Let's speculate about Daydream VR - Google Pixel Questions & Answers

I am questioning myself if I should buy the normal or XL Version of the phone. I normally prefer the 5 inch version of the phones but this time it's a bit different:
Do you think Daydream will be better on a bigger display? The logic consequence should be: bigger display=bigger field of view --> better experience
Also the resolution and pixel density is a topic. I honestly thought that the new nexus (now pixel) devices would come with 2k displays because of VR..
Could somebody with VR experience say something about this?
Thanks!

I will probably get the regular version unless the XL has a larger battery. The XL will definitely do better for Daydream

unrealmac said:
I am questioning myself if I should buy the normal or XL Version of the phone. I normally prefer the 5 inch version of the phones but this time it's a bit different:
Do you think Daydream will be better on a bigger display? The logic consequence should be: bigger display=bigger field of view --> better experience
Also the resolution and pixel density is a topic. I honestly thought that the new nexus (now pixel) devices would come with 2k displays because of VR..
Could somebody with VR experience say something about this?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The smaller will be with much more ppi than the large screen. So, for cardboard vr the one with high ppi will be good i.e The 5 inch phone. But in Pixel's case it's vice versa. Pixel XL has 540+ ppi, Pixel has 420+ ppi. So if you're a VR lover go for Pixel XL. But Pixel is good but not as XL.
Thanks ?

do you think there is a chance that the VR viewer will come with it's own display?

unrealmac said:
do you think there is a chance that the VR viewer will come with it's own display?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this, or that a version of this will come to be. Daydream is supposed to be multiple-device functional, so an OEM could definitely make this happen if google doesn't. I expect it would triple the price, though.
Another thing to keep in mind is the PS VR is only 1080p, but its display is praised, due to the full subpixel grouping. Admittedly, I do think it was 2x1080p screens though.

To be honest I dont think they will put too much into the VR. With the medical reports and warnings of 15 min of use a day and doctors telling people to avoid its use all together, it still has a long way to go before it really gets any attention.

@unrealmac,
I don't know about Daydream. So my opinion is based in my cardboard experience. In my Nexus 5X ([email protected]" 423PPI) the PPI is not enough. I can see a lot of pixels. And I think that the Pixel XL is still not enough ([email protected]" 534PPI). So if you want a better VR quality, go for the biggest PPI screen available.
This is the only reason you should have an excessive resolution in your smartphone (things over 350 ppi or 400 ppi). Because (at least the Cardboard) they use a magnifying glass~ at a very short distance to the phone.
VR will be much better at 4K, or probably 8K resolutions with more than 100 fps.

Daydream unlock for unsopported phones?
Another question (i know, a bit off-topc, but also speculation) :
Do you think, that it would be possible to unlock the daydream feature on phones that are not offically supportet?
With root, a custom rom, or something else, to trick google.:silly: Is there hope, or nothing to expect, what do you think?
Sorry, if there are grammar mistakes, in my post, i´m german.

Related

How Apple tricks you.

