Pixel 6 review: Google Hardware finally lives up to its potential

Google finally built a great flagship smartphone.

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[killerhurtalot]

I broke my Galaxy S10+ last Monday... I would have bought a Pixel 6 Pro, but I needed it within like 2 days... I NEEDED a 256GB at least since I take a lot of pictures for work and etc (and I transfer the pictures off like once every 2-3 weeks and it's about 20-30GB of photos.... But thanks to the lack of SD card slot, 128 GB just won't work for me...

Looked online at the time and it was sold out for the time being then... Back in stock now but too late :/

Also, what the hell is with the storage???

Black gets 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB.
White gets 128 GB, and 256 GB.
Yellow only gets 128 GB???

Edit: mmWave seems like it's a great technology for deployment within places with large gatherings like stadiums, auditoriums, and around the venues... when mounted on the roof/side of the building/venue, it's literally line of sight to service 10k-60k+ people depending on the place... The only time I have issues is when it's in those venues and there's a lot of people all trying to get data at the same time and overwhelming the cell towers around it...

 

[Varste]

I knew Ron would be happy as soon as I saw the lack of bezels
And I also know that this is a worn out complaint at this point, but I think it's too big. It's bigger than "phablets" were a few years ago! I have a 3a and find that to be the limit of comfort for single-handed use, and that's only a 5.6 inch screen. I guess I will learn to live with it, since I can't expect much more support from Google for it. And that curved display still serves no benefit, especially if you have a case.

 

[agt499]

Great, now make it available internationally please....

 

[Matthew J.]

Now if they could only deliver them...

 

[Hemlocke]

I was hoping this would be great, but reviews have been mostly positive, but not overwhelmingly, and XDA seems like a hate fest is brewing. Couple that with all of the heat dissipation internals, and the hit-or-miss fingerprint scanner, and I believe I will wait a little longer to give it a try.

 

[RoninX]

Of course, we also have to beat up Google for shipping a curved display on the Pixel 6 Pro. Every Android OEM does this, and it's always a bad idea.

Sony still sells flagship phones with flat displays.

 

[Joshhua5]

But will GrapheneOS support this pixel device?

Edit: Why was this downvoted?
Edit2: The answer was yes btw, https://twitter.com/GrapheneOS/status/1 ... 0154496008

 

[hobotron]

We received our 6 Pros this afternoon, and so far: loving the new hardware, hating the new Android. Why do they feel the need to change app tray access/switch with every damned release? It now takes 2-3x longer to switch apps, which is extremely painful as I regularly switch between a trio of apps, and the gestures are very unreliable. Couple that with the removal of the back button in the lower left, the system toggles in the pull-down tray, and the idiotically large and unchangeable clock, and I'm seriously considering just going back to my Pixel 3 XL.

I cannot think of another hardware device where I have to relearn how to use it with every new release.

 

[bioMatrix]

I think I'll wait for the 6a. All this badassery with a headphone jack would be my dream phone.

 

[siliconaddict]

The Pixel 6 battery life is excellent, and it easily lasts all day.

Why is it you are the only one to say this without stating any actual numbers? Just about every outlet is stating that battery life ranges from 3 hours of screen on time on the low end of what I've read to about 7-8 hours on the high end. Some are at least providing details on how they are testing. But here.........

Easily lasts a day isn't exactly glowing praise.


Heck I'd be cool with even ballparking it. Now a days with Android actually telling you your screen on time in the UI. Really no reason not to say.

 

[J.King]

I think once LineageOS gains support for this thing (with the release of LineageOS 19, I guess?) I'll replace my ageing OnePlus 3. I'm not keen on the compromises I'll have to make relative to my current pocket computer (particularly the fingerprint reader), but it might finally be time for a change.

 

[Felix K]

This phone turned out to be a disappointment in person. It feels odd in the hand. Slippery and overly long. Don't buy it before checking it out in person.

It's a pity as I find the new iPhone gaudy.

Oh and Android 12 does not look great. Fisher Price called and wants its toys back.

 

[ranphi]

I have the non-pro model Pixel 6, and I've got mixed feelings about it. Partly due to the phone itself, but also partly due to Android 12.

The phone itself is okay. The size is pretty much spot-on for me but it's weight is more than I'd like (it's a hefty device).

I despise glass backs on phones, and that's still true with this device.

Also not a fan of the in-screen fingerprint reader, though mine's working pretty well (after registering each finger twice with it).I still would MUCH prefer they'd stuck with a physical FP reader (either on the back or built into the power button).

Phone is quite slippery and fairly top-heavy, so it's not a great in-hand feel, IMO.

As for the positives...

The display looks quite good.

The matte side rails are fairly nice, but don't help give enough grip due to the overall slipperiness/weight of the phone.

The tri-color design of the backside of the phone is cool looking, IMO. (I got the "sorta seafoam" color).

