Despite The Rocky Launch, I’m Sticking With My Pixel 6 Pro

Around Fall 2020, I decided I was going to switch to an iPhone. Up until that point, I had religiously used Google’s Pixel devices. Even though I had no qualms with the Pixel, I figured I’d give the iPhone another shot, primarily after seeing some really impressive camera stats. I’d planned on using the iPhone for at least a year, and then I’d make my decision on which OS I’d pledge my allegiance to, going forward. I had a really positive experience with the iPhone, but it always felt like something was missing. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but I just knew in the back of my mind, something was pulling me back towards an Android device.

Then, in early spring last year Google leaked the first official look at the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. Everything about the device screamed “high end” and from the outside, it looked as if Google would have finally made the perfect device. As a result, there was a ton of early hype around both the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro that saw plenty of journalists crown both phones as the new Android champs. Eager to find out exactly what the hype was about, I plugged in my pre-order and anxiously awaited the arrival of what I was certain to be my new favorite phone.

My “Sorta Sunny” Pixel 6 Pro hit my front porch in late November, and I was absolutely exhilarated about the prospect of finally getting to use it. I took the device out of the box, powered it on, and started to set it up. Literally right after I finished logging in to all my accounts, I was greeted by the first sign of trouble. If you’ve ever used an Android device before, you know how insanely frustrating it is to get the “Unfortunately, Google has stopped working” error. Not even a full hour into using my brand new Pixel 6 Pro, I was seeing it every 5 minutes or so.

I wish I could say that was the extent of my troubles, but we all know it wasn’t, otherwise, there’d be no reason to write this piece.

About a month into my journey with the new phone, I found myself almost regretting moving out of my iPhone 12 Pro Max, as my Pixel seemed to be plagued with issues. I was experiencing everything from complete software crashes, to sharp declines in framerates. Surely I was the only person having these issues though…right?

After doing a bit of digging, and watching several Youtube videos, I realized the unfortunate truth: I wasn’t the only person dissatisfied with the Pixel 6 Pro. I found myself constantly battling with screen brightness issues, subpar battery life, and a wildly inconsistent selfie camera. After experiencing several of these issues, I was faced with the devastating realization that perhaps my favorite Google device wasn’t the best anymore.

So what’s a man to do? Should I jump ship, or should I stay the course and ride this thing on out?

Despite all the things I’m experiencing with my Pixel, I’m deciding to stick with it. Truthfully, I could move on to one of the new Galaxy devices, or even back into an iPhone and be fine. What brought me back to the Pixel was the vanilla Android experience and the understanding that even though it’s not perfect, the Pixel is still one of the best smartphones you can get.

I have full confidence that Google will get things running smoothly again with a few more updates, and this initial bug-filled beginning will be firmly in the rearview. Until then, I’m content to deal with my less-than-perfect Pixel. The camera is still one of the best in the business, the battery is less than stellar but not a deal-breaker by any stretch, and Android 12 may just be my favorite version of Android yet. It’s that confidence that makes me more comfortable with staying put, versus buying into a premature panic.

With all that said, I do often wonder if I’m missing out by choosing to stick with my Pixel. Only time will tell, I suppose. For now, I’m content to ride it out. At least until the next Pixel drops…