We therefore find on the back, the horizontal band which brings together the two photo sensors 50 and 12 Mpx. Also on this headband are a microphone, and the flash LED. Note that the back is made of two-tone glass and therefore slippery and sensitive to fingerprints.

On the bottom edge is the USB-C port which accepts 23W charging, a microphone and the two speakers. The left edge accommodates the SIM drawer which can only hold one card. To use a 2nd SIM, you will need to use the ESim. On the top, a microphone with a loudspeaker. Finally, on the right side, we find the Power button and below the volume control button. Unlike almost all smartphones, these buttons are reversed which causes confusion in the beginning of use. No jack or fingerprint sensor, the latter being placed under the screen.

The dimensions of the Google Pixel 6 are 74.8 x 158.6 x 8.9 mm for a weight of 207 grams which is rather felt in the pocket. The grip is good and the prominence of the photo strip ensures good stability once in hand. Available in several colors in the USA, this is unfortunately not the case in France. Indeed, it will be necessary to be satisfied with the carbon black or ocean gray model with its pastel colors. The finishes of the Pixel 6 are superb and of the most beautiful effect.

Note that the packaging follows the minimalist trend that has been in place for some time now. Indeed, the box contains a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A adapter and a pair of USB-C wired headphones. No shell or charging block.

A well-calibrated screen…with borders

Another strong point of this Pixel 6 is its 6.4-inch OLED screen, full HD with a fixed frequency of 90Hz. For comparison, its big brother, the 6 Pro is equipped with a QHD panel at 120Hz variable.

The brightness is excellent, with its 800 nits outdoor use is no problem. In addition, several display modes are available. Adaptive, enhanced and natural modes are available with good colorimetry that will allow everyone to adapt according to their tastes. The contrast ratio is infinite, so everything is perfect.

The Pixel 6 is a smartphone that has a border. These are quite visible, 5mm top and bottom, 3mm left and right. One can wonder about these rather thick borders in view of what other competitors offer with thin borders or even curved edges. Note that this is similar to the design of the latest iPhone which also has borders.

The Pixel 6 also has a rather effective anti-smudge coating on its screen. On the other hand, for the back, with the white model, fingerprints will not be seen or hardly seen. This will not be the case with the carbon black model.

Google Pixel 6, the photo pro

The major advantage of the Pixel 6 is the quality of the photos. Pixels, in general, have always enjoyed an excellent reputation on this side and the Pixel 6 is no exception to the rule. Its photo module is equipped with two sensors:

The Pixel 6 is at home everywhere and in all modes, it shows immediately on the screen. Indeed, the smartphone perfectly restores the quality of the photos. Several modes are available and will use different sensors depending on the use. First, the traditional “camera” mode where one finds a predefined zoom setting, x0.7, x1 or x2. In addition, it is possible to make additional settings on the format, timer and night vision. This last mode is also activated automatically depending on what is in front of the lens.

With its new interface, it becomes easier to send photos directly using a shortcut. To do this, simply swap the icon on the right upwards. Once the snapshot has been taken, it is possible to edit it and this is the strength of the Pixel 6. Already the shots are excellent, but in addition, we can edit them as we wish. For this Google has not skimped, from automatic suggestions to cropping through the adjustment of colors, sharpness, hues, saturation and many more.

Another option for optimizing photos available in the "tools" tab, the magic eraser. The principle is simple, the AI ​​offers a selection of what can be erased or just run your finger over what you want to delete. Google's algorithm will do the rest. Regarding the result, it's quite random, depending on the subject and the environment, it can very well be like presenting faults. However it is fun and no doubt it will be improved over time.

Different uses of sensors

In addition to the default mode, then comes the portrait mode with the same parameters, but in addition to a setting on the retouching of the face.

There is also a motion mode that allows you to better grasp the subject when it last moves, whether it is a subject or a vehicle for example. In this mode you can opt for a panoramic or a long exposure. A short description simply explains how to proceed.

Last mode available by navigating on the left, the night vision mode. Here again it is possible to fine-tune the settings, in particular the focus and the astrophotography.

On the right menu, we select the video mode. This mode supports 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps. It allows you to make slow motion or accelerated video. In addition, it benefits from stabilization, configurable according to several criteria, at the user's choice. Finally, a last mode includes the panorama, the photo sphere and the Lens mode.

The front sensor for selfies is an 8 Mpx, it is also very good and ensures without difficulty good selfies whose rendering

In all modes, the Pixel 6 shines with its ability to take excellent shots. The colors are well respected and the sharpness of the image is impeccable.

Gallery

Decent but effective sound

Even if the strong point of the Pixel 6 is not focused on audio, the quality is there. It displays optimal compatibility with its Bluetooth 5.2 and support for SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC codecs. In concrete terms, this is more than enough to listen to audio and videos at a decent volume. The balance between the speakers has a good balance and even with high volume, the Pixel 6 does not overdrive.

