Pixel 6/Pixel 6 Pro

[5105973]

Huge Nexus and now Pixel fan. But I have to say, a day after the reviews are out, I'm a bit underwhelmed disappointed in from what I'm reading on the Pixel 6 Pro.

- Camera = The early buzz and hype was crazy for this upgraded camera. People expecting this to blow away the iPhone 13 Pro and Galaxy S21 series, and the Pixel 6 would be the top dog by a wide margin. Now we come to find out, not so quick. This new camera is just a bit better than the Pixel 5's, and trades blows back and forth with the iPhone 13 Pro. It's not some brand new mind blowing futuristic next gen camera.

- Battery life = A brand new custom chipset, and huge 5,000mAh battery with a variable refresh rate LPTO display, I thought this thing would get killer battery life, maybe not 13 Pro Max battery, but at least close. Now in reality we're finding out not at all, the battery life is just ok, not bad, certainly not great, just good battery life.

- Display = I wanted a Pixel screen that gets bright like a new iPhone or Galaxy phone display brightness, I never expected Google to be better, but at least on par. But nope, it's still behind both, I think the iPhone 13 Pro gets like 1100 peak brightness, and the Galaxy S21 like 1000, but the 6 Pro gets like 850. And people saying the 120hz display on the 13 Pro feels smoother and less laggy when fast scrolling compared to the 6 Pro's ( maybe it needs a driver update? )


I'm not trying to knock this new Pixel, I have one on order, but it's not this super duper smartphone from the future, leaving the iPhone and Galaxy in the dust, like it seemed it was going to be. It's actually just on par with them, or maybe even lesser. But personally disappointed in two things, the mediocre battery life, and average brightness display.

Tig, I don’t know what to say beyond be very very careful about trusting the reviews, pro or con. Some of these people have biases and agendas that we have to discern past. I’m sure they’re sincere for the most part. But they’re only human.

I’ve owned plenty of battery test winners and still the horrible conditions I live under with wretched cell signal drains my phones. I view these home made tests as guide posts only.

And all of them fall off a cliff after a few months, even if battery health swears up and down that my battery is still super new magical fantastic. So I make sure to keep chargers and in some situations a battery case handy. My 11 Pro in particular needed that battery case.

Oddly, my purple 12 mini of all things has been the best battery champ I’ve had in years. When I got stuck overnight at a hospital waiting room tbe battery miraculously lasted me in a way that reminded me of the temple lamps in the Hanukkah story staying lit past all expectations to meet the need. I was so relieved about that, because I’d left my other phones home when we dropped the kids off, thinking we’d only be gone a couple of hours. I had only that one mini to keep me sane and to keep in touch with everyone I needed to communicate with.

I’m not sure I understand the expectations for the Pixel 6 anyway. Past pixels were phones with pleasant to use software held back by janky hardware. Now the hardware appears to be solid. What’s not to celebrate?

I expect any issues caused by software to be worked out over the coming weeks.

My 13 Pro was no saint when I got it. Bugs bugs and more bugs annoyed me. But it seems to be doing better now.

Just keep calm and don’t burden your first impressions and experience with other people’s judgements.

 

[valinda]

Well I'm not purchasing the Pixel just for the camera. It's pure Android experience I want to try.

 

[Awesomesince86]

Shipped

 

[Tig Bitties]

If you got to the portion where he discusses battery life on both the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, he says they're both fantastic, all day battery phones, playing games, streaming videos, listening to music in the background while texting, he's saying zero worries on either phone with the battery life.

 

[Supersonicc]

Good comparison of the cameras from the top flagships

One of the best camera & video comparisons I’ve seen from the so-called ‘big’ YouTubers. Clearly Danny Winget spent a long time making it.

My take from Danny’s video is the Pixel produces the more natural day photos with improved detail & overall best skin colours. The iPhone, to me, looks too punchy, over-saturated colours in a lot of photos with orange faces & the S21 with yellow faces. However iPhone appears to deal with digital processing better on portrait photos - like on hair etc. although I’m really loving the ‘real life’ portrait shots of cats & dogs owners posted on this thread! S21 Ultra detail with 108MP was pretty impressive too. I would have liked to see macro mode on the 6 Pro but no big deal.

Night photos, I did expect more from the latest Night Sight software on the Pixel with definitely less processing / exposure time to take night pics. He achieved better night shots initially with single shots than using Night Sight. This will hopefully be fixed by a software upgrade, because when he got Night Sight right the detail & light in night shots was phenomenal on the Pixel.

