Tag: Pixel 6

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Mobile Syrup

Bell, Virgin release Pixel 6 and 6 Pro pricing 10 days late

Bell and its flanker brand Virgin Plus have finally released Pixel 6 and 6 Pro pricing after basically skipping the pre-order period.

If you were expecting any crazy awesome pricing, well, I’ve got some bad news. Bell appears to be more or less in line with Rogers and Telus on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro cost.

The Pixel 6 starts at $0 down with $28.30/mo financing ($679.20 over the 24-month term). On the surface, it sounds like a deal, but that pricing is based on Bell’s Device Return Option. In other words, at the end of the two-year contract, you’ll either need to give back the phone or pay $120 to keep in. All in, that means you’d get the phone for $799.20 from Bell through financing, which is the same as buying the phone outright from Google.

If you don’t do the Device Return Option, the monthly financing cost jumps to $33.30 (which works out to $799.20 over two years).

The story is very similar with the Pixel 6 Pro, which also costs $0 upfront and $39.12/mo financing ($938.88 after 24 months). Adding on the Device Return Option fee of $240 brings the grand total to $1,178.88, just a few cents shy of the $1,179 outright price for the Pixel 6 Pro. If you don’t do the Device Return Option, you’re looking at $49.12/mo financing ($1,178.88 total).

Keep in mind that this is all on top of at least an $80/mo plan.

At Virgin Mobile, the Pixel 6 costs $0 upfront and $33.30/mo financing ($799.20 over two years), but plans start at a lower $50/mo. In other words, while the phone costs the same, Virgin Plus customers can get a little relief on the monthly cost.

For the Pixel 6 Pro, Virgin charges $379 upfront plus $33.34/mo financing ($1,179.16 total).

Those interested can check out the Pixel 6 Pro pricing for all carriers offering the phones here.

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Mobile Syrup

Several Pixel 6/6 Pro owners reporting display flickers, green tints and more

Another Pixel, another problem.

It, unfortunately, seems that Google’s Pixel line has a knack for issues at launch and this year’s Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are, unfortunately no different. Several reports are cropping up from sources like Reddit of people with display issues on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.

GSMArena detailed a few different cases, including a screen flicker issue when the phone is turned off, a green display tint and, in one case a Pixel 6 Pro display adding another hole-punch cut-out. Android Police also reported on the screen flickering issue.

Let’s start with the screen flickering issue. This one primarily appears to affect the Pixel 6 Pro, judging by the reports from users on Reddit. Android Police does note that the people occupying smartphone subreddits might be enthusiasts who are more likely to buy a Pixel 6 Pro, which could be why the issue is skewed in that direction. I can confirm my Pixel 6 doesn’t have this issue (and neither does Dean Daley’s Pixel 6 Pro for that matter).

For most impacted users, pressing the power button on the Pixel 6 Pro causes the screen to flicker — one video shows green lines briefly appearing on the screen. So far, it seems specific to the power button, although one user did report the issue happening while the phone was on, which is more concerning. Redditors also suggested the problem could be caused by static discharge, but it’s still not entirely clear what’s causing the problem.

Green display tints and other issues

Source: GSMArena

Although my Pixel 6 didn’t exhibit the screen flickering issue as described above, it did have some other display problems. First, as I noted in the review, I saw a flicker issue on the display when in use under direct sunlight. Since posting the review, I’ve also noticed a very slight flicker when using dark mode in apps with a grey background, although this appears to be related to the phone shifting between 60Hz and 90Hz refresh rates (locking the Pixel 6 to one refresh rate stops that from happening).

My Pixel 6 also has a green tint at low brightness on dark grey screens, although not as severe as what was reported by GSM. Green tints aren’t uncommon on OLED panels and I’ve seen this issue before (including on previous Google phones like the Pixel 4). Still, it’s a frustrating issue, especially if you encounter it on your new, expensive smartphone.

Finally, the display cut-out issue seems like more of a one-off, but it’s still strange to see. I haven’t encountered anything like that, even when I was messing around with Android’s built-in display cut-out simulator in the developer options screen.

