Google’s Pixel 6 earned a CNET Editors’ Choice Award.
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The Pixel 6 is Google’s largest smartphone improve in years. But it could actually nonetheless be troublesome to know whether or not it is time to improve. In common, it is best to solely take into account upgrading in case your telephone is greater than two years previous. Even although there’s a lot that is completely different in regards to the Pixel 6, the Pixel 5 continues to be new sufficient to get you thru at the very least one other yr. But if in case you have an older telephone that is not eligible for Android working system updates anymore — just like the Pixel 3 — it is time to consider getting a brand new telephone.While the Pixel 6 was spectacular sufficient to earn a CNET Editors’ Choice Award, it is also value remembering there are most likely different choices coming quickly for Pixel followers. Google is anticipated to announce the extra inexpensive Pixel 6A shortly, whereas it usually releases its next-generation Pixel telephones within the fall. You’ll additionally need to take into account what you are sacrificing when upgrading. Owners of sure older Pixel telephones get limitless picture storage by way of the Google Photos app at “Storage saver” high quality, which preserves most element whereas compressing the file dimension. But this perk is not accessible on newer telephones just like the Pixel 5A and Pixel 6 household. It’s additionally vital to think about that Google usually launches software program updates with new options which are appropriate with older telephones, too, so you do not at all times have to purchase a brand new telephone to get extra performance.We’ve centered on the principle Pixel sequence on this story as a substitute of its inexpensive Pixel A telephones. Since Google normally launches its A-series telephones after its flagship Pixels, these units normally have an extended lifespan in terms of software program help, that means you’ll be able to maintain onto them for longer earlier than upgrading.If you are excited about branching out from the Pixel lineup, take a look at our information to one of the best Android telephones. And if you’re upgrading to a brand new machine, take into account recycling your previous telephone or buying and selling it in. The Pixel 5.
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Google Pixel 6 vs. Pixel 5Year-over-year upgrades are normally minor in as we speak’s smartphone panorama, however the Pixel 6 is the uncommon exception to this rule. With the Pixel 6, you are getting Google’s personal Tensor processor for the primary time, an upgraded digital camera with further options, a extra elegant design and different refinements that make it really feel vastly completely different from the Pixel 5. But for the reason that Pixel 5 is lower than two years previous, you most likely need not improve simply but.The largest change within the Pixel 6 is the addition of Google’s Tensor processor. General efficiency is clean, however Google’s chip actually shines in terms of digital camera options and different machine learning-oriented duties. The Pixel 6’s digital camera is loaded with new instruments you will not get on the Pixel 5, comparable to Magic Eraser for deleting undesirable background gadgets; Face Unblur, which retains a topic’s face sharp even after they’re shifting; and Motion Mode for including blurred background or lengthy publicity results to a picture. Aside from the additional performance, the Pixel 6 additionally has a 50-megapixel foremost digital camera with a wider discipline of view than the Pixel 5’s, though the ultrawide digital camera has a decrease decision than final yr’s telephone (12 megapixels on the Pixel 6 versus 16 megapixels on the Pixel 5).Google additionally says the Pixel 6 ought to have longer battery life than the Pixel 5, because it claims the brand new telephone’s battery can final “beyond 24 hours” whereas referring to the Pixel 5 as having “all-day” battery life. But battery life will at all times differ relying on how you employ your machine. Both telephones have been able to making it by means of a full day throughout CNET’s evaluation testing, however elements like display brightness and which apps you are utilizing will at all times play a job.The Pixel 6 additionally has a brand new glass design with a two-tone shade scheme that appears classier than the Pixel 5’s, though which may not matter a lot if you happen to plan to make use of it with a case. The extra vital replace is the Pixel 6’s bigger 6.4-inch display, which represents a large bounce from the Pixel 5’s 6-inch show. Both telephones can increase their refresh charges as much as 90Hz for smoother scrolling and have comparable resolutions, however the Pixel 6’s display is roofed in additional sturdy Gorilla Glass Victus. The backside line: Even although there’s quite a bit that is new with the Pixel 6, you most likely need not improve simply but. The Pixel 6’s further digital camera options and different enhancements are appreciated, however possible aren’t value a $600 improve for most individuals. Aside from its contemporary look, greater display and new digital camera, lots of the Pixel 6’s adjustments are largely average upgrades. Google will proceed offering the Pixel 5 with Android working system and safety updates by means of October 2023. So if you happen to’re completely happy along with your present Pixel 5, you are higher off holding onto it for one more yr to get essentially the most out of it earlier than upgrading. Google’s Pixel 4.