Its big advantage regarding audio therefore lies in the compatibility of codecs. Indeed, with headphones or earphones, you can enjoy excellent audio quality. Note that the smartphone does not have a jack port, you will have to use the blootooth 5.2. Some functions come to decorate the parameters like the adaptive sound or the identification of the titles diffused in the vicinity.

A pair of USB-C wired headphones is provided in the packaging. The latter does not work miracles, so it is best to use a good pair of in-ear headphones.

Google Tensor, performance at the rendezvous

The Pixel 6 is the first smartphone from Google equipped with the new chip, Tensor, studied and designed in-house. It is a chip engraved in 5 nm, with a 20-core Mali-G78 GPU and an 8-core CPU. This is an important turning point since it is an opportunity for Google to offer a high-performance chip that will compete with the competition, Qualcomm and its SnapDragon in this case. Also, it is the opportunity for Google to establish its independence and thus no longer be dependent on a third-party manufacturer. This resembles the strategy put in place by Apple and its Bionic chips.

Where the competition relies on performance managed 100% by the chip, Google will couple this with the power of its algorithms and artificial intelligence. The result is there and it shows immediately. Indeed, the Tensor chip is not one of the most powerful on the market and yet the Pixel 6 performs all the tasks without flinching. Everything goes there, from games to photo processing. No difference is felt in use between the Pixel 6 and its Tensor chip and a smartphone equipped with the latest SnapDragon.

Also equipped with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal memory, this is within the current range of what is on the market. In use, the 8 GB of RAM is more than enough to run common tasks such as navigation or media viewing. Google has really bet on optimization and the Pixel 6 allows itself to play in the same category as a Galaxy S21 ultra. So this is very promising for Tensor chips.

Regarding games, again the Pixel 6 shows its capabilities even if it is not a gaming-oriented smartphone. Again, we feel the power of the Tensor and the optimization in the background. This will therefore allow you to run fairly greedy games without putting the Pixel 6 in difficulty.

Android 12

First smartphone to be equipped with Android 12, this version brings many changes, a large part of which is aesthetic. Despite everything, Google pushes customization even further with Android 12. For those who come from a cIos universe, it must be admitted that it can be disconcerting as it is teeming with settings of all kinds.

The control center is also embellished with multiple settings, configurable too. Again there are really a lot of things, maybe a little too much, but this new version of Android will evolve over time to optimize it.

With this new OS, there are also new functions. Indeed, “listening” makes it possible to identify the music being played nearby. Obviously for this the microphone remains on permanently. However, in order to respect privacy, this technology is carried out in a sandbox, a bubble cut off from the internet which only works by artificial intelligence. Also, an "instant translation" function can be activated. This also uses the microphone in the same way as the "listening" mode and allows you to translate directly according to the chosen language. This mode will be practical for travelers who will have much less to worry about doing the translation.

Finally, Google announces a 5-year update, which is largely correct in terms of technical support. A nuance, however, since it is not clearly indicated that this corresponds to 5 years of updates for future versions of Android. We rather imagine 5 years of security updates.

Good autonomy with its 4600 mAh

Google has not overlooked autonomy with the Pixel 6. Indeed, the smartphone has a 4614mAh battery. This allows you to last a good day and a half without any problem. Recharging is done by a 21 watt block which allows you to go from 0 to 100% in 2 hours. Note that this charging block is not included in the packaging. Only the USB-C to USB-C cable is included in the box, Google following the trend of its competitors.

Google recently clarified its position on recharging its smartphone. Indeed, the firm indicates that “The maximum power that the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro draw from the wired charger is 21W and 23W, respectively. As the battery approaches full, charging power is gradually reduced to improve battery longevity. For Google, this is an optimization between battery life, longevity and charging.

However, an official 30W charger is sold separately for those who do not already have a block, the Pixel 6 being compatible with this charging power. This allows to recover 50% in 30 minutes. Remember that the smartphone is also compatible with wireless charging at 21 W.

Our opinion on the Google Pixel 6

The Pixel 6 is unambiguously a reference and will undoubtedly impose itself in the smartphone market. With a beautiful, well-calibrated screen and an ability to produce superb photos without leaving the video aside, it becomes a reference in the field. Its sound reproduction is correct and its compatibility with the different codecs is optimum. Added with a good headset or earphones, it's a combo that works very well. With the introduction of its new Tensor chip, Google imposes itself a little more on the competition. In addition, the firm also relies on optimization and its AI accompanied by a brand new Android 12. Its autonomy is suitable for most uses, it only lacks a faster recharge.

Finally, where Google also hits hard with the Pixel 6 is the price. Indeed, below 650€, it is impossible to find better and it even does even better than some more expensive competitors.

Google Pixel 6

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