Google Pixel 6 could crash iPhone 13 party with launch [Update]

Google Pixel 6
(Image credit: Google)

The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have been tipped to arrive on September 13, or at least it was but leaker Jon Prosser claims his sources have the next Google phones coming in October

A tipster originally posted on Chinese social media site Weibo that the brace of Pixel phones would arrive a mere day before Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 13.  This person claims that Google will hold its international Pixel 6 press conference on September 13. 

However, in response Prosser, who cites his onw sources but doesn't explained where they are from, has claimed the the Pixel 6 series will be available for pre-order on October 19, with the retail launch happening on October 28. And the leaker noted that the full reveal of the Pixel 6 range could also be made on the same day pre-orders go live. 

This would make snese as Google has launched pervious Pixel phones in October, and we see no reason why it would change tact. It would also be unwise for Google to reveal a phone so close to the potential next iPhone reveal, as Apple's phone is a bit of a headline stealer. 

Not only is the iPhone 13 expected to take all the attention for next month, but rumors over the weekend said that Samsung is planning to launch the Galaxy S21 FE in September. That phone is tipped to be a more affordable Galaxy S21, and could really give the Pixel 6 a run for its money (depending on how Google structures pricing).

Among other key specs, the S21 FE should have a Snapdragon 888 processor, making for a very powerful phone — we're still not sure how Google's new Tensor system-on-chip for the Pixel 6 will compare to Qualcomm's best silicon. It's anyone's guess right now.

And of course, the world at large will be focused on the iPhone 13, which we believe will see some important upgrades, especially on the Pro models. The Pixel 6 simply won't have the weight of Apple's flagship phone, so it seems a bit silly and short-sighted to attempt to steal Apple's thunder.

What we expect for the Pixel 6

Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro

(Image credit: Google)

Google has already spilled some of the beans on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Both phones will feature the new Tensor processor, which Google allegedly designed in tandem with Samsung. Tensor will supposedly focus on AI and machine learning, potentially making the Pixel 6 the most powerful phone ever in that regard.

Performance-wise, Tensor is not expected to outdo the Snapdragon 888 or A14 Bionic (certainly not the upcoming A15 Bionic). But with Google controlling the hardware, the Pixel 6 could be a unique Android phone. For starters, it could equal longer support, with some rumors claiming that Google will back the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro for five years with updates.

Both phones should have 50MP main cameras with a 12MP ultrawide. The Pixel 6 Pro should have a 48MP telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom. We think that this hardware combined with Google's existing computational photography prowess will make the Pixel 6 one of the best camera phones.

The smaller Pixel 6 is expected to have a 6.4-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, along with a 4,614 mAh battery. We anticipate that the Pixel 6 Pro will have a larger 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

From all appearances, Google is going all out with the Pixel 6 with a wholly new design and true flagship specs. Of course, the company has also alluded to true flagship pricing, too, which might disappoint some Pixel fans. Google is also allegedly planning to push the Pixel 6 hard in terms of marketing. We'll just have to see.

Roland Moore-Colyer

Roland Moore-Colyer a Managing Editor at Tom’s Guide with a focus on news, features and opinion articles. He often writes about gaming, phones, laptops and other bits of hardware; he’s also got an interest in cars. When not at his desk Roland can be found wandering around London, often with a look of curiosity on his face.