Is the Google Pixel 6 worth it? Short answer: The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are great flagship smartphones, but because they come with flagship prices, we recommend buying a gently used Pixel 5 or Pixel 4 instead.
The latest Google Pixel has been officially unveiled. Google announced the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro on October 20, 2021, and both models were immediately available for pre-order. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will begin shipping and also be available with wireless carriers beginning on October 28, 2021. This brings us to the big question — Is the Google Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro worth buying, or should you consider a previous generation Pixel instead.
Google Pixel 6 Pro vs Pixel 6 vs Pixel 5 vs Pixel 4
In recent years, Google has split the Pixel line between flagship models and mid-range models. It is easy to distinguish between the two — the mid-range models have an “a” in the name, such as the Pixel 5a 5G that was released in August 2021. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are flagship models, with the “Pro” model being the higher-end of the two.
There are notable improvements with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro as compared to previous generations. For example, these new models are powered by the Google Tensor processor with the Titan M2 security coprocessor. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro also have larger displays, more options for storage, and improved camera setups. The table below outlines the specs of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro and shows how they compare to the previous two models — the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4.
Pixel 6 Pro | Pixel 6 | Pixel 5 | Pixel 4 | |
Display | 6.7″ QHD+ LTPO OLED display (at 512 ppi and 3120 x 1440) | 6.4″ FHD+ OLED display (at 411 ppi and 2340 x 1080) | 6.0″ FHD+ OLED display (at 432 ppi and 2340 x 1080) | 5.7″ FHD+ OLED display (at 444 ppi and 2220 x 1080) |
Display Features | Smooth Display (up to 120Hz) HDR support, Always-on display | Smooth Display (up to 90Hz) HDR support, Always-on display | Smooth Display (up to 90Hz) HDR support, Always-on display | Smooth Display (up to 90Hz) HDR support |
Processor | Google Tensor | Google Tensor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 with Pixel Neural Core |
RAM | 12GB | 8GB | 8GB | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB | 64GB or 128GB |
Rear Camera | 50MP Octa PD Quad Bayer wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto | 50MP Octa PD Quad Bayer wide and 12MP ultra-wide | 12.2MP dual-pixel and 16MP ultra-wide | 12.2MP dual-pixel and 16MP ultra-wide |
Front Camera | 11MP | 8MP | 8MP | 8MP wide-angle |
Water Resistance Rating | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
Battery | 5003 mAh | 4614 mAh | 4080 mAh | 2800 mAh |
Charging | Fast charging, Fast wireless charging, and Battery Share | Fast charging, Fast wireless charging, and Battery Share | Fast charging, Fast wireless charging, and Battery Share | Fast charging and Fast wireless charging |
3.5mm Headphone Jack | No | No | No | No |
Size / Weight | 6.5″ (H) x 3.0″ (W) x 0.4″ (D) / 7.41 ounces | 6.2″ (H) x 2.9″ (W) x 0.4″ (D) / 7.3 ounces | 5.7″ (H) x 2.8″ (W) x 0.31″ (D) / 5.3 ounces | 5.79″ (H) x 2.71″ (W) x 0.32″ (D) / 5.7 ounces |
Network Connectivity | 5G | 5G | 5G | 4G |
Android Version | At launch: Android 12 | At launch: Android 12 | At launch: Android 11 Upgradeable to: Android 12 | At launch: Android 10 Upgradeable to: Android 12 |
Some of the flagship model features are becoming standard. The Pixel 4, 5, 6, and 6 Pro each have an IP68 rating for water resistance, and they each feature fast charging, fast wireless charging, and while they didn’t all launch with Android 12, they are all upgradeable to Android 12. The Pixel 4 doesn’t support 5G, but the newer models all do. Similarly, the Pixel 5, Pixel 6, and Pixel 6 Pro support Battery Share, which is not available on the Pixel 4. And none of these models have a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Read more: Google Pixel 6: Everything you need to know
Is the Google Pixel 6 worth the money?
The Pixel 6 launch price starts at $599, and the Pixel 6 Pro launch price starts at $899. Google describes the Pixel 6 as being an “outstanding all-around phone” with the Pixel 6 Pro as offering “all the advanced capabilities and upgraded finishes.” Both the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro feature solid specs in terms of hardware and software.
But the truth is, even at $599 — the Pixel 6 is not cheap. If you’re the type that wants the latest release and really digs into all of the new features, the Pixel 6, or maybe more accurately, the Pixel 6 Pro is worth considering. But if you fall more into the category of using your phone for everyday uses, such as messaging, email, phone calls, surfing the web, shopping, or taking pictures to share with family and friends — the Pixel 5 or Pixel 4 should be considered instead.
Read more: Google Pixel Buyer’s Guide
This is why you should consider a Pixel 5 or Pixel 4 instead
The Pixel 5 is higher priced as compared to the Pixel 4. In fact, as of October 2021, it is almost double the price (but that is still several hundred dollars less than the Pixel 6). That said, the Pixel 5 has a few perks that aren’t available on the Pixel 4, such as 5G connectivity, an always-on display and a bigger battery. The Pixel 5 is also a year newer than the Pixel 4, which means it will receive software and security updates for longer into the future.
But on the other hand, the Pixel 4 has a better processor than the Pixel 5. The Pixel 4 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 and the Pixel 5 stepped down to the Snapdragon 765G. Of course, it should be said that either of these will handle everyday use cases with ease. And both are upgradable to Android 12, which means you will be running the latest version of Android. This means you’ll get the newest Android software features, despite not having the latest version of the Pixel hardware.
Regardless of which model Pixel you choose to go with — the best option is always to buy gently used instead of brand new. Buying gently-used simply means spending less money, which is a good thing.
You can always find a wide variety of fully functional gently used Pixel smartphones in the Swappa marketplace. And, you should feel comfortable buying your smartphone from the Swappa marketplace because Swappa is the safest marketplace to buy used tech. If the Pixel 5 or Pixel 4 are not what you happen to be looking for — you can browse all of the available Pixel smartphones by tapping the green button below.