Google Pixel 6 Pro review
The Google Pixel 6 Pro boasts a striking new design, with a powerful triple camera setup, huge battery, and impressive performance from the Google Tensor chip. However, its battery life falls short, and while the cameras are capable, they require some tweaking to achieve consistent results. One of the standout features of the Pixel 6 Pro is its ability to capture up to 2.5 times more light than its predecessor, resulting in excellent low-light photography. The camera software also receives a boost with the Google Tensor chip, allowing for faster and more efficient HDR corrections. Video quality has seen significant improvements as well, with great dynamic range and pleasing colors in both 4K at 60 FPS and two times video modes. The phone's performance is generally strong, making it suitable for gaming and other resource-intensive tasks. However, sustained gaming does push the limits of the Google Tensor chip, which can lead to some frame drops. Nonetheless, the Pixel 6 Pro is a solid option in the premium smartphone market, especially considering its starting price of $899. Google's commitment to software updates is also worth noting, with three years of OS updates and five years of security patches promised. This means that even after two or three years, the phone will still receive important security patches, giving users peace of mind. Overall, while the Pixel 6 Pro has some minor setbacks, it remains a compelling device for those looking to upgrade from an older smartphone. However, if you already own a more recent Google Pixel, it may be worth waiting for the second generation of Google Tensor chip before considering an upgrade.
Build Quality and Design
The Google Pixel 6 Pro is a stunningly designed smartphone that sets a new standard for the industry. The device's build quality is exceptional, with a premium feel that exudes luxury. The phone's body is crafted from high-quality materials, featuring a sleek and seamless design that glides effortlessly in the hand. One of the standout features of the Pixel 6 Pro's design is its striking color palette. The device comes in a range of vibrant hues, each one perfectly capturing the essence of Google's brand identity. Whether you opt for the subtle sophistication of the "Sorta Seafoam" or the bold flair of the "Stainless," there's a color scheme to suit every taste. The phone's display is another notable highlight, featuring an expansive and stunning screen that wraps around the device with precision. The AMOLED panel is crisp and vibrant, delivering breathtaking visuals that are sure to delight even the most discerning eye. But it's not just about aesthetics – the Pixel 6 Pro's design also boasts a range of thoughtful details that demonstrate Google's commitment to creating a truly user-friendly experience. From the intuitive button layout to the cleverly designed camera module, every aspect of the phone's design has been carefully considered to provide an effortless and enjoyable user experience. In short, the Google Pixel 6 Pro is a masterclass in smartphone design – a device that expertly balances form and function to create something truly exceptional. Whether you're a seasoned tech enthusiast or simply looking for a premium smartphone experience, this device is sure to impress.
Battery Life
While the Google Pixel 6 Pro is an undeniably compelling smartphone, its battery life falls short of expectations. Despite boasting a huge battery, the device doesn't quite deliver on endurance. In my testing, I found that the phone's battery life was not terrible, but it did not quite live up to the standard set by other flagships in this price range. During my usage, which included moderate to heavy use with a mix of apps, gaming, and video streaming, the Pixel 6 Pro's battery life ranged from 10 to 12 hours. While this is still respectable, it's not as impressive as some of its competitors. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, for example, offers significantly better battery life, lasting up to 14-15 hours on a single charge. In a device that otherwise excels in so many areas, the Pixel 6 Pro's battery life is a minor setback. It's still possible to get through a day with moderate use, but it may not be enough for heavy users or those who need a phone that can keep up with their demanding lifestyle. Overall, while the Pixel 6 Pro's battery life is a drawback, it's not a deal-breaker, and the device remains an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful smartphone experience.
Display
The Google Pixel 6 Pro boasts an impressive display that is sure to impress even the most discerning users. The device features a 6.7-inch OLED panel with a Quad HD+ resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels. This results in an incredibly sharp and vibrant visual experience, perfect for streaming your favorite shows or playing games. The display's color accuracy is also noteworthy, with an impressive Delta-E rating that ensures colors are reproduced accurately and consistently across different viewing angles. Additionally, the screen's brightness is sufficient to combat even the most challenging lighting conditions, making it easy to enjoy your favorite content anywhere, anytime. One of the standout features of the Pixel 6 Pro's display is its smoothness and responsiveness. Thanks to Google's proprietary motion smoothing technology, scrolling through menus or watching videos feels incredibly fluid and seamless. While the display is certainly a highlight of the Pixel 6 Pro experience, it's worth noting that some users may find the screen size and resolution slightly overwhelming at times. However, for those who enjoy immersing themselves in immersive visual experiences, this device's display is sure to deliver. Overall, the Google Pixel 6 Pro's display is a major strength of the device, offering an exceptional viewing experience that sets it apart from many other smartphones on the market.
