Possible Upgrade (Questions) - Google Pixel Questions & Answers

At the moment I own a Nexus 5X my current use case is usually just web browsing and video watching but every couple of days I'll throw in an hour of VR, occasional high resolution (6000x4000 pixels) raw photo editing, and software development.
Now that I've seen many articles about Nexus 5X's failing it's only a matter of time (probably 2-4 months) before mine might give up and with my heavy use with VR causing high temperature's, it's going to occur quicker.
The main reason I want to upgrade (apart from device failure) is because I'm making a VR app that allows clients to explore their house in VR! But after 5 minutes on my 5X it's lagging and The only way around it would be to get a better device.
So my questions are :
Does the Pixel stay cool under extended heavy use (preferably in VR E.G Fantastic Beasts And Where Yo Find Them VR experience)?
Is the Pixel nice to use on a day to day basis?
Is the Pixel worth the price?
Is the Pixel a fast phone?
Is the Pixel good for VR?
I actually don't mind the design (I think it looks great), I've never owned a water proof phone and I usually spend 99% of my time away from water and when I'm near water, I usually don't have my phone (70% of the times I go out to somewhere which isnt work, I won't have my phone). And I always use headphones instead of speakers, so the bad speakers don't bother me. I also love stock android, that's why I got a Nexus over anything else, I got the 5X over the 6P because no one would see the 6P.
With that in mind, should I get a Pixel?
Price doesn't bother me much because if I didn't want a Pixel, I would be buying a device at a similar price or higher (devices get expensive where I live). The only problem is that I'll have to get it imported from another country as Google isn't currently selling them where I live.

It's great for VR. Also developing a VR app and i use it for development. It's fast and never given me any issues. I was also using the 5x to develop before

It's a great phone. I have not used VR yet, but so far everything else I've used it for has very high marks. I personally would not have paid full price for it, though. I got it because of the tmobile promotion. I would have gotten the OP3T if it wasn't for the promotion.

gregorina said:
It's a great phone. I have not used VR yet, but so far everything else I've used it for has very high marks. I personally would not have paid full price for it, though. I got it because of the tmobile promotion. I would have gotten the OP3T if it wasn't for the promotion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking about the onplus 3T but where I live, to buy one would be $100 cheaper than a Pixel, and for $100 I get the latest version of Android until it's not supported anymore. Also I think the OnePlus 3T might have a few problems with fitting in my pocket. And just so you know, $100 is a smaller price tag where I live in comparison to America.
The Pixel is $1100
And the OnePlus 3T ranges between $950 - $1000 depending on who sells it. We also don't get carrier promotions where I live and you can't buy phones locked to a carrier in terms of preinstalled apps and update management over here.

Dri94 said:
It's great for VR. Also developing a VR app and i use it for development. It's fast and never given me any issues. I was also using the 5x to develop before
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for letting me know. Also how long have you had your Pixel?

About aweek

Brilliant phone to use - best I've ever had. Blazing fast and never, EVER slows down. Really a great experience that will bring me back for more down the road.
Also, I'm fine with the speaker loudness and clarity. Not sure what people are looking for in a phone speaker. It's not dual speakers, but it's plenty loud.

