Pixel 6 / Pixel 6 Pro / Pixel 6a

[Vengance_01]

Picture of our great dog Lady, that we had to put down last night Best family friendly dog ever, such a sweetheart, and breaks my heart losing her.

My mom just went through this with her Lab. It's hard for sure. How old?

 

[Zorachus]

My mom just went through this with her Lab. It's hard for sure. How old?

Lady was 12, a Lab / Husky mix. Just a wonderful sweetheart family friendly doggy.

I loved her dearly, as did my Wife and kids.

Her ill health was shockingly sudden, I hiked with her yesterday and she was wagging tail happy dog. Then she collapsed off the bed yesterday afternoon, thinking she had a stroke or heart attack. Vet said she had a heart tumor and fluid around her sack preventing good heart rythem, Vet said for a 12 yr old large dog really nothing you can do for her.

So the whole family stayed with Lady as we put her down hugging and petting her.

Brutal loss for us.

 

[Domingo]

I assume I was one of the people that was having battery drain from Google Messages. Last week my battery would drop by around 5% per hour, which is about 3x normal.
This morning, I'm at 95% after 4 hours, so things seem to be back to normal.

 

[Vengance_01]

I assume I was one of the people that was having battery drain from Google Messages. Last week my battery would drop by around 5% per hour, which is about 3x normal.
This morning, I'm at 95% after 4 hours, so things seem to be back to normal.

I believe this was due to camera Bug where the view finder would stay active in Messages even after it was closed. My Battery life has been suspect this past month for sure!

 

[DWolvin]

ArsTechnica writeup on the 6a, seems like it will be great, if Google can get the Tensor issues under control...

 

[BlueLineSwinger]

I'm surprised the 6a kept the same SoC as the 6/6 Pro. I thought they'd cut it down a bit. I guess yields on the Tensor have been pretty good and there's no need to find somewhere to dump a bunch that have a core or two that failed QA.

One thing the 6a has that I wish my 6 had: the "composite + alloy" (really plastic + aluminum) body. The 6a is a full ounce lighter than the 6, and probably less slippery and fragile.

Pixel 6a vs. 6 vs. 6 Pro

 

[whateverer]

I'm surprised the 6a kept the same SoC as the 6/6 Pro. I thought they'd cut it down a bit. I guess yields on the Tensor have been pretty good and there's no need to find somewhere to dump a bunch that have a core or two that failed QA.

One thing the 6a has that I wish my 6 had: the "composite + alloy" (really plastic + aluminum) body. The 6a is a full ounce lighter than the 6, and probably less slippery and fragile.

Pixel 6a vs. 6 vs. 6 Pro

yeah,instead of being made of lead, someone figured out how to get competitive weights again! the size is also nicely.y-cut!

i will have to test-out if I can handle the camera-bump in my pocket,but if-so, it will make an excellent pixel 2 replacement!

 

[Vengance_01]

Can anyone confirm if the 6a will have wireless charging. If it does I am gonna upgrade from the 5a to the 6a. The SOC in the 6a suffers when running AA and trying to do anything on the phone at the same time

 

[BlueLineSwinger]

Can anyone confirm if the 6a will have wireless charging. If it does I am gonna upgrade from the 5a to the 6a. The SOC in the 6a suffers when running AA and trying to do anything on the phone at the same time

Per the comparison I linked above, nope.

 

[modi123]

Seems I'll be on 6a.

 

[Tactlesss]

ArsTechnica writeup on the 6a, seems like it will be great, if Google can get the Tensor issues under control...

I mean. That's kind of the big if on the mainline 6 series as well

 

[BlueLineSwinger]

The Pixel 6a is getting a new updated fingerprint scanner.

The one in my P6 has been OK, about the same performance as my old P2 honestly. Though the P2 had the advantage in that I didn't need to look where I was placing my finger. If they're going to make in-screen scanners a thing, they need to sense over a larger area.

