Towards the summer of 2021, I came across a retailer that was bringing in the then-new Google Pixel 6, into South Africa (SA).

Here, as in the rest of the world, it’s fair to say the market is dominated by Samsung and Apple. Moreover, Google’s Pixel phones are not readily available. I could have continued using my trusty Google Pixel 3 (that was purchased overseas) but for one major issue late in its life. I love tech, and it was a good deal. That sealed it.

And so, after almost a 1 year and a half of use, here’s a throwback to one of the best phones of 2021 in my opinion.

Even today, the Pixel 6 makes for an attractive option, when comparing camera, aesthetics, weight, and ease of use to other mid-range phones. Yes, it does not compete with the flashy specs of the high-end Samsung and Apple phones, but it is the consummate all-rounder for the reasons mentioned below.

Processor

Pixel 6 saw the introduction of Google’s new “Tensor” chip. It was designed to bring out the best of Android OS, specifically optimized for Google’s suite of mobile applications, AI wizardry and machine learning capabilities. I almost feel like it’s been future-proofed for Android updates. The phone has gotten better with each OS iteration (I’m currently running Android 13). Despite this being Google’s first attempt at semi-designing a CPU for phones, it performs well – i.e. no lag, good for multitasking and pretty impressive with 8GB of RAM and a custom-built AI engine to help with tasks like image processing and voice recognition. I’m not a gamer, so I didn’t have any other expectations. In my view, it set the bar for future pixel phones.

Software

My big attraction to the Google ecosystem has always been the software experience, next to Google Search, it’s what epitomized the rise of Google. The clean and vanilla Android experience stands out against other phones with their pre-loaded bloatware. I recall my first Pixel (3), like starting a new relationship without the baggage. In the defence of other manufacturers, it is a Google OS on a Google Phone. It’s easy to tell that they were made for each other – the UI is clean, simple, responsive, and intuitive. If you’re in it for the long haul, like me, Google offers guaranteed OS and security updates for up to 3 years.

Camera

Coupled with the great UI, Google continues to impress with its camera and computation photography software. With a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, the camera is capable of taking stunning photos and videos. The Night Sight mode is particularly impressive, allowing you to take clear, well-lit photos even in the darkest of environments.

Aesthetics

The pixel’s now infamous robocop camera bump design sets it apart. The phone has a whole is sleek and modern, and if anything, the bump serves as a good finger rests. Boasting a 6.4-inch AMOLED display, the device feels great in the hand with dimensions of 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm.

Choices

While the Pixel 6 Pro offers some additional features such as a telephoto lens, bigger screen and a higher-resolution display, it comes at a much higher price point. For most users, the Pixel 6 offers everything they need at a much more reasonable price.

If you’re already a Pixel 6 user, the Pixel 7 may not be worth the upgrade for you (at least it’s not for me). While it will undoubtedly offer some new features and upgrades, the Pixel 6 is still a great phone that will serve you well for a few more years.

For new users, the Pixel 7 will likely offer more advanced features and technology, but it will also come with a higher price tag. The Pixel 6 is still a fantastic phone that will provide you with great value for money, so it’s worth considering whether the additional cost of the Pixel 7 is worth it for you.

The not so good

Of course, like any tech, the Pixel 6 isn’t without its issues – tech bites sometimes, it’s just part of the experience when the technology envelope is pushed. There are reported issues of faulty fingerprint scanning – improved through software updates and other workarounds; as well as overheating – Google has a defacto procedure for users to carry out, but ultimately if it’s under warranty they will swap it out as I found out in my first week with the device.

But even with the occasional hiccup, there are certain functions in the Pixel phones that are leading the mobile phone UI experience. Take the Live Translate feature, for example, which is an absolute lifesaver for those who travel frequently. Or the Now Playing feature, which identifies the music playing around you without you having to lift a finger. These are the kind of features that make the Pixel 6 stand out in a crowded market.

Conclusion

The Pixel 6 is a great phone that’s still relevant today (at the time of writing this blog), even a year and some months after its initial release. It’s a testament to Google’s commitment to innovation, although one would argue it was playing catch up and a closer look hints strongly at a turning point in Google’s battle to crack the mobile hardware market.

The pros outweigh the cons. At its price, (around R12000 when I last checked) the Google Pixel 6 is worth considering, even in 2023.

And If you’re thinking of transitioning to Android/Pixel from another mobile operating system or manufacturer, the Pixel 6 is a great place to start because of the pure android experience. If you’re used to the iOS walled garden or the Samsung One UI, you might find the Pixel 6 a refreshing change.

It is a well-rounded premium feel phone that offers a top-notch camera, a clean and intuitive software experience, and 3 years of guaranteed OS and security updates. Good luck if you can snap one up in SA.