The Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro have been around for a little while in Australia, officially launching back in 2021. Both devices now have newer iterations in the form of the Google Pixel 7 and the Google Pixel 7 Pro, so it’s worth asking – is the Pixel 6 series still worth buying?
We’ve taken a close look at what Pixel 6 plans the telcos are offering, and we’ve found that you’re probably better off with a Google Pixel 7 plan instead. We found that it’s actually cheaper to sign up to the Pixel 7 on a plan with Vodafone than it is to get the Pixel 6, and why wouldn’t you want to go with the newer, cheaper option?
If you still want either the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, then you’re probably better off buying the device outright. This way, you’ll be able to pair the phone with a SIM-only plan, and there’s lots of cheaper options available than what you’ll find at Telstra, Optus or Vodafone. However, stock of the handset is starting to dry up, and we only recommend buying outright if you can find it on sale, at 15% off or more.
Noteworthy Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro deals
We don’t recommend you buy either the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro on a plan, however, these are the outright deals you should know about:
- Google | save AU$150 on the Google Pixel 6 (from AU$849)
- Google | save AU$300 on the Google Pixel 6 Pro (from AU$999)
Best Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro plans: our picks
Best overall Google Pixel 6 Pro plan
Best overall Google Pixel 6 plan
Are there any cheap Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro plans?
No, we haven’t seen any cheap Google Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro plans at the time of writing. In fact, we’ve found that you can get the newer Pixel 7 Pro on a plan for the same price as the Pixel 6 Pro. There’s even less reason to sign up for the Google Pixel 6, as you can get the latest Pixel 7 on a plan for cheaper.
Outright Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro deals
The regular Google Pixel 6 is available in a 128GB configuration for AU$999 and a 256GB model for AU$1,129. It’s available in black, light green and coral.
The Google 6 Pro has a 128GB model for AU$1,299, a 256GB configuration for AU$1,449 and a massive 512GB option for AU$1,599. It’s available in black, white and light yellow.
Outright Google Pixel 6
Outright Google Pixel 6 Pro
Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro: review in brief
Google Pixel 6 at a glance: what you need to know
OS: Android | Screen size: 6.4-inch OLED (up to 90Hz) | Resolution: 2400 x 1080 | CPU: Google Tensor | Memory: 8GB RAM | Weight: 207g |Storage: 128GB / 256GB | Battery: 4,600mAh | Rear camera: 50MP wide (ƒ/1.85), 12MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.2) | Front camera: 8MP (ƒ/2.0)
As the more affordable of the two devices, the Google Pixel 6 stands out to those that want a powerful smartphone at a more affordable price point.
While it won’t compete with the flagships of the world, there are a lot of promising specs onboard. The 6.4-inch FHD+ display, while not as impressive as some other more expensive devices, will look bright and clear. That paired with up to 90Hz refresh rate will provide fluid movement as you swipe around the phone’s interface.
Google promises a 24-hour battery life from the 4,600mAh battery and up to 30% charge in 30 minutes. That paired with the 8GB RAM 'Google Tensor' processor means this device should be capable of operating most apps without lag or any major trouble.
Google has fully committed to the security of this device, using end-to-end security along with anti-phishing and malware protection, multi-layer hardware security and plenty more.
The dual camera setup provides impressive camera performance. While not as powerful as what Samsung and Apple can offer, it is still likely to be one of the best around.
Read our full Google Pixel 6 review
Google Pixel 6 Pro at a glance: what you need to know
OS: Android | Screen size: 6.7-inch OLED (up to 120Hz) | Resolution: 3120 x 1440 | CPU: Google Tensor | Memory: 12GB RAM | Weight: 210g | Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | Battery: 5,000mAh | Rear camera: 50MP wide (ƒ/1.85), 12MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.2) / 48MP telephoto (ƒ/3.5) | Front camera: 11MP (ƒ/2.2)
Step up to the more powerful Google Pixel 6 Pro and you’ll get a very similar package to the regular Pixel 6, just with some key upgrades in the more important categories.
The most obvious upgrade is in the size and display. The Google Pixel 6 Pro comes in at an impressive 6.7-inches with a QHD display. It also upgrades to a refresh rate of up to 120Hz for the display, for even faster and cleaner movement around your phone’s apps and operating system.
There are also improvements in both the battery life and charging rates. You’ll be getting a 5000mAh battery and the ability to charge up to 50% of juice in 30 minutes.
As for the camera, like the Google Pixel 6, the Pixel 6 Pro model includes a 50MP wide camera and 12MP ultrawide camera. However, the Pro model also includes a 48MP telephoto lens with a zoom of up to 20x.
This phone was the first genuinely top-tier phone from Google, though it’s since been replaced by the newer Pixel 7 Pro.
Read our full Google Pixel 6 Pro review
