If you are looking for a new smartphone in 2024, you might want to consider the Pixel 6, which was launched in 2021. Why? Because contrary to what is social media portrays, most people don’t actually change their phones every year, but rather every 3 to 4 years or even more.
And the Pixel 6 has a lot to offer, even after two years since its release. It has a powerful in-house Tensor chip, a stunning 6.4inch HDR OLED display, a long-lasting 4614mAh battery and 5 years of security updates. The icing on the cake is that it’s now cheaper than ever, making it great value for money. We know that Pixel 8 is all the rage right now but we will show you why the Pixel 6 is still a relevant and reliable choice in 2024.
Design & Build
Google’s Pixel 6 flaunts its bold new two-tone design, which is a breath of fresh air compared to the simple, playful designs of older Pixel phones. The current design language will redefine the look their devices for the foreseeable future.
While I usually go for the all-black option, the Pixel 6 has some amazing color options that. I chose the Kinda Coral, which is a lovely shade of pinkish-orange. The other colors are Stormy Black (call it black) and Sorta Seafoam (green).
The Pixel 6 feels solid and well-built, but it is also quite thick and slippery to hold. The glass back is glossy and smooth, which makes it hard to hold without a case. I wish it had a matte finish or some texture to improve the grip.
One of the most striking features of the Pixel 6 is the camera visor, which runs across the back of the phone. It houses the impressive cameras and sensors that make the Pixel 6 a great photography device. I like how it looks and how it makes the phone unique. It also serves as a convenient place to rest your fingers when you hold the phone. I have to say that the Pixel 6 is not a snug fit unless you have very large hands but the visor actually helps. The camera visor also adds to the premium feel of the Pixel 6, which is something that was missing in the previous models.
One of the features of the pixel 6 that might catch your attention is the sound of its physical buttons. The power and volume buttons located on the top right side have a noticeable clicky noise when you press them, which can be helpful if you want to confirm that you’re getting traction. However, some people might find them too loud, especially if they live in a quiet environment. This is a matter of personal preference, of course, but I think the buttons could be quieter and still be effective.
Display
The Pixel 6 boasts a 6.4-inch HDR OLED display that can adjust its refresh rate from 60 to 90Hz, depending on the content. The screen resolution is 1080p, which is sharp enough for most users. One of the new features of the Pixel 6 is the in-display fingerprint sensor, which replaces the rear-mounted one from previous models. However, this sensor is not very reliable, as it often fails to recognize the fingerprint on the first try. Google claims that this is due to the security and accuracy of their sensor, but it doesn’t make it any less annoying. A trick I learned from Reddit was to register the same fingerprint twice, which may improve the recognition rate.
The Pixel 6 offers three color modes for the display: Natural, Boosted, and Adaptive. The Natural mode is the most accurate, while the Boosted mode enhances the colors slightly. The Adaptive mode is the most customizable, as it allows you to adjust the color temperature and intensity according to your preference. I personally chose the Adaptive mode, because I like to tweak the settings a bit, but any mode would work fine. I honestly don’t have a strong preference for color accuracy.
According to the specs, the display has a peak brightness of 770 nits, which is decent for outdoor visibility. However, I noticed that sometimes the auto-brightness feature does not work properly, and I have to manually adjust the brightness level. And another minor issue I have experienced is that occasionally, the screen freezes for a split second. I have to go back to the home screen to fix it. This does not happen very often, but I wanted to put it out there.
Software & Performance (Tensor chip)
The Pixel 6 is Google’s first smartphone to feature its own custom-made chip. Tensor is designed to enable the Pixel 6 to perform advanced AI tasks, such as language translation, speech transcription, image processing, and live captioning, something Google knows a thing or two about.
Tensor is different from other smartphone chips, which are mainly focused on delivering high performance for general tasks. The Pixel 6 may not top the benchmarks, but its real-world performance is right at par. Other than the few hiccups I mentioned earlier (rare freezing on my device), the Pixel is more than up to the task when gaming, browsing, chatting and photography.
The Pixel 6 may not be the fastest phone on paper, but it is one of the smartest phones in practice. Thanks to Tensor, the Pixel 6 can handle complex tasks that would normally require an internet connection or a cloud server. For example, you can use the Google Translate app to translate text or speech from any language to any other language, even when you are offline. You can also use the Recorder app to transcribe audio recordings into text, and edit them as you would any document. You can also use the Live Caption feature to generate subtitles for any video or audio content on your phone, even if they don’t have captions already.
The Pixel 6 also has a stunning camera system that uses the Tensor chip to enhance your photos and videos. The Pixel camera can automatically detect faces and adjust the focus and exposure accordingly, although it occasionally suffers from over-processing. It can also remove unwanted objects or people from your photos with the Magic Eraser tool. It can also create realistic motion blur effects for your videos with the Cinematic Pan mode. And it can produce amazing portraits with the Portrait Light feature, which lets you adjust the lighting and shadows of your subject.
