Much time was spent at the Google Pixel 6 launch on the Tensor processor and what it means for this phone as well as the Pixel 6 Pro Also, since it was a Google event, a lot of energy was devoted to the new camera features based on computational photography, which is Google's specialty

But even if all those changes look impressive, I don't think that's why people are paying more attention to the Pixel 6 than to previous Pixels The main attraction of the Pixel 6 this time around is its low price

The Pixel 6 debuts at $599 for a 128GB phone that features the Tensor chipset and offers an impressive dual-camera display It also has a 64-inch display with a 90 Hz refresh rate; those who want a larger screen that refreshes at 120 Hz and a triple-camera setup can opt for the $899 Pixel 6 Pro

To put these prices in context, the Pixel 6 is a good match on paper with phones like the Galaxy S21 and iPhone 13, but it is significantly cheaper than both of these devices - $200 cheaper in fact Sure, you can get the iPhone 13 mini for $699, but that's still $100 more than the starting price of the Pixel 6 Moreover, not only is Apple's phone a smaller screen, but the mini's refresh rate is stuck at 60 Hz

Also consider that Google launched the Pixel 5 a year ago for $699 The Snapdragon 765G in that device didn't pack much of a punch compared to other flagships, and Tensor is expected to easily outperform that chip As such, Google appears to be charging less for its more powerful phones

Even the more expensive Pixel 6 Pro compares favorably to the competition on price: at $899, the Pixel 6 Pro is $100 cheaper than the Galaxy S21 Plus and iPhone 13 Pro - also offering a telephoto lens and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate Two devices

As a pre-order bonus for the Pixel 6, Google will give away a pair of Pixel Buds A-series earbuds with your order, and T-Mobile will let you claim your Pixel 6 for free with a qualifying trade-in (but you must subscribe to the carrier's most expensive unlimited data plan (There is)

However, there is a rather large caveat to this price, and it helps to understand the background behind the Pixel 6's low price: you can get an unlocked Pixel 6 for $599 through Google, but that version will not work with high-speed millimeter wave-based 5G 5G is supported but the unlocked version of the Pixel 6 can only access 5G bands below 6GHz

To enjoy the benefits of mmWave, one must purchase a version of the phone that works with that type of network To that end, Verizon's mmWave-based Ultra Wideband network sells a version of the Pixel 6 that is super fast and can connect to mmWave Unfortunately, the price is $699, about $100 more than Google's fee; AT&T also offers an mmWave-capable version of the Pixel 6, but this one is even more expensive at $739

Put another way, it appears that would-be Pixel 6 owners are being asked to prioritize between a lower price and a faster 5G connection It seems like an unfair tradeoff, and helps explain why consumers don't seem overly excited about 5G

Then again, mmWave is not for everyone Verizon's high-speed 5G network is only available in some 87 cities, and while T-Mobile's 5G speeds may not reach the heights of millimeter wave-based networks, they are fast enough to qualify as the fastest median 5G download speed in Ookla's latest test results T Mobile also reaches the most people on its 5G network, with the Pixel 6 priced at just $599

That said, the most attractive feature of the Pixel 6 is still its price Yes, you'll have to pay more if you're adamant about having a phone that works with mmWave (though both Verizon and AT&T have deals that lower that cost) But for the vast majority of people, the version of the Pixel 6 that can be purchased starting at $599 will satisfy everything they are looking for in a smartphone, at least on paper

A phone's value is determined by more than its price tag, and we still have to test how the Pixel 6's Tensor processor and revamped camera hold up against competing products But at $599, the Pixel 6 appears to already be off to a good start before our testing even begins