Whats the main reason you bought Pixel 3? - Google Pixel 3 XL Guides, News, & Discussion

So everybody has that one thing made them buy Pixel 3 over other phones.. for me that's camera and assume the same for many of the users... what's that one thing made you buy this phone?

ram4ufriends said:
So everybody has that one thing made them buy Pixel 3 over other phones.. for me that's camera and assume the same for many of the users... what's that one thing made you buy this phone?
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After years of being a loyal Samsung customer, I got tired of updates that often took 8+ months after release. Even when they came, my phone often slowed down to a crawl. I also got tired of the locked down bootloader in Samsung phones. This is my first Pixel phone and I couldn't be happier. Superior camera, monthly updates, butter-y smooth performance, unlocked bootloader with ability to root and do titanium backups without losing warranty. Too many reasons to mention. I will NEVER again buy a Samsung. I never understood how inferior specs could have better overall performance, but now that I actually own Pixel, I can.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

The main reason I went to the Pixel is the camera. After owning the Note 9 and getting mostly blurry action shots I went back to the Pixel and couldn't be more happy. I don't miss the curved Samsung displays at all either.

My initial purchase of the OG Pixel and Pixel XL was at least partially driven by price. My wife and I had S4s that I got before Samsung locked them down, so once I had them rooted they were going to get used until they died. Close to three years later the were on their last leg and the dePixel exploit went public. I grabbed the OGs at Verizon for essentially half off retail, ended up with a device that worked exactly like the Google model and even got trade-in money for the S4s. After 2+ years of the OGs (that were still behaving like champs and had moved a while back to T-Mobile), I got myself really tempted to pick up the OP6Ts with the T-Mobile trade-in program that included the Pixel and Pixel XL. The only way I could talk myself out of it was to pickup a Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL and trade in the OGs. Ultimately, it had a lot to do with me not wanting to learn another ecosystem (at 47 years old) or to compromise with anything less than an unlocked bootloader, an excellent dev scene and as close to pure android as is possible. I have no regrets or payments on the phones.

My reason might not be a 'great' one. I was (am) an original Pixel XL owner. I felt it was a very good phone but needed an upgrade. I'm much too invested in Google phones at this point to get anything else. So... I got the Pixel 3 XL. I guess I could have stayed with the original Pixel XL but where's the fun in that?
I'm just saying this to say it - 5 years ago when a new phone came out it was like, "WOAH! It can do THAT!?". These days the annual changes are not exactly exciting. And honestly, most people do the same basic things with their phones - take pictures, use social media, play games, browse the internet, message, etc. Most phones do all of those things pretty well with varying degrees of precision. Battery life seems to have always been and will probably always be something to complain about.

Pure Android, the latest builds, and the best camera.

For me, it was the ability to root and customize. I've been using phones from AT&T for years, mostly Samsungs, and I couldn't do anything with them, not at least while I owned them. Being able to root and mod isn't that big of deal any more, most of the phones work pretty damn well for the most part, and a lot of the features that I use to get by using a custom rom are pretty much standard now. But it's still fun to do.

I love that I always have the latest Android version and security patch. The smoothness is also important. And no bloat.
Always felt left behind with my Samsung and even OnePlus phones .

Needed an upgrade from Samsung S7 which was laggy, and updates were months delayed. Wanted Project Fi, which lowered my monthly bill and offered the best option for international travel. Really like the form factor and minimalist design of the Pixel 3, very snappy performance, unbloated Android and first in line for updates. Great camera and call screening are bonuses. Best phone I've had, by far.

I have to say Pure Android, Camera and a much needed upgrade from my Nexus 6P! Loving this phone so far..

spotmark said:
Pure Android, the latest builds, and the best camera.
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I'm Airmaxx23 and I approve this message.