If you’re not big on early adoption, you might consider the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 series with newer Tensor chips. These devices have even more impressive features and performance, but they will also come with a higher price tag.
Camera
With the launch of the Pixel 6, Google revamped their cameras and finally made some long overdue improvements to the camera hardware and software compared to previous generations.
The Pixel 6 has two rear cameras: a 50-megapixel main sensor (binning to 12Mp) with OIS, EIS, LDAF, and an ƒ/1.85 aperture, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide with a 114-degree field of view. The main camera captures stunning photos with excellent detail, spectacular depth of field, and color accuracy. The ultra-wide camera is not as impressive as the main one, but it still offers a decent performance and a wider perspective.
The Pixel 6 is known for being a point and shoot camera that does not disappoint for the most part. Google has updated the Google camera app (now named Pixel camera) in Android 14 to more clearly separate photo features from video. The app is easy to use and has some useful features that enhance the photography experience.
One of the strengths of Google’s camera is the software chops. The Pixel 6 uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to process and optimize the photos. You can use the magic eraser to crop out photo bombs, unwanted objects, or people from your shots. The camera also does post-processing for color correction, although this sometimes results in over-sharpening the images. You can also use the camera to directly scan QR codes without having to go to Google Lens, which I found quite nifty.
The Pixel 6 also has some interesting modes and features that you can experiment with. For example, you can use the portrait mode to blur the background and create a bokeh effect. You can also use the profile feature and go to 2x zoom to get as close as possible to your subject, which can work as a workaround for not having a dedicated macro camera. You can also use the night sight mode to take amazing photos in low-light conditions and face unblur will kick in for those blurry photos. turn on speech enhancement for videos.
The Pixel 6 camera is arguably one of the best cameras I have ever owned. It delivers high-quality photos that are comparable or even better than some of the flagship phones from other brands.
Battery & Charging
The Pixel 6 has a generous 4614mAh battery that can last a full day of moderate to heavy use. It also supports fast charging, both wired and wireless, as well as reverse charging for other devices.
However, you will need to buy your own charger, as the Pixel 6 does not include one in the box, Thank you, Apple. You can use any old USB-C charger, but you will get the best results with a 30W PD charger for wired charging or a 21W Qi charger for wireless charging. I’ve noticed that scrolling on the Pixel 6 glitches whenever I try to use it as it charges using a 3rd party wireless charger. I can’t tell if it’s the charger or the phone.
From what I’ve seen, the Pixel 6 can charge from 0 to 80% in about an hour, which is decent but not impressive compared to some other flagships, but I don’t actually mind. I am rather skittish with super-fast chargers like the 120W Xiaomi bricks. The charging speed slows down to a trickle after 80% to preserve the battery health and avoid overheating.
Speaking of overheating, some Pixel 6 users have often report that their phones get warm or hot during charging or heavy usage. Now, it seems that Google has quietly addressed this issue with the Android 14 update, which improves the thermal management and performance optimization of the Pixel 6. I have personally noticed that my Pixel 6 runs cool as a cucumber after updating to Android 14 although I can’t say I had a problem with it before. But a surefire way to drain the battery is to shoot videos or take multiple pictures in direct sunlight.
Android 14
Being a Google phone, the Pixel 6 already received the Android 14 update. This update fixed a lot of issues that users were facing, such as the overheating issue. They also boosted the battery life of the Pixel 6, making it last longer on a single charge. You can now also customize your lockscreen with different clock styles, wallpapers, and widgets. Google also announced plans to roll out more features in the next feature drop, which is expected to arrive soon.
One of the most anticipated features is the ability to use your Pixel 6 as a webcam for your PC, which could come in handy for video calls and online meetings.
Is the Google Pixel 6 worth buying?
The Pixel 6 was a game-changer for Google’s smartphone lineup when it dropped. It introduced a fresh look, improved cameras, and the custom-made Tensor chip. The subsequent models have only added minor tweaks that I can frankly do without if I have to pay full price.
The Pixel 6 still offers 3 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches, which is more than enough to keep me satisfied. The honest truth is that at the right price, and the Pixel 6 is getting some decent discounts as we speak, I can forego upgrading to the Pixel 7 or Pixel 8 for a couple more years.
Sydney Mugerwa is a seasoned consumer tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and smart devices. From smartphones and wearables to smart home products and cameras, Sydney breaks down the complexities of consumer tech, making it easy to understand through detailed reviews and how-to guides. His mission is to simplify tech jargon and help readers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of technology.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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