Video win, as expected, goes to the iPhone especially with cinematic mode and pro-res video but Google have made massive leaps forward with the Pixel 6 & 6 Pro video compared to the 5. The 6 & 5 are light years apart with video quality. The 4K night video on the 6/6 Pro was actually very impressive with the detail and light but noisier close up than the iPhone. I seriously think the Pixel could fully rival the iPhone video next year if Google invest additional support to video with the new Tensor chip like toning down the noise etc.

Whilst the 6/6 Pro may not be the 13 Pro/ Pro Max slayer people expected or were hyped up to expect by Google this year, the differences are close. I still reckon £ for £ / $ for $ the Pixel represents exceptional value for money compared to the iPhone, even more so with the US Google Pixel Buds deal or UK Bose 700 deal.

 

[Oohara]

The funny stuff about all these photo comparisons is if you go on social media and post two photos you will have so many different views and opinions as to which photo is better. At the end of the day you have to try yourself but if it's good for you that's most important. There is no perfect phone and that every shot comes up as you expected including conditions and user.

I basically don’t bother with any comparison videos whatsoever. Battery comparisons are usually just as useless as the camera ones. It depends 100% on your own ways of using the device. For example for me the camera UI is almost as important as the hypothetical image quality as defined by software and hardware, but almost no one ever talks about that.

I’m curious to try the Pixel camera. My 12 Pro Max takes stunning photos of nature and objects but I’ve been quite disappointed by my shots of people. I know that partially comes down to my inability with cameras in general, but that’s part of my usage conditions. The orange face syndrome has been a bit too severe in general though and happens even in situations where I find it hard to explain.

 

[Expos of 1969]

I basically don’t bother with any comparison videos whatsoever. Battery comparisons are usually just as useless as the camera ones. It depends 100% on your own ways of using the device. For example for me the camera UI is almost as important as the hypothetical image quality as defined by software and hardware, but almost no one ever talks about that.

I’m curious to try the Pixel camera. My 12 Pro Max takes stunning photos of nature and objects but I’ve been quite disappointed by my shots of people. I know that partially comes down to my inability with cameras in general, but that’s part of my usage conditions. The orange face syndrome has been a bit too severe in general though and happens even in situations where I find it hard to explain.

Figured out how to get the Pixel from Germany yet? My step daughter lives in the UK so I could order from the Google UK store, have it delivered to her place and then go pick it up. Something to think about.

 

[cuzo]

We are at a point where the cameras on these flagships are all pretty great for what most people use them for. These videos have to zoom in so far and focus in on such small details, that should prove just how close they all really are. In reality, most people only use these to share on social media on small screens, so any flagship camera will be more than adequate. Very few will need that one leaf 50' into the background to look better at 3am. I'm just happy we have gotten to a point when all the top phones have excellent cameras!

Thank you,

This is a big reason why I prefer Floss over the other guys because they "experts" and I mean no offense to anyone who watches them but they act like most of us are gonna be this into cameras and I'm tired of them. They need to take them reviews to the professional DSR guys who shoot high end stuff but for most us it's just facebook and so forth.

What I will say is that the S21 ultra zoom is something that I can see being used more on people's phones, people want to zoom all the way in on what they're looking at so 2x or 4x isn't enough.

But overall the camera IMO since the S8 has been perfectly fine for most people.

The experts aren't for most people... Floss is for the people

Also i still prefer the 5 to the 6 IMO, smaller, lighter and a bad ass phone.

 

[Aneres11]

All I see on YouTube now is iPhone vs Pixel videos. One after the other after the other.
So boring. Comparissons are all well and good, but it's painful just how they're all making the exact same video now for clicks.

Won't be long until we get the face palm thumb nails and the "I was WRONG about the Pixel" and then the inevitable "Why I'm switching to Pixel" as they appear on video still wearing their Apple Watch trying to convince us they've switched. 🤣.

I literally watch a lot of tech "reviews" on mute these days. I'm only watching for the great looks at the hardware, I don't really give two s**** what they think haha.

 

[mi7chy]

I'm a sucker for accurate skin tone. Google has the best skin tone. Samsung 2nd but a little yellow. And, Apple makes people look like they've had a few drinks so after a few drinks they probably look like a tomato.

 

[noobinator]

Jokes on all them, I think iPhone and Pixel are both the best, for different reasons. It's why I always try to have one of each.

 

[Awesomesince86]

Everyone is acting like the photo/video quality right now is the best it will ever get. That's inaccurate. I expect it to improve even further with updates as it gets in more people's hands.