Related

talk me into/out of buying this

I currently have a Nexus 6p and have been a fan of everything. Growing tired of the size and considering the pixel, not the XL. Currently I have 64gb but only use 24gb currently. I have VZW UDP so I pretty much stream everything. I'm in love with the pixel. Especially the camera. With the bootloader being unlocked by firewall devs, I'm ok with buying a Verizon version. Couldn't pull the trigger in the store today though. Gonna be another month minimum before a 128 is shipped (but don't feel I need 128gb) but 32 makes me nervous. Even if the VZW version never gets full unlock, I only need tethering, and signal reset is a good enough work around for my needs.
So, I need opinions on whether I should or should pull the trigger and get the 32gb, or just keep my N6 for another year. (still in mint condition)
I came from a Nexus 6 (not 6p) to the Pixel. It feels small at first but I'm liking the one handed use.
It's better across the board; faster, better screen (brightness / color), battery life etc.
The only thing I notice is that the fingerprint sensor gestures would be more usable on the XL. On the 5 inch, it's not as useful since I can reach the whole screen more easily.
why..do what you want..who cares what others think
Sent from my marlin using XDA Labs
318sugarhill said:
I currently have a Nexus 6p and have been a fan of everything. Growing tired of the size
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have absolutely no complaints about my 6P except the clumsy size. I ordered a Pixel as I usually get a new phone every year.
I am on Project Fi, and usually get good reception in the fringe area I live, except the Golf Course I play. I was expecting the Pixel to be better in this regard but it wasn't. Side by side I was seeing between 3 and 5 dBm less signal... strike one.
I don't listen to movies or music on the phone's speakers, but occasionally podcasts. The speaker on the Pixels is not as loud as my original Moto X's rear firing speakers. In a pocket, in a noisy environment, I would miss notification sounds... strike two.
Finally, it doesn't work on Android Auto with my Pioneer AVH4100NEX... strike three.
Strike three was the deal breaker and if not for that I might have kept it. The screen is noticeably brighter, and the phone is definitely faster (but the 6P is just fine in that regard as well), and I liked the size (although it is still very slippery like the 6P).
If I see that they fix the Android Auto issue with Pioneer, I may order another one... but by then who knows, the Pixel 2 may be on the horizon. I get the feeling Google rushed this phone. The Ron Amadeo articles on Ars Technica are definitely food for thought. Who knows what Pixel 2 will be like given they'll have over a year to get it right.
Just my 2¢... YMMV.
johnandbodhi said:
why..do what you want..who cares what others think
Sent from my marlin using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This^
Not to be rude, really, but... you're an adult. Lol. Research the phone and if you like it, buy it, if you don't, than, buy yourself a steak.
The 6P is great, if you were going for the Pixel XL (instead of the Pixel); I'd stay this year with the 6P and next year do the switch to 2017 Pixel. (Unless you really care about the Compass in Google Maps. which sux in the 5X/6P, and is one of my 2 issues with the 5X at the moment, the RAM and the compass accuracy).
I'm honestly very fine with the 5X, I'll only switch to the Pixel mainly because of the RAM and to try the new compass (I'm tired of this bosch BMM150 it's a mess, tried it in 3 nexus). I also like the 5" and the smaller width distance. But since this Pixel is made of metal, It will be more slippery than the black 5X, so i'll probably will be using a grip case, and that case will make the pixel bigger, similar to the 5X..
In your case..your only issue is the one-handed usage with the 6P. If you really want to go back to a one handed phone, I'll try the Pixel. But IMO, nothing better than the original/old 2013 Moto X for one handed usage. (This depends on your hand shape and size) Of course it's old, but what I meant is, it'd be nice to have a 3rd smaller 4.7" pixel 720p variant.... (size is not the main factor for one handed usage... For instance, I tried a Z5 Compact 4.6" and had to put a case because it was slippery, I'm much more comfortable with a naked black 5X than a naked Z5 Compact).
thesebastian said:
The 6P is great, if you are going for the Pixel; I'd stay this year with the 6P and next year do the switch to 2017 Pixel. (Unless you really care about the Compass in Google Maps. which sux in the 5X/6P, and is one of my 2 issues with the 5X at the moment, the RAM and the compass accuracy).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very true. The compass always needs recalibration on my 6p. I really want to upgrade, so the basic question is, is 32gb worth it? I dont come close to using the 64 I got now, and by the time the 128gb start shipping, depixel8 will probably be patched by VZW. I usually keep the bootloader locked, but it's nice to have that ability if needed...
318sugarhill said:
Very true. The compass always needs recalibration on my 6p. I really want to upgrade, so the basic question is, is 32gb worth it? I dont come close to using the 64 I got now, and by the time the 128gb start shipping, depixel8 will probably be patched by VZW. I usually keep the bootloader locked, but it's nice to have that ability if needed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only know that the compass is different, they still use Bosch sensors, but not anymore for the compass, it was changed for some Japanese brand's e-compass. I don't really know if the Pixel still has compass random issues like the 5X/6P, so be careful of this. I'll get the Pixel as soon as they sell it in Spain, I wan't to buy it in my country of residence in case I need to return it.
32GB are ok to me in the 5X..because I only have google apps + some small apps + Hearthstone. And every time I reach 8GB of photos/videos it move all to my PC. (In the Pixel you'll have the Photos unlimited upload promotion so this would be a more easy task if you end using this feature). For my usage, 16GB is not enough. 32GB is much more than enough.
thesebastian said:
I only know that the compass is different, they still use Bosch sensors, but not anymore for the compass, it was changed for some Japanese brand's e-compass. I don't really know if the Pixel still has compass random issues like the 5X/6P, so be careful of this. I'll get the Pixel as soon as they sell it in Spain, I wan't to buy it in my country of residence in case I need to return it.
32GB are ok to me in the 5X..because I only have google apps + some small apps + Hearthstone. And every time I reach 8GB of photos/videos it move all to my PC. (In the Pixel you'll have the Photos unlimited upload promotion so this would be a more easy task if you end using this feature). For my usage, 16GB is not enough. 32GB is much more than enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Very helpful for me. So was the poster about the radio. I've been rather unimpressed with the 6p radio for phone calls and if the pixel is worse it could be a deal breaker. Was hopeful with HTC that the radio would be better. In my house I've gotten the best reception in the past with HTC, and the worst with Samsung until Huawei
Yeah. I was in the same boat as you. I realised I gained a few things and lost a few things in getting the Pixel.
My main praise is that the Pixel is the only viable small flagship in Android land. The smaller factor is a major requirement for me even though I have large hands. So the Pixel really ticks this box. I wish it were smaller even.
