Must You Improve to the Pixel 6? We Examine It to a few Older Pixel Telephones

The Pixel 6 is Google’s greatest smartphone improve in years. However it might nonetheless be tricky to grasp whether or not it is time to improve. On the whole, you will have to best believe upgrading in case your telephone is greater than two years previous. Despite the fact that there may be lots that is other concerning the Pixel 6, the Pixel 5 continues to be new sufficient to get you thru a minimum of any other 12 months. However you probably have an older telephone that is not eligible for Android working machine updates anymore — just like the Pixel 3 — it is time to consider getting a brand new telephone.

Whilst the Pixel 6 was once spectacular sufficient to earn a CNET Editors’ Selection Award, it is usually value remembering there are likely different solutions coming quickly for Pixel lovers. Google is predicted to announce the extra reasonably priced Pixel 6A in a while, whilst it most often releases its next-generation Pixel telephones within the fall. 

You can additionally need to believe what you are sacrificing when upgrading. Homeowners of positive older Pixel telephones get limitless photograph garage by way of the Google Footage app at “Garage saver” high quality, which preserves maximum element whilst compressing the record dimension. However this perk is not to be had on more moderen telephones just like the Pixel 5A and Pixel 6 circle of relatives. It is usually vital to believe that Google continuously launches tool updates with new options which can be suitable with older telephones, too, so you do not at all times have to shop for a brand new telephone to get further capability.

We’ve got centered at the primary Pixel sequence on this tale as a substitute of its more cost effective Pixel A telephones. Since Google most often launches its A-series telephones after its flagship Pixels, those units most often have an extended lifespan in relation to tool toughen, which means you’ll be able to grasp onto them for longer sooner than upgrading.

If you are keen on branching out from the Pixel lineup, take a look at our information to the easiest Android telephones. And if you’re upgrading to a brand new software, believe recycling your previous telephone or buying and selling it in. 

Google Pixel 6 vs. Pixel 5

Yr-over-year upgrades are most often minor in these days’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 sublime design and different refinements that make it really feel massively other from the Pixel 5. However because the Pixel 5 is lower than two years previous, you most likely do not want to improve simply but.

The largest exchange within the Pixel 6 is the addition of Google’s Tensor processor. Normal efficiency is clean, however Google’s chip truly shines in relation to digital camera options and different device learning-oriented duties. The Pixel 6’s digital camera is loaded with new gear you will not get at the Pixel 5, akin to Magic Eraser for deleting undesirable background pieces; Face Unblur, which helps to keep a subject matter’s face sharp even if they are shifting; and Movement Mode for including blurred background or lengthy publicity results to a picture. 

Except for the additional capability, the Pixel 6 additionally has a 50-megapixel primary digital camera with a much wider box of view than the Pixel 5’s, despite the fact that the ultrawide digital camera has a decrease answer than ultimate 12 months’s telephone (12 megapixels at the Pixel 6 as opposed to 16 megapixels at the Pixel 5).

Google additionally says the Pixel 6 will have to have longer battery lifestyles than the Pixel 5, because it claims the brand new telephone’s battery can ultimate “past 24 hours” whilst relating to the Pixel 5 as having “all-day” battery lifestyles. However battery lifestyles will at all times range relying on how you utilize your software. Each telephones have been able to making it thru a complete day all through CNET’s overview checking out, however components like display brightness and which apps you are the usage of will at all times play a task.

The Pixel 6 additionally has a brand new glass design with a two-tone colour scheme that appears classier than the Pixel 5’s, despite the fact that that would possibly now not subject a lot for those who plan to make use of it with a case. The extra vital replace is the Pixel 6’s greater 6.4-inch display, which represents a large leap from the Pixel 5’s 6-inch show. Each telephones can spice up their refresh charges as much as 90Hz for smoother scrolling and feature equivalent resolutions, however the Pixel 6’s display is roofed in additional sturdy Gorilla Glass Victus. 

