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Let's speculate about Daydream VR

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.

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.
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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

Comparing with Galaxy S7?

Hello, can anybody compare real user experience of Pixel vs S7?
I would like to know if the screen of Pixel is or isn't significantly worse that the screen of S7. I'm not afraid of resolution but S7 has excellent brightness.
I'm going to switch from S7 to Pixel when it will be available in my country but the screen is my biggest concern.
Thanks

I have an Exynos, international S7 Edge:
Screen is better on the S7, but its not saying that the pixel screen is bad. Its great and you wont tell the difference unless you try VR. Then, you'll notice the difference. Outdoors, S7 screen is brighter.

I played with the pixel at Verizon since mine hasn't yet arrived. The superAmoled on S7 is noticeably better in every aspect than the Pixel's AMOLED. The S7 is QHD vs Pixel's HD but the Pixel's screen is very good and you will not be disappointed.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

I'm OK with QHD vs FullHD but I'm used to Galaxy screens (S6, S7) and e.g. they are able to increase brightness on sunlight. I have to wait until I would to compare them personally.

The screen on my S7Edge is much better than my pixel one, I also miss wireless charging. Day to day I find the pixel a little quicker and prefer the smaller form factor on my pixel, I've got a few days before I can send it back to decide if it's a keeper or not.
The main thing for me was the camera, I'm still undecided on that one
https://carljones.wordpress.com/2016/10/22/pixel-vs-galaxys7/

_Belial said:
The screen on my S7Edge is much better than my pixel one, I also miss wireless charging. Day to day I find the pixel a little quicker and prefer the smaller form factor on my pixel, I've got a few days before I can send it back to decide if it's a keeper or not.
The main thing for me was the camera, I'm still undecided on that one
https://carljones.wordpress.com/2016/10/22/pixel-vs-galaxys7/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm with you. My exynos s7 edge is slightly smaller, was cheaper, and has the benefit of better screen, battery, wireless chsrging, Samsung pay as well as pretty quick updates. Hard time deciding here as well.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

This is really interesting feedback as I am trying to decide right now between the Pixel and the S7.
The two things I am pretty interested in knowing about are battery life and durability (Ive had an S4 for years, dropped it plenty of times and while there are a few dings around the edges, that phone keeps on rocking).
Anyone else have thoughts after having used both phones?

lirong said:
This is really interesting feedback as I am trying to decide right now between the Pixel and the S7.
The two things I am pretty interested in knowing about are battery life and durability (Ive had an S4 for years, dropped it plenty of times and while there are a few dings around the edges, that phone keeps on rocking).
Anyone else have thoughts after having used both phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love this phone after coming from the S7. Battery life is phenomenal compared to the S7. It is not uncommon for me to have 6 hours of sot and still have 40% left on battery. Something the S7 couldn't touch on a good day.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app

I don't have the pixel yet but wish they added wireless charging like the S7.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA-Developers mobile app

How do you like this coming from a Nexus 6p?

I'm curious what you folks who came from the Nexus 6p think about this smaller phone. Are you regretting going with the smaller option? Loving it? I've ordered a Pixel for me and the missus (thanks to the TMo promo) and am fully expecting to have a love/hate relationship with the smaller phone. I mean, I totally miss having a reasonable size phone (my N6p is HUGE!!) but boy is it nice to have a large screen when I don't care about my phone being small.
I'm still a week or two away from getting our Pixels but trying to decide whether I should change my order to an XL or not.

I'm loving my Pixel. So much easier to handle. Battery life has been great. Camera is amazing. The only thing I miss are the front facing speakers. However, the Pixel speaker is plenty loud and sounds really good despite it being one speaker on the bottom of the device.

daewond3r said:
I'm loving my Pixel. So much easier to handle. Battery life has been great. Camera is amazing. The only thing I miss are the front facing speakers. However, the Pixel speaker is plenty loud and sounds really good despite it being one speaker on the bottom of the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the feedback! Oddly enough, I don't think I'll care much at all about the speaker. The N6p has great speakers but I never use them - almost always have better audio options available (7 Chromecast audios at home, B&O Bluetooth speakerphones that also sound great for music, car integrated Bluetooth, & a Bluetooth stereo headset). I think the last phone I has that wasn't too large was the OG Moto X. That was a long time and many phones ago!