The Pixel feels much better in the hand in terms of materials, weight, balance and sheer confidence in its build quality/durability. As compared to my 6P.
The software feels more natural in one handed usage. The Pixel feels faster and more responsive. More coherent and finished.
I found the battery life a little bit more reliable too. But early days.
Now... The camera is the same as that in the 6P in my experience. Just has EIS, which the 6P should be given anyway as it's just software AFAIK.
SO... Ugly design compared to the 6P and the iPhone or the Galaxy line.
Weaker speakers. Less storage. Higher price. Poorer design.
Therefore, the size compelled me. It's therefore a different phone, not a better phone.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app
subhani said:
Now... The camera is the same as that in the 6P in my experience. Just has EIS, which the 6P should be given anyway as it's just software AFAIK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the 6P has EIS, it just uses a different, less effective method. I have read a lot of conjecture that the 6P might not have the horsepower to keep up with the gyro based EIS employed in the Pixel.
With that said, the Pixel's stabilization is so solid, it makes it impossible to do a slow pan... with the image jumping in huge steps as you pan the camera. If your steady, you can get nice slow pans from the 6P with EIS turned on.
Biting the bullet on a black XL at best buy. After having both in my the XL is far more one handed friendly than the 6P. I'm not sure my 40 year old eyes can go back to the smaller screen of the regular pixel. I had the LG G3 prior to the nexus so I've grown accustomed to the large screen. As much as my pocket likes the smaller device, they don't have it black either. Thanks for the help and opinions.
Well you can always increase the DPI and/or the Text Size if you wanted to use a smaller phone and still be able to see clearly everything from a far distance
Sent from my Nexus 5X
thesebastian said:
Well you can always increase the DPI and/or the Text Size if you wanted to use a smaller phone and still be able to see clearly everything from a far distance
Sent from my Nexus 5X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed! In fact, this is what I'm doing right now...
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app
318sugarhill said:
I currently have a Nexus 6p and have been a fan of everything. Growing tired of the size and considering the pixel, not the XL. Currently I have 64gb but only use 24gb currently. I have VZW UDP so I pretty much stream everything. I'm in love with the pixel. Especially the camera. With the bootloader being unlocked by firewall devs, I'm ok with buying a Verizon version. Couldn't pull the trigger in the store today though. Gonna be another month minimum before a 128 is shipped (but don't feel I need 128gb) but 32 makes me nervous. Even if the VZW version never gets full unlock, I only need tethering, and signal reset is a good enough work around for my needs.
So, I need opinions on whether I should or should pull the trigger and get the 32gb, or just keep my N6 for another year. (still in mint condition)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly if you like the phone you currently have and this applies to anybody not just Nexus 6p and really don't have thousand dollars to waste on another phone. I'd suggest against buying the pixel and stick to your phone for as long as you can. New devices will come out in another couple months. The pixels camera isn't all that big of a deal, the phone has its features, it's fast, the camera loads fast, the camera is good, the display is fantastic, the size is awesome, nugget 7.1 fantastic, assistant works well. But all in all, not much more than current models like the Nexus 6p and others realeased in this last year.
That's just my opinion. I've been wanting to replace my LG V10 so the pixel XL was a good option, just an expensive one. Mainly for Google support, user base of support, accessories Galore, fantastically beautiful screen comparable to wow any iphone samsumg user, Quick Camera loading, usb c PD Charging and other stuff.. Lol
I like the hype train the bandwagon and the recognition of having a pixel XL. Especially in Smurfy Blue!
---------- Post added at 09:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:45 AM ----------
318sugarhill said:
Biting the bullet on a black XL at best buy. After having both in my the XL is far more one handed friendly than the 6P. I'm not sure my 40 year old eyes can go back to the smaller screen of the regular pixel. I had the LG G3 prior to the nexus so I've grown accustomed to the large screen. As much as my pocket likes the smaller device, they don't have it black either. Thanks for the help and opinions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too felt the text size a tad bit small, being a 40+ yo, compared to my v10. But theres a setting in display, its default to small, which you can adjust. Then pixel xl screen is just so crisp and clear even with tiny letters and im coming from ips screen.
clockcycle said:
Honestly if you like the phone you currently have and this applies to anybody not just Nexus 6p and really don't have thousand dollars to waste on another phone. I'd suggest against buying the pixel and stick to your phone for as long as you can. New devices will come out in another couple months. The pixels camera isn't all that big of a deal, the phone has its features, it's fast, the camera loads fast, the camera is good, the display is fantastic, the size is awesome, nugget 7.1 fantastic, assistant works well. But all in all, not much more than current models like the Nexus 6p and others realeased in this last year.
That's just my opinion. I've been wanting to replace my LG V10 so the pixel XL was a good option, just an expensive one. Mainly for Google support, user base of support, accessories Galore, fantastically beautiful screen comparable to wow any iphone samsumg user, Quick Camera loading, usb c PD Charging and other stuff.. Lol
I like the hype train the bandwagon and the recognition of having a pixel XL. Especially in Smurfy Blue!
---------- Post added at 09:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:45 AM ----------
I too felt the text size a tad bit small, being a 40+ yo, compared to my v10. But theres a setting in display, its default to small, which you can adjust. Then pixel xl screen is just so crisp and clear even with tiny letters and im coming from ips screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I really didn't need to spend more money, but once depixel8 was released, putting it on my vzw bill was a no brainier. I got a $400 offer for my Nexus, I got $100 best buy gift card, and a Chromecast from best buy....I'm really spending a little over 200 more for this device and I get to spread out the payments. I like it better than the Nexus. For sure I'm not getting another phone for 2 years.
318sugarhill said:
Yeah I really didn't need to spend more money, but once depixel8 was released, putting it on my vzw bill was a no brainier. I got a $400 offer for my Nexus, I got $100 best buy gift card, and a Chromecast from best buy....I'm really spending a little over 200 more for this device and I get to spread out the payments. I like it better than the Nexus. For sure I'm not getting another phone for 2 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bleep yea, if you put it that way, id buy two. No brainer if its costing you almost nothing.
Forgot to mention one important very fundamental reason behind owning a pixel, and that is the XDA community. Autoprime chainfire jcase all the top names own one, just about every green named member has one..
I was the only person to own an lg v10... It was a lonely place..

