This Pixel series kicked off the AI-first smartphone era
The current era where AI became a smartphone foundation, not a feature, started with the Pixel 6 series.
Pixel 6 series started the current AI-first era for smartphones. | Image by PhoneArena
The AI-first era for smartphones was kicked off on October 19, 2021 when Google unveiled the Pixel 6 series. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro were released on October 28 and as the owner of a Pixel 6 Pro, I remember the AI features that attracted me to the device.
"Hold for Me" and Magic Eraser were the first major AI features for the Pixel 6 line
"Hold for Me" allowed a Pixel 6 series user to do something else instead of focusing on their phone while on hold. The Google Assistant, and later Gemini, takes your place when your call is placed on hold and when the other party returns to the call, you receive an audible notification that tells you that the conversation is going to resume.
The other stand-out AI feature I recall watching during the Made by Google event for 2021 was the "Magic Eraser." This feature used AI to remove unwanted items from photographs that the user circled using his finger. Interestingly, Apple added similar AI-powered features a few years later with "Hold Assist" (iOS 18.1) and "Clean Up" (iOS 26).
While an underperformer compared to Apple and Qualcomm's top AP chips, the OG Tensor held up well
What is the best AI feature on a Pixel?
While seen as an underperforming application processor (AP) compared to the powerful Apple A-series and Snapdragon 8 series processors, the Tensor chip used on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro was designed to improve the AI features on the phone. The chip was solid enough to allow Google to extend support a couple of extra years from Android 15 to Android 17 and my Pixel 6 Pro is currently running the latest Android 17 Beta.
Google promotes faster Speech to text using Tensor AP on Pixel 6 series. | Image by Google
The OG Tensor SoC also allowed Google to use local, on-device AI, which is more secure than having to rely on the cloud. The AP performed well enough to allow Google to backport features to the Pixel 6 line such as:
- Magic Editor: Man, was I jealous when I saw this on the Pixel 8. The Magic Editor took the Magic Eraser to the next level by allowing the user to reposition objects, and change the color of the sky. But the Pixel 6 now has this feature.
- Best Take: Uses the best photo from a burst of faces to replace the face of someone with their eyes closed so that everyone in a group shot has their eyes open and is smiling. This is also available to Pixel 6 users.
- Photo Unblur: Another feature that made me envious of those who bought the Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro, Photo Unblur will take older pictures in your library and make them look new, even when not originally shot on a Pixel. Again, this has been backported to the Pixel 6 series.
- Audio Magic Eraser: Originally launched on the Pixel 8 line, this feature removes distracting background noise from videos. Yes, this is now on the Pixel 6 line.
- Clear Calling: Yup, another feature I wanted, and it was ported over to the Pixel 6. Using AI, it removes background noise from calls while enhancing the caller's voice.
- Circle to Search: With a long-press on the home bar, you can circle anything on your screen to initiate a search for it. It was successfully backported to the Pixel 6 series.
- Gemini Nano Integration: The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro now support limited "on-device" AI tasks using the Gemini Nano model. This is used to "Summarize" audio captured in the Recorder app and "Smart Reply" in Gboard.
The Pixel 6 line introduced the new Pixel rear camera bar
Design-wise, the line's legacy is the introduction of the Pixel rear camera bar. Google has redesigned it in every generation since the Pixel 6.
There were some flaws and mistakes such as the use of an optical fingerprint sensor, which has since been replaced by an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for faster and more accurate readings. The use of the Samsung Exynos 5123b modem (also known as the Shannon A5123) was also a major blunder since it led the Pixel 6 line to occasionally lose connectivity.
The beginning of the AI-first smartphone era traces its start to the Pixel 6 series
Google is switching to the MediaTek M90 5G modem for the Pixel 11 line. Built using a more modern architecture, the MediaTek M90 should help the 2026 Pixel phones deliver improved battery life.
Sure, the Pixel 6 Pro that I use has poor battery life, and it no longer runs apps and features smoothly every time. I'm ready to replace it this year with a Pixel 11 Pro XL (if I can find enough change in the couch). But it is an iconic phone (sounds like a great title for a book), one that has kicked off the latest era for smartphones, the AI-first era where artificial intelligence isn't just a feature, it is the foundation on which today's phones are built.
Popular stories
Latest News
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: