Introduction
The Google Pixel 6 Pro, launched in October 2021, was a game-changer for Google, introducing a fresh design, a powerful camera system, and the company’s first custom-built Google Tensor chipset. Now, in 2025, the question remains—is it still worth buying?
According to our UpTrade Price Tracker, a Certified Refurbished Google Pixel 6 Pro starts at $150+, making it one of the most affordable flagship phones available. At this price, the Pixel 6 Pro offers flagship-level photography, Google’s clean software experience, and long-term Android support. But with newer models like the Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro on the market, is it still a good buy?
Let’s dive into its specs, performance, and real-world usability in 2025.
Full Specs for Google Pixel 6 Pro
| Feature |
Details |
| Chipset |
Google Tensor |
| Screen |
6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display (1440 x 3120 pixels) |
| Refresh Rate |
120Hz, Adaptive LTPO |
| Camera |
Triple: 50MP (wide) + 48MP (telephoto, 4x optical) + 12MP (ultrawide) |
| Front Camera |
11.1MP wide-angle selfie camera |
| Storage |
128GB, 256GB, 512GB (no microSD slot) |
| Battery Life |
5000mAh, up to 24 hours of mixed usage |
| Operating System |
Launched with Android 12, upgradable to the latest Android version |
| Weight |
210 grams (7.41 ounces) |
| Dimensions |
163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.99 x 0.35 inches) |
| SIM |
Nano-SIM and eSIM |
| Other Features |
5G support, IP68 water/dust resistance, wireless charging |
💡 UpTrade Price Tracker (2025): Certified Refurbished Pixel 6 Pro starts at $150+
At this price, the Pixel 6 Pro remains a strong competitor, especially when considering its flagship camera, high-refresh-rate display, and powerful AI-driven chipset.
Performance and Google Tensor Chipset
The Google Tensor chipset was Google’s first in-house processor, designed for AI-driven performance, computational photography, and real-time language translation. While it doesn’t outperform the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen processors, it still delivers a smooth and responsive experience in 2025.
✅ Real-World Performance:
- Smooth multitasking and app switching with 12GB RAM.
- Handles demanding tasks like photo editing and gaming without lag.
- AI-driven features like Live Translate and voice dictation work exceptionally well.
🚀 How Does It Hold Up in 2025?
- Casual users: The Pixel 6 Pro remains fast and responsive for daily use, social media, and web browsing.
- Gamers & power users: While not as powerful as newer Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 6 Pro can still handle most modern games at medium-to-high settings.
- Software longevity: With Google’s promise of security updates through at least 2026, the phone remains secure and up to date.
💡 Verdict: The Google Tensor chip is still capable in 2025. Unless you need cutting-edge gaming performance, the Pixel 6 Pro remains a great choice for everyday use.
Camera Quality
📸 One of the Best Smartphone Cameras – Even in 2025!
The Pixel 6 Pro’s camera system was one of its biggest selling points at launch, and it still holds up incredibly well in 2025 thanks to Google’s computational photography.
✅ Rear Camera System:
- 50MP main sensor captures stunning detail and excellent low-light shots.
- 48MP periscope telephoto lens (4x optical zoom, 20x Super Res Zoom) allows for impressive close-up shots.
- 12MP ultrawide sensor ensures great landscape and group photos.
✅ Front Camera:
- 11.1MP ultrawide selfie camera is great for solo or group selfies.
- Supports 4K video recording, making it ideal for vlogging and social media content.
🔥 Camera Features That Still Compete in 2025:
- Night Sight – Outstanding low-light performance.
- Magic Eraser – Remove unwanted objects from photos with AI.
- Real Tone – Better skin-tone accuracy across different lighting conditions.
💡 Verdict: If you want flagship-level photography at a budget price ($150+), the Pixel 6 Pro is still a top choice in 2025.
Screen and Display
The Pixel 6 Pro’s 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display is still one of the best screens available in 2025 for the price.
✅ Key Display Features:
- 1440 x 3120 resolution – Crisp, high-resolution visuals.
- 120Hz refresh rate – Smooth scrolling and gaming experience.
- LTPO technology – Dynamically adjusts refresh rate to save battery.
- HDR10+ support – Vivid colors and high contrast for video content.
🔥 How It Compares to Newer Phones:
- Versus Pixel 7 Pro & Pixel 8 Pro – Newer models have brighter displays and better power efficiency, but the 6 Pro still offers excellent quality.
- Versus Other $150 Phones – Most budget phones still use 60Hz or 90Hz displays, while the Pixel 6 Pro has 120Hz + Quad HD resolution, making it far superior.
💡 Verdict: The Pixel 6 Pro’s display still feels premium in 2025, making it one of the best refurbished deals for under $200.
Battery Life
The Google Pixel 6 Pro is powered by a 5000mAh battery, which was among the largest in a Pixel device at launch. Even in 2025, it still offers reliable all-day battery life, especially when optimized with battery-saving features.
