6 Best Google Pixel 6 Alternative

Just recently, Google officially unveiled Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro during its Fall Launch event in October this year. These latest Google flagship phones are trending now in the market, and a lot of people are already excited to know what these models have to offer.

Pixel 6 combines great design (although not perfect), affordable price and a fast processing unit, making it one of the best value phones available. However, despite the relatively low cost of Pixel 6 compared to its rivals, some are still curious to know if there are alternatives they can compare this smartphone with. If you are curious too, this guide is for you.

What is Pixel 6?

Before we go any further, let’s check what Pixel 6 has to offer so you know what kind of alternative phones you should be looking at.

Design

Pixel 6 is a well-spec’d smartphone. One of its notable features is the camera bar located at the back of the phone. The black bar that extends the full width of the phone gives it a distinctive look. It houses a 25mm wide-angle main camera, a 16mm ultrawide camera and a 104mm telephoto camera plus the flash. It’s worth mentioning that the telephoto camera has an f3.5 lens that produces 12-megapixel photos with its 48-megapixel sensor.

The standard Pixel 6 has two camera sensors and comes with a 6.4-inch 90Hz flat display. On the other hand, the Google Pixel 6 Pro has 3 camera sensors and is fitted with a curved 6.7-inch, 10–120Hz screen display. The large sensor on the Pixel 6 phones improves dynamic range, color and low-light performance.

According to Google, the Pro version has a light polished aluminum frame whereas the standard version has a matte aluminum finish. This is a great change considering that Pixel 5 has an aluminum body that is covered by bio-resin plastic.

Material

Pixel 6 is built using Corning Gorilla Glass Victus which is said to be the toughest Gorilla Glass yet. It has twice the scratch-resistance ability of the old Pixel models. This glass is also rated as IP68, which means that it can withstand being submerged in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes without being damaged.

Moreover, these two latest Google phones are made of translucent material that lets the phones shine through. This is a cool feature for aesthetic purposes.

Google also proudly claimed that Pixel 6 is made using more than 30% recycled plastic making it an eco-friendly phone.

Specs

The 6.7-inch screen of the Google Pixel 6 Pro has a QHD+ resolution with a refresh rate of 120Hz. It is not a surprise as this has already been the standard even for midrange phones. A higher refresh rate means better rendering of fast-moving content, especially during gaming. The refresh rate of this phone is double the refresh rate of the Apple iPhone 12 lineup. The screen is slightly curved at the edges with aluminum rails on the side bezels.

On the other hand, the standard Google Pixel 6 has a smaller screen with a slightly lower spec’d display. But even with its 6.4-inch screen, it is still a bit bigger than the 6.1-inch screen of the Apple iPhone 12. It has an FHD+ resolution with a 90Hz refresh rate. It’s a flat screen with no curved edges like the Google Pixel 6 Pro.

The Google Pixel 6 phones also debut some software updates and improvements from the previous Google phones. For one, it is fitted with Google’s new system on chip (SoC) called the Tensor. Google claims that the use of the Tensor makes Pixel 6 up to 80 percent faster than Pixel 5. Also, the new chip supposedly should make your battery last longer.

Google’s new software features a host of AI-enhanced software such as the Magic Eraser which is designed to remove strangers and unwanted objects from images with a simple swipe or tap.

Another impressive thing about the new system is that it also enables offline translation in 55 languages! This allows you to read foreign road signs and menus, read contents or listen to podcasts in many languages without affecting your data allowance.

Available Colors

The Pixel 6 comes in 3 different fun colors – Kinda Coral, Sorta Seafoam, and Stormy Black. The Pro, on the other hand, is available in Sorta Sunny (light gold), Cloudy White, and Stormy Black.

Now that you have already had background information of what Pixel 6 offers, but for some reason, you don’t like the whole package, you can now check the alternative options available.

Pixel 6 Alternative

1. Samsung Electronics Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G Factory Unlocked Android

The Samsung brand has several smartphones that can be great alternatives to the Pixel 6, and the Galaxy Z is one of them. It has an expansive 7.6-inch foldable screen display, giving you a super-slim tablet that fits your pocket. The 120Hz AMOLED 2X screen cover offers a clear and big display, allowing for a more dynamic and mesmerizing viewing experience.