http://gawker.com/5558442/how-apple-tricks-you
Read the pile of BS Steve has been heaping on the world. Time to send in the Androids.
This is worth reading. This is the CRAP people believe. Got to love the Fanboys
I don't get the conspiracy about the screen... the resolution has been doubled horizontally and doubled vertically. That means that where there was previously one pixel, there are now four. Am I missing something?
HONESTLY, I will tell you I am not particularly fond of Apple. I prefer actual use to "gagets". However, there is no conspiracy here as uansari1 mentioned. They have done quite a nice job as always.
The iPad among other devices is quite impressive too, but quite useless. Still, it has had very impressive sales numbers.
Hey, you don't need the geeks' approval to sell your product . You are marketing to the masses...
Okay who am I kidding I HATE APPLE LOL.
Nope. You're pretty much right. Retina display did just that. 4 pixels squeezed to one spot as opposed to 1 pixels squeezed in 3gs/3g per spot. Theoretically, it'll look better.. but is it any better than Super AMOLED or let's just compare it with AMOLED.. better or not noticeable?
arctu said:
Nope. You're pretty much right. Retina display did just that. 4 pixels squeezed to one spot as opposed to 1 pixels squeezed in 3gs/3g per spot. Theoretically, it'll look better.. but is it any better than Super AMOLED or let's just compare it with AMOLED.. better or not noticeable?
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Click to collapse
Its all about fidelity. I think that AMOLED on our Nexus still has a noticeable advantage. Why would anyone want such a high-res 3.5 inch display? I was hoping 4.0 inch, it seems optimal.
wesbalmer said:
Its all about fidelity. I think that AMOLED on our Nexus still has a noticeable advantage. Why would anyone want such a high-res 3.5 inch display? I was hoping 4.0 inch, it seems optimal.
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Like, how the hell would Steve know that it even has 300+ ppi or ****? Lol, his eye can only see up to 300. =P Unless he's some Jobsbot or ****. ROFL.
Dumb Apple. It's not only the res that bothers me, it's also how close to fraud they are on their ads.
uansari1 said:
I don't get the conspiracy about the screen... the resolution has been doubled horizontally and doubled vertically. That means that where there was previously one pixel, there are now four. Am I missing something?
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Click to collapse
I don't know if I trust Apple's claim yet. You know how Google's kinda stretching the truth with the 800x480 claim for the resolution of the nexus one's screen? You know, because of the pentile sub-pixel layout, where the green sub-pixels are 800x480, but the red and blue sub-pixels are actually half that in a checkerboard layout? I can't help but wonder if Apple is doing something like this, too.
In Engadget's article on the Vietnamese iphone 4 leak where they look at the display under a microscope, http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/29/iphone-4g-put-under-a-microscope-960-x-640-looks-like-a-lock, the pixels seem to be layed out in a diagonal pattern, rather than the typical horizontal/vertical rows and columns. It looks very much like the checkerboard pattern of the blue and red sub-pixels in the nexus one's pentile display, except with green added. They may be counting their pixels the same way google counts the red and blue sub-pixels on the nexus one, in which case there's actually only half the pixels present as there should be for a typical display of the claimed resolution, and they're using shady wordplay and interpretation of the definition of resolution to achieve their claimed resolution. Basically, they'd be selling a display with 307,200 pixels in a different arrangement as a 960x640 display, even though a 960x640 display should actually have 960 x 640 = 614,400 physical pixels present.
So, it's quite possible Apple's trying to pull a fast one here and give their specs an artificial boost. I could be totally wrong, but I sure wouldn't be surprised.
chowlala said:
Like, how the hell would Steve know that it even has 300+ ppi or ****? Lol, his eye can only see up to 300. =P Unless he's some Jobsbot or ****. ROFL.
Dumb Apple. It's not only the res that bothers me, it's also how close to fraud they are on their ads.
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Actually, the reason is probably very clear. It wasn't done for looks, the goal was compatibility with older apps - clean and fast upscaling. When you double the resolution and have some way of distinguishing between "older" and "newer" apps, you can as simple as stretch each "old" pixel on 2x2 "new" pixels, without involving any math - and it makes fast and easy upscaling.
[edit] Moreover, it might even be the default way of app execution - unless the app triggers something that notifies the OS that it's capable of using the full resolution, and then it isn't upscaled.
