Google’s Pixel 6 won a CNET Editors’ Choice award.
James Martin/CNET
The Pixel 6 is Google’s biggest smartphone upgrade in years. But it’s still hard to know if it’s time to upgrade.
Generally speaking, you should only consider upgrading if your phone is more than two years old. While the Pixel 6 is a lot different, the Pixel 5 is still new enough to last you at least another year. But if your old phone is no longer eligible for Android OS updates — like the Pixel 3 — it’s time to consider getting a new phone.
While the Pixel 6 is impressive enough to win a CNET Editors’ Choice award, it’s also worth remembering that Pixel fans may soon have other options. Google is expected to release the more affordable Pixel 6A soon, while it usually releases its next Pixel phones in the fall.
You also need to consider what you’re sacrificing when leveling up. Owners of some older Pixel phones can get unlimited photo storage in “Storage Saver” quality through the Google Photos app, compressing file sizes while preserving most of the details. However, newer phones like the Pixel 5A and Pixel 6 series don’t offer this offer. It’s also important to consider that Google regularly releases software updates with new features compatible with older phones, so you don’t always have to buy a new phone to get extra features.
We’re focusing on the main Pixel lineup in this story, not the lower-priced Pixel A phones. Since Google typically launches its A-series phones after its flagship Pixel, these devices typically have a longer lifespan in terms of software support, meaning you can use them longer before upgrading.
If you’re interested in standing out from the Pixel lineup, check out our guide to the best Android phones. If you’re upgrading to a new device, consider recycling your old phone or trading it in for a new one.
Pixel 5.
Juan Garzon/CNET
Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 5
Year-over-year upgrades are often secondary in today’s smartphone world, but the Pixel 6 is a rare exception to this rule. With the Pixel 6, for the first time, you’ll get Google’s own Tensor processor, an upgraded camera with extra features, a more elegant design, and other improvements that make it feel very different from the Pixel 5. But since the Pixel 5 is less than two years old, you probably don’t need to upgrade just yet.
The biggest change to the Pixel 6 is the addition of Google’s Tensor processor. Overall performance is smooth, but when it comes to camera capabilities and other machine-learning-oriented tasks, Google’s chip does excel. The Pixel 6’s camera is loaded with new tools not found on the Pixel 5, such as Magic Eraser for removing unwanted background items; Face Unblur, which keeps your subject’s face clear even when moving; Add blurred background or long exposure effect to images.
In addition to the extra features, the Pixel 6 has a 50-megapixel main camera with a wider field of view than the Pixel 5’s, although the ultra-wide camera has a lower resolution than last year’s phone (the Pixel 6 is 12-megapixel, while the Pixel 6 is 16 megapixels) on Pixel 5).
Google also says the Pixel 6 should have better battery life than the Pixel 5, as it claims the new phone’s battery will last “over 24 hours,” while calling the Pixel 5 “all-day” battery life. But battery life will always vary based on how you use your device. During CNET’s review test, both phones managed to get through a full day, but factors like screen brightness and the apps you’re using will always come into play.
The Pixel 6 also features a new glass design with a two-tone color scheme that looks more elegant than the Pixel 5, although that probably doesn’t matter if you plan to use it with a case. The more significant update is the Pixel 6’s larger 6.4-inch screen, which is quite a jump from the Pixel 5’s 6-inch display. Both phones can bump the refresh rate to 90Hz for smoother scrolling and have similar resolutions, but the Pixel 6’s screen is covered in the more durable Gorilla Glass Victus.
bottom line: While the Pixel 6 has a lot of new features, you probably don’t need an upgrade just yet. The Pixel 6’s extra camera features and other improvements are appreciated, but probably not worth the $600 upgrade for most people. Aside from the refreshed look, larger screen, and new camera, many of the Pixel 6 changes are mostly modest upgrades. Google will continue to provide Android OS and security updates for the Pixel 5 until October 2023. So if you’re happy with your current Pixel 5, it’s best to stick with it for another year to get the most out of it before upgrading.
Google’s Pixel 4.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 4 and 4 XL
For the Pixel 4 and 4 XL, the question of whether you should upgrade isn’t quite as simple. If your phone is still in good condition, you may be able to take it longer. But you might want to consider upgrading in the fall, as the Pixel 4 and 4 XL are only guaranteed to get Android OS and security updates until October 2022.