Get the pixel or not

I like this phone but I don't know if i like it enough to have it for 2 years. With the iphone 8 and the Samsung s8 or note 8 coming next year makes me want to wait. I don't like how it doesn't have wireless charging and it doesn't have the camera stabilizer for taking pics, also no water protection. So with the people that have this phone please tell me what you think of it. Thabks all.
Wait. You are setting yourself up for a disappointment with all that you see wrong with the device before even buying it. And the price will drive you nuts with those shortcomings you find objectionable.
racer0018 said:
I like this phone but I don't know if i like it enough to have it for 2 years. With the iphone 8 and the Samsung s8 or note 8 coming next year makes me want to wait. I don't like how it doesn't have wireless charging and it doesn't have the camera stabilizer for taking pics, also no water protection. So with the people that have this phone please tell me what you think of it. Thabks all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a suggestion - make up your own mind instead of relying on other people. Not everyone has to like the same things for the same reasons.
Come on guys, I think you're being unfair. All of us who have bought the phone ought to write a review every time somebody is thinking about buying one and can't be bothered to read the comments and reviews already posted here and on youtube.
Realistically every phone is going to have certain shortcomings, and to me the Pixel looks like first-generation hardware with a top-tier asking price. After seeing the Pixel, I decided to buy the iPhone 7. That's when I found out Apple doesn't provide anything like an LED or ambient display to indicate waiting notifications. That one issue is worth the cost of a return for me, but apparently it's also acceptable to the people that bought the billion previous iPhones. The Pixel checks a lot of items off my interest list, and it misses some. Like other phones available today and in the future, there are areas where the Pixel does and does not compare favorably with other options. Ultimately I think it cost me $35 to find out that an LED notification is more personally important than waterproofing, image stabilization, or wireless charging.
I've been with Android since the HTC Droid Eris. Things are advancing so rapidly now, it is worse that trying to buy an up to date PC back in the day...by the time you got home someone had the specs of your brand new toy beat. It seems even worse now with smartphones. I find myself getting ever closer to a phone that tick all my wants. However, when that starts happening, everybody will keep the phone they have for two years instead of getting a new one every year. That won't help the sales plateau smartphones seem to be in. Today you have to be prepared for the phone you buy today to be one tier behind in a very short time. Just the way it is.
I have to say my new Pixel is the best smartphone I have ever used and it is not even close. I retired an LG V10. The V10 is about as far behind the Pixel as the Galaxy S4 was behind the V10. No it is not perfect, but no other top tier phone today is perfect either. If the Pixel is judged to be too expensive, then so are the rest of the top tier brands.
I'd say get it. Be careful with it and return it if you have some issue.
I have read tons or reviews but here is the thing, those reviews are a lot of the time done by people that wrote for a living and not the average person that is going to use this phone. Most of the time they write these reviews because they get all new phones shipped to them for free and not the average person that gets a new phone once every 2 years. I guess in all, I know what the reviews say and the YouTube videos look like but I wanted to know what the average person says about the phone. Not the expert says about the phone. Thabks.
racer0018 said:
I like this phone but I don't know if i like it enough to have it for 2 years. With the iphone 8 and the Samsung s8 or note 8 coming next year makes me want to wait. I don't like how it doesn't have wireless charging and it doesn't have the camera stabilizer for taking pics, also no water protection. So with the people that have this phone please tell me what you think of it. Thabks all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Youre gonna wait every 6 months... Pixel 2 next year..
Personally I hold out until the next phone I buy has significant upgrades..
I went from Nexus 4 to Nexus 6 to LG G4 to LG v10 (I fell for the 2nd screen gimmick, but it wasnt anything more over the G4), skipped LG G5, skipped Nexus 6p, considered One plus 3, but Pixel Xl filled a few of the most important boxes for me.
Hype, bandwagon, fantastic screen that turns iPhone/samsung owner's heads, accessories, accessories, super active community, fast, fast loading camera ready to take a picture, unlimited cloud, build quality, looks and balance.
I'm hoping assistant, gps and navigation will work well as I use them a lot and most phones have worked ok, but fail..
Im still waiting on my preorder....
I am happy with T-Mobile giving a 325 dollar credit for this phone, so it's totally worth it for me.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Yup it is missing those, but if these bother you then don't buy it because it is an expensive phone and if you are not 100% satisfied with what it is offering then yep wait for the next big thing.
For me currently this is the best phone out there satisfying all my needs and desires, and also it was time to replace my aging Nexus 5. Loving the pixel
I'm in a boat whether to buy this phone or not.. Between pixel, oneplus 3 or xiaomi mi note 2. Not sure how roms will be for the pixel, so will wait and see how that pans out and reviews for the MI note 2
LPHS said:
Yup it is missing those, but if these bother you then don't buy it because it is an expensive phone and if you are not 100% satisfied with what it is offering then yep wait for the next big thing.
For me currently this is the best phone out there satisfying all my needs and desires, and also it was time to replace my aging Nexus 5. Loving the pixel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See that is a worthwhile upgrade. I went to an n5x so the pixel is not worth the cost. It just depends on where you're coming from.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA-Developers mobile app
chrisinsocalif said:
I am happy with T-Mobile giving a 325 dollar credit for this phone, so it's totally worth it for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here! I was going to pass on the Pixel because of the price but with that promo, I ordered two for me and the missus. A Pixel for $325 is an amazing deal!
bobby janow said:
See that is a worthwhile upgrade. I went to an n5x so the pixel is not worth the cost. It just depends on where you're coming from.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what I thought, I almost purchased a 5x but decided to wait for the next nexus, didn't know that time that it was going to be a pixel, but yeah for me it is worth the upgrade. If i had purchased the 5x then I am pretty sure I would be in the same boat as you, lol for me even the freakin fingerprint scanner is an upgrade
To the op and others undecided. I think some have already covered it but I'll put in my $.02
I'm different than most that posted here. I like to buy/sell when new devices come out. There is no perfect phone for anyone. I also am not biased towards android or apple.
I have recently used moto x, moto x 2nd gen, htc m9, sony z3 compact, oneplus3, iphones 5s,6,6s,&7/7+
I'm currently using the oneplus 3, iphone 7, and just got the pixel yesterday.
All these phones have there advantages/disadvantages as previously mentioned.
There will always be something better around the corner. If you keep waiting, you'll be waiting forever. If you need a phone right now, best options in my opinion are the pixel, oneplus3, iphone 6s or 7, but that depends on your needs too. If you don't need a phone right now wait it out till you do.
Phones are somewhat similar to pcs right now. They are not really getting any faster for typical use, just better cameras typically and a few different options in the os.
The oneplus 3 imo is the best 5.5" android phone for the money. It's almost perfect for my needs but comes with some minor bugs and not the best speakers for music. $400, can't be beat by any phone and is the fastest android phone out i believe. It is faster than the pixel.
Pixel is a great phone. Fingerprint sensor location takes some getting used to. Android 7 and pixel launcher are nice but come with some bugs and lack of options. Phone can be laggy at times during normal use. Great deal if you get in on the t-mobile promo. I don't like the big top/bottom bezels but i can live with it. With future updates, this could be my new close to perfect phone.
IPhone 7 is nice but overhyped. Iphone 6s is just as good. Iphone 7 speakers and camera slightly better, maybe slightly faster but nothing like Apple claims.
You need to decide what you really want then pick the phone that best fits for the price you want yo pay.
If you want a cheap avg android phone, go with the oneplus 3. It's a great price and competes with the high end phones extremely well. Otherwise pony up. There are limited choices for a decent priced phone anymore and definitely typically come with drawbacks that I'm not willing to sacrifice.
Best of luck
I currently have the Samsung s7. I'm on Verizon. I ordered a pixel from Google because with the financing you can pay it off early. On Verizon Device payment plan you have to pay monthly or just pay the entire phone off at once.
I've been reading reviews and got impatient and ordered the phone from Verizon. I saw were you could get 20% off with the Save20 code but it didn't work for me because of my corporate discount. However, Verizon is giving trade in value for any phone. If I traded in my S7 I could get $300 but I want to keep it in case I don't like the pixel.
What I did was buy an iPhone 4 from ebay for $30. Verizon gave me a $200 credit for that phone and I ordered the 128gb pixel. So I got that phone for 750-200+30=$580. I think I paid $650 for my Nexus 6P 64gb last year.
Options that Verizon and tmobile offer make it a no brainer to get this phone. I think if Google had released this phone to all carriers or when they do you will have many people buying and loving this phone. That is the problem. Not what the phone is missing it's because people don't want to pull the trigger because of the price.
Sent from my SM-G930V using XDA-Developers mobile app
andyfoster said:
Come on guys, I think you're being unfair. All of us who have bought the phone ought to write a review every time somebody is thinking about buying one and can't be bothered to read the comments and reviews already posted here and on youtube.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL. Thanks mate, you made my day!
I'm am average user but love pure android and had nearly all the Nexus phones and coming from the 6p to the pixel, have to say love it. Great camera, faster better in low light, phone is bonkers quick with excellent battery life and very crisp clear screen. Also easier to handle than my 6p. Very expensive but worth it? Just about.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app

