WolkyTech

Google Pixel 6 leak just revealed a major upgrade

Smartphones

The Google Pixel 6 could get a significant graphics upgrade over the Pixel 5 and GPU power to compete with the Samsung Galaxy S21.

This is due to a now-deleted memo that XDA discovered in Google's internal bug tracker, referring to a device called the P21 (possibly the Pixel 6) and suggesting that Google's next phone could have a Mali-G78 GPU. This is the same powerful graphics processor as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 used in the Oppo Find X3 Pro and other devices.

However, because GPUs come in a variety of configurations, it is not possible to read from the current information whether the Pixel 6 will have graphics performance directly comparable to other 2021 Android flagship models like the Galaxy S21 and OnePlus 9 Pro. The Mali-G78 in the Pixel 6 may have a different clock speed and core count, meaning it may run faster or slower than the GPU in the Galaxy S21.

Still, the leak is interesting for Pixel users, whose main criticism of the Pixel 5 was its use of the mid-range Snapdragon 765G with the Adreno 620 GPU. This is a capable chipset, but it does not offer racy performance when compared to other high-end Android phones. This level of performance is fine for some of our best budget phones. But not so with a phone priced at $699, given that Samsung's Galaxy S20 FE has a more powerful chip for the same amount of money.

The Mali-G78 is more powerful, but it remains to be seen what kind of performance Google will be able to extract from it if it indeed makes it into the Pixel 6.

This leak is good news for mobile gamers, as the upgraded CPU and Android 12 game mode should make gaming run better on the Pixel 6 than on previous models.

Rumors suggest that Google is working with Samsung to develop a custom chipset called Whitechapel for the Pixel 6. This would add fuel to the Mali-G78 leak fire, especially if Samsung uses an Exynos design for this chipset. Combined with this GPU, rumors of a redesigned design, an Android 12 overhaul, and an enhanced camera system, the Pixel 6 is likely to be a departure from previous models.