 

[CyberJunk]

I decided to get the Pixel 6 over the 6a. Mainly for the better build quality. The better corning glass and IP68 vs IP67 was important to me since my Pixel 4a got wet and the screen developed touch issues.

 

[THUMPer]

6a is 499? That might be a good upgrade from my 3.

 

[CyberJunk]

6a is 499? That might be a good upgrade from my 3.

no the 6a is 449.99 and the 6 is 599. The pixel 4a was 349.99. I feel like the 6a is kinda expensive for what it is ?

 

[BlueLineSwinger]

no the 6a is 449.99 and the 6 is 599. The pixel 4a was 349.99. I feel like the 6a is kinda expensive for what it is ?

For prior generations, the 'a' model had a SoC that was a fair step down from the flagship Pixels. That's not the case this time, as the 6a uses the same SoC as the 6/6 Pro.

 

[CyberJunk]

The other issue have with the Pixel 6a is the size of the phone. Coming from the pixel 4a which i really loved the dimensions of that phone. The pixel 6a is not much smaller than the pixel 6. it's a difference between .01 mm on the width and height. The pixel 6a is lighter than the 6. I don't know why the Pixel 6 is so heavy at 207grams. It maybe the glass or the camera modules on the back ?

 

[Aurelius]

The other issue have with the Pixel 6a is the size of the phone. Coming from the pixel 4a which i really loved the dimensions of that phone. The pixel 6a is not much smaller than the pixel 6. it's a difference between .01 mm on the width and height. The pixel 6a is lighter than the 6. I don't know why the Pixel 6 is so heavy at 207grams. It maybe the glass or the camera modules on the back ?

According to a size comparison tool, the Pixel 6a is noticeably smaller than the regular 6. As for weight, I'd chalk that up to materials and dimensions; the difference in camera modules would be too slight.

The Pixel 4a was nice if you liked reasonably compact phones. However, it was a victim of both Google's refocusing (from budget to higher-end) and an overall trend toward larger screens. The writing was on the wall when Google decided the larger Pixel 4a 5G was good enough to become the 5a. It was a wise decision, I'd say — while it'd be nice to have more choices, Google has only a tiny phone line and needs to appeal to the broadest audience possible if it's going to remain a major player.

 

[Domingo]

I like the idea of a lighter and more compact phone that doesn't suck. At this point, I'm holding out for a folding phone for my next device. Hopefully that'll be the best of all worlds, and the tech is getting very, very close to ideal. I don't care if it's Google or Apple, just anybody but Samsung.

 

[kirbyrj]

According to a size comparison tool, the Pixel 6a is noticeably smaller than the regular 6. As for weight, I'd chalk that up to materials and dimensions; the difference in camera modules would be too slight.

The Pixel 4a was nice if you liked reasonably compact phones. However, it was a victim of both Google's refocusing (from budget to higher-end) and an overall trend toward larger screens. The writing was on the wall when Google decided the larger Pixel 4a 5G was good enough to become the 5a. It was a wise decision, I'd say — while it'd be nice to have more choices, Google has only a tiny phone line and needs to appeal to the broadest audience possible if it's going to remain a major player.

It may be noticeably smaller, but it's not as noticeably smaller as the Pixel 5 in comparison. I'm tempted to try the 6a, but I would rather it be smaller like the 5 is.

 

[Aurelius]

It may be noticeably smaller, but it's not as noticeably smaller as the Pixel 5 in comparison. I'm tempted to try the 6a, but I would rather it be smaller like the 5 is.

I'd say give it a whirl if you're using something earlier than the 5a/4a 5G and itching to upgrade. It's still going to be a nice improvement... and let's be honest, Google probably isn't going back to smaller designs. I just hope the fingerprint reader is better than on the 6/6 Pro.

 

[kirbyrj]

I'd say give it a whirl if you're using something earlier than the 5a/4a 5G and itching to upgrade. It's still going to be a nice improvement... and let's be honest, Google probably isn't going back to smaller designs. I just hope the fingerprint reader is better than on the 6/6 Pro.