The camera in this phone is nearly invisible. It comes with the first-ever Under Display camera that gives you an uninterrupted viewing experience.

What’s unique about the Galaxy Z is that it comes with three windows, which makes it really versatile in application. You can use it for watching movies, making presentations or taking notes using the S Pen.

This box also contains 4,400mAh battery, a data cable, and a travel adapter.

Connectivity is also not a problem as it has built-in 5G connectivity and comes with fast processing power. You can connect it with other devices that support USB type C.

And if you love taking photos, the camera in this phone may not be the best but it is decent. The back camera takes 12MP photos while the front camera takes 10MP photos. It also allows for 10x digital zoom and 2x optical zoom,10x digital zoom

Pros:

• Lightweight, weighing 0.60 lbs.
• Foldable screen
• 25W super-fast charging
• 256GB | 512GB / 12GB RAM
• Open line and not locked to any carriers

Cons:

• Single SIM version
• Low-resolution cameras

Buy it now on Amazon

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2. Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Factory Unlocked Android Cell Phone | US Version 5G

Another Google Pixel 6 alternative worth checking out is the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. It has a high-resolution camera of 64 megapixels for crisper and more stunning photos. The Samsung Galaxy S21 also allows for 30 Space Zoom options with its camera. Plus it has a Zoom Lock feature for stability and focus.

Aside from its high-end camera, the Galaxy S21 also plays sharp 8K videos. The images look super smooth on-screen, giving you cinema-style quality entertainment.

Recording high-quality content is also possible with the Samsung Galaxy S21. It features a Director’s view with a Vlogger view that lets you see in finer detail what you are capturing. There are also multiple ways to record using its multi-cam recording ability.

The manufacturer also claims that the battery of the Samsung Galaxy S21 could last up to 2 days. It has an all-day intelligent battery that intuitively manages your usage to conserve energy.

Powered by 5G just like the Galaxy Z, the Samsung Galaxy S21 allows for versatile connectivity. It also supports Bluetooth v5.0.

Pros:

• High-resolution cameras
• Multi-cam recording ability
• Long battery life
• Reasonably priced
• Open line and not locked to any carriers

Cons:

• Does not support eSim in the U.S
• Only 8GB RAM

Buy it now on Amazon

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3. Apple iPhone 13 (128GB)

With the advanced dual camera of this Apple smartphone, it’s no wonder many users consider it a good Google Pixel 6 alternative. It comes with a dual-camera system with 12 megapixels wide and ultra-wide cameras. It allows for different photographic styles, a smart HDR 4, night mode and K Dolby Vision HDR recording. The cinematic mode also adds enhanced shallow depth of field as well as an ability to automatically shift focus.

The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display screen of this Apple smartphone is also ultra-clear. It offers great picture quality.

Moreover, the Apple iPhone 13 comes with an A15 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU and 16-core neural engine to ensure fast and reliable performance.

When fully charged, the battery could last up to 75 hours of audio playback. The battery is also wireless-charging ready and is compatible with Qi wireless chargers.

The Apple iPhone 13 has a durable design and it comes with a Ceramic Shield glass display. Also, it is rated IP68, which means that it is water-resistant to a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.

Pros:

• 5G capable
• The battery could last up to 75 hours of audio playback
• Durable and water-resistant design
• Face ID
• Fast performance
• Autofocus
• Wireless charging

Cons:

• A bit on the expensive side

Buy it now on Amazon

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4. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, 128GB

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is another great Google Pixel alternative if you are looking for a phone that captures beautiful images.

This smartphone has premium high-powered pro lenses that can take stunning landscapes, portraits and close-ups under any lighting condition, thanks to its 3X optical zoom. The night mode also helps take vibrant photos in low light with no flash needed.

Aside from its optical zoom feature, the camera in this smartphone also allows for 30X space zoom. This feature gives you the ability to get closer to your subjects even if they are far.

With 12B GB of storage and a stunning 6.5-inch screen, many things are possible with this smartphone.