Source: Reddit, (2), (3), Mark Schramm (Twitter), Via: GSMArena, Android Police

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Mobile Syrup

Google’s Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are now available in Canada

Google’s Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are now available at Google’s Store, carriers and retailers like Best Buy across Canada.

The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro cost $799 and $1,179 in Canada, respectively, directly through Google (the smartphone is likely sold out).

Pixel 6 Pro

Pixel 6 Pro

Display

6.71-inch, (1440 x 3120) LTPO AMOLED display, 512ppi, 120Hz refresh rate

6.71-inch, (1440 x 3120) LTPO AMOLED display, 512ppi, 120Hz refresh rate

Processor

Tensor

Tensor

RAM

12GB of RAM

12GB of RAM

Storage

128GB, 256GB

128GB, 256GB

Dimensions (in.)

163.9 x 75.8 x 8.9mm

163.9 x 75.8 x 8.9mm

Weight

Rear Facing Camera

50-megapixel (primary) + 48-megapixel (telelphoto, x4 zoom) + 12-megapixel (ultrawide)

50-megapixel (primary) + 48-megapixel (telelphoto, x4 zoom) + 12-megapixel (ultrawide)

Front Facing Camera

11.1-megapixel

11.1-megapixel

OS

Android 12

Android 12

Battery

5,000mAh

5,000mAh

Network Connectivity

LTE/ 5G

LTE/ 5G

Sensors

Fingerprint (in-display), accelerometor, gyro, proximity, compass

Fingerprint (in-display), accelerometor, gyro, proximity, compass

SIM Type

Nano SIM, eSIM

Nano SIM, eSIM

Launch Date

October 28, 2021

October 28, 2021

Misc

Colours: Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny, Stormy Black | IP68 water and dust resistance

Colours: Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny, Stormy Black | IP68 water and dust resistance

Display

Pixel 6 Pro

6.71-inch, (1440 x 3120) LTPO AMOLED display, 512ppi, 120Hz refresh rate

Pixel 6 Pro

6.71-inch, (1440 x 3120) LTPO AMOLED display, 512ppi, 120Hz refresh rate

Processor

Pixel 6 Pro

Tensor

Pixel 6 Pro

Tensor

RAM

Pixel 6 Pro

12GB of RAM

Pixel 6 Pro

12GB of RAM

Storage

Pixel 6 Pro

128GB, 256GB

Pixel 6 Pro

128GB, 256GB

Dimensions (in.)

Pixel 6 Pro

163.9 x 75.8 x 8.9mm

Pixel 6 Pro

163.9 x 75.8 x 8.9mm

Weight

Pixel 6 Pro

Pixel 6 Pro

Rear Facing Camera

Pixel 6 Pro

50-megapixel (primary) + 48-megapixel (telelphoto, x4 zoom) + 12-megapixel (ultrawide)

Pixel 6 Pro

50-megapixel (primary) + 48-megapixel (telelphoto, x4 zoom) + 12-megapixel (ultrawide)

Front Facing Camera

Pixel 6 Pro

11.1-megapixel

Pixel 6 Pro

11.1-megapixel

OS

Pixel 6 Pro

Android 12

Pixel 6 Pro

Android 12

Battery

Pixel 6 Pro

5,000mAh

Pixel 6 Pro

5,000mAh

Network Connectivity

Pixel 6 Pro

LTE/ 5G

Pixel 6 Pro

LTE/ 5G

Sensors

Pixel 6 Pro

Fingerprint (in-display), accelerometor, gyro, proximity, compass

Pixel 6 Pro

Fingerprint (in-display), accelerometor, gyro, proximity, compass

SIM Type

Pixel 6 Pro

Nano SIM, eSIM

Pixel 6 Pro

Nano SIM, eSIM

Launch Date

Pixel 6 Pro

October 28, 2021

Pixel 6 Pro

October 28, 2021

Misc

Pixel 6 Pro

Colours: Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny, Stormy Black | IP68 water and dust resistance

Pixel 6 Pro

Colours: Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny, Stormy Black | IP68 water and dust resistance

For those not interested in getting the latest Google flagship from Google itself, you can purchase the phones from various Canadian carriers (we’re still waiting on Bell’s Carrier pricing).

You can check out our full reviews for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro on MobileSyrup, alongside our video about Real Tone.

