Google Pixel 6 charger removal is a bad idea, because it ignores user choice

Google Pixel 6 charger removal is a bad idea, considering it ignores user choice

(Image credit: Google)

The Google Pixel 6 series is going to shake up the existing Pixel formula significantly. While that generally comes in the course of superior specs, information technology also seems we'll be losing something in return.

Just similar Apple and Samsung, Google is reportedly ditching the bundled fast charger for the Pixel 6, co-ordinate to The Verge, since nigh users already have a USB-C charger to manus. If truthful, this volition exist Google's first no-charger phone, since the simply-appear Pixel 5a volition still accept a charger included.

Google Pixel half-dozen release date, price, Tensor fleck, specs and news
Could the Pixel half dozen become ane of our best phones picks?
Plus: iOS 15 update makes this large modify in response to user complaints

We should take expected Google to autumn in line with what the arroyo taken by the iPhone 12 and Galaxy S21 serial, simply if information technology does go down this route it volition exist incredibly annoying and something users should accept a say in, not something they only accept to accept.

In that location are genuine ecology reasons for excluding the charger. Basically, everyone has access to a USB-C cable and something to draw power from, even if information technology's an older charger from a unlike phone company. If users can utilize the chargers they already own, the idea goes, it will save resources. That'south a fine sentiment that many customers will concur with, merely the implementation that Google is apparently taking is less then.

For i, it does feel as if the tech giants are simply trying to brand you pay more for less. In Google'southward instance, for instance, the company has already hinted at a considerable cost hike for the Pixel 6 series. If there'due south no power brick in the box, you'd imagine that would be coin that could be deducted from the listing price — but it doesn't await as if that volition be the instance here.

What makes it worse is that Google Pixels accept all charged at 18W, which isn't a common wattage among other fast charge systems. So, unless you lot've endemic a Pixel telephone in the past, you won't be able to fast-charge the new model without buying a new compatible charger — which would in turn invalidate the environmental benefit of having no included chargers in the first identify.

Of course, this may not be a large deal for you lot; if you always remember to put your telephone on charge overnight, then information technology doesn't matter how fast it fills up, equally long as information technology'south full by morning, correct? Nevertheless, the option to chop-chop juice upward your phone when you're defenseless out by a long video call or lose track of time playing mobile games is ane all phone users, especially those paying flagship-device prices, should have.

Leaker Max Weinbach had it right when he tweeted virtually Google offering the Pixel 6'southward charger as a pre-society choice. In theory, this would give usa the best of both worlds, allowing users to get the fast-charging brick if they wish while letting those who don't desire or demand it the option to forgo it.

Google, y'all should offering a costless charger as an option for Pixel half-dozen buyers when you lot remove the brick from the box. Information technology's fantastic on the consumer and PR side of things. It's helping the environment and not harming or annoying your customers.August 17, 2021

See more than

Google is well within its rights to question whether smartphone users really need more chargers when they buy a new phone. Nevertheless, if it doesn't provide a charger, users will exist unable to apply 1 of the phone'due south basic features. So unless smartphone makers make up one's mind to unite around a common fast-charging standard (and I really don't see that happening), the to the lowest degree they tin can exercise is give users the chance to determine whether they're happy to go without a charger.

We'll find out before long if Google does take plans like this upward its sleeve, along with the remaining Pixel half-dozen specs; based on previous Pixel launches, we look the half-dozen and vi Pro to arrive in either late September or early October.

Nosotros take, however, already been told near the phones' half-dozen.4/half-dozen.7-inch AMOLED displays, with the Pixel 6 getting a 90Hz refresh charge per unit and the Pixel 6 Pro getting a 120Hz refresh rate. Google'southward also shared details of the phone's new camera array, featuring a 50MP main sensor and 12MP ultrawide on both phones, and a 48MP telephoto on the Pro model. And we too know that they'll both run on the heady new Tensor chipset.

There's plenty to await frontwards to with the new phones, so — nosotros but promise the lack of a charger doesn't take some of the shine off the launch.

More: Google Pixel 5a review: All hail the king of affordable photographic camera phones

Richard is a Tom'southward Guide staff author based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, gaming, audio and whatever else people need communication on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Artistic Bloq. When non at work, he'due south likely thinking near how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.