Even if you’ve decided you’re ready to buy a new phone, you should still wait until later in the year if you can. Google is expected to release two new phones this year: the Pixel 6A and the Pixel 7. The Pixel 6A is rumored to launch this spring and is expected to be a cheaper version of the Pixel 6. The Pixel 7 may be on the decline and will be the successor to the Pixel 6.
Which one you should wait for depends on your budget and priorities. Google’s A-series phones are generally cheaper (the Pixel 5A starts at $450), but compromise on some features. If Google keeps the same pricing as last year, the Pixel 7 will start at the same $600 as the Pixel 6.
But if you’re planning to upgrade now, the Pixel 6 has plenty of new features. The most obvious change is the design of the phone. The Pixel 6 has a dual-tone glass back with a nearly bezel-less screen and a horizontal camera bar, while the Pixel 4 has a solid-color back. Since the latest Pixel phones don’t have any bezels above or below the screen, Google was able to increase the size of the display without making the phone bigger. So the Pixel 6’s 6.4-inch screen is roomier compared to the Pixel 4’s 5.7-inch display and the Pixel 4 XL’s 6.3-inch screen.
Unlike the Pixel 4 and 4 XL, the Pixel 6 also supports 5G. This might not feel like a big deal today, but it’s a big deal for a phone you plan to keep for the next two to three years.
Google also made a major upgrade to the Pixel 6’s internals by using its own Tensor chip instead of a Qualcomm mobile processor. Again, you’ll notice this in the camera, as it brings extra features like the Magic Eraser and Face Deblur. But considering the Pixel 4 is now over two years old, you might notice a big improvement in overall speed and responsiveness as well.
The camera on the Pixel 6 also has a significantly higher 50-megapixel resolution and a wider field of view compared to the 12.2-megapixel main camera on the Pixel 4 and 4XL. The other major camera difference comes down to the second lens. The Pixel 6 has an ultra-wide-angle camera, while the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL both have a telephoto camera. If you’ve taken a lot of zoomed-in photos on the Pixel 4, you’ll want to know about this change.
Google also removed its Motion Sense feature after the Pixel 4, but that might not be a huge loss. Motion Sense lets you play or pause music, skip a song, or snooze an alarm with just a wave of your hand without touching your phone. While Motion Sense was responsive in our tests, CNET reviewer Lynn La also said it “felt gimmicky at first.”
You’ll also notice an improvement in battery life when you switch to the Pixel 6. Google’s latest phones typically last a full day on a single charge, according to CNET’s review, while the Pixel 4 only lasted about a business day in 2019 when CNET tested it. Those are the biggest differences, but there are a few other benefits, like more storage at the base level (128GB on the Pixel 6 vs 64GB on the Pixel 4), extra RAM for better performance (8GB instead of 6GB) and In-screen fingerprint sensor (Pixel 4 only has face unlock). The Pixel 6 also features battery sharing, which can wirelessly charge other devices like earbuds.
bottom line: With a sharper main camera, new photography features, a larger screen, better battery life, and Google’s Tensor processor, switching from the Pixel 4 to the Pixel 6 is sure to have plenty of benefits. But you also don’t have to upgrade. If your phone is in good condition, stay away.
However, the Pixel 4 and 4 XL are only guaranteed to receive Android version and security updates until October of this year. Your phone will still work after that date, but you may need to upgrade to a newer device before then.
Google’s Pixel 3 (left) and Pixel 3 XL (right).
Angela Lang/CNET
Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 3 and 3 XL
If you have a Pixel 3 or earlier, it’s time to upgrade, as Google no longer guarantees Android versions and security updates. The Pixel 3 and 3 XL are over three years old, which means they may also be starting to feel a little slow.
While software support is probably the most important reason to upgrade, the Pixel 6 brings a host of other new features and capabilities. Unlike the Pixel 6, the Pixel 3 and 3 XL don’t support 5G. You might not care much about this now, but you probably will in the next two years or so.
The Pixel 6’s screen is significantly larger than the Pixel 3 (6.4 inches vs. 5.5 inches) and slightly larger than the Pixel 3 XL’s 6.3-inch display. The bezels around the Pixel 6’s screen are also noticeably smaller than those on the Pixel 3 and 3 XL, giving Google’s latest phone a sleeker, more modern look overall.
Performance and battery life will also be greatly improved, thanks to Google’s Tensor chip and the Pixel 6’s larger battery capacity. Although…