 

[Tig Bitties]

All I see on YouTube now is iPhone vs Pixel videos. One after the other after the other.
So boring. Comparissons are all well and good, but it's painful just how they're all making the exact same video now for clicks.

Won't be long until we get the face palm thumb nails and the "I was WRONG about the Pixel" and then the inevitable "Why I'm switching to Pixel" as they appear on video still wearing their Apple Watch trying to convince us they've switched. ?.

I literally watch a lot of tech "reviews" on mute these days. I'm only watching for the great looks at the hardware, I don't really give two s**** what they think haha.

Agreed

 

[Tig Bitties]

Even MKBD, I'm a big fan of Marques, but lately he's become a bit full of himself, maybe becoming an elite millionaire changed him a bit?

But his reviews last couple years really aren't that detailed when you think about it. And they mostly focus on the camera and that's about it. I'm sick of camera's being the main focus of smartphone reviews, to me that's like 5th or 6th down the list of things I look for in buying a new phone. They need to ease up and stop putting so much into a cellphones camera, there's way more to a smartphone than the camera. It's a pocket computer, not a GoPro.

My main things I think about before buying a new smartphone;

#1: OS preference or version of the OS, to me it's stock Android
#2: Battery life
#3: Display, is it bright, and vibrant, and deep blacks
#4: UI smoothness, is it lag free and no jutter
#5: OS updates and support and security
#6: Camera ( to me any new phone has a great camera nowadays, Galaxy S21, 13 Pro, or 6 Pro, especially if coming from an older phone a new phone will for sure have a better camera )

 

[nfl46]

Jokes on all them, I think iPhone and Pixel are both the best, for different reasons. It's why I always try to have one of each.

Lol. Exactly me. Best of both worlds for me.

 

[Awesomesince86]

Even MKBD, I'm a big fan of Marques, bit lately he's become a bit full of himself, maybe becoming an elite millionaire changed him a bit?

But his review last couple years really aren't that detailed when you think about it. And they mostly focus on the camera and that's about it. I'm sick of camera's being the main focus of smartphone reviews, to me that's like 5th or 6th down the list of things I look for in buying a new phone. They need to ease up and stop putting so much into a cellphones camera.

My main things I think about before buying a new smartphone;

#1: OS preference or version of the OS, to me it's stock Android
#2: Battery life
#3: Display, is it bright, and vibrant, and deep blacks
#4: UI smoothness, is it lag free and no jutter
#5: OS updates and support and security
#6: Camera ( to me any new phone has a great camera nowadays, Galaxy S21, 13 Pro, or 6 Pro, especially if coming from an older phone a new phone will for sure have a better camera )

Marques prioritizes production quality over substance. Probably because he aims to appeal to a bigger audience than just tech nerds. Hard to blame him .

 

[samcraig]

Amazing example

 

[aggie99]

Even MKBD, I'm a big fan of Marques, bit lately he's become a bit full of himself, maybe becoming an elite millionaire changed him a bit?

But his review last couple years really aren't that detailed when you think about it. And they mostly focus on the camera and that's about it. I'm sick of camera's being the main focus of smartphone reviews, to me that's like 5th or 6th down the list of things I look for in buying a new phone. They need to ease up and stop putting so much into a cellphones camera.

My main things I think about before buying a new smartphone;

#1: OS preference or version of the OS, to me it's stock Android
#2: Battery life
#3: Display, is it bright, and vibrant, and deep blacks
#4: UI smoothness, is it lag free and no jutter
#5: OS updates and support and security
#6: Camera ( to me any new phone has a great camera nowadays, Galaxy S21, 13 Pro, or 6 Pro, especially if coming from an older phone a new phone will for sure have a better camera )

Agree on MKBHD. He used to be one of my favorite reviewers but he's fallen way down the list for me the last couple years. Mrwhosetheboss is the same. Actually, when watching him, I get the feeling that he's trying to be like MKBHD, from his mannerisms to the way he talks.

My go to video reviewers:
1. Flossy Carter. Been my favorite for a long time. Entertaining. Puts the device thorough its paces before rushing to get a review out as soon as the embargo lifts. Very thorough review. Did I mention entertaining? Only bad thing is it may take me 2 to 3 days to get through his loooong but very thorough review ?

2. Mr. Mobile/Michael Fisher. Mostly for Android reviews. He's not really an Apple guy. But like Flossy, his reviews are very thorough and don't just focus on the camera.