The only stock Android phone prior to the pixel 2xl and 3xl I ever had was the nexus s from Samsung. It was fine, but, stock Android was really boring back then to me. But, a few phones later and when HTC decided they weren't going to update their phones anymore, even after a super buggy update, I dropped a stock Android ROM on it. I actually really liked it. And, it brought the phone back to life. Then I got a Samsung since the Nexus 6P didn't have financing that I could find, loved it, at least until the S8 was about to drop and Samsung updated it to run slower. Then slower, and so on. I decided screw Samsung and HTC, and tried the Pixel 2xl. LOVED it. Best camera, day one updates, super fast and no updates ever slowed it down. So, the 3 dropped and with wireless charging and a couple other things, I went for it. I don't think I'll ever own another phone, maybe outside of a new essential phone or a One Plus that actually meets my needs.

gettinwicked said:
The only stock Android phone prior to the pixel 2xl and 3xl I ever had was the nexus s from Samsung. It was fine, but, stock Android was really boring back then to me. But, a few phones later and when HTC decided they weren't going to update their phones anymore, even after a super buggy update, I dropped a stock Android ROM on it. I actually really liked it. And, it brought the phone back to life. Then I got a Samsung since the Nexus 6P didn't have financing that I could find, loved it, at least until the S8 was about to drop and Samsung updated it to run slower. Then slower, and so on. I decided screw Samsung and HTC, and tried the Pixel 2xl. LOVED it. Best camera, day one updates, super fast and no updates ever slowed it down. So, the 3 dropped and with wireless charging and a couple other things, I went for it. I don't think I'll ever own another phone, maybe outside of a new essential phone or a One Plus that actually meets my needs.
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I have the Essential phone, and it's the first phone I've kept instead of selling when I got a new phone. It is basically a Nexus/Pixel device. Pure Android, unlockable bootloader, and updates as soon as Google. If it wasn't for the sub-par camera, I'd still be using it. I wish they would stay in business and deliver the phone that was initially promised. The design of the Pixel doesn't hold a candle to the PH-1.

number one reason. Camera. free cloud storage. i take tons of pictures.
second. pure android.

Best phone you can root (at least without the sorts of serious skills / know-how you apparently need for Note 9 and Mate Pro 20, one of which I would have gone for otherwise)

I might be an odd one here, but for me the main reasons where size, no notch and stereo speakers. The cam, quick updates, clean android and haptic motor are nice bonuses.
After owning HTC phones for about 8 years, last 3,5 of those on the rubbish M9, I was looking for a m7 like phone, but with up to date hw. Sadly noone makes good metal unibody phones anymore so I'll just have to deal with the glass sandwich bull****, other than that the P3 is pretty close to perfect.

I assume the OP meant Pixel 3 XL since he's in the 3 XL subforum?
If that's the case, then I bought one because it's ugly as hell and doesn't look like any of my friend's phone. My 6P was also getting old and after bad experiences with anything but a phone directly from Google, I've sort of become a Google sheep and only buy their stuff now.

I was always jumping in between phones, mainly Samsung. Had pretty much every galaxy minus the one and two. HTC one was the best phone I even used, form factor, the OS it was fantastic. Nothing even really compared to it. I couldn't get the pixel at first because well I never had the cash so I was at the mercy of TMobile financing and what they offer wasn't always great. I went from a galaxy s8 to the iPhone x just to check it out since I haven't touched one since the 5. Man did I regret it. Missed my 14 day period and so I was stuck with it for a few months. Note 9 came out and I was really considering it, but well I held myself and then the OnePlus 6T came out. I had a old iPhone 6 laying around I got for $50 so I traded it in for the 6T and the $300 bonus. Good phone but no stereo speakers and notifications killed it for me. I was eyeing the pixel 3 since release day, got my cash ready and just as I was going to buy one, the Black Friday deals got announced, waited and now I have the XL. Supper happy with it. Even the "feel" of the phone is glorious. And the 6T is now on it's way to PA and it's new owner lol

It was the logical choice from my Nexus 6p, which I had since release. Also, Dirty Unicorns support. [emoji6]
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

spotmark said:
I have the Essential phone, and it's the first phone I've kept instead of selling when I got a new phone. It is basically a Nexus/Pixel device. Pure Android, unlockable bootloader, and updates as soon as Google. If it wasn't for the sub-par camera, I'd still be using it. I wish they would stay in business and deliver the phone that was initially promised. The design of the Pixel doesn't hold a candle to the PH-1.
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I almost got the essential phone. I wanted to wait until the pixel 2's were announce first though. By the time they were, I had heard too many reports of the crappy camera. I was upset though when the essential phone 2 was cancelled. I'd really like to see another one, but bigger, great camera, OLED screen, etc. I would buy one if it came out and had those specs. I have been reading rumors of a new essential phone though. So, we'll see.