Additionally, you can check out carrier pricing, here.

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though MobileSyrup may earn a commission on purchases made via these links.

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Mobile Syrup

Pixel 6 and 6 Pro owners will need to install day-one update

If you’re among the lucky few who managed to pre-order the Pixel 6 or 6 Pro (or who will get one when they become available tomorrow), get ready to download a day-one update.

According to a post on Google’s ‘Pixel Phone Help’ site, Pixel 6 and 6 Pro owners will need to update their phones “to get all the features.” The post explains that once users complete the phone setup, the update “automatically downloads silently in the background” and will prompt users to reboot the phone once it’s ready.

The post also recommends updating apps to the latest versions as well to ensure access to all features.

The Verge further elaborates, noting that users should look for build number ‘SD1A.210817.036’ (or ‘SD1A.210817.036.A8’ for Verizon customers). You can find that number either by opening the notification shade and swiping down again to reveal the quick settings widgets (the build number will be visible below the widgets but above the edit, power and settings buttons). Alternatively, you can head to Settings > About Phone and scroll to the bottom to see the build number.

Day-one software updates seem to be the norm these days, whether you’re picking up a new phone, laptop, game or other tech. As a reviewer, I’ve started making it common practice to set new devices aside to update after I first set them (I’ve had more than a few scenarios where a laptop performed really poorly because I hadn’t installed some critical software update yet).

As for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, the day-one update is likely the cause behind some of my woes during testing. I noted in my Pixel 6 review that several features weren’t available or didn’t work (I even made sure all my apps were up to date and, as far as the Pixel 6 was concerned, Android was fully updated too). Naturally, after publishing the review, the day-one software update arrived and fixed several problems, although some features still aren’t available because I’m in Canada.

All this is to say, update your phones (and other tech)!

Source: Google Via: The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

Canadian Pixel 6/6 Pro devices won’t have new call features are launch

Unfortunately (and unsurprisingly) for Canadian Pixel 6 and 6 Pro owners, the new calling features won’t be available at launch in Canada.

Google confirmed to MobileSyrup that ‘Direct my Call’ and ‘Wait Times’ “will be rolling out in Canada,” but didn’t provide any detail about when that would happen.

The company’s popular ‘Call Screen’ feature has been available in Canada for a while, but only in English. The ‘Hold for Me’ feature has also started showing up for Canadian users in recent months.

In other words, it’s not totally uncommon for Pixel call features to skip Canada on release and roll out at a later time. Google tends to be pretty good and bringing these features to Canada, although it doesn’t always.

Still, the confirmation that neither of the fancy new call features will be available in Canada right away is a bummer, although I’m not sure how many people are buying the Pixel 6 or 6 Pro specifically for Direct my Call and Wait Times.

Anyway, Pixel 6 and 6 Pro users will want to grab a day-one software update once they finish setting up their phones to make sure they get all the fancy new features that are coming to Canada, such as Magic Eraser. Those interested can also read about the Pixel 6 review here and 6 Pro review here.

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Mobile Syrup

Did you pre-order Google’s Pixel 6/6 Pro?

Google has finally unveiled its Pixel 6 and 6 Pro flagship smartphones.

Both devices offer great specs and top-of-the-line features, including Google’s Tensor chip, 12GB of RAM for the Pro model, a trio camera setup (also for the Pro model), large batteries and more. The pair of smartphones also feature a sleek new design and up to 256GB of storage. Additionally, the Pixel 6 Pro sports a 120Hz display refresh rate, while the Pixel 6 sports a 90Hz refresh rate.

With all of this in mind, the most intriguing aspect of the Pixel 6 series is its reasonable pricing: the Pixel 6 Pro costs $1,179 and the Pixel 6 costs $799.

Did you buy a Pixel 6/6 Pro, and if so, which device and why? The Pixel 6 Pro is already sold out in the Canadian Google Store, so a lot of people are definitely interested in the handsets.

I’m currently testing the Pixel 6 Pro for my review (coming soon), but I would love to hear your thoughts on Google’s latest flagships.

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Mobile Syrup

You can use MagSafe on a Pixel 6 with the right case

Accessory maker Moment has launched a new slate of cases for the Pixel 6 series of phones that allows them to work with Apple MagSafe accessories.

