The Google Pixel and Pixel XL had been launched in late 2016 with the camera expertise being the central focus of selling for this Android smartphone launched by Google. The camera expertise is central to the Pixel telephones, largely as a result of superior software program and algorithms and never straight associated to having the most effective camera {hardware}.
Along with imaging efficiency, Google Pixel telephones are just like the Apple iPhone with common software program updates and Android safety updates. Almost each software program replace brings enhancements, new options, and efficiency enhancements. In contrast to another Android telephones, you possibly can relaxation assured that your Pixel cellphone shall be supported for at the least three years too.
The Google Pixel 6a was only recently introduced with Google additionally sharing teasers for the upcoming Pixel 7 that shall be launching later this 12 months. Along with the brand new Pixel 6a, different Google Pixel telephones can be found and worthy of consideration too.
Tech specs
- Processor: Google Tensor with Titan M2 safety coprocessor
- Show: 6.7-inch 1440 x 3120 pixels decision OLED
- RAM/storage: 12GB with 128/256/512GB inner choices
- Rear cameras: 50MP extensive, 12MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto
- Entrance camera: 11.1MP
- Battery capability: 5,000 mAh
- Dimensions: 170 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm and 210 grams
- Value: Beginning at $899
The Pixel 6 Professional is clearly Google’s premier smartphone with essentially the most succesful specs, three rear cameras, and its largest capability battery. The inspiration upon which the Pixel 6 Professional is constructed is Google’s personal Tensor processor designed in order that Google has full management over your entire Pixel smartphone expertise.
Digicam efficiency has at all times been a pillar of the Pixel expertise and Google delivers but once more with the Pixel 6 Professional and its distinctive and distinct camera bar that sits proudly close to the highest of the again of the cellphone. There may be loads of RAM to maintain issues working shortly on the Pixel 6 Professional whereas the most recent Android software program is optimized for the Pixel cellphone expertise.
There are some distinctive Google experiences contained within the Pixel 6 Professional that aren’t present in Android smartphones from Samsung, OnePlus, TCL, and others. These embody the Magic Eraser instrument that helps you shortly take away undesirable topics out of your photographs, Google Assistant calling options, and the core Materials You customization choices.
Learn the review: Google Pixel 6 Professional review
Execs
- Excellent camera efficiency
- Enhanced Android software program expertise
- Lengthy battery life
Cons
- Mobile reception
- Fingerprint sensor
- Very giant cellphone
Tech specs
- Processor: Google Tensor with Titan M2 safety coprocessor
- Show: 6.4-inch 1080 x 2400 pixels decision OLED
- RAM/storage: 8GB with 128/256GB inner choices
- Rear cameras: 50MP extensive, 12MP ultra-wide
- Entrance camera: 8MP
- Battery capability: 4,614 mAh
- Dimensions: 163 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm and 207 grams
- Value: Beginning at $599
Up to now, Google supplied two variants with one being significantly smaller than the opposite. This 12 months, the dimensions distinction is minor, however there are some variations to think about. The Pixel 6 doesn’t have the third telephoto camera on the again, it has a flat show relatively than a curved one (this can be a profit IMHO), it has much less RAM, and it has a smaller capability battery. Nevertheless, it additionally begins at a value $300 lower than the Pixel 6 Professional.
Digicam efficiency has at all times been a pillar of the Pixel expertise and Google delivers but once more with the Pixel 6 and its distinctive and distinct camera bar that sits proudly close to the highest of the again of the cellphone. There may be loads of RAM to maintain issues working shortly on the Pixel 6 whereas the most recent Android software program is optimized for the Pixel cellphone expertise.
There are some distinctive Google experiences contained within the Pixel 6 that aren’t present in Android smartphones from Samsung, OnePlus, TCL, and others. These embody the Magic Eraser instrument that helps you shortly take away undesirable topics out of your photographs, Google Assistant calling options, and the core Materials You customization choices.
Learn the review: Google Pixel 6 review
Execs
- Excellent camera efficiency
- Enhanced Android software program expertise
- Colourful cellphone choices
Cons
- Mobile reception
- Fingerprint sensor
- No charger within the field
Tech specs
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
- Show: 6.34-inch 1080 x 2400 pixels decision OLED
- RAM/storage: 6GB with 128GB inner storage
- Rear cameras: 12.2MP extensive, 16MP ultra-wide
- Entrance camera: 8MP
- Battery capability: 4,680 mAh
- Dimensions: 161 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm and 183 grams
- Value: $449
The Pixel 5a with 5G might look like a relatively boring cellphone with an unassuming design harkening again to the Pixel 4a, however it affords a number of energy in a package deal priced at just below $450. There are additionally usually gross sales on the cellphone, bringing it right down to lower than $400.
It is available in one coloration, however the black appears like a really darkish inexperienced in most lighting situations, and in a single RAM/storage configuration. Whereas the specs should not as high-end as a flagship cellphone priced at two occasions the price, the facility of the Pixel 5a with 5G is within the Google software program expertise. It’s powered by the most recent model of Android and continues to obtain common updates together with Google’s flagship Pixel telephones.
Digicam efficiency and outcomes additionally proceed to be a staple of the Pixel telephones right here with excellent outcomes. Given the mid-level processor and decrease decision show, the cellphone additionally lasts a very long time on the high-capacity battery so you need to use it for one or two days in most conditions.