Realistic options for a replacement to the Moto X Pure

So I am getting sick of the battery life of this device and charging twice a day just to get by... the QC helps but it isn't always a viable option for someone who is on the road/travels a lot. I am probably going to go back to my Moto G 2015 for the time being as I could get a full days use most of the time on a single charge and just selling my MXPE.
But now the question comes up as what to replace it with... Moto G 5th gen, Blu Pure XR, ZTE Axon 7 Mini, or ???
My requirements are simple, or so I think...
1) 4+ hours SOT, preferably 5+, in mixed signal environment of WiFi/LTE/3G and sometimes without the best signal strength (for reference, I currently get about 2.5 hours on MXPE)
2) 5.2"-5.7" screen with 1080p minimum resolution
3) Stock Android, "near" stock, or simple UI (no TouchWiz, EMUI, ZenUI, or other bloated UI) that allows easy use of replacement launcher
4) 64GB internal storage or 32GB internal+microSD
5) 3GB or more of RAM
6) Full AT&T network compatibility (GSM 850/1900 and LTE Band 2/4/5/12/17 and optionally 29/30)
7) Nougat or Marshmallow with a Nougat upgrade "guaranteed"
8) 3.5mm headphone jack
9) Dual band WiFi - 2.4 & 5Ghz
10) $300USD or less
Would be nice, but not essential...
1) Unlockable bootloader (implies root/custom recovery/ROM development community)
2) Front facing speakers
3) NFC
4) USB 3.0
Absolute no no's are Samsung, Asus, or Huawei/Honor devices.
What else fits these requirements that I am not considering?
I believe the one phone that comes to mind that would fit most of your requirements is the Axon. I took a break from the MXPE (when it flew off my roof and died a horrible death in a rain storm) and had the Axon 7 (normal size) for about a month. You will get NEAR 4 hours of SoT, a qhd screen, 5.5 inches, relatively light for metal body. Unlockable bootloader and decent dev for it, last I checked. Things that bothered me/ pissed me off were that DTTW was laggy and slow, the actual cell service seemed to be really bad, possibly because of the full metal body phone, and the biggest annoyance - no backlit capacitive buttons, so you were left sort of blind in the dark trying to hit buttons. There is also no way through the build.prop to enable the on-screen buttons to bypass the issue at night, last I checked.
LG V20 could be an option too since it has a bootloader unlock now, 3.5-4.5 hours of SoT. I think it has a bottom bezel speaker though, which is a little weird, and as always the LG software has complaints. The dev is good enough to get around that though.
I'm in the same boat as you though. I've been looking pretty hard to find a new phone and the V20 is the only one I am really considering right now.
Get the OnePlus 3T it meets all your needs I get easily 6 to 7 HR sot
datchico305 said:
Get the OnePlus 3T it meets all your needs I get easily 6 to 7 HR sot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would love to... tell me where I can get a new OP3T for under $300... That one is a hard stop requirement.
@xgerryx Same for LG V20 and Axon 7 (which never goes on sale, although the Mini does often), the $300 price point is a big deal
This phone has been a little disappointing. It's good, but definitely not great. It's a night and day difference from the Galaxy S3 I was using, but I wish I had held out a little longer for the SD 820 phones instead of buying in 2015.
It sounds like you've already got a pretty inclusive list for phones that are sold in the US and meet your requirements.
I just checked swappa, and if you're willing to go used, the OnePlus 3 is starting to get down towards the price point you're looking for. It has the same size battery as the MXP, and between the more efficient SoC than this godawful 808/810 generation and an FHD AMOLED I'd think you should get better screen on time out of it. It's a OnePlus so it has loads of good development, so you'll have all kinds of kernel/rom/tweaking available to really squeeze every erg out of it.
jason2678 said:
This phone has been a little disappointing. It's good, but definitely not great. It's a night and day difference from the Galaxy S3 I was using, but I wish I had held out a little longer for the SD 820 phones instead of buying in 2015.
It sounds like you've already got a pretty inclusive list for phones that are sold in the US and meet your requirements.
I just checked swappa, and if you're willing to go used, the OnePlus 3 is starting to get down towards the price point you're looking for. It has the same size battery as the MXP, and between the more efficient SoC than this godawful 808/810 generation and an FHD AMOLED I'd think you should get better screen on time out of it. It's a OnePlus so it has loads of good development, so you'll have all kinds of kernel/rom/tweaking available to really squeeze every erg out of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That actually could be an option... I will investigate further.
acejavelin said:
Would love to... tell me where I can get a new OP3T for under $300... That one is a hard stop requirement.
@xgerryx Same for LG V20 and Axon 7 (which never goes on sale, although the Mini does often), the $300 price point is a big deal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you happen to be SUPER interested in the V20, I have seen some go for like 310-320 on Swappa in good to mint condition. You gotta hound the seller though and keep track of it all damn day for when the price drops. Not an awesome experience but I'm waiting for the same thing myself.
xgerryx said:
If you happen to be SUPER interested in the V20, I have seen some go for like 310-320 on Swappa in good to mint condition. You gotta hound the seller though and keep track of it all damn day for when the price drops. Not an awesome experience but I'm waiting for the same thing myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not really interested... TBH, my experience with non-Nexus LG Android devices has been... well... lets just say less then wonderful.