[edit 2] If it indeed works that way - which I'm quite sure it does - then it's a real cause to be pissed at Apple for not telling that upscaled graphics on older apps will look just the same as they did on the older iPhone, until they're updated for compatibility.
Based on the PPI #'s, it is 2x better, not 4x better. Also, based on their PPI claim, it would have to be a a full on 960x640 display with no staggering of any of the pixels.
chowlala said:
Like, how the hell would Steve know that it even has 300+ ppi or ****? Lol, his eye can only see up to 300. =P Unless he's some Jobsbot or ****. ROFL.
Dumb Apple. It's not only the res that bothers me, it's also how close to fraud they are on their ads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it's twice the old PPI Not hard to know that if you are selling the device for over 3 years with same PPI all the time
I still get a kick out of seeing 'Retina Display'. Rofl!
.... looking for how this affects Nexus One.... Not seeing it. Spam.
Fellas, the issue with the screen resolution claim is about the acutal image they displayed while talking about it.
What they showed as beingthe 4x iteration, wasn't actually a properly upsampled letter.
ZERO to do with the actual screen technology and 100% to do with whoever put the video demo together.
Just to be clear here. The discrepancy here is not due to the 2xPPI == 4x#pixels issue.
Apple is claiming that the new screen is double the "pixels per inch" in both dimensions which gives it 4 times the pixels. Ignoring whether they have some sort of non-standard pixel layout like the pen-tile AMOLED screens, nobody is debating that math.
But, the problem that was pointed out in that article is that in their marketing images they are showing an example of what a character looks like when rendered anywhere from 3x to 5x the number of "pixels per inch" which means they are showing what a character looks like on a screen with somewhere between 9x to 25x the number of "megapixels" or pixels per square inch.
In reality, what they are doing is just showing a pixelated character and then a character at full resolution on whatever medium they are describing the improvement without regard to whether the number of pixels is correct to match the specs. They are trying to show you what "type" of improvement you will see, not the exact "extent" of that improvement. In the case of the projection screens at the keynote, it is probably not likely that a difference of merely 2x2==4 would have been visible from the rear seats in the auditorium so they went up to 5x5==25 to get the point across. The image on their web site looks like it is closer to 3x3==9 which is much closer, but still an exaggeration.
In either case, the images should have been tagged with a disclaimer that the resolution difference was exaggerated to show the nature of the improvement.
On a related side note - I also get a kick out of the claims that 300 DPI is beyond the resolution of the human eye (paraphrasing).
Ummm... DPI is not related to the eye's ability to resolve details, unless it is combined with distance. You can have a 5 DPI display at a hundred feet or so and the eye might not be able to see the pixels. Or, you could put a 600 DPI display right in front of the eye and see all the pixels you want to see. Until you couple a DPI rating with a viewing distance it has no bearing on whether the eye can resolve the pixels.
This isn't so much a lie, though, as I'm sure they are referring to 300 DPI at the typical distance a phone is used from the eye, but that isn't universally true for eveyone's usage habits. But, I'm sure quite a few Apple ignorami will believe that Apple has somehow fundamentally irreversibly and magically exceeded a universal threshold that has taken their technology beyond the absolute limits of human perception. Umm, right.
And, on a practical note, I would care about this distinction since I do commonly use my phone to do a little light reading with Alkido before I go to sleep and when I do that I have my glasses off and the phone maybe 2 inches from my face (I have really bad myopia) and I can see all of the pixels on the N1 (which is not so far away from the 300 DPI limit that they claimed) in all of their pixelated glory. I'm sure I would see the pixels on the new iPhone when I did that as well... :-(
[Update - I never watched the original keynote and I have now seen a few sites that discuss the advances in the iPhone 4 display who have more completely quoted Steve Jobs as having said "at a distance of about a foot" or something along those lines. That makes the statement actually reasonably appropriate so my comments above are based on quotes that were incomplete. You can't equate DPI to the eye's ability to resolve details without mentioning a viewing distance and it appears that Jobs correctly included the distance...]
khaytsus said:
.... looking for how this affects Nexus One.... Not seeing it. Spam.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good Point...I'm not seeing it either.

