Google’s flagship Pixel phones may not come to India – Times of India

Google dropped a big teaser on what to expect from its Pixel 6 series of smartphones. Among other things, the Pixel 6 series will be powered by Google’s own processor rather than a Qualcomm one. Google hasn’t confirmed but it looks like India may miss out on the flagship Pixel phones yet again. According to a report by 9to5Google, only 8 countries will get the Pixel phones after its launch event later this year. The eight countries are Canada, Australia, the US, the UK, France, Germany, Japan and Taiwan.
India doesn’t figure on the list as of now and it won’t be a surprise at all if the phones don’t arrive later as well. For the past two years, Google hasn’t launched its ‘premium’ Pixel phones in the country. Rather it has focused on the affordable premium phones, the Pixel ‘a’ series.
At the launch of previous-generation Pixel phones, Google had said that there was a certain tech — Project Soli — that wasn’t approved in India. We aren’t sure what might be the reason this time around. Google’s strategy for India has been to target the affordable premium segment rather than the premium segment.
As far as Pixel 6 series is concerned, the phones are expected to launch in September or October this year. The phones will be powered by Tensor, Google’s first custom-built SoC specifically for Pixel phones. Speaking about the design and camera of the phones, Rick Osterloh, senior vice president, devices and services, Google, said, “These new phones redefine what it means to be a Pixel. From the new design that combines the same beautiful aesthetic across software and hardware with Android 12, to the new Tensor SoC, everything about using the Pixel is better.”
Google also upgraded the rear camera system. “The improved sensors and lenses are now too big to fit into the traditional square — so the new design gives the whole camera system a new home with the camera bar,” said Osterloh in a blog post.