Google Pixel 6 Pro Review
The Google Pixel 6 Pro definitely gives me the vibe of a modern design with a throwback feel of a Nexus 6P. As a matter of fact, I have caught myself calling the Pixel 6 Pro a Nexus 6P quite a few times. This is not a bad thing at all. I loved the Nexus 6P as it was one of my all-time favorite Android phones.
In this review of the Pixel 6 Pro, I want to cover my experience with the phone by talking about the camera, new features, and overall performance since I have had it. With that said, I have only had this phone for a few days since the time of writing this post. Unfortunately, I was out of town when the phone was delivered so I have only had a minimal amount of time with the device. Not to mention I was on a camping trip where the phone would have been great to have to test out the camera with the sites I was around. I’ll have to plan another outdoor trip to use this camera. But for now, I squeezed in a photoshoot with some friends to test out the camera.
Pixel 6 Pro Unboxing Video
Pixel 6 Pro Review Video
But first specs…
Sike, I was gonna type all that out, but honestly just head over to Google’s listing and all the info is there and looks pretty.
Specs Link – Google Pixel 6 Pro Specs
Now that is out of the way, let’s go over my experience with the Pixel 6 Pro.
New Features
If you want the full list of features new to this Pixel lineup, please head over to Google’s listing. I want to cover the new features that I like and are worth taking note of.
Google Tensor
Google designed its own in-house processor. This is a big deal and I like this move. Not to do a whole Apple vs Android thing, but one of the key points of success that Apple has had is they make a lot of their own parts. Google now has its own processor. The AI is the best part of this new processor.
Think about it. One of the best things about the Pixel phones has been the photography tech. The AI and processing the camera has had in the last few years has always been top-notch. Night Site, Portrait Mode, and Google Lens are just a few examples of how the Pixel AI is fantastic and other companies try to imitate the features. SO, take that energy and apply it to the entire phone’s processor.
Tensor compliments better battery life, camera features, and performance. Responsive gaming and scrolling with a 120Hz refresh rate and LTPO technology that lowers to 10Hz to save battery.
Real Tone
This to me is one of the best new features of the Pixel 6 Pro. In short, camera tech historically has favored Caucasian skin tones, which doesn’t help people with different skin tones. Google is making an effort to even the playing field with skin tones. As a photographer/videographer, this means a lot to me as a creative because I want everyone I shoot to look their best and to be represented well/fair.
For years now, I have been a Sony camera shooter. Last year Sony added a new picture profile called S-Cinetone which in my opinion does a fantastic job with skin tones, no matter the tone. I love the S-Cinetone picture profile. Now Google is taking strides to give everyone great skin tone results and I am a fan!
In-Display Fingerprint Reader
Google decided to change things up a bit with biometrics. Last year they brought back the fingerprint reader on the back of the phone with the Pixel 5. Pixel has always done a great job in the fingerprint department. No complaints there. This year the fingerprint reader is in the display. My quick thoughts on the fingerprint reader…
The Pixel 6 Pro fingeprint reader has a light that shines up at your finger. pic.twitter.com/qPLmV32wiq
— JoshuaBane (@JoshuaBane) October 25, 2021
- Works pretty good so far. There are a few misfires here and there, but as long as you press down like its a button it works fine.
- I still miss face recognition from the Pixel 4. It was the best face ID tech.
- I don’t care for the light that shines up at the finger as it is laid on the display. However, it’s not a dealbreaker for me.
Front Speaker Ear Piece
This was actually a dealbreaker for me when using the Pixel 5. The call quality was not good, clear, or HD with the Pixel 5 ear speaker. The Pixel 5’s speaker system played sound through the glass. That’s cool and all, but the poor quality kept me from using the phone as a daily driver.
Pixel 6 fixes that issue. There is a small sliver of a cutout for the ear speaker. It sounds good too. I am very happy about this change!
Pixel Pass
Pixel Pass, get the latest phone with Preferred Care and extra storage, plus ad-free videos, music, and games. All for one price.
