The Google Pixel 6 is a highly anticipated device, marking a significant shift for Google in terms of design, hardware, and software integration. As one of the flagship phones of 2021, it represents Google’s commitment to delivering a smartphone experience that is distinctively different from its predecessors and competitors. In this review, we’ll dive deep into its features, performance, and what sets it apart from the crowded smartphone market.
Starting with the design, the Pixel 6 is a departure from the previous Pixel designs. Google has embraced a more modern and bold aesthetic, with a two-tone color scheme and a prominent camera bar that stretches across the back of the device. This design choice makes the phone instantly recognizable and gives it a unique identity. The materials used in the construction include Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back, which adds to the premium feel of the phone. The aluminum frame further enhances its durability, making it a sturdy device that can withstand everyday use.
The 6.4-inch OLED display on the Pixel 6 is another area where Google has made improvements. It features a Full HD+ resolution, which offers sharp and vibrant visuals. The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and animations, though it’s not as fast as the 120Hz displays seen on some competing smartphones. However, for most users, the 90Hz refresh rate strikes a good balance between battery life and performance. The display is bright enough for outdoor use, and the colors are accurate and vivid, making it great for media consumption, gaming, and general usage.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 6 is the new Google Tensor chip, which is Google’s first in-house processor. This marks a significant shift away from the Qualcomm Snapdragon processors that Google has used in the past. The Tensor chip is designed to optimize AI and machine learning tasks, which are central to the Pixel experience. In practice, this translates to faster and more efficient processing of tasks like image processing, voice recognition, and real-time translation. The phone feels snappy and responsive, handling multitasking with ease. Apps open quickly, and switching between them is seamless. Google has clearly optimized the software to work in harmony with the Tensor chip, resulting in a smooth and fluid user experience.
The camera system on the Pixel 6 is where Google continues to shine. The Pixel lineup has always been known for its exceptional camera performance, and the Pixel 6 is no exception. The phone features a dual-camera setup, with a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor. The 50MP sensor captures a tremendous amount of detail, and the colors are vibrant yet true to life. Google’s computational photography algorithms work their magic here, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Night Sight, Google’s low-light photography mode, is better than ever, allowing users to take clear and detailed photos even in near darkness. The ultra-wide camera is a welcome addition, allowing for more versatile photography, especially in landscape and group shots.
Portrait mode on the Pixel 6 has also seen improvements. The phone does an excellent job of separating the subject from the background, creating a pleasing bokeh effect that mimics the look of a professional camera. The edge detection is precise, and the photos taken in portrait mode look sharp and natural. Video recording has also been improved, with the Pixel 6 supporting 4K video at 60fps. The footage is smooth and stable, thanks to the improved optical and electronic image stabilization.
Google has also introduced a new feature called Magic Eraser, which allows users to remove unwanted objects or people from photos with just a few taps. This is a powerful tool that showcases the capabilities of Google’s AI and machine learning. In practice, it works surprisingly well for simple edits, though more complex scenes may require some manual adjustments. Nevertheless, it’s a fun and useful feature that adds to the Pixel 6’s photography prowess.
In terms of software, the Pixel 6 runs on Android 12, which brings a host of new features and improvements. One of the most noticeable changes is the new Material You design language, which allows for greater customization of the user interface. Users can change the color scheme of the entire system based on their wallpaper, and the result is a more personalized and cohesive look. The animations and transitions in Android 12 feel smooth and polished, adding to the overall fluidity of the device.
Privacy and security are also at the forefront of Android 12. Google has added several new privacy features, including a privacy dashboard that gives users a clear overview of which apps have access to sensitive information like location, camera, and microphone. There’s also an indicator that shows when an app is using the camera or microphone, similar to what we’ve seen on iOS. Google has also promised at least five years of security updates for the Pixel 6, which is a significant commitment and provides peace of mind for users who prioritize long-term security.
Battery life on the Pixel 6 is solid but not exceptional. The phone is equipped with a 4,614mAh battery, which is more than enough to get through a full day of moderate usage. However, heavy users might find themselves needing to top up the battery by the evening. The phone supports fast charging up to 30W, but it’s worth noting that Google does not include a charger in the box, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you don’t already have a compatible charger. The Pixel 6 also supports wireless charging, which is a convenient feature for those who prefer a cable-free experience.
In terms of connectivity, the Pixel 6 supports 5G, though it’s worth noting that only the Pro model supports the faster mmWave 5G. For most users, the Sub-6 5G available on the Pixel 6 will be more than sufficient, as mmWave 5G coverage is still limited in most areas. The phone also includes Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC, ensuring that it’s future-proof in terms of wireless connectivity.
One area where the Pixel 6 falls short is in its fingerprint scanner. Google has opted for an under-display fingerprint sensor, which is slower and less reliable than some of the competition. Users may find that the fingerprint sensor occasionally fails to recognize their fingerprint on the first attempt, which can be frustrating. This is an area where Google could make improvements in future software updates or hardware iterations.
The Pixel 6 is priced competitively, especially considering the premium features it offers. It sits in the mid-to-high-end range of smartphones, making it a great option for users who want flagship-level performance without paying top-tier prices. When compared to other flagship devices from Apple or Samsung, the Pixel 6 offers excellent value for money, especially for those who prioritize camera performance and a clean Android experience.
In terms of competition, the Pixel 6 finds itself up against devices like the Samsung Galaxy S21 and the iPhone 13. Each of these phones has its strengths and weaknesses, but the Pixel 6 holds its own, particularly in terms of software experience and camera capabilities. The Galaxy S21 offers a higher refresh rate display and more versatile camera hardware, while the iPhone 13 is known for its tight hardware-software integration and ecosystem. However, the Pixel 6’s combination of Google’s AI-driven features, unique design, and competitive price point make it a strong contender in the flagship market.
One aspect that sets the Pixel 6 apart from many other Android devices is the software experience. Since it’s a Google-made device, the Pixel 6 runs a clean, bloatware-free version of Android. This not only ensures a smooth and responsive user experience but also means that Pixel users are the first to receive new Android updates and features. Google has also added some exclusive features to the Pixel 6, such as the Call Screen, which allows Google Assistant to screen spam calls, and Hold for Me, where the Assistant can wait on hold during customer service calls and alert you when a representative is available.
The Google Pixel 6 is a phone that excels in many areas, from its bold design to its impressive camera capabilities. The introduction of the Google Tensor chip marks a new chapter for Google in terms of hardware, allowing the company to better integrate its AI and machine learning advancements into the smartphone experience. While it’s not without its flaws—such as the less-than-perfect fingerprint scanner and good-but-not-great battery life—the Pixel 6 offers excellent value for those looking for a flagship-level device without paying the premium prices of its competitors.
For users who prioritize photography, the Pixel 6 is hard to beat. Google’s computational photography continues to lead the industry, delivering stunning photos in almost any condition. The addition of features like Magic Eraser and the ultra-wide camera only adds to the versatility of the phone’s camera system. Beyond photography, the clean software experience, fast performance, and future-proof connectivity options make the Pixel 6 a solid choice for most users.
