Google Pixel 6 Long-Term Review: Why It’s Still One of the Best Smartphones in 2025

When Google launched the Pixel 6 in late 2021, it was hailed as a game-changer for the smartphone industry. With its custom Tensor chip, sleek design, and innovative software features, the Pixel 6 promised to deliver a premium experience at a competitive price. Now, several years later, does the Pixel 6 still hold up as one of the best smartphones on the market? In this long-term review, we’ll dive deep into the Pixel 6’s performance, camera, battery life, and software to see why it remains a top contender in 2025.

1. Design and Build Quality: Timeless Elegance

The Google Pixel 6’s design was a breath of fresh air when it first launched, and it still looks modern and stylish in 2025. The phone features a two-tone design with a glossy glass back and a matte aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel. The camera bar on the back, which houses the dual-camera setup, has become an iconic design element that sets the Pixel 6 apart from other smartphones.

• Durability: The Pixel 6 is built to last, with Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, offering excellent protection against scratches and drops.

• Ergonomics: Despite its 6.4-inch display, the Pixel 6 is comfortable to hold and use with one hand, thanks to its curved edges and balanced weight distribution.

2. Display: Still Sharp and Vibrant

The Pixel 6 boasts a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. While newer smartphones have moved to 120Hz or even 144Hz displays, the Pixel 6’s screen still feels smooth and responsive in 2025.

• Color Accuracy: The display offers excellent color accuracy and deep blacks, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing photos.

• Brightness: With a peak brightness of 800 nits, the Pixel 6’s screen is easily readable even in direct sunlight.

• HDR Support: The display supports HDR10+, ensuring that you get the best possible experience when streaming HDR content.

3. Performance: Tensor Chip Still Delivers

At the heart of the Pixel 6 is Google’s custom Tensor chip, which was designed to enhance AI and machine learning capabilities. While it may not match the raw power of the latest Snapdragon or Apple Silicon chips, the Tensor chip still delivers smooth and reliable performance in 2025.

• Everyday Use: The Pixel 6 handles everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and multitasking with ease.

• Gaming: While not a dedicated gaming phone, the Pixel 6 can handle most mobile games at medium to high settings without significant lag.

• AI Features: The Tensor chip powers unique features like Live Translate, Magic Eraser, and Real Tone, which continue to set the Pixel 6 apart from the competition.

4. Camera: Still a Photography Powerhouse

The Pixel 6’s camera system was one of its standout features at launch, and it remains one of the best smartphone cameras in 2025. The phone features a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, both of which deliver stunning photos in a variety of conditions.

• Daylight Photography: The Pixel 6 captures sharp, detailed photos with accurate colors and excellent dynamic range.

• Low-Light Performance: Thanks to Google’s Night Sight technology, the Pixel 6 excels in low-light conditions, producing bright and noise-free images.

• Portrait Mode: The Pixel 6’s portrait mode continues to impress, with accurate edge detection and natural-looking bokeh.

• Video Recording: The Pixel 6 can record 4K video at 60fps, with excellent stabilization and audio quality.

5. Battery Life: Reliable All-Day Performance

The Pixel 6 is equipped with a 4614mAh battery, which provides all-day battery life even in 2025. While heavy users may need to top up before the end of the day, most users will find the battery life more than sufficient.

• Charging: The Pixel 6 supports 30W wired charging and 21W wireless charging, allowing you to quickly recharge the battery when needed.

• Battery Health: After several years of use, the Pixel 6’s battery health remains strong, with minimal degradation.

6. Software: Clean and Feature-Packed

One of the biggest advantages of the Pixel 6 is its stock Android experience. The phone runs the latest version of Android, with regular updates and security patches directly from Google.

• Android 14: The Pixel 6 has received several major Android updates, including Android 14, which brings new features and improvements.

• Exclusive Features: Pixel-exclusive features like Call Screen, Now Playing, and At a Glance continue to enhance the user experience.

• Long-Term Support: Google has committed to providing software updates for the Pixel 6 until at least 2026, ensuring that the phone remains secure and up-to-date.

7. Value for Money: Still a Great Deal

In 2025, the Pixel 6 remains an excellent value for money. While newer flagship smartphones can cost upwards of $1000, the Pixel 6 offers a premium experience at a fraction of the price.

• Price Drop: Since its launch, the Pixel 6 has seen significant price drops, making it an even more attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

• Refurbished Models: Refurbished Pixel 6 models are widely available, offering even greater savings without compromising on quality.

8. User Feedback: What Owners Are Saying

To get a better understanding of how the Pixel 6 has held up over time, we reached out to long-term users. Here’s what they had to say:

• Positive Feedback: Users praised the Pixel 6’s camera, software experience, and overall performance. Many noted that the phone still feels fast and responsive, even after years of use.

• Criticisms: Some users reported minor issues with battery life and heating during intensive tasks, but these were relatively rare.

Learn More On Amazon Store 

Conclusion: A Timeless Classic

The Google Pixel 6 has proven to be a timeless classic in the smartphone world. Its sleek design, powerful camera, and clean software experience continue to make it one of the best smartphones in 2025. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a tech-savvy user, or someone looking for a reliable and affordable flagship, the Pixel 6 is still a fantastic choice.

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone and don’t want to break the bank, the Pixel 6 is definitely worth considering. It’s a testament to Google’s commitment to quality and innovation, and it remains a standout option in a crowded market.

What’s Next?

In our next article, we’ll explore “Top 5 Smartphone Accessories You Need in 2025”. Don’t miss it! Subscribe to Smartphone Tips & Tricks for the latest updates and reviews.