Google Pixel 6 Review: Is This Smartphone Worth the Upgrade?

Google is one of the known names when it comes to producing quality smartphones, and they are also famous for offering these devices at reasonable costs. The Google Pixel 6 is one of their most recent flagship models that have no doubt challenged other devices in the market. 

In this Google Pixel 6 review, I will provide all the information you need to know about the Google Pixel 6 smartphone. This will help you decide if this is the right device for you, especially if you are considering upgrading from an older Google Pixel model to the Google Pixel 6.

Related Post: Google Pixel 6 Pro Review.

Unboxing

The items you will be getting inside the box of your Google Pixel 6 are:

• The Google Pixel 6 itself
• USB type C cable
• Sim ejection tool
• A quick switch adaptor for data transfer
• Documentation 

Design 

The Google Pixel 6 has a unique design camera bump which extends as a black bar across the whole back panel, which is quite incredible to look at. 

This approach to the design allows Google to go for a two-tone look with different colours above and below the camera strip. However, this is not very noticeable in the stormy black finish.

The camera bump sticks out quite a bit from the back and can be a lint magnet. Since it is all the way across, it does not make the phone wobble while sitting on a desk.

You can get the Google Pixel 6 in three beautiful colours, namely, Kinda Coral, Sorta Seafoam or Stormy Black.

Build Quality

Just like previous Google flagship devices, the Google Pixel 6 is made of quality materials. The back has a premium Gorilla Glass 6 panel with a rounded matte aluminium frame, and at 207 grams, it is heavier than the previous Google Pixel 5. The back also got an upgrade from the previous year’s plastic back to a glass back.

Overall, it feels nice and sturdy when you hold it.

Display 

Screen Specifications

Pixel Density	411ppi
Resolution	1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio	20: 9
Panel Type	AMOLED
Screen-to-body Ratio	83.4%
Touch Screen	Yes

Screen Size

The Google Pixel 6 features a flat 6.4-inch AMOLED display screen with a 1080p resolution. 

It is completely flat as opposed to the curved display of the Google Pixel 6 Pro, and the viewing angles are incredible. The flat screen display cuts down on unnecessary glare and also improves better typing experience as you do not have to deal with those curved edges.

Refresh Rate

The Google Pixel 6 has a lower refresh rate when compared to the Google Pixel 6 Pro at 90Hz. However, this is still an improvement from the previous model’s 60Hz refresh rate.

Brightness.

The display of the Google Pixel 6 is incredibly bright with great colour reproduction. The picture has good contrast thanks to Amyloid technology, and there is HDR 10+ support. The colour preset can deliver nice accuracy, and the maximum brightness is good, too, measuring up to 860 nits in auto mode when in bright light.

Input Device

Keyboard

The keyboard on the Google Pixel 6 is the same reliable and user-friendly standard keyboard seen on all Google devices. The keyboard can receive commands in a broad range of languages.

You can easily change the default keyboard on your mobile phone’s settings to any external, downloadable keyboard of your choice.

Touchpad

The Google Pixel 6 Pro’s touchpad has a remarkably smooth operation. Despite its great sensitivity, it is still operating reasonably well. Every action has a quick reaction due to the quick refresh rate, making the entire experience pretty pleasant.

Sound Quality

Speaker

In terms of speakers, the Google Pixel 6 has a pair of stereo speakers with one bottom firing and the other that doubles as an earpiece. The pair is sustainably loud, and the sound quality is great even when compared to other flagship devices on the market.

You do not get a traditional headphone jack on the Google Pixel 6. You can only use a type C earbud with it through the charging port of this device.

Microphone 

Three microphones are built into the Google Pixel 6 to boost stereo recording, audio zoom, noise cancellation, and speech quality.

Performance

With the Google Pixel 6, you are getting some excellent performance due to its fantastic CPU and improved 90Hz refresh rate.

If you’re searching for a premium device that enables you to carry out basic tasks without experiencing any slowness, the Google Pixel 6 is a fantastic option.

Processor 

One of the new features of the Google Pixel 6, when compared to the previous Pixel 5 is that the Former uses the new 5-nanometer Tensor Chipset. It is an original chipset built by Google, and it provides a more proprietary experience. 

It has an Octa-core processor (2×2.80 GHz Cortex-X1, 2×2.25 GHz Cortex-A76, and 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) with Mali-G78 MP20 graphics and 8GB RAM.

You get a wonderful overall performance experience thanks to this powerful chipset and amazing graphics.