I have a Pixel 5 which is essentially the same as the 4a 5G/ 5a except more RAM and a smaller size. I usually upgrade every year to something or other and then hand down phones to family. I just haven't found something compelling to move to from the Pixel 5.

 

[Mad Maxx]

As one of [H]'s harshest critics of the P6 fingerprint scanner when the phone launched, I'm pleased to admit that mine performs quite well after several OS updates. It's still a bit slow, but works on the first touch most every time now. Gestures still aren't as intuitive as I'd like, though.

 

[CyberJunk]

I have a Pixel 5 which is essentially the same as the 4a 5G/ 5a except more RAM and a smaller size. I usually upgrade every year to something or other and then hand down phones to family. I just haven't found something compelling to move to from the Pixel 5.

Unless you break your phone or the battery stops holding a charge I see no compelling reason to run out and upgrade. I mean the pixel 6 is noticably faster than my pixel 4a but I would not have know that or cared unless I broke the phone.

 

[TheSlySyl]

My wife is having issues with her Pixel 3a so I think its time for her to upgrade.
My Pixel 4a is going strong though. No complaints.

 

[Ripskin]

My wife is having issues with her Pixel 3a so I think its time for her to upgrade.
My Pixel 4a is going strong though. No complaints.

Same, her 3a is working but getting sluggish and having some issues. May do the 6a if there is face unlock / a working fingerprint sensor. Otherwise maybe the S22 FE or something like that in the fall.

 

[TheSlySyl]

I'm like 99% certain the 3a issues have to do with how limited the RAM is on that phone. Shame, really.

 

[Vengance_01]

After getting my new truck and switching to using AA wireless, I decided to jump on a mint P6 off of Swappa. It's the only place I trust to buy used phones. For 450$ it was a no brainer. I wanted the wireless charging and faster SOC. The 5a when running AA wireless really chews through battery and can not do anything else if I try and use the phone outside of AA. Plus lately my 5a has been going into throttling way to much when ambient temps are high. Even short duo calls in the socal heat was causing it and would make the phone DC data services.

 

[CyberJunk]

After getting my new truck and switching to using AA wireless, I decided to jump on a mint P6 off of Swappa. It's the only place I trust to buy used phones. For 450$ it was a no brainer. I wanted the wireless charging and faster SOC. The 5a when running AA wireless really chews through battery and can not do anything else if I try and use the phone outside of AA. Plus lately my 5a has been going into throttling way to much when ambient temps are high. Even short duo calls in the socal heat was causing it and would make the phone D

Have tried doing a factory reset after the last major update?

 

[Vengance_01]

Have tried doing a factory reset after the last major update?

I have not but it's to late. The new phone is already on order.

 

[Vengance_01]

New 6 is in. Overall I like the 6. Prefer the 5a 5g size and softer round edges. Easier to hold. I do enjoy the 90hz and screen is better. The 5a's battery is much better but the 6 is doable plus with wireless charging, it's kinda a wash due to be able to just drop the phone on a wireless charger. SOC and general speed is a noticeable difference. Also it sucked that google snuffed the 5a 5g from supporting the mid band c-band stuff. When connected on TMO I am seeing 250-300mbit/s and 30-40mbit/s up. Not had a chance to compare cameras. Sound might be a simdge better. Call quality seems better..

Edit**

The finger print reader seems to be fine. The phone came with a pre-installed with a glass screen protector. Seems no worse than my old OPO 7 pro

 

[Aurelius]

New 6 is in. Overall I like the 6. Prefer the 5a 5g size and softer round edges. Easier to hold. I do enjoy the 90hz and screen is better. The 5a's battery is much better but the 6 is doable plus with wireless charging, it's kinda a wash due to be able to just drop the phone on a wireless charger. SOC and general speed is a noticeable difference. Also it sucked that google snuffed the 5a 5g from supporting the mid band c-band stuff. When connected on TMO I am seeing 250-300mbit/s and 30-40mbit/s up. Not had a chance to compare cameras. Sound might be a simdge better. Call quality seems better..