Likely VR performance

With a FHD screen and a PPI of 441, am I wrong in thinking that the VR experience of smaller Pixel phone will be pretty lack-lustre compare to the Samsung S7 which has a QHD screen with a PPI of 577?
It depends on what you mean by performance. If you're concerned with frame rates/animation smoothness, it is obviously better with fewer pixels as there are less of them to push around.
But if you're concerned with seeing pixels, QHD will seem less, well... pixelly. But trust me, you'll see pixels with either.
Curious if anyone else tried VR on a 1080p display coming from a 2k device? I have a 6P, but i miss the utility of a smaller device so opted for the 5" pixel, but the daydream experience was my only concern, as little as it may be since i doubt I'll be using it a whole lot.
This is what's stopping me from getting the Pixel over the XL(well, this and the difference in battery sizes).
I mean, on the S7, you can see the pixels and that's a QHD screen. If it's not much worse, then I might get the Pixel.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
Ok, so I got a hold of HTC M8 (which is exact size of Pixel: 441 ppi) and LG G4 (close to XL: 538 vs. 534 ppi) and will test it on my $10 VR later today.
https://www.amazon.com/Box-BTQ007-Virtual-Reality-Eyewear/dp/B00CK8LDAG
The difference is not huge... pixels are visible on both and you'll not be using it for hours and hours for VR. So makes more sense to buy a smaller phone if you prefer it. That way you'll have bigger benefit to your use case.
Its worse. 1440p isn't perfect, but its still much better. Tried an m9 vs my s7e.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
I was debating between the Pixel and XL because of Daydream (I ordered when the headset was offered for free for preordering). I figured the XL would be better and was about to get it, but then I remembered how much I hate large phones (currently own the S5 which is 5.2 and am not too comfortable with the size, but 5" feels great) and i'll be using the phone regularly more than I will as a VR device, so I couldn't justify getting the XL just for an hour of VR or so every couple of days. I hope the picture quality won't be too bad and if I end up not liking it, then i'll just sell it. I mean, I got it for free so i'll at least make a profit off of it...if anything it'll cover the tax I paid for the Pixel plus some extra spending money, lol.
worry said:
Ok, so I got a hold of HTC M8 (which is exact size of Pixel: 441 ppi) and LG G4 (close to XL: 538 vs. 534 ppi) and will test it on my $10 VR later today.
https://www.amazon.com/Box-BTQ007-Virtual-Reality-Eyewear/dp/B00CK8LDAG
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you can compare how it'll look in Daydream View with a cheap mobile VR headset.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
I went with the pixel because I have the s7 edge and the gear VR. I can't imagine daydream being better at VR than Oculus so I ain't worried.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app
worry said:
Ok, so I got a hold of HTC M8 (which is exact size of Pixel: 441 ppi) and LG G4 (close to XL: 538 vs. 534 ppi) and will test it on my $10 VR later today.
https://www.amazon.com/Box-BTQ007-Virtual-Reality-Eyewear/dp/B00CK8LDAG
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.....................you're going to test out high priced phones...on a cheap VR headset and make judgements based off of that. Try saying that statement out loud to yourself a few times and I think you'll see how ridiculous it is, lol.
It's about build quality of the headset. You're going to notice a difference between a $10 headset and an $80 headset.

On a fence: pixel vs XL

Choosing between two. Since they are mostly the same, I'd rather prefer pixel based on size, 5.5 is too much. Battery and pixel density is nicer on XL, but overall is about the same.
The only concern is Google daydream, is it going to suck on smaller screen with less pixels? How bad would be the difference? VR is going to be out month from now, I don't want to wait that long till somebody test it. So any forecasts?
worry said:
Choosing between two. Since they are mostly the same, I'd rather prefer pixel based on size, 5.5 is too much. Battery and pixel density is nicer on XL, but overall is about the same.
The only concern is Google daydream, is it going to suck on smaller screen with less pixels? How bad would be the difference? VR is going to be out month from now, I don't want to wait that long till somebody test it. So any forecasts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess VR would be better on the XL on account of its 2K display. The reviews on the XL are great as well along with awesome battery life. I ordered the smaller one as I prefer the small size but the battery life as per reviews is not as good as the XL
Ordered the small myself, I feel like my Droid Turbo is too big.
But man, oh man, am I going to miss that battery life
this won't be a problem for you. i also chose the regular, not the XL. my eyes aren't great and i work from my phone, so i was looking at the XL as the only option. then my LG G3 (5.5") broke and i had to go back to my Galaxy S3 (4.7") while waiting for the new phone. and i couldn't believe how happy i've been back on the smaller S3! no pixelation problems, or small panel issues, or working from my phone, or any issues at all. so much more compact and easy to handle than the G3! and the Pixel is bigger anyway, so i'm 100% sure i made the right decision by skipping the phablets this time.
I've gone from the Note 7 down to the iPhone 7 while I wait for the REGULAR Pixel to come in this week.
I too struggled with this decision and ultimately have both sizes preordered. I briefly owned iPhone 6 Plus and hated the large size. The xl is just a wee bit smaller, but I fear may still be too big.
testinguser said:
I too struggled with this decision and ultimately have both sizes preordered. I briefly owned iPhone 6 Plus and hated the large size. The xl is just a wee bit smaller, but I fear may still be too big.
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Click to collapse
I also preordered both sizes .. I have to see them in my eyes to make decisions
I ended up ordering the normal Pixel. I'm not so worried about the size as much as I am about the battery life. I found the 5X to be the perfect size for me, but the battery life on the 6P was so much better I ended up using that as my main phone.
Hoping things are a bit better this time around with the smaller phone and that all the optimisations are enough to get a full days battery life out of the regular sized phone.
Guys, thank you for sharing your thoughts, but what about DayDream VR for XL vs nonXL?
worry said:
Guys, thank you for sharing your thoughts, but what about DayDream VR for XL vs nonXL?
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I can't comment on DayDream VR specifically but I have used my Nexus 6P with a google cardboard viewer a bit. It wasn't a great experience even with the 6P's resolution so I reckon it is going to be not great on the Pixel XL, and slightly worse on the normal Pixel due to the XL having a bit higher PPI. Either way it isn't going to be fantastic resolution wise.
Actually, lets move to this thread, I'll post there.
"Likely VR performance"
http://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel/help/likely-vr-performance-t3475900