Battery Life

The Google Pixel 6 is equipped with a 4614mAH battery which is strong enough to get you over 8 hours of battery life before needing a top-up. 

As far as charging speed goes, the Google Pixel 6 is slow when compared to other devices on the market. It takes about 30 minutes to charge from 0-40%  and an additional hour before a full charge.

The phone actually supports wireless charging, which is a nice touch compared to other devices in its price range.

The pixel 6 does not come with a power adapter, so if you do not already own one, you will have to buy one.

Features 

There are quite a number of admirable features of the Google Pixel 6, and I will be highlighting some of them in this section of the Article.

The phone operates on the new Android 12, which gives you an amazing Android experience with some cool features that are exclusive to Android 12, like colour themes for your icons and menus.

The Google Pixel 6 uses the new Google’s original Tensor chipset, which comes with a couple of nice features due to the chip’s machine learning capability.

Google’s automatic speech recognition is excellent on this device as it has seen more advancement thanks to the amazing new chipset.

Real-time translation is even more of a reality both in actual conversations and captions for videos that you are watching. It is not exactly perfect, but it is pretty impressive nonetheless.

The Tensor’s performance is noteworthy when comparing it to the Snapdragon 888; demanding games run just okay on this device. It is not exactly ideal for gaming, the thermal management is pretty average, so it can cause a bit of throttling when gaming over a period of time which is not exactly great for a good gaming experience.

The Google Pixel 6 has an under-display fingerprint reader for your biometrics rather than a capacitive one, and it is quite reliable too.

You do not get a traditional headphone jack on this device, and neither is there an option for expandable storage. There is a choice between 128GB and 256GB of onboard storage.

It is also ip68 rated against dust and water up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes, which means that you do not have to worry about damage when your phone is exposed to water.

Specification 

RAM (Memory)	8GB
Storage	128GB, 256GB
CPU	Octa-core  (2×2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2×2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU	Mali-G78 MP20
Dimensions	158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm (6.24 x 2.94 x 0.35 in)
Weight	207 g (7.30 oz)
Colors	Kinda Coral, Sorta Seafoam or Stormy Black.

The Camera

Rear Camera.

The rear camera of the Google Pixel 6 has definitely seen a step up when comparing it to the previous Pixel 5 model. It features a new dual camera system which includes a larger 50mp main camera over a 1.31-inch sensor with laser autofocus and optical image stabilisation and a 12mp ultrawide camera.

You do not get a telephoto zoom here like on the pro model.

During the day, photos from the Pixel 6’s main camera are great. There is excellent sharpness and plenty of fine details with a characteristic pixel-style rendition. There is high contrast and wide dynamic range, as well as vivid but not overly saturated colours.

Portrait shots are decently sharp and generally have good subject separation. There are still some mix-ups from time to time, but it’s not a serious bother.

Although there is no zoom lens, the digital zoom does a decent job at 2x magnification.

The new ‘Motion Mode’ is powered by the tensor chipset. The ‘Action Pan’ function, which is meant to caption moving objects, does not easily fulfil that function as the subject detection is not exactly accurate.

The Ultrawide captures very good photos with lots of detail, good contrast, wide dynamic range and pleasing vibrant colours. There is a bit of noise present, and the field view is not as wide as some other competitive models.

In low light, the Pixel 6 will apply auto night sight by default when you are shooting with the main camera. You can also toggle the night mode on manually. The photos come out sharp and with good detail.

Front Camera

The Google Pixel 6 has an 8mp selfie camera which is decent for taking pictures. It captures still photos almost perfectly, thanks to Google’s computational Photography that delivers incredible shots. It has nice contrast, and the colours come out nicely as well.

The resolution is limited to 1080p for recording videos which is quite low compared to the 4k resolution of the Pro model.

Portability 

The 6.4-inch screen and weight of the Google Pixel 6 make it a somewhat bulky device. It is smaller and lighter than the Pro model, despite the fact that the phone is large in comparison to other smartphones of its calibre. Because of the high-quality materials used in its design, it is nonetheless simple to operate with just one hand and feels wonderful in the hand.

Serviceability 

The Google Pixel 6 is a repairable smartphone because it’s easy to find replacement parts for it, making it a very serviceable device.

Connectivity 

Ports 

The Google Pixel 6 only includes one USB type-C port, which serves as both a charging port and a headphone jack, as it only supports type-C headphones.