Pros:

• Night mode
• 30X space zoom
• 5G ready
• Battery lasts
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi ready
• High -resolution camera

Cons:

• 3G only
• Only 6GB RAM

Buy it now on Amazon

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5. OnePlus 9 Pro Morning Mist, 5G Unlocked Android Smartphone U.S Version (with 12GB RAM+256GB Storage)

You can never go wrong with this phone if you will use it for photography or videography. It features a 48MP main camera as well as a 50MP Ultra-wide camera and an 8MP telephoto camera. Plus it has a 2MP monochrome lens. So if you are looking for a Google Pixel alternative with high camera resolution, this is one of the best contenders.

Aside from the quad-camera system that features high-resolution cameras, it also delivers a fluid display experience on its 6.7-inch QHD+ screen. It offers stunning visuals of 120Hz with next-generation LTPO technology that conserves the battery.

The OnePlus 9 Pro also delivers fast and smooth performance due to its use of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 platform.

Moreover, it allows for fast charging with its Warp Charge 65T technology. Aside from that, it also allows for convenient wireless charging.

Pros:

• Wireless charging
• Fast performance
• High-resolution cameras
• With telephoto cameras
• 12GB RAM+256GB Storage
• Big screen size
• Long-lasting battery

Cons:

• Uni sim not dual sim

Buy it now on Amazon

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6. Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, Factory Unlocked Smartphone

This product is a great device if you are looking for a Google Pixel 6 alternative that is perfect for gaming, binge-watching movies and streaming. With Galaxy A52’s long-lasting battery and fast processor, this phone allows for more versatility in its use.

With its 6.5-inch screen which provides for edge-to-edge Infinity-O Full HD+ display, you will have better gaming and watching experience. And when you need a power boost after hours of using it, its fast-charging technology will have you back in no time.

What we like about this device is that it has expandable storage. Although it already has 128 Gigabytes of built-in storage, you can store more content up to 1 Terabyte by adding a microSD card.

When it comes to camera quality, the Galaxy A52 delivers a 64MP back camera for taking a high-resolution photo and steady video with OIS. The front-facing camera is also not bad with its 32MP pixel resolution.

Moreover, you can also take this phone anywhere you go. It is highly durable and is dust and water-resistant. It can withstand up to 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes.

Pros:

• Dual SIM
• 5G connectivity
• Expandable storage
• High-resolution cameras
• High definition display
• Long-lasting battery

Cons:

• Only 6GB RAM

Buy it now on Amazon

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Factors to Consider When Checking Google Pixel 6 Alternatives

Camera

The camera resolution is a vital factor to consider if you like shooting photos or videos. Some of the Google Pixel 6 alternatives offer really high resolution of 64 mega pixels cameras. The higher the pixels, the better quality photos you can take. Additionally, if you can find a phone with autofocus, offers several zoom options and a night mode, these are a big plus.

Memory

The number of apps, photos and other content you can save will ultimately depend on how much memory the device has. For a better Google Pixel experience, get a phone with high memory and if possible, one that has expandable storage. Some of the phones we’ve seen already have built-in 128GB storage which is already enough for storing many apps, games and other content. But a phone with expandable storage can take you to the next level.

Fast Processing system

Of course, no one wants a phone that always lags in the middle of a game or movie. With a fast processing system such as Samsung’s Qualcomm Snapdragon, you’ll not experience this problem.

Other Feature

Features such as fast-charging time, wireless charging, long battery life, offline and live translate, 5G and Bluetooth connectivity can add more value to your money.

Reviews

Between two phones with relatively stylish design, fast processing unit, great camera and reliable hardware, if one has many negative feedback compared with the other, the reviews can be a good point of comparison.

User feedback can give you an idea of how the smartphone actually performs. Check for critical information that talks about how fast or how slow the system works, the image quality, and other factors, as they can greatly affect your overall experience in using the phone.

Conclusion

There are many Google Pixel 6 alternatives out there that are worth considering and it can be hard to decide which one to pick. Checking the factors we have mentioned above can help you make a better and informed decision.

Moreover, with the several smartphones we reviewed, our top pick for the best Google Pixel alternative is the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. This phone is reasonably priced and it has high-resolution cameras and a fast processor. Plus it plays 8K video that none of the other phones can do.