1080p as standard !!!!!

https://youtu.be/nP0I6Mb880E
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Yup, this was pretty obviously stated and samsung did tell people. You can turn the resolution up if you require also.
1920/1080 is 1080p....so 1080P+
:laugh:
its a little more than 1080p. Also I speak from experience that you can not tell a difference unless you are looking for it. It is the same screen resolution on the S7's with nougat.
Yep it is. Lets not blow this out of proportion people if you want QHD+ its in the settings under display.
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lordandroid said:
Yep it is. Lets not blow this out of proportion people if you want QHD+ its in the settings under display.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
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that also. lol. its not that bad it being 1080p+ though. It looks almost the same and to most you wont be able to tell.
Agreed ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
I couldnt tell on my oneplus 3T, the screen was great.
QHD on a phone is overkill. It's a nice-to-have if you're trying to watch a movie, but other than that it's purely excessive. If someone showed you a 1080p and a QHD display on the S8 or even the s8 plus, I can all but guarantee you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. I sure can't with my S7E.
The problem is not that 1080p looks bad. The problem is that this display has a set number of width and height pixels which is defined as 2960 x 1440. So if you want to display a picture which is 2220 x 1080 in a display which size isn't a multiple of the picture you have to interpolate. You somehow need to have just 1080 pixels in a row where there are supposed to be 1440. Why don't they go with 720p instead? Well I guess it would also look shi**y :/
Just my thoughts, I have never seen a S7 or S8 display.
EDIT: I just think about this from a delevoper perspecive. The developer thinks: Let's make a black 2px line there -> it's a 2px line.
Because you cant fit a multiple of 1080 in 1440 the interpolation would make a 2,66px line. As you know you cant color 0.66 parts of a pixel black. So most likely the whole pixel will be black which results in a 3px black line where there should be a 2,66px line. As this happens with every pixel of the display the image won't just get inaccurate but also the GPU has to do some very unnecessary scaling work.
Termynat0r said:
The problem is not that 1080p looks bad. The problem is that this display has a set number of width and height pixels which is defined as 2960 x 1440. So if you want to display a picture which is 2220 x 1080 in a display which size isn't a multiple of the picture you have to interpolate. You somehow need to have just 1080 pixels in a row where there are supposed to be 1440. Why don't they go with 720p instead? Well I guess it would also look shi**y :/
Just my thoughts, I have never seen a S7 or S8 display.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the same as changing the resolution of a computer or monitor display. The interpolation isn't the issue, every manufacture has that down pat. 720p would make a noticeable difference, even in basic browsing and function. 1080p is enough that on a screen the size of the S8 or S8+ you wouldn't be able to see the individual (or interpolated) pixels.
marinebio94 said:
It's the same as changing the resolution of a computer or monitor display. The interpolation isn't the issue, every manufacture has that down pat. 720p would make a noticeable difference, even in basic browsing and function. 1080p is enough that on a screen the size of the S8 or S8+ you wouldn't be able to see the individual (or interpolated) pixels.
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Click to collapse
I didn't say that this is not the same. But when I buy a 1080p monitor, I use it in 1080p because thats what it is intended for. You won't see pixels on a 500+ ppi device. But the image will be totally unaccurate and that's not what I generally like to look at. I just tried this in photoshop and the effect is even worse than I thought and demonstrated by that example picture in my last post. Here's what it'll really look like. You want to look at this? Of course it will be very small pixels but do you really don't mind?! I know I do.
