Google unveils Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones starting at $599

It's Google's turn to show off its newest devices.

A month after Apple released the iPhone 13, Google revealed its latest Pixel smartphones during a virtual event Tuesday.

Google is launching two smartphones, the Pixel 6 (starts at $599) with a 6.4-inch display, and the Pixel 6 Pro (starts at $899), with a 6.7-inch display. Both displays are made with Gorilla Glass Victus, promising up to twice the protection of previous Pixel displays. The Pixel 6 Pro's display automatically switches to 120Hz for games and other content needed smooth responses.

Both phones are available for pre-order and arrive at stores on Oct. 28.

Google designed its own processor for the phones, too. The Tensor delivers 80% faster performance than the Pixel 5 phones, the tech giant says.

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Camera upgrades include a sensor that collects 150% more light, the company says. A Face Unblur feature helps capture faces in focus and Google Photo's Magic Eraser lets you remove unwanted things from photos.

The Pixel Pro camera has a telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom and an ultra-wide front camera to make it easier to capture group selfie photos. 

Google promises day-long power from its Adaptive Battery. An Extreme Battery Saver feature also boosts battery life to 48 hours by only keeping your favorite apps running and shutting off other ones. 

Google is also offering an easy way to get a new Pixel 6 smartphone and favorite Google services in one subscription.

The Pixel Pass ($45 monthly with a Pixel 6, $55 with a Pixel 6 Pro) gets you a new smartphone and an upgrade in two years, plus device protection and 200 gigabytes of storage along with an automatic phone backup. You also get YouTube Premium – so you can watch videos without ads -- YouTube Music Premium and Google Play Pass.

Consumers who opt for the pass – available on the Google Store or Google Fi – will save about $100 to $300. Those who buy on Google Fi also save $5 monthly on their wireless bill.

"We started with what is the ideal mobile experience from Google and what things that would come together to give you that," said Chris Breithaupt, project manager for Pixel. "There’s the device, peace of mind that if you drop your phone you can get an easy repair, and then there are these mobile services, YouTube streaming and music streaming, apps and games. It feels like the right set."

The new smartphones arrive as Google struggles to capture a larger slice of the smartphone market, dominated by companies including Apple and Samsung. Google's share of the global smartphone market is less than 1%, said Neil Mawston, executive director of research firm Strategy Analytics.

"Google Pixel smartphones have not taken off in the US or worldwide," said Mawston. "Pixel lacks the premium panache of iPhone and the mass-market retail presence of Samsung or Xiaomi."

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