Big review of Pixel 6 - a smartphone with a great camera and a terrible fingerprint scanner
Miscellaneous / / February 25, 2022
Impressions after two months of using the device.
Pixel smartphones have always attracted with excellent cameras and a clean operating system, but they repelled far from the most modern filling, high price tag and the complexity of the acquisition. The brand new Pixel 6 was an exception: its price turned out to be adequate, and the technical equipment did not let us down.
With these changes, interest in the device has increased, so it has become much easier to buy it outside the United States. Many small retailers in Russia today sell a smartphone for about 60,000 rubles. This is much more expensive than the official $600 (≈50,000 rubles), but even so, the device definitely deserves attention. What it is good for, and why you can safely hate it, I will tell in this review, I am Viktor Podvolotsky, the author of Lifehacker and the owner of Pixel 6.
Table of contents
- Specifications
- Design and ergonomics
- Screen
- Fingerprint scanner
- Sound
- Performance
- cameras
- System
- Autonomy and charging
- Results
Specifications
Operating system | Android 12 |
Frame | aluminum + Gorilla Glass 6, IP68 waterproof |
Screen | AMOLED, 6.4 inches, 2400 × 1080 pixels, 90 Hz, HDR 10+, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
CPU | Google Tensor (5 nm) with Titan M2 |
Memory | 8 GB - operational, 128/256 GB - built-in |
cameras | Main: main - 50 MP, f / 1.85 with LDAF and OIS; ultra wide-angle - 12 MP, f / 2.2, 114 °. Front: 8 MP, f/2.0 |
Communications | nanoSIM + eSIM; 2G, 3G, LTE, 5G; Wi‑Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC |
Battery | 4614 mAh, charging: 30 W - wired, 21 W - wireless |
Connectors | USB Type-C 3.1 |
Dimensions | 158.6×74.8×8.9mm |
Weight | 207 g |
Additionally | optical fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers |
Design and ergonomics
Over the years, Google has experimented with the design of Pixel smartphones, trying different back and camera designs. The sixth generation, which includes the base Pixel 6 and the top-end Pixel 6 Pro, is no exception. Both flagships received a massive bar with photomodules, which stretched from one edge of the case to the other.
On renderings, this insert looked rather strange, but it did not cause negative emotions live. Yes, it sticks out of the case, but how many smartphones today, where camera modules do not add extra millimeters to the thickness? Plus, it's the size and shape of this bar that keeps the Pixel 6 from wobble on a table when it's face down.
If you use a smartphone without a case, the index finger will rest against the side of the bar. This does not cause discomfort, but at first it may be unusual. I also note that the smallest dust will always accumulate under the bar - only a cover will save from this.
Pixel 6 is available in three colors:
- boring gray-black (Stormy Black);
- light green (Sorta Seafoam);
- amber-orange (Kinda Coral).
All models have a two-color design of the rear panel, where the same bar with cameras acts as a separator.
In the dark version, the colors are very similar, but in the other two, the small top panel has a much brighter shade, which makes the appearance of the smartphone really unique.
I have, as you already understood from the photo, the coloring of Sorta Seafoam. Combined with the black matte frame, the sea foam shades look very cool. The only pity is that Google this year abandoned a similar color accent on the power button - light green there would be very relevant.
With the assembly of the case, the Pixel 6 is in perfect order. The metal frame is perfectly aligned with the glass of the back panel - there, by the way, Gorilla Glass 6. The prints on it are visible only at a certain angle and are not striking.
What protects the insert with cameras is unknown, but the coating there must be no less reliable, because scratches can affect the quality of photography. I'm sure Google engineers understand this: Pixel 6 even warns of contamination of this glass, for example, with a fingerprint, and offers to wipe it. Here is such a concern.
Screen
In front of a smartphone without surprises and experimental solutions. The entire panel is occupied by a flat 6.4-inch AMOLED display with an aspect ratio of 20:9 and a resolution of 2400 × 1080 pixels. It is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, which even resists better scratch-resistant than Gorilla Glass 6 on the back.
Refresh rate - 60 or 90 Hz to choose from, it changes in the display settings, item "Smooth screen". There is no support for truly flagship 120 Hz here. But you need to understand that the base model does not claim to be a top solution - it is positioned as a sub-flagship, and for this title it has an excellent screen.
The picture is quite bright and contrasting, with natural shades without distortion in green or blue and pleasant white. There is no noticeable flicker, so the eyes do not get tired even with very long use.
There are three color profiles to choose from in the settings:
- natural colors - a calm range for those who love IPS panels;
- bright - increased brightness and saturation;
- adaptive - a dynamic mode that adjusts the picture to the lighting and can make the image much more caustic than in the bright colors mode.