The base line: Despite the fact that there is a lot that is new with the Pixel 6, you most likely do not want to improve simply but. The Pixel 6’s further digital camera options and different enhancements are preferred, however most likely don’t seem to be value a $600 improve for the general public. Except for its contemporary glance, larger display and new digital camera, numerous the Pixel 6’s adjustments are most commonly average upgrades. Google will proceed offering the Pixel 5 with Android working machine and safety updates thru October 2023. So in case you are satisfied along with your present Pixel 5, you are keeping onto it for any other 12 months to get probably the most out of it sooner than upgrading. 

Google Pixel 6 vs. Pixel 4 and four XL

In terms of the Pixel 4 and 4 XL, the query of whether or not you will have to improve is not so easy. In case your telephone continues to be in just right situation, you’ll be able to most certainly come up with the money for to carry onto it for a little bit longer. However chances are you’ll need to believe upgrading within the fall because the Pixel 4 and four XL are best assured to get Android working machine and safety updates till October 2022. 

Despite the fact that you could have made up our minds you are ready for a brand new telephone, you will have to nonetheless wait till later this 12 months if you’ll be able to. Google is predicted to free up two new telephones this 12 months: the Pixel 6A and the Pixel 7. The Pixel 6A is rumored to release this spring and is predicted to be a more cost effective model of the Pixel 6. The Pixel 7 will most likely debut within the fall and will be the successor to the Pixel 6. 

Which one you will have to watch for relies on your funds and priorities. Google’s A-series telephones are most often less expensive (the Pixel 5A begins at $450) however compromise on positive options. If Google helps to keep the similar pricing as ultimate 12 months, the Pixel 7 will get started at $600 similar to the Pixel 6.

However if you’re set on upgrading now, there may be lots that is new with the Pixel 6. Probably the most visibly obtrusive exchange is within the telephone’s design. The Pixel 6 has a two-tone glass again with a just about without boundary lines display and a horizontal digital camera bar, whilst the Pixel 4 has a cast coloured again. Since the latest Pixel telephone does not have any bezels above or beneath the display, Google was once in a position to increase the show’s dimension with out making the telephone larger. As such, the Pixel 6 has a roomier 6.4-inch display in comparison to 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 four XL. That would possibly now not really feel like an enormous deal these days, however it will be important for a telephone that you are making plans to stay for the following two to 3 years.

Google additionally gave the Pixel 6’s internals a big improve by means of the usage of its personal Tensor chip as a substitute of a Qualcomm cell processor. As soon as once more, you can understand this maximum within the digital camera, because it brings further options like Magic Eraser and Face Unblur. However taking into consideration the Pixel 4 is now greater than two years previous, you can most likely understand a pleasing spice up in total velocity and responsiveness, too.

The digital camera at the Pixel 6 additionally has a noticeably upper 50-megapixel answer with a much wider box of view than the Pixel 4 and 4XL’s 12.2-megapixel primary digital camera. The opposite primary digital camera distinction comes right down to the second one lens. The Pixel 6 has an ultrawide digital camera whilst the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL every have a telephoto digital camera. If you’re taking numerous zoomed-in footage for your Pixel 4, it would be best to take note of that vary.

Google additionally did away with its Movement Sense characteristic after the Pixel 4, however that is most certainly now not an enormous loss. Movement Sense permits you to carry out movements like enjoying or pausing track, skipping songs or slumbering alarms simply by waving your hand with out touching the telephone. Despite the fact that Movement Sense was once responsive in our checking out, CNET’s reviewer Lynn Los angeles additionally stated it “felt gimmicky in the beginning.” 

You can additionally understand an development in battery lifestyles when switching to the Pixel 6. Google’s latest telephone most often lasts for a complete day on a unmarried fee, in line with CNET’s overview, whilst the Pixel 4 best lasted for roughly a workday when CNET examined it in 2019. The ones are the most important variations, however there also are a couple of different advantages, akin to extra garage on the base stage (128GB at 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 best has face liberate). The Pixel 6 additionally has Battery Percentage, which makes it conceivable to fee different units like earbuds wirelessly. 

The base line: With a sharper primary digital camera, new pictures options, a larger display, longer battery lifestyles and Google’s Tensor processor, there may be indubitably so much to realize by means of switching from the Pixel 4 to the Pixel 6. However you additionally do not have to improve in an instant in case your telephone is in just right situation. 

