RIP, Google Pixel 6, the best and worst Pixel ever
Android Police 2026-07-23 10:30:16
Context: The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, released in 2021, have reached their end-of-life, with Google confirming that Android 17 QPR1 will be their last update. The Pixel 6 series was a significant milestone for Google's hardware, marking the company's first attempt at building a phone with its own Tensor processor and a unique design that signaled the start of a proper Pixel DNA identity. Despite being a influential device, the Pixel 6 was also marred by issues such as connectivity problems, a slow fingerprint scanner, and mediocre battery life.
Key Facts
- The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will reach their end-of-life in October, with no further updates beyond Android 17 QPR1.
- The Pixel 6 series was released in 2021 and was Google's first phone to feature its own Tensor processor, marking a significant shift in the company's hardware strategy.
- The Pixel 6 Pro had a triple camera setup, including a 50MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 4x 48MP telephoto lens, which was a first for the Pixel series and significantly improved the phone's camera capabilities.
- Despite its influential design and camera capabilities, the Pixel 6 was plagued by issues such as daily connectivity problems, signal losses, a slow and finicky fingerprint scanner, mediocre battery life, and slow charging.
- The Pixel 6 series has outlived its original update promise, and its legacy has contributed to the development of subsequent Pixel devices, including the Pixel 7, Pixel 8, Pixel 9, and Pixel 10 series.