✅ Battery Performance in 2025:
- Up to 24 hours of mixed usage – Handles daily tasks like browsing, streaming, and messaging without issues.
- Extreme Battery Saver Mode – Extends battery life up to 48 hours by limiting background activity.
- Fast Charging Support – 30W wired charging gets you 50% battery in about 30 minutes.
- Wireless & Reverse Wireless Charging – Convenient for charging accessories like Pixel Buds or another phone.
🔥 How It Compares in 2025:
- The Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro have slightly better battery efficiency, but the Pixel 6 Pro remains competitive.
- Competes well with other flagship phones under $200 in the refurbished market.
💡 Verdict: If you need solid battery life with fast charging and wireless support, the Pixel 6 Pro is still a great buy in 2025.
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel 6 Pro introduced a bold new design that still looks modern and premium in 2025.
✅ Premium Design Features:
- Glass and aluminum build – Sturdy yet elegant.
- Distinctive Camera Bar – A unique design that stands out from other smartphones.
- IP68 Water & Dust Resistance – Can survive splashes, rain, and even submersion in water.
🔥 How It Compares to Newer Models:
- Similar design to Pixel 7 Pro & 8 Pro, meaning it doesn’t feel outdated.
- Durability is excellent, with Gorilla Glass Victus protection on the front and back.
💡 Verdict: The Pixel 6 Pro still looks and feels like a flagship in 2025, making it a great refurbished buy for $150+.
Software and Updates
One of the biggest advantages of buying a Google Pixel is its long-term software support.
✅ Pixel 6 Pro Software Support in 2025:
- Originally launched with Android 12 and upgradable to the latest Android version.
- Guaranteed security updates through at least 2026, keeping it safe from vulnerabilities.
- Exclusive Pixel features like Call Screening, Now Playing, and Magic Eraser enhance the user experience.
🔥 How It Compares in 2025:
- While newer Pixels (Pixel 7 & 8 Pro) get longer updates, the Pixel 6 Pro is still secure and functional for at least another year.
- The clean Pixel UI remains one of the best Android experiences, free of bloatware.
💡 Verdict: The Pixel 6 Pro remains a great choice in 2025, especially for users who prefer a clean, fast, and regularly updated software experience.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re considering a refurbished flagship under $300, here are two great alternatives to the Google Pixel 6 Pro:
- ✅ Faster Tensor G2 chipset for better performance and efficiency.
- ✅ Improved camera processing and Night Sight.
- ✅ Longer software support (until 2027+).
💡 Verdict: If you can stretch your budget to $250+, the Pixel 7 Pro is a better long-term investment.
- ✅ Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip – More powerful than Google Tensor.
- ✅ Better battery optimization & 45W fast charging.
- ✅ S Pen support for productivity users.
💡 Verdict: If you want a flagship Samsung experience with a better display and stylus support, consider the S22 Ultra for $300+.
Additional Benefit of Buying a Refurbished Google Pixel 6 Pro
Buying a Certified Refurbished Google Pixel 6 Pro is not just a great deal—it’s also a sustainable and cost-effective choice.
♻️ Why Buy Refurbished?
- ✅ Save up to 70% compared to the original retail price.
- ✅ Eco-Friendly – Reduces e-waste and extends the life of high-quality devices.
- ✅ Certified Devices – Fully tested for functionality and battery health.
- ✅ Warranty & Return Policy – Risk-free purchase compared to standard used phones.
💡 Verdict: A refurbished Pixel 6 Pro delivers flagship performance at a fraction of the cost, making it one of the best phone deals under $200 in 2025.
How UpTrade Can Help Choose the Best Certified Refurbished Pixel 6 Pro
At UpTrade, we simplify the process of finding a high-quality refurbished Pixel 6 Pro at the best price.
- ✅ Compare Prices from Trusted Sellers – UpTrade aggregates deals from certified refurbishers, ensuring transparency and reliability.
- ✅ Guaranteed Battery Health & Performance – Every phone is tested and rated before being listed.
- ✅ No Risk of Scams – Unlike eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace, UpTrade only features trusted sellers.
- ✅ Warranty & Return Policy – Buy with confidence knowing you’re covered.
💡 Best Tip: Check UpTrade for real-time pricing on Certified Refurbished Pixel 6 Pro models, so you can get the best deal available.
Conclusion
In 2025, the Google Pixel 6 Pro remains an excellent choice for those looking for a flagship smartphone at a budget price.
- ✅ Powerful Google Tensor chip still handles daily tasks smoothly.
- ✅ Top-tier camera system with AI-powered photography.
- ✅ 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate.
- ✅ $150+ Certified Refurbished price makes it one of the best value phones.
🚀 Best Alternative: If you can spend $250+, the Pixel 7 Pro offers longer software support and improved performance.
💡 Final Verdict: If you want a premium Pixel experience for under $200, the Google Pixel 6 Pro is still one of the best deals in 2025.
For the best deals on Certified Refurbished Google Pixel 6 Pro, check UpTrade today! 🚀