Battery life has been quite good for me, so far.

Haptics seem decent (but I don't really care about them, so I don't pay that much attention to that feature).

Those are the key points, for me, with this phone, so far. Still not 100% sure I'm going to keep it. I may end up going back to my Pixel 5a because it's so much more comfortable to hold, and because I blocked Android 12 from installing on it. (I'm not much of a fan of Android 12).

EDIT: Forgot to say that it seems Google has FINALLY fixed the issue with gesture commands on third party launchers (or at least they have with Nova). The annoying screen redraws and lag are gone now when using Nova on Android 12, with the Pixel 6).

 

[siliconaddict]

Of course, we also have to beat up Google for shipping a curved display on the Pixel 6 Pro. Every Android OEM does this, and it's always a bad idea.

One of the few times that a bad ideas didn't come from Apple. This was all Samsung. And while in the beginning I was OK with curved screens, as the damn phones have gotten thinner and thinner the ability to pick them up without triggering the screen (perfect example of this is Spotify and accidently triggering another track.) is bordering on the impossible. Thankfully there are cases that mostly deal with this issue, but it shouldn't be an issue if companies would grow a set and stop following bad designs.

 

[Skeppy]

Sounds great. I can't quite justify giving up my Pixel 3A XL for one, though.

I really do not like the curved edges on the Pro model. No functional point to them, and they make it harder to put the phone into a functional, protective case.

Also, I'm tired of the nonsense assumption that a *lack* of a headphone jack is a premium feature - bluetooth headphones are just another expensive disposable with non- replaceable rechargeable batteries that need to be kept charged all the time. I'm tired of the noisy "[Name of bluetooth Brand and Model] is on!" yelling in my ears each time I power up, something wired headphones never do. I don't want to have to wait for a non-waterproof "A" version of the Pixel 6 to get a headphone jack back.

 

[FreihEitner]

I would really like the Pixel 6 (non-Pro) but with the 4x telephoto lens. Pixel 6A? But it seems like Google usually kills off last year's model prior to releasing the new one, so if Pixel 6A (or Pixel 7 or whatever) is actually not as compelling, I would miss out on the otherwise great Pixel 6. So many choices to make.

 

[simon5701]

I quite like the design language Google is using on these phones and while the camera isn't a big leap it's still good to see a Google flagship phone with the software all intact. I doubt it'd be a huge mainstream success but knowing that exists in a good form is always a great thing for Android buyers.

Regarding the update, according to Andrei F from Anandtech, the Tensor chip looks to be a modified Exynos chip designed and built by Samsung. Assuming he's correct I wonder if Google isn't sure of their own capacity to keep updating the OS as they may not have sufficient in-house engineering resources to follow up. This may change if Google decides to expand their chip prowess and make a chip that's truly their own but at this point I suspect they just don't know yet.

 

[OkSureFine]

I’m glad that google finally nailed it. I’m not looking for a new phone but the reviews are tempting. That’s quickly extinguished though when I remember how big both phones are.

I know I’m in the minority with my 12 mini but dang I wish more companies made phones with high end specs and ~5.5” screens.

 

[kliu0x52]

dropping a few words on the fourth line. (I really have no idea what it was thinking.)

I think it's pretty clear what the old Pixel 4 was thinking: that when you said "period" and "comma", you were commanding it to insert those as punctuation marks, rather than as words in the sentence.

 

[Happysin]

I picked up one on the Google Fi deal they were offering, with $200 off service and a nice set of ear buds as well. I wanted the Pro, but it was out of stock absurdly quickly. My normal 6 gets here tomorrow, for an absurdly cheap price, especially considering the $200 Fi rebate.

My OnePlus phone has been great, and I hadn't intended on replacing it, but I already was planning on moving to Google Fi, so the price couldn't be beat. Heck, considering I should be able to get about $200 for my old phone, I'm hardly paying anything at all for the upgrade.

 

[jamesb2147]

Just to mention about the colors: My "almost midnight" 5a looked very nearly black when it first arrived. A month later and it's clearly a deep green.

I suspect the colors will change a bit over time, and may very well better reflect the marketing images.

 

[A_Very_Tired_Geek]

For a smartphone there's not a lot wrong, and a lot right, with that camera on the past Pixel cameras. There are people that buy Pixel 4as just because the camera is that good. There's no reason to change that unless someone comes up with something significantly better. That's probably not going to happen with the current chip supply chain shortages.

 

[xoe]

Why the curved screen? I had a chance to get a flagship Samsung, I had it for a day, took it back and got an A71. I like the headphone jack too.

Would be nice to have a flagship with a flat screen, rear finger print sensor and a headphone jack. While I'm dreaming, can I also have front facing stereo speakers? One learnt to tolerate notches, considering a notched phone is generally wider than 16:9 and most content is 16:9 it is mostly a non issue.