Although I would have to say that the LG enV from years ago probably ranks up there as my favorite phone of all time, back when you could actually get DAYS of usage out of a cell phone on a single charge. I remember I would charge it twice a week. lol
acejavelin said:
I'm not really interested... TBH, my experience with non-Nexus LG Android devices has been... well... lets just say less then wonderful.
Although I would have to say that the LG enV from years ago probably ranks up there as my favorite phone of all time, back when you could actually get DAYS of usage out of a cell phone on a single charge. I remember I would charge it twice a week. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I agree. After my terrible experience with the buggy LG G4, I'm very skeptical about going back again. At the same time I am running out of companies to try out! Haha. Gotta circle back eventually, especially on Verizon.
xgerryx said:
Yea I agree. After my terrible experience with the buggy LG G4, I'm very skeptical about going back again. At the same time I am running out of companies to try out! Haha. Gotta circle back eventually, especially on Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NEVER AGAIN!!! I refuse to drop $140 plus taxes and fees (realistically $160) for the service level I get now for $72 per month. Plus the limitations on devices, I would have to buy at least one new phone and/or go under contract. Nope, not happening. (Can you tell I have a grudge against Verizon, lol)
I would look around swappa for a OnePlus 3 or 3t it's worth it no bugs lag free and monthly updates it's already on nougat 7.1.1 and the beta builds they offer are great as well and development is great lots of greats ROMs and kernels and unlocking bootloader will not void warranty
TBH...I think you will have a hard time meeting all of your requirements right now. The market looks pretty dismal which is very unfortunate. I personally will hold out a little longer. I'm really looking hard at what Nokia/HMD are coming up with and hoping their roadmap for US devices includes a mid range device soon. So far their line up seems decent and if they are true to their word about expedient updates for Android, and they will sell devices with unlockable bootloaders at decent prices, I'll be sold.
moving to a galaxy s8 plus, comes tomorrow
unitz0mbie said:
moving to a galaxy s8 plus, comes tomorrow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like @acejavelin stated, Samsung is not an option, and I agree with him. Yes they have great hardware for the most part, but a less powerful processor running vanilla, our near vanilla Android will run just as well considering the lack of heavy handed UX. I will admit the phone looks great hardware and looks wise, but I personally don't like the look and feel of Samsung TW.
unitz0mbie said:
moving to a galaxy s8 plus, comes tomorrow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sammie's are to bloated... Every Samsung devices we have ever had has been problematic... Hope you enjoy yours though but I would never spend that kind of money on a phone.
I have a moto g5 plus as well, its pretty good. It's fast and smooth. Screen and camera are good too, but obviously not as good as the X style.
Yes mxpe battery sucks. I have to charge 2-3 times a day and am not even a heavy user. I know its more than your actual budget but better wait, save a bit more and probably the price will drop also and go for a OP 3T.
i know your problem man.. but why don't you wait for a nougat update?? why not? maybe they might fix up the battery drain issue!
there are barely very less phones which have dual front facing speakers.. market has got very saturated.. all look for flagship but they just don't think that having a good speakers is also a part of flagship project!
as per my personal opinion... this phone is just the best phone ive ever used (till 2015) but in upcoming era you will see more and more features
i will recommend you to wait and not hurry up to get a phone...
if you need a pure stock surely get nexus but just wait for new nexus phone.. maybe they might consider it as a flagship and the value might be cheap??
anyways if you're just asking for all the requirements my opinion (AXON 7) not just only for dual front facing speakers but also for the processor(sd 820),storage(64gb,6gb ram) expandable ovbio (256gb)
plot twist: has hybrid sim XD
but im legit that it'll be upgraded to android 'O'
but it cost around $350
think man.. public reviews are also good
it meets all the requirements but is as costly as mxpe
Sagar_1401 said:
i know your problem man.. but why don't you wait for a nougat update?? why not? maybe they might fix up the battery drain issue!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nougat can't "fix" our battery issue... Radio and display panel are hardware issues and that's where 75% of all battery drain is. It isn't even issues, it's just how much power they use normally. The SD808's radios are terribly inefficient, and the display panel uses more power than some small towns. If you think Nougat is going to noticably improve active use time, your kidding yourself.
To be honest, I might just pull my old Nexus 5 out if the drawer and switch to it... The battery life can't be much worse.
The sound aspect is less important. FF speakers are nice, but as long as I can hear a YouTube video in an average room and turn the ringer up enough u don't care.
I bought the MXPE as an upgrade to my G 2015 and it was on sale for under $250, and for the most part it is, I just didn't realize how bad the battery was, it is easily half of my G.
I got Axon 7 after X and can't be happier. I've had the A7 since August. Has the front speakers i wanted, nice beautiful Samsung screen. Battery is definitely better then X. Software was buggy at the beginning but they have improved it a lot. Axon 7 has been getting a lot of updates, doesn't mean it'll continue, we were the 1st ones to receive 7.0 with the exception of Google devices, and we are the only ones so far (afaik) to receive 7.1.1 with also the exception of Google devices.
It has its flaws but i love the phone. For the money you can't beat it. It's on sale now on newegg for $330.