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Google Pixel 6 vs. Pixel 4 and 4 XLWhen it involves the Pixel 4 and 4 XL, the query of whether or not it is best to improve is not so easy. If your telephone continues to be in good situation, you’ll be able to most likely afford to carry onto it for somewhat longer. But you would possibly need to take into account upgrading within the fall for the reason that Pixel 4 and 4 XL are solely assured to get Android working system and safety updates till October 2022. Even if you happen to’ve determined you are prepared for a brand new telephone, it is best to nonetheless wait till later this yr if you happen to can. Google is anticipated to launch two new telephones this yr: the Pixel 6A and the Pixel 7. The Pixel 6A is rumored to launch this spring and is anticipated to be a inexpensive model of the Pixel 6. The Pixel 7 will possible debut within the fall and could be the successor to the Pixel 6. Which one it is best to look forward to depends upon your finances and priorities. Google’s A-series telephones are usually cheaper (the Pixel 5A begins at $450) however compromise on sure options. If Google retains the identical pricing as final yr, the Pixel 7 will begin at $600 identical to the Pixel 6.But if you’re set on upgrading now, there’s a lot that is new with the Pixel 6. The most visibly apparent change is within the telephone’s design. The Pixel 6 has a two-tone glass again with a virtually borderless display and a horizontal digital camera bar, whereas the Pixel 4 has a strong coloured again. Since the most recent Pixel telephone would not have any bezels above or under the display, Google was capable of lengthen the show’s dimension with out making the telephone greater. As such, the Pixel 6 has a roomier 6.4-inch display in comparison with the Pixel 4’s 5.7-inch show and the Pixel 4 XL’s 6.3-inch display.The Pixel 6 additionally helps 5G not like the Pixel 4 and 4 XL. That won’t really feel like an enormous deal as we speak, however it’s vital for a telephone that you just’re planning to maintain for the subsequent two to 3 years.Google additionally gave the Pixel 6’s internals a serious improve through the use of its personal Tensor chip as a substitute of a Qualcomm cellular processor. Once once more, you may discover this most within the digital camera, because it brings further options like Magic Eraser and Face Unblur. But contemplating the Pixel 4 is now greater than two years previous, you may possible discover a pleasant increase in general pace and responsiveness, too.The digital camera on the Pixel 6 additionally has a noticeably greater 50-megapixel decision with a wider discipline of view than the Pixel 4 and 4XL’s 12.2-megapixel foremost digital camera. The different foremost digital camera distinction comes all the way down to the second lens. The Pixel 6 has an ultrawide digital camera whereas the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL every have a telephoto digital camera. If you are taking lots of zoomed-in photographs in your Pixel 4, you may need to concentrate on that change.Google additionally did away with its Motion Sense characteristic after the Pixel 4, however that is most likely not an enormous loss. Motion Sense allows you to carry out actions like taking part in or pausing music, skipping songs or snoozing alarms simply by waving your hand with out touching the telephone. Although Motion Sense was responsive in our testing, CNET’s reviewer Lynn La additionally mentioned it “felt gimmicky at first.” You’ll additionally discover an enchancment in battery life when switching to the Pixel 6. Google’s latest telephone usually lasts for a full day on a single cost, in accordance with CNET’s evaluation, whereas the Pixel 4 solely lasted for a couple of workday when CNET examined it in 2019. Those are the most important variations, however there are additionally a couple of different advantages, comparable to extra storage on the base stage (128GB on the Pixel 6 vs. the Pixel 4’s 64GB), further RAM for higher efficiency (8GB as a substitute of 6GB) and an in-screen fingerprint sensor (the Pixel 4 solely has face unlock). The Pixel 6 additionally has Battery Share, which makes it attainable to cost different units like earbuds wirelessly. The backside line: With a sharper foremost digital camera, new images options, a much bigger display, longer battery life and Google’s Tensor processor, there is definitely quite a bit to achieve by switching from the Pixel 4 to the Pixel 6. But you additionally do not need to improve instantly in case your telephone is in good situation. However, the Pixel 4 and 4 XL are solely assured to obtain Android model and safety updates till this October. Your telephone will nonetheless work after that date, however you may possible need to improve to a more recent machine earlier than then. Google’s Pixel 3 (left) and Pixel 3 XL (proper).