 

[Marlor_AU]

Google did all this vertical integration, and the Pixel 6 is still only getting three major OS updates. Apple offers six. Officially, it's three years of major OS updates and an extra two years of security updates, which is an odd balance. Google can and should do better.

At this point, the update policy is just plain baffling. Apple is pushing its updates further and further out (the iPhone 5S, released in 2013, just received another update on 23rd September).

Google has no reason not to offer a similar policy. I just don't understand the reluctance.

 

[xoe]

Google did all this vertical integration, and the Pixel 6 is still only getting three major OS updates. Apple offers six. Officially, it's three years of major OS updates and an extra two years of security updates, which is an odd balance. Google can and should do better.

At this point, the update policy is just plain baffling. Apple is pushing its updates further and further out (the iPhone 5S, released in 2013, just received another update on 23rd September).

Google has no reason not to offer a similar policy. I just don't understand the reluctance.

It's pathetic and wasteful. Perfectly good phones are junked because of this.

 

[kliu0x52]

Edit: Nevermind.

 

[A_Very_Tired_Geek]

Why the curved screen? I had a chance to get a flagship Samsung, I had it for a day, took it back and got an A71. I like the headphone jack too.

Would be nice to have a flagship with a flat screen, rear finger print sensor and a headphone jack. While I'm dreaming, can I also have front facing stereo speakers? One learnt to tolerate notches, considering a notched phone is generally wider than 16:9 and most content is 16:9 it is mostly a non issue.

That was my Nexus 7.2 excluding the front speakers. It was mared by an awful camera sensor and intermittent updates. Otherwise it was a solid phone. Note I did say 'phone'. I don't do a lot else with my phones other than communications and sometimes reading when waiting on something. I did love the rear facing fingerprint sensor though and still having the 3.5mm audio port. But I got another phone when Android One got months behind on security updates. It's not like I'm a major target or anything, but spray n pray attacks are a Thing. I started seeing random SMS with exploit code and URLs couched as AT&T messages. I knew it was only a matter of time before something got through.

 

[Granadico]

I doubt Ill rver buy a flagship phone but Im really looking forward to the 6a. I was thinking of getting a 4a but they werr already hard to find so hadnt really dropped in price and would be 2 years old already. If they mess it up by removing the headphone jack or something Ill just get some other mid range phone. Would be a bummer though i was looking forward to 3-4 years of updates.

 

[maniack]

We received our 6 Pros this afternoon, and so far: loving the new hardware, hating the new Android. Why do they feel the need to change app tray access/switch with every damned release? It now takes 2-3x longer to switch apps, which is extremely painful as I regularly switch between a trio of apps, and the gestures are very unreliable. Couple that with the removal of the back button in the lower left, the system toggles in the pull-down tray, and the idiotically large and unchangeable clock, and I'm seriously considering just going back to my Pixel 3 XL.

I cannot think of another hardware device where I have to relearn how to use it with every new release.

To be fair the navigation changes were done a couple years ago, IIRC with the Pixel 4. The pull down settings changes are new with Android 12, and I agree they’re quite bad.

 

[RoninX]

Why the curved screen? I had a chance to get a flagship Samsung, I had it for a day, took it back and got an A71. I like the headphone jack too.

Would be nice to have a flagship with a flat screen, rear finger print sensor and a headphone jack. While I'm dreaming, can I also have front facing stereo speakers? One learnt to tolerate notches, considering a notched phone is generally wider than 16:9 and most content is 16:9 it is mostly a non issue.

The Xperia 1 III has all of these, except that the fingerprint sensor is on the side.

I'm a little irritated by how much attention every new iPhone or Samsung phone gets compared to the phones that actually have the features that people always ask for (headphone jacks, micro SD card slots, etc.), like the LG V-series and Sony Xperia phones.

 

[xoe]

Why the curved screen? I had a chance to get a flagship Samsung, I had it for a day, took it back and got an A71. I like the headphone jack too.

Would be nice to have a flagship with a flat screen, rear finger print sensor and a headphone jack. While I'm dreaming, can I also have front facing stereo speakers? One learnt to tolerate notches, considering a notched phone is generally wider than 16:9 and most content is 16:9 it is mostly a non issue.

The Xperia 1 III has all of these, except that the fingerprint sensor is on the side.

I'm a little irritated by how much attention every new iPhone or Samsung phone gets compared to the phones that actually have the features that people always ask for (headphone jacks, micro SD card slots, etc.), like the LG V-series and Sony Xperia phones.

Yep, I'll be looking closely at Xperia next time, I also like the blocky look they have had.

 

[Andrewcw]

Why i'm in no rush to go buy the phone. I wanna see how the fingerprint reader works out.
I have a Pixel3a where i'm used to the physical placement to a fault.