Termynat0r said:
I didn't say that this is not the same. But when I buy a 1080p monitor, I use it in 1080p because thats what it is intended for. You won't see pixels on a 500+ ppi device. But the image will be totally unaccurate and that's not what I generally like to look at. I just tried this in photoshop and the effect is even worse than I thought and demonstrated by that example picture in my last post. Here's what it'll really look like. You want to look at this? Of course it will be very small pixels but do you really don't mind?! I know I do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not at all what it will really look like. Doing something in photoshop is not even close to how it will look in real life. Please look at the phone before you assume what it will look like. I just switched my phone from 1080p to QHD and back again, and I literally cannot tell the difference, even with my face pressed inches away from the phone.
marinebio94 said:
That's not at all what it will really look like. Doing something in photoshop is not even close to how it will look in real life. Please look at the phone before you assume what it will look like. I just switched my phone from 1080p to QHD and back again, and I literally cannot tell the difference, even with my face pressed inches away from the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't negotiate with the pixel science
Most likely the pixels are just to small to see a difference but I will take a look at the phone when I get it to judge wether switching to 1440p or not
Termynat0r said:
You can't negotiate with the pixel science
Most likely the pixels are just to small to see a difference but I will take a look at the phone when I get it to judge wether switching to 1440p or not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But don't forget these OLED panels use a diamond pentile subpixel arragement, so the interpolation isn't quite the same as a traditional RGB LCD monitor.
It's REALLY REALLY difficult to tell the difference between QHD and 1080p on the S7. At more than about a foot, it's nearly impossible to tell. I know what you're saying, I hate running monitors at non-native resolutions.
If it bugs you that much, just change it.
If lower resolution gets me another 1hr SOT per day, I'll drop all the way to the bottom. Can't tell the diff.
I just changed to 1080 p on my S7E (was at the highest rez setting). Really can't see a difference. Icons and keyboard are a bit larger. Texts are a bit bigger. But as far as sharpness, look of the display, not an issue. Just going to test and see if this makes a difference much on SOT or not. I can always change back to the highest rez setting if I want - takes about 30 seconds to do.
teegunn said:
I just changed to 1080 p on my S7E (was at the highest rez setting). Really can't see a difference. Icons and keyboard are a bit larger. Texts are a bit bigger. But as far as sharpness, look of the display, not an issue. Just going to test and see if this makes a difference much on SOT or not. I can always change back to the highest rez setting if I want - takes about 30 seconds to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This setting should not affect the size of the screen elements (icons, text) at all.
se1000 said:
This setting should not affect the size of the screen elements (icons, text) at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The initial change of setting could change aspect ratios, but a quick restart should fix it.
se1000 said:
This setting should not affect the size of the screen elements (icons, text) at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Nova launcher, Swype and Handcent texting app. It changed the size of icons, the size of font, the size of the keyboard and the size of the texts (the bubbles and text font). It did increase the size on all of those. Also increased the size of the quick settings, etc. It's not a big deal, but it did increase the size of things a bit. Has caused no problems so far otherwise.

Should I get a Pixel 3a after a Sony Compact?

