Prepare your wallets: The Google Pixel 6 Pro will be 'expensive'

Google officially unveiled the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro yesterday, divulging some juicy details in the process. However, one key detail that went unmentioned was the price. Now, Google’s Rick Osterloh has hinted that the Pixel 6 Pro might be bad news for those wanting a slim price tag.

In an interview with German publication Der Spiegel (via Reddit user u/Dr-Sommer), Osterloh confirms that the Pixel 6 Pro “will be expensive.” The Google SVP of Devices and Services also describes the phone as a “mainstream premium product,” and hints that the higher price supports the “latest technology” in use.

Usually companies play down the price of a product, especially if it’s pricier than previous iterations. But Osterloh seemingly believes it’s a signal of intent by Google.

See the full machine-translated exchange below:

SPIEGEL: Google has been selling its own smartphones since 2010. Are the new devices an attempt to gain market share in the premium segment?

Osterloh: We haven’t been in the flagship smartphone segment for the past two years – and before that, not really. But the Pixel 6 Pro, which will be expensive, was designed specifically for users who want the latest technology. That’s an important, new approach for us, and we believe it will help us be attractive in new market segments. But the Pixel 6 also belongs to the upper segment and can keep up with competing products. I would describe it as a “mainstream premium product”.

Pixel 6 Pro: A proper Google flagship?

Google has traditionally priced its top-end smartphone products well below its competitors, mainly as the firm rarely focused on true flagship hardware and features.

See also: How Google Pixel prices for phones changed over the years

At $699, the Snapdragon 765G-powered Pixel 5 competed against the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and OnePlus Nord at launch. Both are excellent devices, but neither are regarded as the pinnacle of their companies’ offerings. The Pixel 6 Pro seemingly heralds a change to Google’s philosophy.

We already have some idea of what to expect, too. Early hands-on details point to a 120Hz 6.7-inch QHD+ display with Google’s custom Tensor SoC. New camera hardware is expected, complete with a 4x optical zoom snapper.

Of course, Osterloh doesn’t give us an actual number, even when asked by Der Spiegel, so “expensive” is really up to interpretation. But if Google really is gunning for the true flagship market, the Pixel 6 Pro could be the first device in its family to break the $1,000 barrier.

Where do you think Google will price the Pixel 6 Pro? How much would you be willing to pay? Be sure to vote in our poll above.