While the Android team does some things great. It really sucks as some minor details. With Android 12. That lock screen when you don't have notifications crowding the screen. You have to look at that ugly split clock. I mean yes android 10-12 had a stupidly small clock i hated that you can't change. But now it's so huge it's like why. And other minor details they won't let you customize unless you root. Like the dial pad. You only get one volume still after 4 years. Loud AF. Like turn your speaker volume to 4000000% and make tones so everyone can hear you loud. I'm sure they're using the metric that nobody has dial tones on. Because it's so loud you might as well have people record the dial tones you are typing in to replay it.

So I might actually wait to see if a 6A comes out. The priced the 6 low enough where it makes buying a 5A dumb.

 

[Hemlocke]

Why the curved screen? I had a chance to get a flagship Samsung, I had it for a day, took it back and got an A71. I like the headphone jack too.

Would be nice to have a flagship with a flat screen, rear finger print sensor and a headphone jack. While I'm dreaming, can I also have front facing stereo speakers? One learnt to tolerate notches, considering a notched phone is generally wider than 16:9 and most content is 16:9 it is mostly a non issue.

The Xperia 1 III has all of these, except that the fingerprint sensor is on the side.

I'm a little irritated by how much attention every new iPhone or Samsung phone gets compared to the phones that actually have the features that people always ask for (headphone jacks, micro SD card slots, etc.), like the LG V-series and Sony Xperia phones.

I keep putting the black Xperia 1 III in my cart, then backing out. I can afford the thing, but I’m not sure I want to afford it. I am not sure my willpower would hold if the purple one ever comes back into stock.

 

[hertzsae]

I was excited for the 6, but it's too big to carry in a front plant pocket. I had it for a day and my hip flexor hurts where it would press when I sat down, because my jeans pocket isn't deep enough. With dress pants it wouldn't even fit. I'm not wearing skinny fit jeans but they are straight leg. I'm slightly above average height. I'm sad to say I'm returning it. I otherwise really liked it.

 

[chanman819]

Why i'm in no rush to go buy the phone. I wanna see how the fingerprint reader works out.
I have a Pixel3a where i'm used to the physical placement to a fault.

While the Android team does some things great. It really sucks as some minor details. With Android 12. That lock screen when you don't have notifications crowding the screen. You have to look at that ugly split clock. I mean yes android 10-12 had a stupidly small clock i hated that you can't change. But now it's so huge it's like why. And other minor details they won't let you customize unless you root. Like the dial pad. You only get one volume still after 4 years. Loud AF. Like turn your speaker volume to 4000000% and make tones so everyone can hear you loud. I'm sure they're using the metric that nobody has dial tones on. Because it's so loud you might as well have people record the dial tones you are typing in to replay it.

So I might actually wait to see if a 6A comes out. The priced the 6 low enough where it makes buying a 5A dumb.

My 4A just received the Android 12 update today. The split clock is an inexplicable design choice, especially without any way to change the setting. Of course, with all the remaining white space, they then truncate the day/date so instead of "Monday Nov 1, 2020", you get "Mon., Nov. 1"

I still don't understand what kind of thought process other than deliberate sabotage leads to the decision to force users to use a split clock.

 

[maniack]

I knew Ron would be happy as soon as I saw the lack of bezels
And I also know that this is a worn out complaint at this point, but I think it's too big. It's bigger than "phablets" were a few years ago! I have a 3a and find that to be the limit of comfort for single-handed use, and that's only a 5.6 inch screen. I guess I will learn to live with it, since I can't expect much more support from Google for it. And that curved display still serves no benefit, especially if you have a case.

Agree that it’s way too big, I have the regular Pixel 6 and I can’t really handle a phone this large anymore. I think the last phone I had that was about this size was the Nexus 6p.

It’s too bad that there’s no normal or small size Pixel 6. I just bought an iPhone 13 mini as well to compare, and it’s the perfect size. I’m strongly considering making the switch to the iPhone after 10 years on Android because of the size issue despite iOS UI behavior that I really dislike.

 

[Boskone]

The Google Assistant hotword is so locked down now that it is no longer useful. Very little works without unlocking the phone, even when you check all the "personal results" boxes.

I suppose it shows different approaches to things, but I actually wish I could turn off Google Assistant while the phone's locked. I've never wanted to use it without unlocking the phone first, so the whining (from the Assistant) about needing to unlock the phone just annoys me.

...and I'm still peeved Google doesn't let us change the hotwords.

 

[jm_leviathan]

So today I learn that I have apparently been suffering from a sub-par Android notification experience owing to misguided attempts by Samsung and other OEMs to, err, improve battery life?

Given that my phone throws enough notifications at me as is, I'm not sure I could handle the full Google-approved notification experience. Whatever Samsung is apparently doing, I'm cool with it.