The smaller phone is hugely liberating. Finally feels normal and just right. Heck, I wish it were smaller. I guess I never did adjust to the phablet madness. Now it fits in my pocket, cup holders, anywhere I can think of. I tend to worry less about it. It's less of a thin flat large slab that may bend. One handed use is so underrated. 4.5" would have been perfect though.
Okay, so the things I don't like are the price, it is definitely not hundreds of pounds better than the 6P, which was IMO 2015's best smartphone and the 6P held its own right up to now.
Then there's no 64gb option.
Then the design itself is also rather ugly at the back. Face looks awesome.
It hasn't added much to the 6P. It took a few things away from the 6P. The small size and the marginal speed performance differences made my mind up really.
It's not better than last year's. It's just a different phone. Because it HAS no last year model to compete with.
I have compared the camera on both and the camera is over hyped. It produces the same stills as the 6P does. However, focussing is better in video and stabilisation is finally here. Not forgetting to mention that it can do macros closer up. That's it really.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app

subhani said:
I have compared the camera on both and the camera is over hyped. It produces the same stills as the 6P does. However, focussing is better in video and stabilisation is finally here. Not forgetting to mention that it can do macros closer up. That's it really.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to admit the quality is not leaps and bounds better than the 6P. However, another important factor with the Pixel camera is speed. I had to settle for subpar pics with my 6P many times because the first snap wasn't great then I had to wait for HDR+ to process before I could snap another one. The Pixel allows me to snap pictures much quicker giving me more opportunities to get the shot I want.

Thanks all! You're helping me feel better with my choice of the smaller version. I'm not worried about the aesthetics since it'll be in a case most it's life. I'm really excited for this phone even if it's not a huge upgrade from the N6P. Definitely looking for that faster camera most of all!

i have both and ive come from the 6p..i love the smaller phone..fast photos..compact..i loved the 6p..but love my pixel more
Sent from my sailfish using XDA Labs

Jaxidian said:
I'm curious what you folks who came from the Nexus 6p think about this smaller phone. Are you regretting going with the smaller option? Loving it? I've ordered a Pixel for me and the missus (thanks to the TMo promo) and am fully expecting to have a love/hate relationship with the smaller phone. I mean, I totally miss having a reasonable size phone (my N6p is HUGE!!) but boy is it nice to have a large screen when I don't care about my phone being small.
I'm still a week or two away from getting our Pixels but trying to decide whether I should change my order to an XL or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My suggestion if you have a Best Buy or Verizon store near, is go and play with both for a couple hours. It's kind of daunting to come from a 6-inch screen to a 5-inch screen. You might find it that mrs. Prefers the 5.5 inch where you find yourself happy with the 5-inch or vice versa.

subhani said:
The smaller phone is hugely liberating. Finally feels normal and just right. Heck, I wish it were smaller. I guess I never did adjust to the phablet madness. Now it fits in my pocket, cup holders, anywhere I can think of. I tend to worry less about it. It's less of a thin flat large slab that may bend. One handed use is so underrated. 4.5" would have been perfect though.
Okay, so the things I don't like are the price, it is definitely not hundreds of pounds better than the 6P, which was IMO 2015's best smartphone and the 6P held its own right up to now.
Then there's no 64gb option.
Then the design itself is also rather ugly at the back. Face looks awesome.
It hasn't added much to the 6P. It took a few things away from the 6P. The small size and the marginal speed performance differences made my mind up really.
It's not better than last year's. It's just a different phone. Because it HAS no last year model to compete with.
I have compared the camera on both and the camera is over hyped. It produces the same stills as the 6P does. However, focussing is better in video and stabilisation is finally here. Not forgetting to mention that it can do macros closer up. That's it really.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the camera side of things - from the reviews I have looked at online the low light performance is superior on the Pixel when compared to the 6p, or any other phone camera for that matter.

