The Pixel 6 Pro Still Holds Its Ground in the AI Era: Why I’m Keeping It Over My iPhone

For someone who lives and breathes technology and news, it’s easy to assume that I’m always chasing the newest flagship device. Yet, you might be surprised to learn that my current daily driver isn’t the latest iPhone or a bleeding-edge Galaxy – it’s Google’s Pixel 6 Pro. Yes, that same Pixel 6 Pro that was once criticized for its buggy modem, sluggish fingerprint sensor, and underwhelming battery life. But over time, something fascinating happened: through updates and careful refinements, Google transformed it into one of the most reliable and intelligent phones I’ve ever used.

When I first bought my Pixel 2 XL back in 2017, it felt like a glimpse into the future. That was the golden age of Google’s computational photography – when the Pixel camera consistently outperformed even the most expensive phones thanks to smart algorithms and machine learning. The Pixel line was also the go-to choice for Android purists, promising immediate updates and early access to the newest Android versions. It wasn’t the flashiest phone, but it was the smartest.

Fast forward to the Pixel 6 Pro. When it debuted, it had every hallmark of a modern flagship: a bold new design, custom Tensor chip, and a camera setup that hinted at Google’s ambition to redefine mobile intelligence. But it also carried teething problems – a weak modem that dropped signals, an optical fingerprint sensor that made unlocking a test of patience, and a chip that sometimes failed to keep up with Apple’s or Qualcomm’s silicon. Many early adopters, myself included, wondered if the phone’s brilliance would ever match its potential.

Over the years, Google quietly fixed nearly every pain point. The fingerprint sensor became fast and accurate, the modem stabilized, and the battery performance improved through optimization updates. Now, with Google extending its software support to Android 17, the Pixel 6 Pro has gained a second life. Its once-criticized Tensor chip might not be the fastest, but it’s aged gracefully thanks to continuous AI and system refinements. The phone feels more responsive today than it did at launch – a rare statement for a three-year-old Android flagship.

And while the new Tensor G5 powering the Pixel 10 Pro XL is built on a superior 3nm TSMC process, benchmarks have shown that raw power still isn’t Google’s obsession. The company’s focus has shifted to how smart the phone can be, not how high it scores in synthetic tests. That’s why, despite the Tensor G5’s modest performance, Pixels continue to deliver an unmatched AI experience. In our review, the Pixel 10 Pro XL still earned an impressive 8 out of 10 for its photography prowess, but the real story is in its software magic.

The most compelling of these AI tools is Magic Cue – a feature currently exclusive to the Pixel 10 lineup. Unlike reactive assistants that wait for your command, Magic Cue anticipates your needs. If you’re on a call with an airline, it automatically surfaces your flight details, confirmation numbers, and relevant options. The idea is to cut friction from daily digital tasks, letting AI quietly assist you without constant prompts. While it had some rocky early rollouts, it’s now steadily evolving into one of Google’s most useful additions.

Then there’s the delightful camera intelligence that turns still photos into short 8-second clips, breathing motion into memories. Another highlight: you can now instruct your phone to edit photos using conversational English – simply describe what you want to adjust, and the AI does the rest. These features, starting with the Pixel 6 generation, show how Google’s software-first philosophy keeps older devices relevant long after their hardware prime.

Perhaps the biggest transformation, though, comes with Gemini, the AI assistant designed to replace Google Assistant. If you rely on voice commands throughout the day, Gemini feels like an upgrade in both depth and nuance. It understands follow-up questions, executes tasks more naturally, and even handles contextual requests better. Setting timers, alarms, or getting expanded answers feels fluid and intelligent – like having an assistant that actually learns how you think. To enable Gemini, users can simply head into their Google app settings and switch assistants. Once you do, it’s hard to go back.

Of course, the Pixel isn’t for everyone. If your main use case is gaming, Apple and Samsung still lead the pack with better GPU performance and thermal management. And if you’re an iPhone user accustomed to Siri’s integration – or even the new ChatGPT handoffs – you might find the Pixel’s approach different but not always superior. Yes, Gemini exists on iOS too, but Apple keeps it fenced within the app ecosystem, so you can’t replace Siri or use Gemini for basic functions like setting alarms.

But for those who, like me, thrive on news, learning, and fast access to information, the Pixel remains unmatched. It’s a tool that gets smarter the longer you use it. Even though I’ve been gradually transitioning from my iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Pixel 6 Pro has continued to surprise me. The only consistent downside remains its battery life – but with a good power bank, that’s an easy fix.

And honestly, I might keep using the Pixel 6 Pro right up until its final software sunset next October. When that time comes, I’ll likely trade it for the Pixel 11 Pro XL – not because I crave the newest hardware, but because Google keeps proving that intelligence, not specs, is what makes a smartphone truly great. In an age of bigger cameras and higher refresh rates, it’s refreshing to see a phone that still prioritizes brains over brawn.

Until then, my Pixel 6 Pro remains my most trusted digital companion – aging gracefully, smarter with time, and reminding me that sometimes, the smartest upgrade is realizing you don’t always need one.