The Google Pixel 6 is the latest smartphone from the tech giant, and it comes with several new features and improvements compared to the previous model. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the design, display, performance, camera, and battery life of the Pixel 6.
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel 6 stands out from the crowd with its uniquely designed camera bump, which extends as a black bar across the entire back panel. This allows Google to go for a two-tone look with a different color above and below the camera strip. The camera bump sticks out quite a bit from the back, which can be a lint magnet, but since it's all the way across, it doesn't make the phone wobble while it's sitting on a desk.
Google has gone in a different direction from last year's Pixel 5, opting for a premium Gorilla Glass 6 panel with a rounded matte aluminum frame. At 207 grams, it's a bit chunkier than the Pixel 5, but it feels sturdy in hand. The phone is IP68 rated for dust and water resistance, which gives peace of mind for those who are worried about accidental drops or spills.
Display
The Pixel 6's display is a flat 6.4-inch AMOLED with a 1080p resolution, a punch-hole for the selfie cam, and Gorilla Glass Victis protection. Some people might prefer this flat screen to the pro model's curved one, but there are some downgrades here too. The refresh rate is slower at 90Hz, and the resolution is lower at 1080p. Even so, the regular Pixel 6's display is quite decent. It's sharp enough and smooth enough, even without those higher-end specs. The picture is contrasty thanks to AMOLED technology, and there's HDR 10+ support. The color presets can deliver ok accuracy, and the max brightness is good too.
Performance
One of the major developments of this year's Pixel phones is that they feature the new 5 nanometer Tensor chipset, built in-house by Google. It seems that Google wants to stand out from other Android manufacturers and provide a more proprietary experience. Since this is the first generation software-wise, the Pixel 6 doesn't feel so different from other high-end Android phones except for the fact that it runs the new Android 12.
The Tensor chip's machine learning capability enables some neat features, such as Google's automatic speech recognition, which is more advanced than ever before, and real-time translation, which is becoming even more of a reality, both in actual conversations as well as the captions for videos that you're watching. The Tensor's performance is excellent, comparable to the high-end Snapdragon 888 chipset. Demanding games run pretty well too, but it's not a gaming phone. Thermal management could be better, and we measured thermal throttling in our stress tests, which could become noticeable during long gaming sessions.
Camera
The Pixel 6 features dual cameras, one with a 12.2 MP main sensor, and the other with a 16MP ultra-wide sensor. The main sensor has a 1.4-micron pixel size and an f/1.7 aperture, while the ultra-wide sensor has a 1.0-micron pixel size and an f/2.4 aperture. The camera processing is one of the major differences here, behind the scenes. Google's computational photography has always been a standout feature of the Pixel line, and this continues with the Pixel 6. The images are sharp and clear, with accurate colors and good dynamic range. The ultra-wide sensor is a welcome addition, and the Night Sight mode is still one of the best in the business.
Battery Life
The Pixel 6 is equipped with a 4,600mAh battery, which is decent but not exceptional. We tested the battery endurance rating, and it scored 86 hours. The phone doesn't come with a charger in the box, but it can be charged to 41% in half an hour with an 18-watt charger. There's also support for wireless charging, which is a convenient option for those who prefer to charge their phone wirelessly.
The Google Pixel 6 is a solid smartphone with some notable improvements over its predecessor. The design and build quality are excellent, and the display is decent, even though it has some downgrades compared to the pro model. The performance is impressive, thanks to the new 5 nanometer Tensor chipset, and the camera processing is still one of the best in the business. The battery life is decent, but it could be better. Overall, it's a great option for those looking for a high-end smartphone with a unique design and advanced camera capabilities, but it may not be the best option for those looking for a device specifically optimized for gaming or heavy battery use.
Post a Comment for "Google Pixel 6 Review: A Closer Look at the Design and Build Quality"