The ‘Pixel 6 Pro’ might be called the ‘Pixel 6 XL’ after all

The references to Google’s upcoming phones were quickly pulled.

What you need to know

• An Android 12 document spotted today referenced the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 XL.
• Google has since re-released the form without a reference to the Pixel 6.
• The 2021 Pixels are currently expected to be called the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

Google is expected to launch at least two new flagship Pixels this year, and a new slip from the company may let us know they are called. Spotted by the folks over at 9to5Google, Google shared a Google Forms link to game developers regarding Pixel-specific optimizations. In said form, one question referenced “Pixel 6, Pixel 6 XL” before quickly pulling it and re-releasing it without the names.

While rumors have pointed to Google calling its 2021 phones the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, there are a few reasons why it may choose otherwise. The company has stuck with XL for its bigger and more powerful phones in the past. This ran from the Pixel (2016) all the way to the Pixel 4 and 4 XL in 2019. Returning to the XL nomenclature after skipping over an XL phone in 2020 would make sense for a company that wants to make a triumphant return to the flagship market.

While many of the best Android phones are shipped with “Pro” models, Google has always been the one to zig where others zag, for better or for worse. It’s also important to note that rumors about little marketing details such as names may not pan out as companies market test new names.

Whether Pro, XL, Pro Plus, or Plus Ultra, we’ll find out what the Pixel 6 series are really called by October if Google’s prior events are to be our guides.

Pixel 5

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If you’re not one to indulge in the likely to be expensive Pixel 6, the Pixel 5 has everything you’ll need in a phone. From a beautiful 90Hz OLED display to an excellent and flexible camera, this is one pocketable smartphone that won’t break the bank.