I have the same situation too. I find 6P is too bulky..I kind of miss the Nexus 5 feeling. My biggest concern is the battery life because how significantly smaller the battery is compared to 6P.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

I've found the move fine, pixel easier to handle, battery life not an issue. Camera is much faster and definitely better in low light, screen colours are better too making things look crisper. Excellent piece of kit.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app

Jazd71 said:
I've found the move fine, pixel easier to handle, battery life not an issue. Camera is much faster and definitely better in low light, screen colours are better too making things look crisper. Excellent piece of kit.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please see here. I compare the Pixel and the 6p
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=69434548
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app
---------- Post added at 07:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:14 PM ----------
digitheatre said:
I have the same situation too. I find 6P is too bulky..I kind of miss the Nexus 5 feeling. My biggest concern is the battery life because how significantly smaller the battery is compared to 6P.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found the Pixel to hold its charge better than the Nexus. Still early days so may degrade over time.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app

Loving it!
So I'm a bit of a junkie. I switch phones every 6-12 months, going back as far as the HTC Desire HD.
I've been bouncing between Nexus and HTC Flagships for the last couple years, having had every HTC One and both the Nexus 6 and 6p.
While I AM still a huge fan of the large form factor of the 6p (I still haven't sold it yet, so I have been doing a lot of direct comparisons), I decided on the Pixel instead of the XL and I don't regret it. It's so comfortable, so fast, the battery is AMAZING, the camera is AMAZING, it's just so good. What I was most surprised with is actually the speaker quality! It is very clear and full sounding, especially for a single bottom firing speaker.
I don't know what else to say, I thought this would be more structured but it turned into a bit of a rant.

RyanTX said:
On the camera side of things - from the reviews I have looked at online the low light performance is superior on the Pixel when compared to the 6p, or any other phone camera for that matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's good I sub low-light but when it's really low light ois or manual is needed. Great camera otherwise,so much faster then stock 6P (there is now a hacked one in the 6P forum). I Have a pixel, this iPhone and a Huawei P9 and can't decide witch one to stay with but the pixel is really really good.
Skickat från min iPhone med Tapatalk

WinterApocalypse said:
So I'm a bit of a junkie. I switch phones every 6-12 months, going back as far as the HTC Desire HD.
I've been bouncing between Nexus and HTC Flagships for the last couple years, having had every HTC One and both the Nexus 6 and 6p.
While I AM still a huge fan of the large form factor of the 6p (I still haven't sold it yet, so I have been doing a lot of direct comparisons), I decided on the Pixel instead of the XL and I don't regret it. It's so comfortable, so fast, the battery is AMAZING, the camera is AMAZING, it's just so good. What I was most surprised with is actually the speaker quality! It is very clear and full sounding, especially for a single bottom firing speaker.
I don't know what else to say, I thought this would be more structured but it turned into a bit of a rant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This ia precisely how I feel. The small form factor, the power and speed. The camera and battery life sold me. The price was high. I think no phone should ever cost this price. It's a phone and a social media toy. A camera even. That's it.
But as the market rate goes, this is the best phone for the money. RIP phablets. If more top end hardware was available for smaller handsets, I would wager phablets would be dead in quick succession.
One plus 3 really is the wild card of smartphones... It throws a spanner in my perfect Pixel world.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app

The one thing making my decision difficult is reduced resolution. I'm ready for smaller form factor but I've had qhd for such a long time that I'm not sure I'm ready for the compromises when going down to HD.
Can anyone please elaborate on their experience (gaming and multimedia) coming from higher resolution display?
I'm mostly concerned with Vainglory.

Bruce lee roy said:
The one thing making my decision difficult is reduced resolution. I'm ready for smaller form factor but I've had qhd for such a long time that I'm not sure I'm ready for the compromises when going down to HD.
Can anyone please elaborate on their experience (gaming and multimedia) coming from higher resolution display?
I'm mostly concerned with Vainglory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never game on any of my mobile devices (I have a gaming PC 980ti, i74790k, 1440p display with Gsync). However, I do have the 6P and the Pixel side by side. I can't say I can tell the difference at all. I think you really have to go looking for the difference and squint to pick any minute details.