Hello, I have different questions on this device and I would be really thankfull if someone can answer at some of them.
I come from xperia xz2 compact which overall is great but app side looks outdate. No gesture system and sony apps are the same of two years ago.
I know the Pixel is bigger but I don't see any real alternative now. So here come my questions...
It's my first OLED. Is it true that they not last as long as LCD? I hope to use this phone for 2 years at last.
Does this pixel get all the updates and features of newer pixels? All base apps get updated?
Can I disable some of the google apps like I do on other phones?
Can I remove the google search on home or the pixel launcher is not giving me choice?
Does the kernel get higher over time or like other phones it get stuck on the release one?
Is there anything weird about pixel that you don't usually get on other phones?
Yeah I know that the cpu is a downgrade. But maybe I care more to get fresh software.
Thank you so much if you spend time to give me some hint.
xperianotfun said:
Hello, I have different questions on this device and I would be really thankfull if someone can answer at some of them.
I come from xperia xz2 compact which overall is great but app side looks outdate. No gesture system and sony apps are the same of two years ago.
I know the Pixel is bigger but I don't see any real alternative now. So here come my questions...
It's my first OLED. Is it true that they not last as long as LCD? I hope to use this phone for 2 years at last.
Does this pixel get all the updates and features of newer pixels? All base apps get updated?
Can I disable some of the google apps like I do on other phones?
Can I remove the google search on home or the pixel launcher is not giving me choice?
Does the kernel get higher over time or like other phones it get stuck on the release one?
Is there anything weird about pixel that you don't usually get on other phones?
Yeah I know that the cpu is a downgrade. But maybe I care more to get fresh software.
Thank you so much if you spend time to give me some hint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using this smartphone for 6 months now and my previous one was a Sony Xperia XZ2 , so it's basically the same situation as yours.
I always loved Sony smartphones and I keep doing it, but Pixels are on a totally different level, I would suggest the upgrade.
Anyway, to answer to your questions:
-It's my first OLED too, but I doubt it will last less than 2 years
-Yes it does, unless they are exclusive of newer models (Pixel 4). Since the launch of Pixel 4 they already ported to the 3a Astrophotography, Live Captions, Styles personalizations, etc.. But Google said that they are not going to bring for example other things like the contrast slider for photo shoots, which remains a Pixel 4 exclusive
-Yes
-The google search bar is integrated into the launcher, you should change launcher in order to get rid of it
-I didn't check the version over the updates, but at the moment is 4.9.185
-Nothing weird, IMHO is a powerful device with a great price
marcogiannetta said:
I've been using this smartphone for 6 months now and my previous one was a Sony Xperia XZ2 , so it's basically the same situation as yours.
I always loved Sony smartphones and I keep doing it, but Pixels are on a totally different level, I would suggest the upgrade.
Anyway, to answer to your questions:
-It's my first OLED too, but I doubt it will last less than 2 years
-Yes it does, unless they are exclusive of newer models (Pixel 4). Since the launch of Pixel 4 they already ported to the 3a Astrophotography, Live Captions, Styles personalizations, etc.. But Google said that they are not going to bring for example other things like the contrast slider for photo shoots, which remains a Pixel 4 exclusive
-Yes
-The google search bar is integrated into the launcher, you should change launcher in order to get rid of it
-I didn't check the version over the updates, but at the moment is 4.9.185
-Nothing weird, IMHO is a powerful device with a great price
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for you time. :angel:
That kernel version is the initial android 10 kernel. So they maybe update only on new android big versions.
Would you say that the screen quality is good compared compared to xz2? Can colors be natural? I'm using professional colors on mine.
You basically come from my same device. So it's nice to see that you see the pixel as an upgrade.
xperianotfun said:
Thank you for you time. :angel:
That kernel version is the initial android 10 kernel. So they maybe update only on new android big versions.
Would you say that the screen quality is good compared compared to xz2? Can colors be natural? I'm using professional colors on mine.
You basically come from my same device. So it's nice to see that you see the pixel as an upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, to be honest I consider the two displays almost on the same level, cause the xz2's LCD was way better than any other LCD I've seen around.
The 3a OLED is very good for its price, but under strong sunlight it may struggle to be visible.
xperianotfun said:
Would you say that the screen quality is good compared compared to xz2? Can colors be natural? I'm using professional colors on mine.
You basically come from my same device. So it's nice to see that you see the pixel as an upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding the display, it's really is not very bright, but custom kernels (e.g. ElementalX, I think) can provide a high brightness mode for direct sunlight.
If you want a really long in-depth review, xda's Dylan Raga has written a display review, but there's also a quick overview as Pros and Cons.
For other users' opinions, there is always the Real Life Review forum section to check out, it also has a display section.
