Google Pixel 6: Best Google camera since Pixel 2

Nowadays we know Pixel phones as 'Google phones'. But that wasn't always the case. Before 2016 Google wasn't known as a hardware company. While it is an exemplary software firm even today, companies like HTC, LC, Motorola and Samsung used to make their hardware, at least as far as mobile phones are concerned.

In 2016 Google started the Pixel brand, and with the release of Pixel 2 in 2017, they began a loyal fanbase. Customers were especially attracted towards the Pixel cameras, and even now, the quality of the camera is what makes Pixel fans keep coming back. Unfortunately, even though the Pixel camera system was one of the best of its time, other smartphone developers like Samsung and Apple have caught up to it. Thus, Pixel lost its most appealing selling point.

However, with the brand new Pixel 6, Google is back in the game. Not only does this phone have a new camera system, but it also sports a fashionable new look and, similar to Apple, has its own Google Tensor processing chip. Pixel 6 is running on Android OS with the new design language named 'Material You'. As a regular iPhone user, there is a lot to be critical about when handling Google Pixel 6. This review will mostly focus on the three important aspects buyers look for in new mobile phones: camera, screen quality and battery life.

Before digging into the main features, let's talk about the look. Google Pixel 6 is stunning to look at. The camera visor looks smart and nothing like anything in the market. In terms of looks, this phone gets an A-plus from me.

People buy Pixel phones for the camera, and Pixel 6 features perhaps the most significant upgrade to the camera system since Pixel 2. Google introduced completely new hardware and sensors to upgrade computational photography. The main camera has a 50 MP sensor that provides vivid imagery and sharp images. Unfortunately, Google won't allow you to take full advantage of this sensor, because pictures from this sensor won't give larger photos. Still, the default quality of the photos is something to boast about.

The portrait mode of the camera app is excellent. The edge identification is better than before and pictures have a lot more contrast now. Pixel 6 also features a new feature simply called 'motion' which allows you to take high aperture-based photos.  Night photography is excellent in this camera as well, with brilliant colours and crispiness even in lack of light. The main camera is a definite contender of the iPhone 13 cameras. 

When it comes to wide-angle sensors, the pictures come across softer when compared to iPhone 13/mini. The colour feels punchier and sometimes more than required HDR+ is used, making the photos look unreal in some cases. As a result, wide-angle cameras in modern iPhones are slightly better than that of the Google Pixel 6.

The 8MP selfie camera can take sharp photos, but there isn't much of an improvement over older Pixel models. However, in terms of capturing video, Pixel 6 has come a long way. The main camera can shoot up to 4K@30/60fps. An impressive feat, but compared to iPhone 13, isn't much. Overall, the main camera is very impressive and the motion feature is worth noting. The rest of the camera features, sadly, do not show any notable improvement.

For a US$600 phone, the screen is worth the price. It has an AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate and HDR+ capability. The display resolution is 1080x2400 pixels with 20:9 aspect ratio. The size of the display is 6.2 inches, so for those who love big screens, the Pixel 6 fits right in. The display also has a fingerprint sensor which works fine enough. However, if compared to iPhone 13, the screen or the display isn't much to talk about.

With a non-removable Li-Ion 4614 mAh battery, the phone holds up quite well even after spending a day taking pictures. However, it does tend to get hot regularly which of course can be detrimental to some users.

Now for the final verdict. Truth be told, Google Pixel 6 is not a cheap phone. If you buy it from Dhaka, the current price is around Tk. 75,000. Within this price range, you can have many other options. The main selling point of this phone is the camera, which is of course not the only thing buyers care about. But, if you like stock Android with a touch of Google, or if you are looking for a cool-looking phone to impress friends while also sporting fast and reliable performance, this is the phone to buy. Nonetheless, I wouldn't recommend Google Pixel 6 to iPhone 13 users, because the comparison tends to be one-sided in iPhone's favour.