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I Gave the Pixel Another Chance...

Marques Brownlee@mkbhd3.1M viewsApr 14, 20228:07
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6 months later with the buggy Pixel 6 Pro That shirt: shop.mkbhd.com Pixel 6 Review: youtu.be Tech I'm using right now: amazon.com Intro Track: Jordyn Edmonds smarturl.it Playlist of MKBHD Intro music: goo.gl ~ twitter.com @MKBHD @MKBHD

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In this follow-up, the creator revisits the Pixel 6 Pro six months after its launch to assess how the device has aged, despite the boxy optimism around Google’s Tensor chip and timely software updates. The video starts with a reflection on the long-term experience, noting that after an initial period of relative polish, the phone began to show more bugs and performance hiccups as time passed. The creator explains a pattern he has observed across Pixel devices: a strong start followed by a quicker-than-expected decline in usability, even with new software updates. He recounts how he briefly moved back to the Galaxy S21 Ultra, but kept an eye on the Pixel’s ongoing software iteration, hoping improvements would materialize. The main issues highlighted include persistent animation stutter, auto brightness that fails to dim in low-light environments, a slow fingerprint reader, and intermittent connectivity quirks such as Wi-Fi calling problems and weaker cell reception. Despite these flaws, he notes that some updates have improved performance, reducing frame drops and stabilizing the camera app, though overall satisfaction remains muted for a flagship price. He wraps up by reaffirming that the Pixel 6 Pro still isn’t a buy at the original price, while teasing interest in future Pixel generations and potential improvements from Google. The second paragraph delves into concrete, device-specific experiences and outcomes after six months of ownership. The display, though originally praised for its 120 Hz smoothness, frequently dips below expected refresh performance, leading to visible stutter during app launches and transitions. The camera and lock screen brightness issues are discussed with specifics about auto brightness failing to adapt to lighting, and brightness spikes when using the flashlight in dark rooms hinting at sensor quirks. Connectivity problems are described in practical terms, including degraded modem performance, longer signal recovery times, and Wi-Fi calling failures in challenging studio environments. The reviewer enumerates a set of small but cumulative annoyances that color the user experience, contrasting them with the device’s strong industrial design and build quality. Despite acknowledging the improvements from the latest software updates, the overall verdict remains cautious: the Pixel 6 Pro shows progress but several core experiences still hurt daily usability, keeping the device from being recommended at launch price. He signals continued interest in the Pixel roadmap, including speculation about Pixel 6a and future Tensor iterations, and invites viewer opinions on how the Pixel family ages over time.

Topics · technology · reviews · smartphones · consumer electronics

Questions answered

What were the main issues with the Pixel 6 Pro after six months of use?
The main issues included persistent 120 Hz display stutter, auto brightness failing to dim properly in dark rooms, a slow fingerprint reader, and intermittent connectivity problems such as Wi-Fi calling failures and weaker cellular reception compared to other phones.
Did updates fix the Pixel 6 Pro’s problems?
Updates reduced some problems, notably diminishing frame drops and improving camera app launch speed, but they did not fully resolve the core usability issues, and the reviewer did not recommend the device at its launch price.