Iphone 6 Vs Pixel 2 In Hindsight Was Upgrading Worth It

In 2017, the decision to switch from an iPhone 6 to a Google Pixel 2 wasn’t just about hardware—it represented a shift in philosophy. Apple users were known for their ecosystem loyalty, while Pixel devices promised pure Android with AI-driven features and unmatched camera performance. Fast forward to today, with both phones discontinued and years of real-world use behind us, the question remains: Was upgrading from the iPhone 6 to the Pixel 2 actually worth it?

This isn’t just a specs comparison. It’s a retrospective grounded in daily usability, software longevity, ecosystem integration, and how each device aged over time.

The Context: Why Upgrade in 2017?

The iPhone 6, released in 2014, was still widely used in 2017. Many owners experienced slowdowns, battery degradation, and app compatibility issues as iOS evolved. By that point, Apple had already moved on—iPhone 8 and iPhone X were on the horizon. But for budget-conscious users, the newly launched Pixel 2 offered a compelling alternative.

Google marketed the Pixel 2 as the definitive Android experience: stock Android, guaranteed updates, and a camera that outperformed even high-end flagships in real-world conditions. For someone tired of incremental Apple updates and curious about Android, the leap seemed logical.

Hardware Evolution: Design and Build Quality

The iPhone 6 introduced a sleek aluminum unibody design that felt premium at the time. However, by 2017, its 4.7-inch display and thick bezels looked dated. The Pixel 2, while not revolutionary, featured a more modern aesthetic with tighter bezels, a slightly larger 5-inch OLED screen (on the base model), and a matte aluminum back.

Despite these improvements, build quality took a step back in one critical area: water resistance. The iPhone 6 lacked any official IP rating, but the Pixel 2 introduced IP67 dust and water resistance—a meaningful upgrade for durability.

Tip: If you upgraded for better durability, look beyond initial specs—real-world drop performance matters more than IP ratings.

Software Experience: iOS vs Stock Android

Switching from iOS to Android in 2017 meant relearning muscle memory. The navigation, settings layout, and app ecosystems differed significantly. But for tech-savvy users, Android offered greater customization and control.

The Pixel 2 ran pure Android with no bloatware and direct access to Google’s latest features. It received three years of OS updates and five years of security patches—generous by 2017 standards. In contrast, the iPhone 6 stopped receiving major iOS updates after iOS 12, cutting off features like Screen Time, Group FaceTime, and dark mode.

However, app support remained stronger on iOS. Some developers dropped older Android versions faster, but iOS 12 kept the iPhone 6 surprisingly functional well into the late 2010s.

“Switching ecosystems is less about the phone and more about the services tied to it.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechTrend Insights

Camera Performance: The Pixel's Killer Feature

The most compelling reason to upgrade was the camera. The iPhone 6’s 8MP sensor struggled in low light and lacked optical image stabilization. The Pixel 2’s 12.2MP rear camera, despite similar megapixel count, delivered dramatically better photos thanks to computational photography—HDR+, dual-pixel autofocus, and machine learning-based processing.

In side-by-side comparisons, the Pixel 2 consistently outperformed even the iPhone 7 and Samsung Galaxy S8 in dynamic range and noise reduction. Its portrait mode, introduced via software update, rivaled dual-lens systems using only a single camera.

Metric	iPhone 6	Pixel 2
Rear Camera	8MP, f/2.2	12.2MP, f/1.8, OIS
Low-Light Performance	Poor, noisy images	Excellent, clean HDR+
Portrait Mode	Not available	Software-based, accurate edge detection
Front Camera	1.2MP	8MP, wider field of view
Video Recording	1080p@30fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps slow motion

For photography enthusiasts, this alone justified the upgrade—even if everything else stayed the same.

Battery Life and Long-Term Reliability

The iPhone 6 came with a 1810mAh battery. After two to three years of use, many units saw capacity drop below 80%, resulting in poor all-day performance. The Pixel 2’s 2700mAh battery offered around 15–20% more life under mixed use, but real-world results varied.

Android’s background processes and aggressive notifications sometimes drained the battery faster than expected. However, Doze mode and app standby helped mitigate this. Over time, both devices suffered from battery degradation, but replacement options were more accessible for the iPhone 6 due to third-party repair markets.

One overlooked issue with the Pixel 2 was speaker quality. The bottom-firing mono speaker was noticeably weaker than the iPhone 6’s dual-speaker setup (top and bottom), affecting media consumption and call clarity in noisy environments.

