outdated main shooter of the Pixel 5. While both of them are able to take detailed images when there’s good lighting, the Pixel 6 does much better in low light and less-than-ideal lighting situations. It produces less noise and it can get more detail from the shadows.
Video performance is also better on the Pixel 6—by a huge margin. Aside from having better colors, the Pixel 6 offers better stabilization and less wobble when you are moving while filming.
Battery Life
Both phones have excellent battery life, but the Pixel 6 has faster charging.
The Google Pixel 6 battery life is excellent, just like the Pixel 5 before it. It sports a 4614 mAh Li-Ion battery, which is an upgrade over the 4080 mAh Li-Po battery of the Pixel 5. The increase in capacity is a welcome upgrade since the Pixel 6 has a larger screen and a more powerful SoC.
When it comes to charging, the Pixel 6 supports 30W fast charging, 21W wireless charging and 5 reverse wireless charging. In comparison, the Pixel 5 supports 18W fast charging, 12W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging. The Pixel 6 is the clear winner in this area. However, one important thing to mention is that the Pixel 6 does not come with a charger in the box, unlike the Pixel 5.
Verdict
The Google Pixel 6 introduces a bunch of substantial upgrades over the Pixel 5, however, if you are still happy with your Pixel 5’s performance, there’s no need to upgrade.
All of the improvements mentioned above make the Google Pixel 6 an excellent phone for the brand. It comes with a more powerful custom SoC, improved storage, better camera modules and improved battery and charging. But are these improvements enough for you to upgrade? If you are using an older phone, the answer is a resounding yes. However, if you are using a recently released phone, like the Pixel 5, and you are happy with it, you shouldn’t feel pressured to upgrade just yet. The Google Pixel 5 still offers very good performance and it won’t suddenly get worse just because the Pixel 6 is released.
FAQs
Yes, unlocked Pixel 6 smartphones are available.
Yes, it has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
Yes, you can use one physical SIM and an eSIM.
Yes, just like the Pixel 5, the Google Pixel 6 supports wireless charging.