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

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

(Image credit: Google)

The Google Pixel 6 series is going to milk shake up the existing Pixel formula significantly. While that mostly comes in the form of superior specs, it besides seems we'll be losing something in return.

Just like Apple and Samsung, Google is reportedly ditching the bundled fast charger for the Pixel vi, according to The Verge, since about users already have a USB-C charger to manus. If true, this volition be Google's first no-charger phone, since the just-announced Pixel 5a will notwithstanding have a charger included.

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We should have expected Google to fall in line with what the approach taken by the iPhone 12 and Galaxy S21 series, just if it does get down this road it will be incredibly annoying and something users should have a say in, not something they but have to have.

There are genuine environmental reasons for excluding the charger. Basically, anybody has access to a USB-C cablevision and something to draw power from, even if it'south an older charger from a different phone visitor. If users can utilize the chargers they already own, the thought goes, it will save resources. That'due south a fine sentiment that many customers will agree with, but the implementation that Google is apparently taking is less so.

For one, it does feel as if the tech giants are simply trying to brand you lot pay more for less. In Google's case, for example, the company has already hinted at a considerable price hike for the Pixel 6 serial. If there's no power brick in the box, you lot'd imagine that would be coin that could be deducted from the listing price — but it doesn't look as if that will be the case here.

What makes it worse is that Google Pixels take all charged at 18W, which isn't a common wattage among other fast charge systems. So, unless you've owned a Pixel phone in the past, yous won't be able to fast-accuse the new model without buying a new compatible charger — which would in plough invalidate the environmental benefit of having no included chargers in the start place.

Of course, this may not exist a big deal for y'all; if you ever remember to put your phone on charge overnight, then information technology doesn't matter how fast it fills up, as long as it'southward full by morning, correct? All the same, the choice to quickly juice upwardly your phone when you're caught out by a long video telephone call or lose track of fourth dimension playing mobile games is one all phone users, particularly those paying flagship-device prices, should have.

Leaker Max Weinbach had it right when he tweeted most Google offering the Pixel half dozen's charger as a pre-order choice. In theory, this would give united states of america the all-time of both worlds, allowing users to get the fast-charging brick if they wish while letting those who don't want or need information technology the selection to forgo information technology.

Google, you should offer a free charger every bit an selection for Pixel half-dozen buyers when you remove the brick from the box. It's fantastic on the consumer and PR side of things. It'due south helping the environment and not harming or annoying your customers.August 17, 2021

Google is well within its rights to question whether smartphone users actually need more chargers when they purchase a new telephone. However, if information technology doesn't provide a charger, users will exist unable to utilise one of the phone's basic features. So unless smartphone makers make up one's mind to unite around a common fast-charging standard (and I actually don't encounter that happening), the least they can do is give users the chance to decide whether they're happy to go without a charger.

We'll find out soon if Google does take plans like this up its sleeve, forth with the remaining Pixel 6 specs; based on previous Pixel launches, we expect the six and 6 Pro to go far in either late September or early October.

We have, nevertheless, already been told about the phones' 6.4/vi.7-inch AMOLED displays, with the Pixel six getting a 90Hz refresh rate and the Pixel six Pro getting a 120Hz refresh charge per unit. Google's also shared details of the phone's new camera array, featuring a 50MP master sensor and 12MP ultrawide on both phones, and a 48MP telephoto on the Pro model. And nosotros as well know that they'll both run on the exciting new Tensor chipset.

There's plenty to look forward to with the new phones, then — we just hope 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 camera phones

Richard is a Tom'due south Guide staff writer based in London, roofing news, reviews and how-tos for phones, gaming, audio and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Mag Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Artistic Bloq. When not at work, he's probable thinking most how to mash the perfect cup of specialty coffee.