My Experience With the Google Pixel 6: Pros and Cons From a Diehard iPhone Guy
I picked up a Sorta Seafoam Google Pixel 6 (base model) shortly after its release in late 2021.
The Pixel 6 wasn’t meant to replace my iPhone. My daily driver is still an iPhone because I’m deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, and for me, it just works. But the Pixel 6 impressed me so much that I’ve kept it for years as a secondary device.
In fact, it’s probably one of the best tech purchases I’ve made in the past five or six years.
The Pros of the Google Pixel 6
Here’s what I absolutely love about this phone, even years later:
1. Premium Build and Solid Feel
The Pixel 6 is solid and has a premium weight to it. Earlier Pixel models (such as my beloved Google Pixel 2 – RIP) felt plasticky, but not this one. The rails feel sturdy, the back panel feels high quality, and the overall construction is impressive. It feels substantial.
2. Unique Design and Color
I didn’t like the “Sorta Seafoam” color when I first bought it. In fact, it was my last choice, but it was all that was available at the time. Over the years, it’s grown on me, and now I actually love it. The two-tone design with the camera bar across the back gives it a distinct personality compared to most other phones.
I do wish the bezels were thinner, however.
3. Outstanding Camera Quality
Even though the base model Pixel 6 doesn’t have a telephoto lens (something I missed for shooting distant subjects like wildlife or airplanes), the main and ultra-wide cameras produce excellent shots.
The image processing is what makes the Pixel stand out. Colors are natural, details are sharp, and the low-light performance is stellar. Video is solid too, with good stabilization and quality.
Bonus: the front-facing selfie camera does a really good job of smoothing out my skin. That’s kind of important for a wrinkly old guy such as myself lol.
4. Battery Life That Just Keeps Going
The battery life on my Pixel 6 is phenomenal. I can leave it in a drawer for weeks, pull it out, and still have enough charge to use it for half a day. It’s so much better than the iPhone 12 Pro I was using when I purchased this thing.
5. Bright and Responsive Display
The screen on the Pixel 6 is bright and vibrant. Even outdoors in direct sunlight, I can see everything clearly. I also love how responsive it feels. Four years later, with all the software updates it has gone through, there’s still no noticeable lag.
6. Durability Without a Case
I’ve never used a case on this phone, and it still looks almost brand new. No scratches, no dents, nothing. It’s been tossed in drawers, backpacks, and even pockets with keys, and it’s held up remarkably well.
7. USB-C Port
This might seem minor, but coming from 10 years of iPhone ownership, getting a phone with USB-C was a pretty big deal. It was so nice to have a phone that worked with the same charging standard as my other (non-Apple) devices.
The Cons of the Google Pixel 6
As much as I love this phone, it’s not perfect. Here are the downsides I’ve noticed:
1. The Weight
Yes, I listed the solid build as a pro, but the weight can also be a drawback. Stick this in your pocket, and you’ll notice it. Hold it for a long time, and your hand might get tired. Compared to my iPhone 14 Pro, the Pixel 6 feels much heavier.
2. No Telephoto Lens
For me, not having a telephoto lens was disappointing because I often take pictures of things like wildlife and airplanes.
3. Thicker Bezels
This isn’t a deal-breaker, but the bezels on the Pixel 6 are thicker than I’d like. Even when it launched in 2021, it felt a bit outdated in this regard.
4. Fingerprint Reader That Didn’t Always Work
The in-screen fingerprint reader was never all that reliable for me. It worked maybe two times out of 10, and it got to the point that I didn’t even attempt it most of the time. I just went straight to typing in my passcode.
