Google Pixel 6: Unique yet competitive

The Google Pixel 6, the long-awaited upgrade to Google’s flagship phone, is finally out. It comes with a swath of new features, including camera improvements, a new design and a brand-new, Google-designed chip. The phone comes in two variants, a standard and a pro model to suit various needs.

New to the Google Pixel is the pre-installed Android 12 OS. This brings new design elements along with bug fixes and privacy features, such as indicators when your phone is using the camera or microphone. Scrolling screenshots allows you to capture an entire webpage in one image instead of taking multiple captures.

The camera upgrade is the center of a radical design twist that changes the status quo for smartphones across the market. The multiple lenses are now arrayed in a stunning camera bar across the back of the phone, defying the traditional camera “bump.” Also, the wide lens is now 50 MP compared to the Pixel 5’s 12 MP wide lens. The Pro model is even more capable, launching the Pixel onto a level that will definitely compete with smartphone rivals Apple and Samsung.

This time around, Google introduced Tensor, their new chip that not only powers the phone much better than the Qualcomm chips used previously, but keeps the device more secure. Unfortunately, it’s no match for other smartphone chips that are used in leading models. It’s slightly behind the chip used in the Samsung Galaxy, and the Apple iPhone 13’s A15 chip -- the fastest smartphone chip -- blasts it by a long shot.

These aren’t the only new features available. Google replaced the fingerprint sensor on the back with an in-screen sensor, a feature that has been available for a while on the Galaxy. The selfie camera hole has been moved from the left to the center of the top of the screen.

Sadly, 5G speeds are noticeably slower on Pixel 6 than other leading smartphones due to an older modem. As if this wasn’t bad enough, it comes with very low battery life when streaming on 5G. Fortunately, the battery life increases significantly when connected to standard 4G.

The Google Pixel, while not everything that some fans were looking for, will change the smartphone market considerably as it is now powerful enough to be “on the flagship stage.” It promises much better performance than its predecessors. But will it be enough to steal users from Samsung – or tougher yet, Apple?

By Charles Metz