Would you still buy a Pixel 3 today?

The reason I'm asking is that I'm looking to replace my Pixel 2, but it is not urgent. Right now, Google is offering $200 off a Pixel 3, which sounds like a good deal. However, they slyly have the sale ending on May 6, and on May 7 they will be announcing something new, which is of course rumored to be the Pixel 3a. So what to do?
I like all the features that the Pixel 3 has -- similar to my Pixel 2 actually -- but realistically I don't need or use a lot of them. For instance, nothing that I do requires the fastest processor out there; I don't really care what the case is made of since I put a bumper case on it right away; I use the camera mainly when traveling, but take fewer pictures than I used to; and I've taken about a half dozen selfies in my life!
So should I get a discounted 3 knowing that the 3a (IF that's what it is) might have something even better (like a bigger battery), or just forget it all and wait for the Pixel 4? What would you do?
So, I got a free upgrade to the pixel 3 from the pixel 2 in January and honestly, if its not urgent I wouldn't recommend doing it.
Yes the pixel 3 camera is better, but the 2's camera still takes pictures comparable to any flagship, and I can't personally see a difference in the pictures I take day to day.
In terms of UI, I'd actually say the pixel 2 provided a smoother experience, though I've never seen the devices side by side so can't say so for sure. (other people have also suggested this is true)
Major thing for me is that I've experienced worse battery performance, especially when on standby mode, which I think is due to pie, as when upgrading from oreo to pie on my pixel 2 I saw similar results.
And its likely that the pixel 3 will see a price drop once the next gen pixel line is out anyway, so if price is a concern, I don't see why you shouldn't just wait it out either way
rochrunner said:
The reason I'm asking is that I'm looking to replace my Pixel 2, but it is not urgent. Right now, Google is offering $200 off a Pixel 3, which sounds like a good deal....What would you do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forget it. Wait until the Pixel 4. The P3 has a lot of problems with the display and for $650 with tax it's simply not worth it.
Thanks all for the intelligent, reasonable advice (hard to come by online these days!). I've decided to wait until the P4 is out since I can always fall back to whatever the May 7 product is, or a reduced P3. Price is not really a factor from an absolute standpoint, but I don't want to pay more for something that what it's worth to me. In any case, Fall is a much better time for me to get a new device since I'll be curtailing my summer activities by then and will be looking for something to occupy my time for a while.
No. I mostly love the phone but the lack of proper 60fps on the camera needing me to use 3rd party apps to get usable video kills it for me.
What I would do is buy a pixel 3 @ eBay with large discount and keep it for 4 years ?
I found these sealed, brand new in box Pixel 2 on eBay for incredibly cheap - just £275, claims to have extended 2 years warranty too (item number 293056131709). Want to buy Pixel 2 for my sister's birthday, but listing smells fishy - claims to post from Essex UK, but posting takes 14 days, so clearly the phones are not UK models and come from somewhere else. Previously I had 3 different Sony Z3c and last one wasn't UK model - very, very different quality product...
For my opinion just wait for pixel 4 im using pixel 3 now but so far i like smsung it just everything it better samsung s10 i had so many issue from pixel 3 camera bokeh not copletly good some reason doesn't perfect for 1 camera and software and some photos by google canot be open it was dispointing when you gonna uplod picture to intagram and the picture canot be open how do feel?
Speker does good but when you play music in half volume you will feel vibrant in back and your hand
Pixel 3 its small some time typo for me
Some issue in the screen greeny but mine still look ok but when you open color dark grey yiu will see thats green color show up
If i have change im gonna sell or switch this phone to samsung s10
I replaced a Nexus 6 with a Pixel 3. The wife has an original Pixel, and sees no reason up update to the 3. If I HAD to buy a phone today, I would still get the P3, but I sure would not upgrade from a P2 at this time. I don't think the 3a is going to have anything to offer you - I might look at getting my son one because the Moto X4 is getting long in the tooth, but would only consider it if in the $300 range.
IMO the 50% off deal from Fi last week (making the phone $399) was worth it, but I wouldn't do it for $200 off. The phone is under powered/slow. The 3a is going make a slow phone even slower, so definitely would avoid that like the plague.
mdmogren said:
IMO the 50% off deal from Fi last week (making the phone $399) was worth it, but I wouldn't do it for $200 off. The phone is under powered/slow. The 3a is going make a slow phone even slower, so definitely would avoid that like the plague.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my Pixel 3 during that sale. For $429(tax included) this phone is so worth it at that price.
yes definitely.. can't see around another pretty compact phone as good as p3
Nope. Not at the current price. Average hardware and average form factor, regional software enhancements(call screen, etc great I'd you're n.america but ****.outaide of that), tons of continuing bugs and issues.
I'd wait and get the oneplus 7 where you're at least gonna get more bang for the buck
Xdevillived666 said:
Nope. Not at the current price. Average hardware and average form factor, regional software enhancements(call screen, etc great I'd you're n.america but ****.outaide of that), tons of continuing bugs and issues.
I'd wait and get the oneplus 7 where you're at least gonna get more bang for the buck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
op7 with edged screen? no thanks lol
I'm literally having 0 issues or problems with my p3, but that's maybe due to the fact I'm running custom...? ( i got rid of stock since day 1) dunno..
FcukBloat said:
op7 with edged screen? no thanks lol
I'm literally having 0 issues or problems with my p3, but that's maybe due to the fact I'm running custom...? ( i got rid of stock since day 1) dunno..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither am I so far but lots of users are. It's not very good for Googles rep/the consumer to have as many issues as these phones have been having at such a high price point. They wanna be premium they need to offer it by doing better than what I previously mentioned.
For a good deal yes! I bought the p3 when it was half off. Phone has been very snappy despite having 3x less ram than my previous OnePlus 6t McLaren. But for full retail not worth it for me
Just traded my OP6 8/128 for a Pixel 3. Half the RAM Is the only thing that sometimes bother me on certain situations. But overall is really snappy, and the touch latency Is the best I've ever had on an android device... Camera is spectacular. But, if you have the Pixel 2 i wouldn't bother and wait for the P4.
Compare to S10/S10 Plus, I would say its good deal. So... Why not?
The 3a looks promising as well, maybe that's the more adequate purchase
luckana said:
The 3a looks promising as well, maybe that's the more adequate purchase
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
only problem is the front cam.. in regular p3 it is simply wonderful, in 3a it is a clear downgrade.. but if you don't use it that much no problem..