Other useful settings include a night light that tries to save your eyes with a blue light filter, and an increase in sensor sensitivity. As well as a dark theme that looks great on an AMOLED panel.
Fingerprint scanner
Yes, the Pixel 6 is such a smartphone, the fingerprint scanner of which deserves a separate section in the review. However, first things first.
The power button on the right side of the case is located above the volume control, and this is not very convenient. To turn the display on and off, you have to intercept and reach for it. The wake-up function when lifting the device comes to the rescue here. In such a scenario, it remains only to touch the screen with a fingerprint scanner.
And everything would be fine if this scanner was not so disgusting. This is definitely the slowest and most unstable optical sensor I've come across.
Fingerprints are recognized with a noticeable delay, sometimes not the first time, and in the case of barely wet fingers, you don’t even have to try - dial the code right away.
On various forums, users are advised to memorize all five prints and save the papillary pattern of a wet finger, then everything will supposedly be fine. However, none of these tips really helped. The software updates that have been released over the past six months have not corrected the situation either. The problem was already at the start of sales, and now, alas, it is still relevant. You can't replace fingerprint scanning with facial recognition - the Pixel 6 simply doesn't have that feature.
Sound
Pixel 6 has stereo speakers. The first is located on the lower end, the second is combined with the conversational one and has fairly wide “nostrils” (hello, dust).
The sound is quite voluminous, with a very good middle and a large margin of volume. Watching YouTube is just right.
In the device settings there is a switch "Adaptive sound". In theory, it improves the audio quality by taking into account the noise in the room. But in practice, it was not possible to feel the benefit of this function - the sound is approximately the same in any conditions.
Performance
One of the main features of the smartphone was the first proprietary Tensor processor from Google, which was “sharpened” specifically for Pixel 6/6 Pro.
According to unofficial data, in some blocks Tensor is very similar to Samsung processors, and in the modem part it copies them altogether. It is likely that the Google chip was developed with the help of the South Korean giant, which has extensive experience with Exynos solutions. However, are these details so important if everything works fine?
Tensor is manufactured on a 5nm process and includes eight cores: two powerful Cortex‑X1 (2.8GHz), two Cortex‑A76 (2.25GHz) and four energy efficient Cortex‑A55 (1.8GHz). The Mali‑G78 MP20 accelerator is responsible for graphics, and the Titan M2 coprocessor is responsible for security. The amount of RAM is 8 GB (LPDDR5), internal memory is 128 or 256 GB, depending on the version.
In benchmarks, the processor does not set records, but in general, in terms of performance, it is close to the Exynos 2100 in the Galaxy S21 and the Snapdragon 888 in One Plus 9 Pro. Below is an example of the results of the 3D Mark Wild Life graphics test, where the Pixel 6 beats many direct Android competitors.
The smartphone copes with all everyday tasks perfectly, providing flagship performance - there are no problems with a bunch of tabs in the browser, or with heavy online games. It also does not turn into a “stove”, although heating under load is felt.
On the presentations Google made a special emphasis on the fact that with the help of Tensor some system operations were significantly accelerated, while others were completely transferred to the device without using remote servers for calculations. This mainly concerns speech and music recognition, voice-to-text conversion, translator and camera work.
In everyday use, you notice the processing of photos from the camera, where some kind of magic really happens. More on this below.
cameras
The main module
For a long time, Pixel smartphones received the same 12.2 megapixel main photo module. However, with the Pixel 6, the company finally stepped forward and installed a more advanced 50MP sensor with laser autofocus and optical stabilization.
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
In fact, photos on the Pixel 6 will still be at the same 12-megapixel resolution, since the smartphone always shoots with the combination of four pixels into one to improve the quality of the photo (Quad Bayer technology). The full 50 MP mode cannot even be manually selected, but this does not prevent the camera from being one of the best in its class.
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
The Pixel 6 is almost perfect for shooting in automatic mode - it focuses quickly, adapts well to difficult light, and rarely spoils shots. As in the case with Pixel 5a 5G, you can be sure that one photo is enough for each scene - it will be successful.
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
Even when shooting moving objects, the image is always clear. At the same time, in comparison with the same Pixel 5a 5G, the smartphone processes the image much faster, eliminating all artifacts and distortions in just a second.
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
Auto night mode noticeably improves shots taken in the dark. Sometimes it turns out to take a picture where even the eye can not see anything.
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
Among the additional shooting modes it is worth highlighting:
- "Great shot" - allows you to get good photos from a short video;
- "Panning" - a moving object in focus, and the background gets a spectacular blur (first frame below);
- "Long exposure" - the moving object is blurred, and the background remains in focus (second frame).
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
"Magic Eraser"
Separately, I want to highlight the sensational “Magic Eraser” function, which, using neural networks, allows you to remove people in the background. It is very useful when shooting at sights or on observation decks, where someone else always gets into your frame.