User Case: Sarah’s Switch from iPhone to Pixel

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, upgraded from her iPhone 6 to a Pixel 2 in late 2017 primarily for the camera. She relied on her phone for client previews and social media content. Initially frustrated by Android’s learning curve, she adapted within two weeks using automation tools like Google Assistant and Tasker.

“The camera made my Instagram feed look professional without editing,” she said. “But I missed iMessage. Clients who used iPhones couldn’t receive my high-res photos properly because they arrived as RCS links instead of MMS.”

After two years, her Pixel 2 began overheating during photo shoots, and app crashes increased after the final Android 11 update. By 2020, she switched back to an iPhone—not for specs, but for reliability and messaging continuity.

Longevity and Ecosystem Lock-In

One of the most underestimated factors in smartphone upgrades is ecosystem inertia. Moving from iPhone to Pixel meant leaving behind iCloud backups, seamless AirDrop sharing, Apple Watch compatibility, and end-to-end encryption across devices.

Google offered strong cloud integration via Google Photos and Drive, but lacked the tight hardware-software synergy Apple provided. For example, copying text from an iPhone to a Mac felt effortless; doing the same between a Pixel and Chromebook required third-party apps or workarounds.

Moreover, accessory support lagged. While Lightning cables were everywhere, the Pixel 2’s USB-C port had fewer compatible chargers and docks in 2017. Even today, Apple’s ecosystem retains stronger cross-device functionality.

Step-by-Step: Evaluating an iPhone-to-Android Upgrade Today

If you're considering a similar move now, follow this timeline to assess whether it makes sense:

1. Inventory Your Apps: List essential iOS apps and check Android availability. Pay attention to banking, productivity, and health apps.
2. Test Messaging Transitions: Deactivate iMessage before switching. Otherwise, SMS from iPhones may fail to deliver.
3. Backup & Transfer: Use Google’s Move to Android tool to transfer contacts, messages, and photos securely.
4. Evaluate Cloud Sync: Ensure your preferred cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) works seamlessly across platforms.
5. Monitor for Two Weeks: Use the new device daily before selling your old one. Check battery behavior, notification reliability, and app stability.

Was the Upgrade Worth It? A Balanced Verdict

For some users—especially those prioritizing camera quality, customization, and timely software updates—the upgrade from iPhone 6 to Pixel 2 was absolutely worth it. The photographic advantage alone transformed how people captured everyday moments.

But trade-offs existed. Poor speaker quality, inconsistent app optimization, and the loss of iMessage created friction. Long-term, the iPhone 6 remained usable longer due to consistent app support, even if it lacked new features.

By 2020, both phones were functionally obsolete. The Pixel 2 stopped receiving updates, and iOS 12 marked the end of the road for the iPhone 6. Yet, resale value told a story: iPhones held value better. A used iPhone 6 could still fetch $50–$80 in 2020; the Pixel 2 often sold for under $40.

Tip: When upgrading, consider total cost of ownership—not just purchase price, but also longevity, repairability, and resale potential.

FAQ

Did the Pixel 2 get better software updates than the iPhone 6?

Yes. The Pixel 2 received three major Android version updates (up to Android 11) and security patches until 2022. The iPhone 6 stopped at iOS 12, released in 2018, with no further feature updates.

Could the iPhone 6 handle modern apps in 2020?

Barely. Basic apps like Gmail, WhatsApp, and Chrome worked, but newer versions of Instagram, TikTok, and banking apps either didn’t install or ran slowly. Safari struggled with complex websites.

Is switching from iPhone to Android harder than the reverse?

Generally, yes. Leaving iMessage is the biggest hurdle—contacts may see blue bubbles turn green, and group messages can break. Android to iPhone tools exist, but iOS to Android lacks full parity.

Final Thoughts: Lessons Learned

Upgrading from the iPhone 6 to the Pixel 2 in 2017 was a bold choice—one that highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of both ecosystems. The Pixel 2 delivered superior hardware innovation and software agility, but couldn't match Apple’s ecosystem cohesion.

Today, the answer depends on your priorities. If you value photography, open software, and early access to features, the upgrade made sense. If you rely on seamless device integration, messaging, and long-term app support, staying with iOS—or switching back—was the pragmatic path.

Technology evolves fast, but user habits evolve slowly. The best upgrade isn’t always the most powerful device—it’s the one that fits your life without friction.

💬 Have you made the jump from iPhone to Android—or back? Share your experience and help others decide whether the switch is worth it.