The company is labelling the cases with (M)Force branding, and not only do they allow for basic accessories like the MagSafe Wallet to be attached to the back of the phone, but they even work with the MagSafe Wireless charger. You can see this below, as demonstrated by David Imel from the MKBHD Studio on Twitter.

So far, the company is only selling one magnetic accessory compatible case for each of the new Pixel phones in black. However, Moment does sell its iPhone 13 cases in more colours, so perhaps the company may add some colours to these if they’re popular enough. I also used a Moment case on my iPhone 12 and liked how the rubbery plastic felt to touch.

Overall, it’s a really smart move for case makers and even other phone manufacturers to usurp the MagSafe accessories. When Apple announced them, it seemed like another way to lock people into the iPhone ecosystem. Now that the Pixel can use the same accessories with a case, it breaks down that barrier and, potentially, means that all phones could use MagSafe with the right case.

This is excellent news for me since I’m obsessed with my PopWallet+ with MagSafe. The Moment cases cost $49.99 USD (roughly $61 CAD).

Source: @DurvidImel

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Mobile Syrup

Google launches new case style for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro

Google is introducing a new type of case designed for its recently revealed Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones.

The Pixel 6 series’ cases are dual-layered and feature raised edges to guard the device. They’re also made of shock-absorbing materials that wrap around each corner of the Pixel 6 series.

Google says it made the cases transparent so that you can still see the Pixel 6/6 Pro, while creating a new colour with the contrasting hue.

With my ‘Stormy Black’ Pixel 6 Pro and ‘Soft Sage’ case, this combination makes an odd grey colour I’m not the biggest fan of. However, the right combination of colour and case could probably still look great.

Both the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro cases cost $39.

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Mobile Syrup

Google only promises three years of Android updates for Pixel 6/6 Pro

Thanks to a Google support page, we now know that the company’s fancy new Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will only get three years of Android OS upgrades (i.e. Android 12) just like previous Pixel phones.

It’s a real bummer to hear given that Google’s been talking up how the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will get five years of security updates, a more impressive promise that comes much closer to Apple’s frankly ludicrous level of support (2015’s iPhone 6S got iOS 15 this year, marking six years of software support).

Android Police spotted the Google support page, which says that the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will get “Guaranteed” Android version updates “until at least” October 2024. Google also guarantees security updates until October 2026 on the same page.

There is a glimmer of hope here — Google says “at least.” That could mean the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will get updates beyond that timeframe, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

What makes this particularly frustrating is that thanks to the new Tensor chip in the Pixel 6 line, Google has much more control over the Pixel hardware stack. PCMag’s lead analyst Sascha Segan tweeted that Google has previously had issues with the lack of drivers and support from chipmakers like Qualcomm and MediaTek for newer Android versions on older phones — something that Google implied it wanted to fix with Tensor.

While I don’t want to detract from the positive of five years of security updates, I also want to make it clear that three years of OS upgrades is simply not enough. Google has put itself in a position to do better — now, it actually should.

Source: Google Via: Android Police

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Google’s 512GB Pixel 6 Pro isn’t available in Canada

Google’s recently revealed Pixel 6 Pro isn’t available in the 512GB variant in Canada.

In the U.S., the Pixel 6 Pro is sold in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage options, but north of the U.S. border, we’re stuck with 128GB and 256GB variants.

It’s unclear why Google didn’t opt to release the 512GB version of the Pixel 6 Pro here, but it likely has something to do with the ongoing chip shortage or that the Canadian market is much smaller than the United States’.

In the U.S., the 512GB model starts at $1,099 USD, which comes to roughly $1,359 CAD.

On the other hand, the Pixel 6 is available in 128GB and 256GB variants both in the U.S. and Canada. If you’ve been trying to buy the sought-after new smartphones through the Google Store, it’s likely the experience hasn’t been entirely smooth. Some would-be Pixel 6 buyers have reported error messages and sometimes inaccurate out-of-stock messages in the store.

The Pixel 6 starts at $799 and the 6 Pro starts at $1,179. Both smartphones will release in Canada on October 28th.