Wireless connectivity 

The Google Pixel 6’s wireless connectivity specifications are listed below:

WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
GPS	Yes, with dual-band A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
NFC	Yes
Radio	No
USB	USB Type-C 3.1

Software 

The Google Pixel 6 uses the new Android 12, which gives you a brand-new aesthetic over the entire user interface and a lot more customisation and personalisation. There is a lot of work that has been done to improve things like security and the ability to give apps an approximate GPS location rather than looking in on your exact location.

There is control over turning the microphone and cameras off on a system level or simply showing a system-level icon whenever an app accesses the camera and microphone.

The screenshots can be extended, there is a new one-hand mode, and widgets have the ability to dynamically change colours just like the app icons can be based on the colour of wallpaper that you choose.

Android 12 generally feels fun and fresh, unlike some of the other software we have seen from Google products in the past.

Pros 

• Great new chipset
• Improved camera
• Nice user interface with the new Android 12
• Supports wireless charging

Cons 

• Extremely slow charging speed
• Lack of Telephoto zoom
• New ‘Motion Mode’ subject detection is not quite accurate
• The field of view of the ultrawide camera is low
• No 4k resolution for videos stuck at 1080p.

Buyer’s Guide

The Google Pixel 6 is a high-end flagship smartphone with a stunning design that is rated ip68 for water and dust resistance. It is a fantastic mobile phone with capable cameras for carrying out daily activities. The bad news is that this gadget doesn’t do as well as others when it comes to gaming, which is unfortunate if you’re a huge gamer.

Overall, it is a great device with quite a number of admirable features.

How much is the Google Pixel 6?

The Google Pixel 6 costs around $400 for the 128Gb and around $500 for the 256GB. The exact price you will get depends on where you buy it from.

Google Pixel 6 Available Series

The Google Pixel 6 is available in three different series: the Pixel 6, the Pixel 6a, and the Pixel 6 Pro; each series has different features and specifications. In terms of memory and storage, the Pixel 6 has 8GB of RAM and 128GB and 256GB of storage, while the Pixel 6a has 6GB of RAM and only 128GB of storage. 

The Pixel 6 Pro has 12GB of RAM, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB of storage, respectively. 

Depending on your needs and budget, all three options are great choices to consider.

3 Alternatives to the Google Pixel 6

1. Samsung Galaxy S22 series: 

One of the greatest Pixel 6 alternatives is the Samsung Galaxy S22 series, which offers four years of OS updates and five years of security updates. However, these phones do more than just provide an amazing update commitment. 

These smartphones have wireless charging, 120Hz OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipsets, water resistance, and 8K video recording. 

A 5,000mAh battery and a quad back camera system made up of a 108MP primary shooter, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and two telephoto cameras are all included with the S22 Ultra. 

The normal Galaxy S22, on the other hand, is the smallest Galaxy S22 ever, with a 3,700mAh battery, a 6.1-inch FHD+ screen, and a triple of 50MP+12MP+10MP rear cameras.

The Galaxy S22 Plus, the middle child, has the same camera setup as the S22 but also has a 6.6-inch FHD+ screen and a 4,500mAh battery. So if you’re looking for a current Samsung flagship, your options won’t be limited.

2. Apple iPhone 14 series: 

Another good alternative to the Google Pixel 6 is Apple’s iPhone 14 series. The two entry-level iPhone 14 models maintain IP68 water and dust resistance, wireless charging, and Apple’s powerful A15 chipset. Therefore, you are covered in terms of great additions. 

But when it comes to screen and camera details, to mention a couple, things are different. 

For the first time ever, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max do away with the notch and bring back 120Hz screens. Instead, you’re residing on Dynamic Island and have access to whole new notification management tools. Additionally, both Pro models benefit from a 48MP main camera in place of the conventional 12MP camera. 

The Pro Max has a sizable battery as well, and we were very impressed with this device’s endurance.

3. Xiaomi 12 Pro: 

The Xiaomi 12 Pro, which retails for around $1000, is another good alternative for the Google Pixel 6. The Xiaomi 12 Pro is the company’s top-of-the-line flagship, while the Pixel 6 Pro is also a high-end gadget. 

The two phones have 50MP primary cameras, 120Hz QHD+ OLED screens, and 5,000mAh batteries. Xiaomi’s phone tops the charts in terms of performance and includes a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC, 120W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and a 50MP ultrawide camera.

Conclusion 

There is a lot to like about the Google Pixel 6. For those looking for a premium flagship device, the phone does check a lot of boxes, from capable battery life, great performance, and an absolutely stunning design made of quality materials at an affordable price tag.