Here is a rather complex example with poor light, where the algorithms even recognized a person sitting at a table:
And here is the before and after photo:
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
The smartphone can itself select people who can be deleted, or you can manually "cover up" the object you want to hide. The success of such magic depends on the complexity of the background, but most often you will be pleasantly surprised.
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
In Google Photos on the Pixel 6, you can also apply the eraser to old photos taken on any other smartphone.
portrait mode
Portrait background blur applies even to photos with cats.
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
This mode does not always perfectly separate the foreground from the background - pay attention to the area between the cats. But in absolute pluses, you can write down a very accurate transfer of skin tone when shooting people.
Zoom
The smartphone does not have a separate TV set, but the software Super Res Zoom is also quite good. The camera interface allows for 2x zoom.
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
If you hold down the “2 ×” button, you can increase the zoom up to seven times, but this is useful only with very good lighting and with some kind of stop or tripod.
Wide module
The second camera of the Pixel 6 has a resolution of 12 megapixels and is designed for wide-angle shooting. Unfortunately, it does not have autofocus, but it shoots quite decently, without mocking the geometry of the frame.
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
Even in the dark, with street lighting, it’s easy to take a good shot.
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
Selfie camera
The front camera has a modest 8-megapixel resolution by modern standards and a fixed focus. Algorithms that improve photos from the main camera are also used here, so the output selfies are pretty good.
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
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Photo: Victor Podvolotsky / Lifehacker
You can apply background blur, portrait light, sky filter, and other effects to your finished photo in Google Photos.
With a lack of lighting, the detail of the picture is noticeably reduced, but even at night on the street it is quite possible to get a decent frame.
System
Pixel 6 became the first owner of Android 12. Here is a clean version of the system and the traditional Pixel Launcher add-on with additional features.
Interface
The main visual feature of the system was the new Material You design language with an adaptive interface that changes the color accent in accordance with the selected wallpaper.
It works very simply: the system recognizes the primary colors in the background image and makes several palettes out of them. The user can choose any - in accordance with it, icons of standard programs, buttons in the curtain, sliders, some headings, a clock on the lock screen and standard widgets will be colored.
The palette can always be changed in the style settings, which are opened by long pressing on an empty spot on the desktop. Other options are available there, including changing the application grid (from 2x2 to 5x5), dark theme and themed icons.
The last item allows you to make all the icons of standard tools two-color in accordance with the palette and theme. They look nice, but with the usual icons in the same row they don’t look very harmonious. Perhaps in Android 13 this heterogeneity will be eliminated, but for now we have to put up with it.
Widgets
It’s literally the same story with them - there are a little more standard ones and they all fit well with the new interface, but they don’t harmonize with third-party application widgets. Although if you use only the clock widget, like me, this will not be a problem.
By the way, widgets adapt not so much to the palette as to the colors of the part of the wallpaper that they overlap. For example, the clock hands can change their color when you drag the watch face to another place on the desktop. And when you change the size of the widget, the shape can also change.
All this, of course, is trifles, but it is in such details that real adaptability can be traced, which the system clearly lacked.
blind
The shutter of Android 12 has become more organized. There were large rounded buttons for quick settings, a convenient grouping of alerts with separators, where also devices available for pairing or already active streaming connections on the network are automatically displayed WiFi.
The set of settings available for adding to the curtain is very wide, there are even buttons for accessing file manager and Google Pay, as well as a forced ban on the microphone and camera (a real dream paranoid).
I’ll immediately note that whenever the phone listens to you or takes pictures, a green dot-indicator lights up in the upper right corner of the desktop. If you see this light when all applications are closed, this is a wake-up call - some program is clearly spying.
Multitasking mode
Swipe up from the bottom edge of the desktop opens the multitasking mode, that is, a set of thumbnails of all open applications. It looks very minimalist, but in terms of features it offers almost everything you need.
There are two buttons below each thumbnail:
- "Select" - it automatically recognizes all the text on the sketch and offers to copy the desired fragment to the clipboard. That is, for this you do not even need to switch to full screen mode.
- "Screenshot" - allows you to take a screenshot, including a long one, when the entire scroll area is saved, as well as immediately edit it and send it.
If there is a link on the thumbnail, the system will automatically recognize it and allow you to copy it in one click. The same with pictures - a small button will appear that allows you to select an image for copying, sending, saving or searching through the "Lens".
And lastly, if you hold the icon above the thumbnail, you can switch to split screen mode to work with two applications at the same time.