Edit**

The finger print reader seems to be fine. The phone came with a pre-installed with a glass screen protector. Seems no worse than my old OPO 7 pro

I would definitely invest in a good case if you're interested in grip. Bellroy makes some official Pixel 6 leather cases that are quite posh.

I'm of mixed feelings about the Pixel 6 myself. I like the 'pure' Android, overall performance and the general camera quality, but my experience with the fingerprint reader and the overall form factor leaves me a bit unexcited. Its main advantage is the sheer value for money; if I were spending more for Android, I'd go for a Galaxy S22+ (not the Ultra, believe it or not) as it's a better overall package, Samsung's usual eccentricities notwithstanding.

 

[DogsofJune]

I'm of mixed feelings about the Pixel 6 myself. I like the 'pure' Android, overall performance and the general camera quality, but my experience with the fingerprint reader and the overall form factor leaves me a bit unexcited. Its main advantage is the sheer value for money; if I were spending more for Android, I'd go for a Galaxy S22+ (not the Ultra, believe it or not) as it's a better overall package, Samsung's usual eccentricities notwithstanding.

This sums up my experience. The fingerprint scanner sucks, I've had to manually set it to LTE. It constantly would drop service under 5g in KC.
Otherwise, it's decent.

The fingerprint scanner on the 3 was better.

 

[CyberJunk]

This sums up my experience. The fingerprint scanner sucks, I've had to manually set it to LTE. It constantly would drop service under 5g in KC.
Otherwise, it's decent.

The fingerprint scanner on the 3 was better.

i don't know maybe I'm having a better experience since i'm using graphene os ?

 

[Mad Maxx]

I would definitely invest in a good case if you're interested in grip. Bellroy makes some official Pixel 6 leather cases that are quite posh.

I'm of mixed feelings about the Pixel 6 myself. I like the 'pure' Android, overall performance and the general camera quality, but my experience with the fingerprint reader and the overall form factor leaves me a bit unexcited. Its main advantage is the sheer value for money; if I were spending more for Android, I'd go for a Galaxy S22+ (not the Ultra, believe it or not) as it's a better overall package, Samsung's usual eccentricities notwithstanding.

I used to be a big fan of Speck's Presidio Grip cases until I tried the dbrand Grip. No question about it. The dbrand Grip is the best, grippiest case I've ever used.

 

[Vengance_01]

This sums up my experience. The fingerprint scanner sucks, I've had to manually set it to LTE. It constantly would drop service under 5g in KC.
Otherwise, it's decent.

The fingerprint scanner on the 3 was better.

so far 5G has been fine with Tmo and the SoCal Area

 

[Aurelius]

I used to be a big fan of Speck's Presidio Grip cases until I tried the dbrand Grip. No question about it. The dbrand Grip is the best, grippiest case I've ever used.

Seems like it's good functionality wise, but wow does that kill the aesthetics of the phone. I'll admit I'm biased more toward design than raw function, but I prefer cases that either preserve a phone's look or add a visual flair of their own, like the Bellroy cases.

 

[Vengance_01]

Seems like it's good functionality wise, but wow does that kill the aesthetics of the phone. I'll admit I'm biased more toward design than raw function, but I prefer cases that either preserve a phone's look or add a visual flair of their own, like the Bellroy cases.

I have always been partial to Spigen. Using one on the Pixel 6. Works really well without adding much bulk while still giving good corner protection

 

[Domingo]

Google's own Pixel cases have a solid grip. They've also protected mine from a pair of drops (unrelated to the grip). I jog with mine pretty much every day and haven't had any issues. The catch is that the lighter colored cases start to look scummy over time. I've got a deep gray one on a black phone and it looks the same as it did on day 1. Some of the others start to look nicotine stained over time and that can be amplified by different phone/case combos.

 

[CyberJunk]

June update seems to really improve the battery life on the Pixel 6. I am also not having any issues with the fingerprint reader. I guess I'm the only one.