Related

still worth buying Pixel 2? [June 2018]

I need a new phone. I've been on a Note 4 for a while now, and it has reached its end-of-life. Done tons of research, and even when compared against the latest-and-greatest, the Pixel 2 still reviews well. It seems to be exactly what I am looking for. Even though the announcement of the Pixel 3 is right around the corner, it will mostly likely be late Oct / early Nov before consumers can get them in hand anyway. Five months is a long time, and I'm kind of ready to make a move now.
Is the Pixel 2 still the way to go? Do I have to bite the bullet and get another Samsung and get an s9? (I'm on AT&T btw, and I'm really really sick of having a carrier locked phone and waiting on AT&T to add bloatware to all the updates).
Would I be stupid to get the Pixel 2 today? Talk me into it / talk me out of it.
You'd be stupid to go Samsung again, that's for sure.
The Note 4 was arguably Samsung's peak for the Note line, and the S7 Edge the peak for their S line. Sure the new designs are fancy, but are fragile, and Samsung are horrendous when it comes to updates.
I'd suggest looking into a OnePlus 6 especially if you're sick of being carrier locked. Cheaper and more powerful than the Pixel 2, better in every way aside from speakers and camera if they are important to you.
That being said, I miss my Pixel 2 XL for the software as it's so damn smooth, but I do not miss the abysmal screen (Note 4 screen is better). So if you go Pixel 2, definitely get the smaller one with the nicer Samsung screen.
As opposed to what ? Samsung ? Pixel 2 still had several years of guaranteed updates and a smoother software interface with less bloat. I could understand MAYBE if you said an iPhone as most businesses are starting to use iOS and Apple supports their software for several years but against a Samsung that's just a joke.
My $0.02., develop your own pros/cons list as no one knows what's more important to you, than you. Example, I absolutely hate lag in software, probably an unhealthy amount... I also enjoy a headphone jack, but that's less important than software to _me_. At the end of the day, no phone is better at software and camera than the Pixel 2 (I have non-XL, coming from a Samsung Galaxy S3) and that's what I think ultimately creates the Pixel appeal because literally every time you use your phone, in an app, to take a pic, etc, you get that top-of-the-line software experience. How much does Samsung's superior hardware matter when apps lag or freeze and frustrate the user or they're running a 6-month old security patch level?
Also got mine 50% off during Verizon's Black Friday deal last year, figured the savings was worth the locked bootloader. Then we got an unlock method anyways in December so win-win, half price + unlocked BL now. Is the P2 worth full price to you? Who knows. But good luck whatever path you choose!
istrikerx said:
You'd be stupid to go Samsung again, that's for sure.
The Note 4 was arguably Samsung's peak for the Note line, and the S7 Edge the peak for their S line. Sure the new designs are fancy, but are fragile, and Samsung are horrendous when it comes to updates.
I'd suggest looking into a OnePlus 6 especially if you're sick of being carrier locked. Cheaper and more powerful than the Pixel 2, better in every way aside from speakers and camera if they are important to you.
That being said, I miss my Pixel 2 XL for the software as it's so damn smooth, but I do not miss the abysmal screen (Note 4 screen is better). So if you go Pixel 2, definitely get the smaller one with the nicer Samsung screen.
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I love my Pixel 2, but honestly the reason I bought it was because of the camera and because I thought there would be more rom development by this point, but mostly for the camera. I came from a oneplus 3t and I loved that phone so much. The development community was large and very active, and the phone's hardware was awesome.
If it wasn't for the Pixel 2's camera, I would've much rather upgraded to a newer oneplus device or even stuck with my 3t. But seriously, imo forget samsung and there locked ass bootloaders and stupidly overpriced phones.
I ditched Samsung (S6) finally last month and got the Pixel2. I am not much of a ROM flasher but root is very important to me. I was dreading going down in resolution but haven't regretted it once.
Is there any reason NOT to get the Pixel 2? What other phone is popular enough to receive continual updates, and easy to find accessories? Gives fast performance without lag-inducing bloat-ware?