3. SuperSaf. He can be annoying to me at times but his reviews and camera comparisons are good.

4. Danny Winget. Camera isn't my top focus on the phone, but I love his camera reviews and comparisons.

Those are the 4 I usually look forward to. Way down the line behind them would be MKBHD, Mrwhosetheboss, The Verge/Dieter Bohn

 

[nospleen]

My regular 6 in seafoam just shipped. Unfortunately it’s coming fedex, which always gets delayed in the remote area I live. But, it’s en route!

 

[Oohara]

Figured out how to get the Pixel from Germany yet? My step daughter lives in the UK so I could order from the Google UK store, have it delivered to her place and then go pick it up. Something to think about.

Haven’t really looked into it yet but I have a German credit card and a few friends there so I figure there’ll be a way once I put my mind to it. I have a lot of other stuff on my mind right now though so I was thinking maybe I’ll wait for Black Friday deals… Your UK connection sounds like it could work out nicely too.

 

[Aneres11]

Funny how everyone seems to love Flossy. I find his videos go on way too long, and I hate his basic video aesthetic. His phones (home screen) always have the exact same set up, which I personally am not a fan of, and whilst I don’t dislike him I’d never look to watch one of his videos.

For me, I’m more about the aesthetic of videos and no one hits that better than Canoopsy for me. Incredible visuals, and you can tell her really puts some thought into what he is creating. Even though it’s obvious he’s an Apple fan boy, he does give a lot of love to Android devices too.

Second for me is The Unlockr. Love his real world tests, he has great videos but my only issue with him is he doesn’t ever really give his own opinion. Which I know some people will like, but I want to know what he thinks!

I like MKBHD. I feel like he often hits the nail on the head with most devices. And I think a lot of the time, these companies are listening to his complaints.
Looking forward to his pixel 6 / Pro review.

 

[Bkdodger]

MrMobile where are you ?

 

[Awesomesince86]

Funny how everyone seems to love Flossy. I find his videos go on way too long, and I hate his basic video aesthetic. His phones (home screen) always have the exact same set up, which I personally am not a fan of, and whilst I don’t dislike him I’d never look to watch one of his videos.

For me, I’m more about the aesthetic of videos and no one hits that better than Canoopsy for me. Incredible visuals, and you can tell her really puts some thought into what he is creating. Even though it’s obvious he’s an Apple fan boy, he does give a lot of love to Android devices too.

Second for me is The Unlockr. Love his real world tests, he has great videos but my only issue with him is he doesn’t ever really give his own opinion. Which I know some people will like, but I want to know what he thinks!

I like MKBHD. I feel like he often hits the nail on the head with most devices. And I think a lot of the time, these companies are listening to his complaints.
Looking forward to his pixel 6 / Pro review.

I'll never understand the love for Flossy. He talks for an hour but its pretty unprofessional IMO. I dont feel like its an hour review because its detailed, its an hour review because he doesnt take the time to organize his thoughts. I guess some like that because its more authentic. Its just not my style.

On the other side are guys like MKBHD that put production and style over substance, not a huge fan of that either. Somewhere in the middle is what I prefer. Even though I think he's goofy, Michael Fischer (Mr Mobile) does a very good job.

 

[michael9891]

Loving having a Pixel again. And now it has a 6.7" screen, there's no possible reason to return it. Unless it blows up in the middle of the night, my 12 Pro Max will be wiped and sold tomorrow.

Feels great in the hand and love using it. Haptics are really good. Not only a new phone, switching back to Android after a year on iOS helps give that new upgrade feeling. Phone feels smooth and it's great having a proper SwiftKey keyboard again after the bodge job you get on iOS!

Only had a quick go with the camera but can't see any problems there. It's wrong to assume it would blow everything else away, no matter how much it was hyped up. I'm sure software updates will tweak things. If you still can't see that all the top phones have great cameras, that's on you. Stop saying x is miles better than x, it's personal preference for millionth time!

If you're on the fence about the Pro, just try it for yourself. Assuming you can get one!

Really difficult to get a good picture to show the Google frosty case, but I really like it. Now to impatiently wait for the Pixel stand 2 to go live.

 

[Tig Bitties]

I like Flossy's no BS cut to the chase type review. No fluff, no waste of time fancy schmancy garbage, just tell me, is this phone good or not? Does the battery rock or suck Floss?

The Floss-factor should be labeled on each phone you purchase LOL

Canoopsy seems too artsy and pretty boyish, just pleasing fluff and no substance, all style and no punch. I want a solid review, not an art film.