The author prefers using a particular phone model as their primary device for accessing news and information.

Even though it's several years old, the Pixel 6 Pro is arguably better now than upon release. Initially slated for end-of-life with Android 15, Google extended system updates to Android 17. Updates enhanced the fingerprint sensor, and modem connectivity has become more reliable. With Material 3 updates for Google apps and the company's tendency to bring new features to older devices, the Pixel 6 Pro remains useful despite its original Tensor chip.

Even though it's several years old, the Pixel 6 Pro is arguably better now than upon release. Initially slated for end-of-life with Android 15, Google extended system updates to Android 17. Updates enhanced the fingerprint sensor, and modem connectivity has become more reliable. With Material 3 updates for Google apps and the company's tendency to bring new features to older devices, the Pixel 6 Pro remains useful despite its original Tensor chip.

While the Tensor G5, Google's first in-house designed chip built by TSMC using a 3nm process, has had lackluster benchmark performance, Pixels aren't typically purchased for top-tier processing power or battery life. The cameras might not even be the main selling point anymore (the Pixel 10 Pro XL received an 8/10 for picture quality in our review).

Pixels are popular today due to their many AI capabilities. The new Magic Cue feature, currently exclusive to the Pixel 10, anticipates on-screen content and user actions. For instance, when calling an airline to change a reservation, relevant information appears automatically. Although the launch was rocky for some, once refined, this feature aims to improve user experience.

Additional AI features include turning photos into 8-second videos, and a recent addition enables photo editing through natural language commands. These features are available on Pixel 6 models and later.

Following Magic Cue, Gemini's ability to replace Google Assistant is a key AI feature. Users who frequently use digital assistants will find Gemini's responses more detailed. Gemini can now be used to quickly manage timers and alarms.

To set Gemini as the digital assistant on a Pixel, open the Google app, tap the profile icon, then navigate to Settings > Google Assistant > Digital assistants from Google and select Gemini.

If you are a fan of mobile games or prefer Siri's approach of using ChatGPT for brief answers, the Pixel might not be the ideal choice. While there is a Gemini app for iOS, it cannot replace Siri or set alarms and timers.

However, those who value news, information, and a phone that utilizes current technology effectively will appreciate a Pixel. While the Pixel 6 Pro doesn't currently have Magic Cue (though feature backports are possible), it remains capable. I've been transitioning from an iPhone 15 Pro Max to a Pixel 6 Pro, with the only challenge being battery life, which a power bank solves.

I might continue using the Pixel 6 Pro until support ends next October and then upgrade to the Pixel 11 Pro XL next year.

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We may earn a commission if you make a purchase