Would you buy an Essential Phone again?

Hi all, just discovered the Essential Phone yesterday while getting ready to buy a Sony Xperia XZ2 compact. I like a sleek, small(er) phone and there are very few options that will work on Verizon's CDMA network.
I've been researching all I can on this phone and would likely buy one certified refurbished off Amazon. The price seems amazing!
I've been reading a bit about cellular quality (people losing signal) and other small issues. Of course you always hear about issues online but rarely do people post their pleasant experience with a product.
How popular are these phones? Did they sell well? Do you think there are many out there that have never had any issues or, are these a better 2nd phone next to a more reliable daily driver?
One thing I would like to do is use a new Samsung Galaxy Watch with my new phone. I've read Pie has had some issues playing nice with smart watches (Galaxy watches in particular?)
I also have read the Essential Phone is easily rootable which is fantastic. I've rooted phones in the past (it's been a while) and have no issue doing so again if it would help make this amazing phone more stable, reliable or work better with a smart watch.
SO - Should I (or would you) buy the Essential Phone again or should I skip to the Sony Xperia XZ2 compact? The major driver of my decision is reliability.
Thanks for any comments or recommendations. I'll keep reading up and researching.
I would most certainly buy another Essential. They are smooth, reliable, the custom rom community has grown exponentially recently, and the battery life is decent if you aren't heavy into mobile gaming. As a plus, it also gets updates as soon as (or in a couple cases, faster) than the Pixels. It's a good size and the screen quality is really great for the price. The signal reception issue can be a bit of a hassle, but I've managed to work with it. I won't be getting another phone until this one dies, or I have heaps of cash to get a Samsung Note whatever the new one is when I can buy it.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
I'd buy again, definitely. Just not for the original price. Try ordering yours in China, you can buy one for 100-130USD, but what you get is a lottery. i bought 3 pieces and 2 were perfect, one was a bit heavily used with scratches and poor battery.
Overall, phone is still great in 2019. I use it as daily driver since 13 months. XZ2 looks medieval compared to essential.
Cons:
- probably hard to resell
- impossible to replace battery, use it till it dies 1-2 years later and rip the phone
- a bit heavy, but it's thanks to great build materials
Almost everything is good for me. The camera could be better, but gcam helps with that. The biggest issue I have is the touchscreen being janky.
The best of the PH1 support and the construction of the terminal, I never had signal or screen problems, the camera is good (although in low light the pictures have a lot of noise). I always liked it from the moment it came out but as it was not positioned to score for many, the sale price was its most negative point. It became a viable option when its low price to $ 450, in that value had no competition. If a PH2 comes out, it will be my next cell phone, in terms of support, without counting Pixel, it is far the best support and customer service. After having flagships of Samsung and Lg, in Android there are 3 options Pixel, OnePlus and Essential.
I would definitely buy it again, but only if I could find a great deal for it (I won't pay a full price for ANY phone, period). Managed to get my PH1 for under US$150 (that's including a 360 camera and a DIY replacement for a shattered screen), and couldn't be happier with it. Everyone's usage pattern is different, so the opinions may vary, but for me it's by far the best phone I ever owned. Speaking of reliability, this phone has never let me down so far, it just works. Rooting of Android Pie is indeed easy with Magisk. I don't use TWRP, and keep this phone full stock (rooted).
I don't care for smartwatches, so can't comment on using them with the Essential, sorry.
I concur with other posters, would buy again. Came from OnePlus 5, intended this to be a backup phone as the OP USB port is janky. The PH1 is now my daily driver, really like the device. Use the Gcam for a better camera, easy to root. Screen is fantastic IMO too. Battery life gets me thru a day no problem, normal usage. Price is good...snagged one with the 360 cam for 180.

Categories

Resources