Alternatively, the Pixel 4 and four XL are best assured to obtain Android model and safety updates till this October. Your telephone will nonetheless paintings after that date, however you can most likely need to improve to a more moderen software sooner than then. 

Google Pixel 6 vs. Pixel 3 and three XL

When you’ve got a Pixel 3 or previous, it is time to improve since Google not promises Android model and safety updates. The Pixel 3 and three XL are greater than 3 years previous, which means they are additionally most certainly beginning to really feel just a little sluggish.

Despite the fact that tool toughen is one of the most vital explanation why to improve, the Pixel 6 brings many different new options and capability. Not like the Pixel 6, the Pixel 3 and three XL do not toughen 5G. It’s possible you’ll now not care about that very a lot at this time, however you most likely will over the following two years or so. 

The Pixel 6’s display is considerably greater than the Pixel 3’s (6.4 inches as opposed to 5.5 inches) and reasonably larger than the Pixel 3 XL’s 6.3-inch show. The borders surrounding the Pixel 6’s display also are noticeably smaller than the ones at the Pixel 3 and three XL, giving Google’s latest telephone a sleeker and extra trendy total look. 

Efficiency and battery lifestyles may also get a large spice up due to Google’s Tensor chip and the Pixel 6’s greater battery capability. Despite the fact that the Pixel 3’s battery fared lovely neatly all through our preliminary take a look at in 2018, your telephone’s battery lifestyles is most certainly beginning to shorten now that the software is a few years previous. Except for the rate spice up you can most likely get from Google’s new Tensor processor, the Pixel 6’s 90Hz refresh fee will have to additionally make scrolling really feel smoother.

However some of the greatest spaces you can understand an development is within the digital camera. No longer best does the Pixel 6 have a sharper 50-megapixel primary digital camera in comparison to the Pixel 3’s 12.2-megapixel digital camera, however it additionally has an extra 12-megapixel extremely large digital camera for taking broader pictures. The Pixel 6’s progressed digital camera sensor and Google Tensor processor additionally imply there are a ton of additional pictures options at the Pixel 6 that you will not get at the Pixel 3. Those come with Magic Eraser for deleting undesirable background gadgets, Face Unblur for taking pictures sharp pictures even if the topic is shifting and portrait gentle results amongst different gear. 

The ones are the primary advantages you can 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 opposite wi-fi charging, which allows the again of the software to function a wi-fi charger for suitable equipment.

The base line: Since Google is not making sure Android model and safety updates for the Pixel 3 and three XL, it would be best to improve quickly. Except for the assurance that incorporates realizing you can proceed to get new options and safety fixes, you can get a slew of different enhancements starting from longer battery lifestyles to a extra subtle 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
Show dimension, answer	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 (Oz., Grams)	7.3 oz.; 207g	5.33 oz.; 151g	5.7 oz.; 162g	5.2oz; 148g
Cell tool (at release)	Android 12	Android 11	Android 10	Android 9
Digicam	50-megapixel (large), 12-megapixel ultrawide	12.2-megapixel (usual), 16-megapixel (ultrawide)	12.2-megapixel (usual), 16-megapixel (telephoto)	12.2-megapixel
Entrance-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/Garage	8GB/128GB or 256GB	8GB/128GB	6GB/64GB or 128GB	4GB/64GB or 128GB
Expandable garage	No	No	No	No
Battery/Charger	4,614 mAh	4,080 mAh	2,800 mAh	2,915 mAh
Fingerprint sensor	Underneath show	Rear	No	Rear
Connector	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
Headphone jack	No	No	No	No
Particular options	5G sub 6 (some provider fashions even have 5G mmWave) toughen, Wi-Fi 6E, 30W speedy charging, Magic Eraser, Movement mode, Actual 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; waterproof (IP68); 90Hz refresh fee show; dual-SIM features (nano-SIM and e-SIM); opposite wi-fi charging; speedy charging	Soli movement sensing and touchless gestures; 90Hz show; waterproof (IP68); dual-SIM features (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wi-fi charging	IP68 ranking, wi-fi charging toughen, Pixel Buds USB-C headphones within the field