Learn the review: Google Pixel 5a with 5G review
Execs
- Dependable cameras
- IP67 mud/waterproof ranking
- Lengthy battery life
Cons
- No 5G mmWave help
- Recycled design
- No wi-fi charging
Tech specs
- Processor: Google Tensor with Titan M2 safety coprocessor
- Show: 6.1-inch 1080 x 2400 pixels decision OLED
- RAM/storage: 6GB with 128GB inner storage
- Rear cameras: 12.2MP extensive, 12MP ultra-wide
- Entrance camera: 8MP
- Battery capability: 4,410 mAh
- Dimensions: 156 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm and 178 grams
- Value: $449
The Pixel 6a was introduced by Google in Might with a launch date deliberate for July 2022. It’s prone to exchange the Pixel 5a with 5G as it’s priced on the similar $449 worth. The Pixel 6a is a serious redesign for the “a” fashions with a design that appears just like the Pixel 6 Professional and Pixel 6 telephones. It additionally launches in Sage, Chalk, and Charcoal coloration choices.
It is the primary mid-range cellphone from Google launching with the Google Tensor processor so you possibly can relaxation assured it can obtain the most recent and best software program and safety updates for years to come back. It would possible be a best-seller for Google as a result of affordable value level for a cellphone that’s nicely supported.
Whereas it might not have the most effective camera {hardware}, Google’s magic in imaging outcomes is because of its software program enhancements and algorithms. The Pixel 6a will launch with the most recent in Google’s clever pictures, together with Face Unblur, Magic Eraser, Night time Sight, Actual Tone, and extra.
Learn the review: Pixel 6a: Half the value of Pixel 6 Professional, however simply nearly as good
Execs
- Excellent camera efficiency
- Enhanced Android software program expertise
- IP67 mud/water resistance
Cons
- Restricted RAM
- 60Hz refresh charge
- No wi-fi charging
Whereas the Google Pixel 6 Professional appears to be the most effective on paper because of its increased decision show and extra rear telephoto camera, the Pixel 6 is the most effective general Pixel cellphone at the moment. It has the entire similar software program options because the Pixel 6 and is priced at $300 much less.
For people who seize a number of telephoto photographs, the Pixel 6 Professional could also be value that additional value, however even the Pixel 6 can seize respectable high quality photographs from a distance.
|
Google Pixel cellphone |
Value |
Processor |
Show dimension |
|
Pixel 6 Professional |
$899 |
Google Tensor |
6.7-inch |
|
Pixel 6 |
$599 |
Google Tensor |
6.4-inch |
|
Pixel 5a with 5G |
$449 |
Snapdragon 765G |
6.34-inch |
|
Pixel 6a |
$449 |
Google Tensor |
6.1-inch |
In case you are fascinated with a Google Pixel cellphone, it is good to know there should not many choices accessible to confuse you or overwhelm your decision-making course of. The primary consideration is value and when you have a most quantity you’re keen to spend on a cellphone then the value dictates which is best for you.
Fortunately, with regards to the software program expertise Google offers the identical expertise throughout the entire actively supported Pixel telephones.
|
Select this Google Pixel cellphone |
If you’d like… |
|
Google Pixel 6 Professional |
Every part Google affords in a smartphone |
|
Google Pixel 6 |
To avoid wasting $300 and do not want the most effective in telephoto efficiency |
|
Google Pixel 5a with 5G |
Greatest worth Pixel and may’t await the Pixel 6a |
|
Google Pixel 6a |
Greatest worth Pixel with newest design and Google processor |
This text solely contains Google Pixel telephones which can be actively bought by Google on the Google Retailer. There are older mannequin Pixel telephones that proceed to obtain software program and firmware updates, however these are solely accessible as used or refurbished telephones from retailers resembling Amazon and a few wi-fi carriers.
ZDNet reviewers examined every of those Pixel telephones and we used their hands-on experiences to find out the professionals and cons for every mannequin.
Show refresh charges are a consideration right this moment since Android telephones now help refresh charges as much as 120 Hz. Shows with excessive refresh charges, the default is 60 Hz, mean you can scroll up and down the show sooner with smoother efficiency. It’s primarily noticeable whenever you swipe up and down side-by-side with gadgets which have totally different charges, however as soon as you employ a cellphone with 120 Hz refresh charge, it’s powerful to go backwards.
The Pixel 6 Professional helps a refresh charge as much as 120 Hz, the Pixel 6 as much as 90 Hz, and each the Pixel 5a and 6a stay on the default 60 Hz charge. 90 Hz is an honest compromise between the 2 and with the $300 financial savings I might personally select the Pixel 6 over the Pixel 6 Professional in most conditions.
Folks use their smartphones in every single place right this moment and having some stage of mud and water resistance is necessary. You shouldn’t swim or deliberately submerge your cellphone for prolonged durations in water with out a waterproof case and warranties usually don’t cowl water harm. Nevertheless, if you’re outdoors within the rain, by chance drop your cellphone in a puddle, or spill one thing in your cellphone it ought to be capable to survive such an incident.
Fortunately, the entire present Pixel telephones have a reasonably excessive stage of mud and water resistance. The Pixel 5a and 6a are each licensed for IP67 whereas the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Professional are rated for IP68.
Wi-fi charging is a handy method to cost up your cellphone with out having to plug in a USB-C twine straight into the cellphone. Wi-fi charging can be now rated as quick wi-fi charging in lots of instances, however even with this “quick” ranking it’s nonetheless sooner to cost up your cellphone with a direct USB-C cable.
Each the Pixel 6 Professional and Pixel 6 help quick wi-fi charging, however neither the Pixel 5a or Pixel 6a help this functionality. All of those Pixel telephones help quick charging with appropriate charging adapters which can be accessible as a separate buy from Google.
To start exploring comparable telephones, take a look at a few of ZDNet’s different purchaser’s guides:
The TL;DR model: If you’d like an alternate cellphone that’s nonetheless working Android, Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Extremely is without doubt one of the greatest general smartphones right this moment — and the most effective that Samsung has to supply for camera efficiency. And with the S Pen now included into the cellphone, the Word lives on within the S22 Extremely.