Camera
The camera on the Google Pixel 6 Pro is one of its most significant strengths. With a powerful triple-camera setup, this phone can capture stunning images and videos that rival those taken by dedicated cameras. The main camera produces excellent results, with great dynamic range and pleasing colors. HDR+ automatically kicks in when necessary, resulting in clear and sharp images even in low light conditions. The camera's ability to capture up to 2.5 times more light than its predecessor is noticeable, and it comfortably handles low-light scenes without using Night Sight. When zooming in on a subject, the Super Res Zoom feature enhances the image without introducing excessive noise or softness. However, there are some instances where colors don't quite match the main camera's results. The Periscope camera takes over for 4x and 10x zoom, producing good images with great dynamic range and realistic tones. One of the standout features of the Pixel 6 Pro's camera is its ability to capture impressive low-light shots without relying on Night Sight. While it may take a few seconds to process, the results are often breathtakingly clear. Zoomed-in night shots show nice colors consistent with the main camera, if not as sharp. The ultra-wide camera produces decent shots, although its white balance can be inconsistent with the main camera's results. Cleaning up noisy areas is a challenge for this camera, but overall, it still manages to produce cleaner images compared to the Pixel 5's ultra-wide camera. Video capabilities on the Pixel 6 Pro are impressive, allowing for smooth recording at 4K at 60 FPS. HDR corrections applied to video frames result in significant improvements in quality, with great dynamic range and pleasing colors. The ability to record selfie videos at up to 4K at 30 FPS is also a nice feature. While the camera on the Pixel 6 Pro is excellent, it's not without its minor flaws. A bit more tweaking of HDR+ settings might improve consistency across various lighting conditions. Nevertheless, this phone's camera capabilities make it a strong contender in the smartphone market, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable camera experience.
Price and Value
The Google Pixel 6 Pro starts at $899, placing it firmly in the premium smartphone category. With its powerful triple-camera setup, huge battery, and striking new design, this device has all the hardware it needs to make a compelling case for itself. While the price may seem steep to some, I believe the Pixel 6 Pro offers excellent value for those willing to pay a premium. The camera system, in particular, is one of its standout features, with impressive performance in various lighting conditions. However, there are some caveats to consider. Battery life, while not terrible, falls short of expectations. Additionally, the cameras, although powerful, need a bit more tweaking to achieve consistent results with HDR+. Despite these minor setbacks, I believe the Pixel 6 Pro is still an excellent choice for those looking for a premium smartphone experience. The Google Tensor chip provides great performance, and the device's ability to deliver timely OS updates (3 years) and security patches (5 years) is a significant advantage over other flagships on the market. If you're considering upgrading from an older Pixel or Nexus phone, the Pixel 6 Pro might be worth taking into account. However, if you already have a more recent Pixel model, it may be wise to wait for the second-generation Google Tensor chip before making another upgrade. Ultimately, the value proposition of the Pixel 6 Pro lies in its unique blend of innovative camera capabilities, timely software updates, and robust hardware design. For those willing to pay a premium, this device is an excellent choice that won't disappoint.
Performance
The Google Pixel 6 Pro is equipped with the Tensor chip, a powerful processor that promises to deliver top-notch performance. In my testing, I was impressed by its capabilities. The Tensor chip handles demanding tasks such as gaming and multitasking with ease, thanks to its robust CPU and GPU architecture. I experienced smooth gameplay even in graphically intensive games like Fortnite and PUBG, without any lag or stuttering. However, the Tensor chip's performance does seem to dip slightly when it comes to sustained gaming sessions. While it can handle extended periods of gaming, it may not be able to keep up with more powerful flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Apple iPhone 13 Pro. In terms of general usage, the Pixel 6 Pro's performance is excellent. I found it to be responsive and efficient, handling tasks such as browsing, email, and social media without any issues. Google's Tensor chip also enables new software features that set the Pixel 6 Pro apart from other Android devices. The chip's ability to apply HDR corrections to video frames much quicker has resulted in significant improvements in 4K video quality. Overall, while the Tensor chip may not be the most powerful processor on the market, it is more than capable of delivering a premium smartphone experience.
Pros
1. The Google Pixel 6 Pro has a powerful triple camera setup, capturing up to 2.5 times more light than its predecessor.
2. It features a huge battery and a striking new design that sets it apart from other smartphones.
3. The Google Tensor chip's new software features bring significant improvements to video quality, with 4K at 60 FPS looking really nice.
4. The front-facing selfie camera shoots great-looking selfies with nice details and pleasing color dynamic range.
5. Google promises 3 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches, making it a reliable choice for Android users.
Cons
1. Battery life falls short, although not terrible.
2. The cameras, despite being powerful, just need a bit more tweaking to get HDR+ to be more consistent.
3. The Google Tensor chip's performance is great but not ideal for sustained gaming.