Other
Speaking about the convenience of Android 12, one cannot fail to note a number of features and improvements that sometimes greatly simplify the use of a smartphone. Here are just a few of them:
- In the Digital Wellbeing settings section, the Night Mode item has become available, which allows you to turn off all notifications and switch the screen to monochrome mode on a schedule. It will turn on at the appointed time and remind you that it is time to put the smartphone away.
- In the lock screen settings, there is an option to detect nearby music tracks. That is, if you want to “shazam” something, you don’t have to launch additional applications - the track name will automatically be displayed right on the lock screen.
- From the storage section with the display of used memory, you can immediately go to the Google Files file manager - this is very convenient.
- In the Wi‑Fi network settings, there is an option to quickly connect other devices using a QR code so as not to share the password.
- In the “Gestures” settings item, you can select the action for double tapping on the back cover smartphone - this way you can take a screenshot, show notifications, or, for example, open a specific Appendix.
- In the media player in the curtain, you can quickly change the sound output source by selecting, for example, a Bluetooth speaker or headphones. There you can also adjust the volume of each source.
- I also note the useful pre-installed Personal Security application, where you can enter your medical data and select contacts for emergency calls. The call itself is started by pressing the power button five times.
And, of course, it should be noted that the smartphone will receive updates for 3 years, up to Android 15 at least. And security updates will come for 5 years.
For 2 months of using the smartphone, the operation of the system did not cause any particular complaints. Several times, system applications hung, the animation “slipped” in places and the volume control stupefied, but all these are quite rare cases that did not spoil the overall impression of Android 12. The system is very visually pleasing and is perceived as a single mechanism that is always trying to help and please you.
Autonomy and charging
The smartphone received a 4,614 mAh battery - this is a decent capacity for the owner of an FHD + screen with a frequency of 90 Hz. The Pixel 6 is stable for full daylight hours unless it's loaded with games.
For example, on vacation, I removed the device from charging at 9 am and by 9 pm I had about 15-20% left. During the day, the camera, Telegram, Yandex. Maps, Instagram and Google Chrome. As a result, more than 5-6 hours of active screen were obtained - this is quite enough for comfortable everyday use.
As for charging, the wire power is up to 30 watts. However, there is a nuance. If it takes about 38 minutes to recharge from 0 to 50%, which is generally acceptable, then after this mark the speed drops dramatically and charging takes about an hour and a half.
It turns out that full 100% takes more than 2 hours, and somehow it doesn’t fit with 30 W at all - it’s too slow.
And, as it turned out, 30 W is really not here. It confirmed detailed test Android Authority editors who measured the power at different stages of charging using the original adapter, which, by the way, needs to be purchased separately.
Measurements showed that even up to 50%, no more than 22 watts are used, and after that the power drops in several stages, down to 2.5 watts. Moreover, the decrease occurs in steps, and not smoothly, like most other smartphones. In general, you can’t call such fast charging by modern standards.
A little brightens up this shortcoming only support for wireless Qi-feed. Its declared power is up to 21 W, but it is available only with the proprietary Pixel Stand 2 dock - it is not easy to find it in Russia, especially for reasonable money.
With other Qi accessories, you can only count on 12 watts, which, however, is also not bad. In addition, there is also a reverse feed. It allows you to charge some accessories from your smartphone, for example, a case of wireless headphones. You just need to enable this option in the settings, it's called "Battery Transfer". Works great even through a thick silicone case - tested with Redmi Buds 3 Pro.
Results
I really wanted Google to get the perfect sub-flagship - a sort of new Nexus - balanced in price, stuffing and camera. The fingerprint scanner does not allow calling the Pixel 6 as such, which spoils the whole picture, and when used outdoors in snow or rain, it just frankly infuriates.
Nevertheless, this drawback does not negate the obvious advantages of the device, for which this smartphone is bought. In short, this is the best camera for your money and up-to-date Android for 3 years. If you love photography but don't want to spend $80K-$100K on a top-end flagship, the Pixel 6 is a good choice for you.
Advantages
- original design;
- good screen;
- excellent camera;
- decent autonomy;
- reverse Qi charging;
- Android 12 with many years of support.
disadvantages
- terrible fingerprint scanner;
- slow wired charging;
- lack of official retail.
If you want to save as much as possible on the purchase of Pixel 6, you can search for it on Avito from users who bring new smartphones from abroad. They resell the global version at a price of 57,000 rubles. A slightly cheaper model is for Japan, which differs only in the non-switchable sound of the camera shutter (click).
What can I buy for Pixel 6 on AliExpress
- Inexpensive case with a fabric coating, 331 rubles →
- Carbon fiber case, 1,805 rubles →
- High-quality Spigen case, 1,842 rubles →
- Baseus 30W compact charging adapter, from 1,275 rubles →
- Wireless charging Baseus 15 W, 1 187 rubles →
Are you a Pixel 6 owner? Share your impressions of the device in the comments.
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