Have you ever wished an update could solve all your annoying problems with your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro? Well, it seems Google is working on a solution to improve your device’s fingerprint sensor, battery life, Wi-Fi connectivity, wireless charging, and Bluetooth connection. But there’s a catch.
Google’s Feature Drop beta program
Google has recently announced the Pixel Feature Drop beta program, allowing Pixel users to test new features before their official release in June. The initial July Feature Drop beta (QPR3 Beta 1) includes bug fixes that Pixel 6 users have eagerly awaited.
The temptation to sign up for the beta program is understandable, especially when it promises to transform your Pixel 6 into the phone you’ve always wanted it to be. But before you jump in, you must be aware that leaving the beta program may result in a factory reset, meaning you will lose all your data.
Leaving the Beta program may result in a factory reset
Google used to allow participants in the Beta program to opt out and return to the stable version without a factory reset. However, this option was only available for a limited time after the beta version was released. Now, if you opt out of the program, all your user data on the device will be wiped.
Therefore, if you rely on your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro as your primary device, you need to be confident that the features you frequently use will function correctly when you need them.
The March Feature Drop and update;
The March Feature Drop and March update are expected to be available later this month. Therefore, joining the Feature Drop beta program should be a last resort for the typical Pixel 6 user.
If you’re still eager to enroll in the Android Beta Program with your new Pixel, click the hyperlink and select the “View your eligible devices” banner. Within 24 hours of opting in, you’ll be notified of an OTA update that includes the latest beta version.
Warning for Pixel 6 users using Android 13 Developer Preview
If you’re using the Android 13 Developer Preview, you must know the warning regarding exiting the beta test. To leave, follow the same process as before but select the “Opt-out” button under the image on the device’s screen. Within 24 hours, you’ll be notified of an OTA update that will restore your device to the stable version, but all your data will be deleted.
The missing element – Android version 12L
The only thing missing in the current delays to the March update and Feature Drop is the Android version 12L, which is available for Pixel 6 models. Android 12L is designed for larger-screen Android devices and is expected to be included in March’s Pixel Feature Drop.
Other Websites Reviews
According to 9to5Google, “the Pixel 6 series is already quite polished, and it’s unclear if many users will jump at the chance to enroll in the beta program.” Meanwhile, TechRadar reports that “the Feature Drop beta program could be seen as a way for Google to test its latest features without fully committing to a full release.”
Expert Opinions: What the Experts are Saying
To gain insight into the Pixel 6 update, we contacted tech experts and reviewers for their opinions. David Nield from TechRadar believes the update will “improve the device’s fingerprint sensor, increase battery life, avert constant disconnects from Wi-Fi, enhance wireless charging, and improve Bluetooth connectivity.” Furthermore, Nield notes that “the update could transform the Pixel 6 into the device users have always hoped it would be.” Expert opinions like this give readers a glimpse into how the update might impact their user experience.
User Reviews: How Pixel 6 Users are Responding
We scoured user reviews online to understand how the update affects Pixel 6 users. While opinions varied, a common theme emerged: users are pleased with the update’s bug fixes and performance improvements.
One user on Reddit noted that “the fingerprint sensor is much faster and more accurate” after the update. Another user on Twitter praised the update’s Bluetooth improvements, stating that “my Pixel 6 now connects seamlessly to all my Bluetooth devices.” These user reviews give readers a more personal touch and help them relate to other Pixel 6 users.
Comparisons to Other Devices: How the Pixel 6 Stands Out
Feature | Google Pixel 6 | Samsung Galaxy S21 | iPhone 13 |
---|---|---|---|
Display size and type | 6.4-inch AMOLED | 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR |
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 pixels | 2400 x 1080 pixels | 2532 x 1170 pixels |
Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | 60Hz |
Rear camera(s) | 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide | 12MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 64MP telephoto | 12MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto |
Front camera | 8MP | 10MP | 12MP |
Processor | Google Tensor chip | Snapdragon 888 | A15 Bionic |
RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB or 512GB |
Battery capacity | 4614mAh | 4000mAh | Unknown |
Charging speed | 30W wired, 21W wireless | 25W wired, 15W wireless | 20W wired, 15W wireless |
Operating system | Android 12 | Android 11 | iOS 15 |
Starting price (USD) | $599 | $799 | $799 |
As you can see, the Pixel 6 stands out in several ways. It has a higher resolution rear camera, a higher refresh rate display, a Tensor chip custom processor, and a relatively lower starting price point. Additionally, it comes with the latest Android 12 operating system. However, the Samsung Galaxy S21 has a slightly larger battery and faster-wired charging, while the iPhone 13 has a better front camera and access to the iOS ecosystem. Ultimately, the choice between these devices depends on the user’s preferences and needs.
“The Pixel 6 offers a great value-for-money flagship buy with its unique design, powerful performance, and excellent camera features, making up for the absence of some exclusive features of the Pixel 7 Pro.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Pixel Feature Drop beta program may sound tempting, leaving the program may result in losing all your data. Therefore, it is crucial to consider your device’s reliability before enrolling in the program. Moreover, the missing Android version 12L may also affect the Feature Drop’s availability for the latest Pixel models. Stay tuned for more updates on this topic.
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Or just wait another week for the official stable version to hit your Pixel 6. That’s my plan.
Don’t do it!
So it’s sounding more and more like there really isn’t going to be a “fix” for these phones…..