Complaining at the highest level: three months with a Pixel 6
9-3-2022
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
I intended to use the Pixel 6 smartphone for the next four or five years. After the first three months, it’s time for an assessment.
Following Google’s presentation of the Pixel 6 last October, I was hooked. A chipset with advanced AI and more security, new camera features and security updates for the next five years. The Pixel 4 and other Google smartphones have served me well before. I therefore struck immediately, ordering the Google device right away.
Software updates and the first Tensor chip
Despite my enthusiasm, it took until the end of November until I finally had the Pixel 6 completely set up and all apps transferred. The much-maligned fingerprint sensor in the display was also very slow in my case. But following the December update, it became faster and more reliable. Annoyingly, new problems occurred in such large numbers on other devices that Google immediately backtracked and only finally fixed the issue in January or February. Fortunately, my Pixel survived without any glitches and has been a faithful companion in my everyday life from the start.
I’m very happy with Android 12 in its pure form. No preinstalled third party bloatware, no ads, and lots of features that I get before everyone else. Even if Samsung and co., for their part, naturally offer features before Google adopts them in the basic version of Android. It’s all those little things, such as visual cues indicating that the camera and/or microphone are in use, which can be disabled via the quick settings.
I haven’t got around to trying out the transcribe function in the recorder yet. Same goes for the upgraded Google Translate. Until now, it’s only ever offered to help in apps where I didn’t need it. The Tensor chip is responsible for these AI functions, among others. It’s the first processor that Google has developed for a smartphone. During everyday use, i.e. beyond benchmark tests, I didn’t notice any major advantages or disadvantages compared to chipsets from other manufacturers. And Tensor’s security as well as AI features work mostly in the background. Besides the examples I just mentioned, AI is noticeable in Google Assistant, which I don’t use much, and in the camera.
Camera functions and image quality
The Pixel 4 already convinced me with its image quality. The Pixel 6 continues this trend. Its pictures look good. Whether I shoot during the day or in the dark, the result is always satisfying. There are exceptions here, of course: for example, when the AI wants to make white surfaces appear white despite yellow artificial light and therefore distorts other colours. But it’s only happened to me once so far.
So far, I’m not regretting my decision to forgo the Pixel 6 Pro with better zoom. An extra 250 euros for a telephoto lens as the only relevant difference was asking too much. Apart from that, its 6.7-inch display is also 0.3 inches larger than that of the Pixel 6. I still miss my compact Pixel 4 with its 5.7 inches.
During the unveiling of the Pixel 6, Google referred to new possibilities in AI in photography. I tried both MotionMode and the magic eraser.
MotionMode can be helpful – such as when applying shorter long exposures by hand. Generally, you’ll rarely take those kinds of pics, instead going for snapshots using Action Mode. But it is helpful for photos that require some planning.
The eraser really makes objects disappear, but it relies on a simple background to do so. Otherwise, the image processing will be noticeable quickly. In my example, the police horse vanished, but the AI could only accurately estimate the asphalt behind it. Uniform backgrounds are easier to guess, but don’t prevent shadows from remaining unprocessed.
The battery charges slowly, but lasts for a while
Slow charging was another annoyance that earned criticism shortly after launch. Especially since the Pixel 6 doesn’t even utilise the 30 watts available from the optional Google power adapter. Google claims that these slow charging speeds will make batteries last longer.
If, like me, you’ve got used to pretty fast charging times in the previous months, it’ll be especially hard to take that step back. The OnePlus 8T is full in 30 minutes. Often faster, since I don’t let the battery get to 0 per cent. With the Pixel 6, I had to change my habits again. I can’t rely on it to fully charge in the morning while I brush my teeth and hop in the shower. The Pixel 6 already needs to be connected to its charging cable in the evening. When it’s completely empty, you’ll need about two hours until the battery is fully charged. If this really makes the battery last longer, it’ll actually allow me to use the smartphone for a long time. However, there’s no concrete information about how long a battery’s life is extended by slow charging.
When the 4905 mAh battery was fully charged, I did get through my day perfectly well with four to five hours of Pixel 6 screen time. Unlike the Pixel 4, the battery’s capacity is large enough. I haven’t yet been embarrassed by having to refuel most of the battery in a short period of time.
However, there’s one major annoyance when it comes to charging. The Pixel 6 is picky. It doesn’t accept every USB-C cable. I won’t even get started on different loading speeds. The Pixel 6 wants to have «Power Delivery». Unfortunately, USB cables don’t say which standard they support. My rule of thumb so far: USB-C connectors at both ends are a reliable sign that the Pixel 6 can be charged with a cable. A combination of USB-A and USB-C only works sometimes. One side effect: I had to get a new powerbank for longer trips.
Pimp my Pixel
I was too slow for the colourful Pixel 6 variants at launch. So I just went with the classic black. There’s nothing wrong with that, but somehow it’s just boring. Google’s cases for the Pixel 6 earn an «uninspired» from me. There were more exciting models in the past. Both regarding colour and material. I still remember fabric cases from the Pixel 4 and 5 days.
However, I did stumble across adhesive films from Dbrand. And since the Pixel is supposed to be my device for the next few years, I invested directly in two different outfits. Now I just have to decide if my Pixel will be «transparent» or Raphael from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
I am satisfied
There are a lot of details to complain about on the Pixel 6. But overall, I’m very satisfied with Google’s smartphone and determined to continue using it for a long time. I like a pure Android and am happy about the speedy and reliable updates. The display is great, the hardware is more than fast enough, and I’ll still spruce up the Pixel 6 visually. In addition, there are the excellent photos and long battery life.
However, there are still enough points of criticism to ensure the Pixel 6 doesn’t receive the title of «best» smartphone. I’m curious as to whether something will really get on my nerves in the long run, and when other test devices will make me want to replace the Pixel 6.
When I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.