No, the iPhone 13 series isn’t the phone I’m most thrilled about this year. My emphasis is on the Google Pixel 6 series, with the Pro variant being Google’s first ultra-premium flagship. In addition to the high-resolution display and high refresh rate (HRR), the Pro model includes the newest Android 12 software and has wireless charging and a stylish design. Google has already unveiled the most crucial features of the Pixel 6 range, but more is yet to come. We got fresh information regarding the Pixel 6 Pro today from an unknown leaker.
Google Pixel 6 Pro features:
As for Active Edge (squeezable edges) and Battery Share (reverse wireless charging), our insider clarified that the Pixel 6 supports both. No, at least not on the Pro model. Sadly, you can’t squeeze the Pixel 6 Pro’s edges to activate Google Assistant. However, the new Quick Touch feature in Android 12 allows you to double-tap the device’s back to activate the Assistant (among other things). But there is Battery Share.
Display & Processor:
We also saw the Pixel 6 Pro’s display choices. Smooth Display has been upgraded to accommodate the Pixel 6 Pro’s 120Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 6 Pro’s native resolution is 3120 x 1440, and it can run at 120Hz or 1440p. But we don’t know whether the Pixel 6 Pro has variable refresh rates or separate display modes. When the Always On Display is enabled, the refresh rate may drop to 10 or 30Hz.
Earlier this year, we revealed that the Pixel 6 series will feature ultra-wideband (UWB), a short-range wireless communication technology helpful for pinpointing adjacent objects. Samsung, Apple, and others use UWB to detect UWB-equipped trackers, but Google hasn’t announced plans to develop its own tile tracker. As for digital vehicle keys, we know the firm is working on them for NFC or UWB. The Pixel 6 Pro comes preloaded with digital vehicle key software, and the UWB hardware is made by Qorvo, an American semiconductor firm.
The Pixel 6 series is anticipated to utilize a Samsung 5G modem, which firmware research indicates is linked to the Exynos 5123. We discovered another reference to “g5123b” in the phone’s radio firmware, which confirms our result. The Pixel 6 series to enable mmWave 5G, at least in the US.
Last week, a Geekbench score from the Pixel 6 Pro surfaced online, but many questioned its authenticity. Geekbench recommends a 2x2x4 core setup with 2 cores at 2.80GHz, 2 at 2.25GHz, and 4 at 1.80GHz. The RAM was 12GB and the GPU was Mali-G78. The GPU will be the Mali-G78, clocked at up to 848MHz. Google previously disclosed the GPU, so this isn’t surprising.
Camera & Connectivity:
We can also confirm the camera specifications, which feature a triple back camera system and a single camera on the front, hidden by a hole-punch cutout in the top center. The Pixel 6 Pro will feature a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP wide-angle camera, and a 48MP telephoto camera. Google already revealed 4X optical zoom. The front camera may be a 12MP Sony IMX663 sensor.
We can confirm the battery capacity, one of the storage options, Wi-Fi spec, fingerprint scanner type, and audio amplifier. In addition to the 5000mAh battery, the Pixel 6 Pro will feature Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz) compatibility, an optical under-display fingerprint sensor from Goodix, and the Cirrus Logic CS35L41 amp.
We’re still waiting on certain specifics, but we know that the Pixel 6’s bootloader is code-named “slider,” the new TPU is code-named “abrolhos,” and the new camera may have “baby mode” and motion deblur.
Finally, the Pixel 6 Pro firmware is based on Linux kernel 5.10. This aligns with the claim of 5 years of software upgrades. If the 5-year rumor is accurate, Google will cease releasing security updates for the 5.10 LTS kernel in 2026.