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Google Pixel 6 vs. Pixel 3 and 3 XLIf you could have a Pixel 3 or earlier, it is time to improve since Google not ensures Android model and safety updates. The Pixel 3 and 3 XL are greater than three years previous, that means they’re additionally most likely beginning to really feel a bit sluggish.Although software program help might be a very powerful cause to improve, the Pixel 6 brings many different new options and performance. Unlike the Pixel 6, the Pixel 3 and 3 XL do not help 5G. You won’t care about that very a lot proper now, however you most likely will over the subsequent two years or so. The Pixel 6’s display is considerably bigger than the Pixel 3’s (6.4 inches versus 5.5 inches) and barely greater than the Pixel 3 XL’s 6.3-inch show. The borders surrounding the Pixel 6’s display are additionally noticeably smaller than these on the Pixel 3 and 3 XL, giving Google’s latest telephone a sleeker and extra trendy general look. Performance and battery life can even get a giant increase because of Google’s Tensor chip and the Pixel 6’s bigger battery capability. Even although the Pixel 3’s battery fared fairly properly throughout our preliminary check in 2018, your telephone’s battery life might be beginning to shorten now that the machine is a few years previous. Aside from the pace increase you may possible get from Google’s new Tensor processor, the Pixel 6’s 90Hz refresh fee also needs to make scrolling really feel smoother.But one of many largest areas you may discover an enchancment is within the digital camera. Not solely does the Pixel 6 have a sharper 50-megapixel foremost digital camera in comparison with the Pixel 3’s 12.2-megapixel digital camera, however it additionally has a further 12-megapixel extremely large digital camera for taking broader photographs. The Pixel 6’s improved digital camera sensor and Google Tensor processor additionally imply there are a ton of additional images options on the Pixel 6 that you just will not get on the Pixel 3. These embody Magic Eraser for deleting undesirable background objects, Face Unblur for capturing sharp photos even when the topic is shifting and portrait gentle results amongst different instruments. Those are the principle advantages you may get from upgrading to the Pixel 6, however there are a number of different variations, too. The Pixel 6 has an in-screen fingerprint reader as a substitute of the Pixel 3’s rear-mounted sensor and double the reminiscence for higher efficiency. It additionally has reverse wi-fi charging, which allows the again of the machine to function a wi-fi charger for appropriate equipment.The backside line: Since Google is not guaranteeing Android model and safety updates for the Pixel 3 and 3 XL, you may need to improve quickly. Aside from the peace of thoughts that comes with understanding you may proceed to get new options and safety fixes, you may get a slew of different enhancements starting from longer battery life to a extra refined digital camera and bigger display.
Google Pixel 6 vs. Pixel 3, 4 and 5
Google Pixel 6
Google Pixel 5
Google Pixel 4
Google Pixel 3
Display dimension, decision
6.4-inch OLED; 2,400×1,080 pixels; 60 or 90Hz
6-inch FHD+ OLED; 2,340×1,080 pixels; 60 or 90Hz
5.7-inch OLED; 2,280×1,080 pixels
5.5-inch OLED; 2,160×1,080 pixels
Pixel density
411ppi
432ppi
444ppi
443ppi
Dimensions (Inches)
6.2 x 2.9 x 0.4 in
5.7 x 2.8 x 0.3 in
2.7 x 5.7 x 0.3 in
5.7×2.7×0.3 in
Dimensions (Millimeters)
158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm
144.7 x 70.4 x 8.0 mm
68.8 x 147.1 x 8.2 mm
145.6×68.2×7.9 mm
Weight (Ounces, Grams)
7.3 oz; 207g
5.33 oz; 151g
5.7 oz; 162g
5.2oz; 148g
Mobile software program (at launch)
Android 12
Android 11
Android 10
Android 9
Camera
50-megapixel (large), 12-megapixel ultrawide
12.2-megapixel (commonplace), 16-megapixel (ultrawide)
12.2-megapixel (commonplace), 16-megapixel (telephoto)
12.2-megapixel
Front-facing digital camera
8-megapixel
8-megapixel
8-megapixel
8-megapixel
Video seize
4K 60fps (rear), 1080p 30fps (entrance)
4K 60fps (rear), 1080p 30fps (entrance)
4K 30fps (rear); 1080p 30fps (entrance)
4K 30fps (rear), 1080p 30fps (entrance)
Processor
Google Tensor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
RAM/Storage
8GB/128GB or 256GB
8GB/128GB
6GB/64GB or 128GB
4GB/64GB or 128GB
Expandable storage
No
No
No
No
Battery/Charger
4,614 mAh
4,080 mAh
2,800 mAh
2,915 mAh
Fingerprint sensor
Under show
Rear
No
Rear
Connector
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
Headphone jack
No
No
No
No
Special options
5G sub 6 (some provider fashions even have 5G mmWave) help, Wi-Fi 6E, 30W quick charging, Magic Eraser, Motion mode, Real Tone, Face Unblur, Cinematic Pan, 5 years OS and safety updates, IP68 ranking for mud and water resistance, Gorrila Glass Victus (entrance), Gorilla Glass 6 (again)
5G enabled; water-proof (IP68); 90Hz refresh fee show; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); reverse wi-fi charging; quick charging
Soli movement sensing and touchless gestures; 90Hz show; water-proof (IP68); dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wi-fi charging
IP68 ranking, wi-fi charging help, Pixel Buds USB-C headphones within the field
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