FAQs – Google Pixel 6 Review

Q: What colours does the Google Pixel 6 Have?

A: The Google Pixel 6 comes in three beautiful colours: Kinda Coral, Sorta Seafoam or Stormy Black.

Q: Does the Google Pixel 6 have a headphone jack?

A: No, it doesn’t have a separate headphone jack. It uses the USB type c charging port as the port for headphones as it just supports USB c earphones.

Q: Is the Google Pixel 6 waterproof?

A: The Google Pixel 6 is ip68 rated against water and dust, making it a waterproof device.

Q: How Much is the Google Pixel 6?

A: It costs around $400 for the 128GB and around $500 for the 256GB.

Q: Does The Google Pixel 6 Have a Telephoto?

A: No, it doesn’t.

Q: What is the screen size of the Google Pixel 6?

A: The Google Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch screen.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Refresh Rate?

A: The Google Pixel 6 has a 90Hz refresh rate.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Battery Life?

A: The Google Pixel 6 has a 4614mAh battery which can last up to 8 hours before needing a top-up.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Processor?

A: The Google Pixel 6 has an Octa-core processor (2×2.80 GHz Cortex-X1, 2×2.25 GHz Cortex-A76, and 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) with Mali-G78 MP20 graphics and 8GB RAM.

 Q: What are the Google Pixel 6’s Dimensions?

A: The Google Pixel 6’s dimensions are 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm (6.24 x 2.94 x 0.35 in).

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Weight?

A: The Google Pixel 6 weighs 207 grams (7.30 oz).

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Aspect Ratio?

A: The Google Pixel 6 has an aspect ratio of 20:9.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Screen-to-body Ratio?

A: The Google Pixel 6 has a screen-to-body ratio of 83.4%.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Pixel Density?

A: The Google Pixel 6 has a pixel density of 411ppi.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Resolution?

A: The Google Pixel 6 has a resolution of 1080 x 2400.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Display Type?

A: The Google Pixel 6 has an AMOLED display.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Touch Screen?

A: The Google Pixel 6 has a touch screen that is capacitive and supports multi-touch.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Keyboard?

A: The Google Pixel 6 has a keyboard that is the same reliable and user-friendly standard keyboard seen on all Google devices. The keyboard can receive commands in a broad range of languages.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Touchpad?

A: The Google Pixel 6’s touchpad has a remarkably smooth operation. Despite its great sensitivity, it is still operating reasonably well. Every action has a quick reaction due to the quick refresh rate, making the entire experience pretty pleasant.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Speaker?

A: The Google Pixel 6 has a pair of stereo speakers with one bottom firing and the other that doubles as an earpiece. The pair is sustainably loud, and the sound quality is great even when compared to other flagship devices on the market.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Microphone?

A: Three microphones are built into the Google Pixel 6 to boost stereo recording, audio zoom, noise cancellation, and speech quality.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Performance?

A: With the Google Pixel 6, you are getting some excellent performance due to its fantastic CPU and improved 90Hz refresh rate.

Q: What are the Google Pixel 6’s Features?

A: The Google Pixel 6 has quite a number of admirable features, some of which include the new Android 12 operating system, the new Google’s original Tensor chipset, and support for wireless charging.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Specification?

A: The Google Pixel 6 has 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage, and an Octa-core  (2×2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2×2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) CPU with Mali-G78 MP20 GPU.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Camera?

A: The Google Pixel 6 has a dual camera system which includes a larger 50mp main camera over a 1.31-inch sensor with laser autofocus and optical image stabilisation and a 12mp ultrawide camera.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Portability?

A: The Google Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch screen and is on the bulky side. It is smaller and lighter than the Pro model but still large compared to other smartphones. The phone is made of high-quality materials and is easy to operate with one hand.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Serviceability?

A: The Google Pixel 6 is a repairable smartphone because it’s easy to find replacement parts for it, making it a very serviceable device.

Q: What is the Google Pixel 6’s Connectivity?

A: The Google Pixel 6 only includes one USB type-C port, which serves as both a charging port and a headphone jack, as it only supports type-C headphones. The Google Pixel 6’s wireless connectivity specifications are listed below: WLAN- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, Bluetooth- 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, GPS- Yes, with dual-band A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS, NFC- Yes, Radio- No, USB- USB Type-C 3.1.

Image Gallery – Google Pixel 6 Review

References: Pixel 6.