Personally I also use the Natural profile. It seems bland at first compared to Adaptive (default setting), because it's not slightly oversaturated, but given Natural is more accurate, I'm quite happy without the additional color pop.
marcogiannetta said:
Pixels are on a totally different level, I would suggest the upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May I ask you why you find Pixel so better?
sysuicrash0511 said:
Personally I also use the Natural profile. It seems bland at first compared to Adaptive (default setting), because it's not slightly oversaturated, but given Natural is more accurate, I'm quite happy without the additional color pop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. That article is really intersting. But what is scaring me now about OLED is that often people get headache since the screen flickers.
Based on this review: https://www.notebookcheck.net/PWM-Ranking-Notebooks-Smartphones-and-Tablets-with-PWM.163979.0.html
Over 500 Hz should not be an issue but under 250 Hz it could. This pixel is just 270 Hz...
My phone is 2381 Hz and the phone I had before it had no flickering at all.
xperianotfun said:
May I ask you why you find Pixel so better?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Camera (and flash, which was ridiculous on the xperia) and audio are two of the main reasons.
Also battery is a huge improvement to me, cause I use to cover about 5 hours of SOT with the XZ2, now I get up to 7.
The only thing I miss is Dynamic Vibration, it was such a nice feature
xperianotfun said:
Thanks. That article is really intersting. But what is scaring me now about OLED is that often people get headache since the screen flickers.
Based on this review: https://www.notebookcheck.net/PWM-Ranking-Notebooks-Smartphones-and-Tablets-with-PWM.163979.0.html
Over 500 Hz should not be an issue but under 250 Hz it could. This pixel is just 270 Hz...
My phone is 2381 Hz and the phone I had before it had no flickering at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is news to me, so I did some research.
In case it's also news to someone else, these frequencies aren't related to display refresh rate, which flagship nowadays increase above 60hz.
From what I understand (as a layman) it's basically modulating the current or voltage to an average by switching the supply on and off within that frequency, effectively controlling brightness.
I can't say I did experience headaches or eye strain, so I might not be the best person to answer this, but I usually use my phones' display quite dim. Shouldn't the frequency decrease and make flickering more noticeable (more waves and longer intervals being off)? Maybe I'm getting it wrong though.
What also caught my attention in your linked table is how many other popular phones sit around these lower frequencies, and only one iPhone ranks slightly higher than the 3a. There are LCDs as well, maybe it's not limited to OLED. But there surely is someone more knowledgeable than me.
Just a quick review. The screen is not even comparable with the xz2c. It feels cheap. But the worst part is the view angle. If you are not in front of the screen the colors really change a lot. And you tend to see the colors changing while you use the phone. ?
You get used to it though. Is just weird if you compare them.
If the screen is all black there is some fading lighter on some side.
On really low light I notice that as example, the keyboard have a shade color instead of being unique.
Night light is less warm.
I don't get stressed by eyes or mind looking at it.
The pixel launcher doesn't allow me to even disable the "ok google" voice detection. I'm considering to swap it. But not sure what will happen with the app switcher.
(if you don't use google at all you can disable the google app and this will disable voice detection while the search bar will be still there as just a picture doing nothing)
Everything else is fine. The phone feels really great in hand and is lighter. Charging is faster.
I'm noticing how feature that are missing versus pixel 4 are not all relevant to hardward or whatever. And some of them are nonsense. Like live wallpapers. So I'm not sure how much really updated the Pixel will stay in time versus another phone except security patches.
I just got used to the screen. And now looks just fine. Except the angle view but I don't care enough. Also the touch is so responsive.
I think this phone is amzing. Is all around balanced, the experience is fluid and clean. So handy and light. Also doesn't attract dust at all. Fast charge.
I'm enjoing display ambient always on, I never thought that could be a good thing but it's really nice.
I just forgot I'm using this phone, it just doesn't distract me.
I would not say photos are so much better in general but they are just a lot better in not perfect light condition.
Checked my screen for a few minutes. There is indeed a *slight* variation in colors when viewing at an angle, which is noticeable only on white backgrounds (and I am in dark mode
Screen should last much longer than 2 years: especially in the EU where legal warranty is 2y.
jerome.jh said:
Checked my screen for a few minutes. There is indeed a *slight* variation in colors when viewing at an angle, which is noticeable only on white backgrounds (and I am in dark mode
Screen should last much longer than 2 years: especially in the EU where legal warranty is 2y.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it's not that much. It was just the first sight. If you come from lcd for like your life, oled is really weird. But you get used to it really easy and after that it's great.
I hope it last. This phone is perfect for basic use.

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