I've now had my Pixel 5" for 24 hours and I'm loving the size!

Bruce lee roy said:
The one thing making my decision difficult is reduced resolution. I'm ready for smaller form factor but I've had qhd for such a long time that I'm not sure I'm ready for the compromises when going down to HD.
Can anyone please elaborate on their experience (gaming and multimedia) coming from higher resolution display?
I'm mostly concerned with Vainglory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm the OP of this thread so I obviously came from a N6P, which is 1440p @ ~5.8". With that background, I can say that I love this screen even more than I loved the N6P screen. The drop in resolution isn't noticeable to me at all (my main monitor on my computer is 4k, so I get it and demand resolution).
The only situation I can imagine where the Pixel 5" resolution would be a problem would be with Cardboard/Daydream where the pixels are magnified. That's VERY secondary for me and I'd never change my phone decision because of that. Simply put, 1080p on this phone is pretty amazing! Don't forget that this is much sense of a DPI than any Apple phone.

Went from the 6p rooted and heavy use of xposed to a 2 week test of a stock 5x to see how the smaller phone felt...Definitely liked the smaller device, but that phone is under powered .. Got the 5 inch pixel last week and it is fantastic.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Buyers thougts

Im currently on iPhone 8 Plus (yeah, i know. Big mistake). And before that OnePlus 5. I preeordered a Pixel 2 XL but getting cold feet with the long waiting time and all the reports about all the screen issues. Then i came to think of Pixel 2. But i don't really know about the size of the phone. Is there anybody here coming from a bigger screen size to a Pixel 2? The bezels i can live with (about the same size as the iPhone).
..Or should i wait in line for the XL despite for the screen "issues"?
I don't have access to the phone myself so i can't really check for my self.
Regards

I don't have my pixel 2 yet (later this week), but I went through a similar decision process. I'm coming from shamu with a 5.96" screen at 2560×x 1440.
Compared to the pixel 2 screen of 5" at 1080 x 1920.
I struggled with what device I would move to now that my trusty whale is no longer getting security updates. I was concerned that the pixel 2 was just not going to satisfy, but unhappy with the build of the xl. I really have a preference for AMOLED.
Then I bought an iPhone 8 (4.7-inch at 1334 x 750) for my daughter. After playing with that a bit, I decided the pixel 2 wouldn't be as big a disappointment as I thought. Particularly when you consider the iPhone pixel density is 326 ppi, substantially lower than the pixel 2 (though both are lower than the N6).
"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment." - Will Rogers

I've always had Phablet sized phones. Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, OnePlus 5. I get phones very very cheap through my work, so I went with the Pixel 2 because it was $200 out the door, the XL was $350. I wasn't sure about the size, but I really wanted the front-facing speakers and the XL seems to have a few issues, so I gave the Pixel 2 a shot.
I have never been happier. This is the first phone in years that I haven't rooted, and as of right now, I do not miss it, but I digress. The size for me is much better. I thought I would, but I do not miss the larger phones. It fits in my shirt and pants pockets so much better.

Coming from a note 4 as my daily driver. The screen to bezel ratio makes the phone look really odd to me. I like knowing the dual speakers are there so it makes up for it. I put a somewhat bigger case on it, the spigen tough armor, just to add a little weight and width. The screen is decent for what it is, I don't consume much media on it which is why I was okay with the lower resolution. I will always wish the screen was a little taller and took some space away from the bezels but the phone size itself is perfect. I wanted a smaller more discrete device so the pixel 2 was (almost) perfect. I will absolutely miss my stylus and all the features that come with it. Being able to mark up anything on the screen and send it immediately was great for work.

I came from 6p and galaxy s8+, and have no problem with the Pixel 2. It actually fits my hand better. Again, I don't use my phone much for video watching.

I have had many phablets including Nexus 6 (which I still use as a media device,) I initially got the pixel 2 because with having a new born I actually wanted something something smaller. Plus I am kinda HTC fan. My experience with LG has been mediocre with the G6 leaving me disappointed.
I feel Pixel 2 is a great device and for me it was easy to adapt to a 5 inch device. only real flaw is the bezels are way bigger than they should be in 2017.