Pixel 6 Pro Camera
Being I have only had a few days with the Pixel 6 Pro, I wanted to squeeze as much testing in as I could and try to use all the features. This is what I got. These photos are not edited. There are some photos where I used auto settings and others I adjusted the exposure in camera. Take a look at the video above for the side by sides.
When viewing the images make sure to click the individual photos to see higher resolution quality.
Features I like
Night Site – This is a tried and true feature that works so well. It’s amazing to simply point the phone up at the sky and capture the stars. With a “normal” camera there are many steps to get similar results.
I’ve had nothing but cloudy skies since I have had this phone, so once I get a clear night, I will upload some images here and over at my socials.
Long Exposure – Along with Night Site for astrophotography, I like getting long exposures of lights and waterfalls just as much. Super fun and satisfying to capture those images. Pixel now has the ability to snap long exposures, even handheld. I still recommend using a tripod to get the best results.
Action Pan – Sorta like long exposure, but this is a cool way to follow a subject and the motion blur is added around the subject.
Portrait Mode – Pixel keeps doing a fantastic job with Portrait Mode. I like the results from this mode vs using the regular camera.
Real Tone – Refer to the above info about this new feature. My opinion though is I like the results I have gotten so far. I am planning to do more testing with more skin tones and compare with other phones and cameras.
Things I Would Change
Glossy Finish –Â I have enjoyed the textures of the Pixels in the past such as the Pixel 4 with the matte finish and the Pixel 5’s metal casing. I am not a fan of glossy finishes as it ends up feeling grimy and leaves fingerprints. I feel this way with cases as well. I like leathers, cloth, and my all-time favorite sandstone (OnePlus One).
Ecosystem – I am living the Magsafe life, hard. I use the Magsafe wallet, car mount, Popsocket, battery, etc. Magsafe has become part of my everyday carry/life. AirTags are also part of my EDC. I love using my AirPods too.
Also, software like AirDrop, iMessage, Continuity, and all the tech that Apple has makes the workflow smooth and easy.
Yes, there are alternatives to some of the items listed above, but it’s just not the same. If Google/Android would create a similar experience, I would be more inclined to use Android as my main device. For now, it is a strong 2nd place with my daily use. I use the latest Pixel device every day as much as I can. I love Android and Apple just as much as the other. Both play a role in my daily life. But, I would honestly love to use Android as my main device.
@banetechMagsafe working with Pixel 6 Pro? ##tech ##Android ##Apple ##Pixel6Pro ##pixel6 ##androidvsapple ##magsafe♬ original sound – banetech
Curved Display – While it kinda helps the gestures swiping from the sides, I would much rather have a completely flat screen. I like to use tempered glass screen protectors and this curved screen does not give any good options for a tgsp. If you don’t use a screen protector, you will love the curve. It feels nice.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I love the new Pixel this year! I still have a lot of testing and tinkering to do with this phone. I plan to make more content including camera comparison between the iPhone 13 Pro Max, Camera tour, styled photoshoots, etc. If there is something you would like me to cover about the Pixel 6 Pro, please leave a comment.
My favorite things about the Pixel 6 Pro
- Nexus 6P vibes.
- Feels premium.
- Android 12 is refined.
- The camera has fun features.
- The Pixel 6 Pro will learn your behaviors and adapt to how you use the phone.
Things to keep in mind about the Pixel 6 Pro
- Does not come with a power brick.
- No headphone jack.
- Fingerprint reader takes a little getting used to.
- Don’t rely on auto settings for photos. Take an extra second and make a few adjustments for better results.
Who is the Pixel 6 Pro for?
In short, the Android purist, photographer, creative, spec head, and someone that likes to stand out. If you need more battery life, a bigger screen, more camera options, the Pixel 6 Pro is a better option vs the regular Pixel 6. If you are coming from an iPhone, you’d like the non skinned Android software. If you like software updates directly from the makers, you can’t go wrong with the Pixel.
Where to buy the Pixel 6 Pro?
There are quite a few options. Click here to find stores selling the Pixel 6 Pro. The Pixel 6 Pro is listed at $899 for 128gbs of storage and $999 for 256gbs of storage.