I have an AT&T brand Note 8 and i really like the phone (wish i would have bought the unlocked version). But i like to root and flash roms occasionally and I'm pretty limited on the Note 8. Lucky me my work takes me all across Texas and i just happen to be where AT&T don't have service so i bought the Pixel 2 direct from Google and I'm loving it. I'm running it on Verizon. Super easy to unlock bootloader and root. I've only had it for about a month now and have only did one update (the June update) that got a little confusing but i figured it out (i downloaded it myself from Google instead of doing the ota). Personally, i think the camera on the Note 8 is better than the Pixel 2 camera, but i have both phones so i can always take pictures with the Note and it syncs to my Google photos and i have the pic on both phones. I do feel like the Pixel runs a lot smoother than the Note though. If you buy a Pixel, I'd suggest buying straight from Google so you don't have to worry about the bootloader, although i know carriers bundling things in makes it hard to pass up.
I believe it is still going strong and worth a buy.
Personally I don't the notch design which everyone is copying from Apple now.
In fact I bought one three weeks ago and I'm very happy with it. It's already running Android P DP3. I have considered a Huawei P20, but in the end went with the Pixel 2, mainly because of the fast updates and stock Android (I came from a Nexus 5X)
No regrets!
Meh not that many accessories...
mellojoe said:
Is there any reason NOT to get the Pixel 2? What other phone is popular enough to receive continual updates, and easy to find accessories? Gives fast performance without lag-inducing bloat-ware?
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Well, gotta disagree a little with you on the bolded section. The P2 just isn't sold in large enough numbers to get the choices in accessories like the mainstream iPhones, S9, etc. Otterbox Defender series only has 2 colors for crying out loud...
Edit: a word
It could be a winner for you if that's what you want...luv mine!
Personally I would wait and buy a cheaper, last year's phone in the meanwhile.
Pixel 2 series is great, but you still have to make hard compromises. If you want the 2018 screen quality, go pixel 2; if you want a 2018 battery life and screen size, go XL. But to me these 3 things are essential to a phone (ok maybe not the screen size). Considering the price being top of the lines even compared to an iPhone, and it is a 2017 phone (sort), I would wait.
Plus I got a feel that Pixel 3 may come with wireless charging and other technologies that would make using a phone more convenient. While Pixel 2 is just, with great camera. Not an important factor to me personally.
I just got it coming from a Huawei mate 10
Honestly its a great phone . I got the small version cuz I have a U11PLUS plus as my daily big screen phone. And it's awesome they have all these goodness in such a small phone can be handled one hand
At the moment u11plus plus 128gb and 6gb ram is going for 600$ ish on eBay. If u don't care about updates I would advice u to go with it. The camera with gcam performing better than the pixel believe it or not and the battery is the best in the market. Colours of amazing silver or red are phenomenal, nothing else comes close even the copycat p20 pro
Absolutely! I would recommend the Pixel 2 to anybody who asked I haven't even had any reason to want the XL - I've just got the 5" Pixel.
The software is essentially bloat-free (if you use the Google apps) and the experience is as polished as that of the iPhone.
(I'm not a fan of the iPhone but anybody who's used an Android can't deny on most phones the platform is bloated and a little half-assed in places.)
Plus, if you're big into getting the latest Android versions - we get the Android betas first (and they're supported for 2 years.)
And, once the 2 years are up, if you haven't got a new phone by then, I'd imagine there would be a ton of custom ROMs and such for the phone.
I'm planning on developing some ROMs for the Pixel 2 but I haven't for the moment because I have no reason to; the software is the best I've experienced, so I have no reason to mod the phone. (This is probably why there isn't much in the way of development going on for the phone)
In my opinion, the camera is excellent; I don't use it that much but when I do, it's fast, the quality is fantastic and I have trouble faulting it.
Finally, the battery life is great. As a student, I don't use my phone all day but relatively speaking, I'm quite a heavy user and I get about 3 hours more screen time than most others. Plus, as the phone charges to upwards of 80% in about 45 minutes, battery isn't really an issue. (5-10 minutes at an AC outlet can usually get it up to 20%.)
TL;DR: Particularly if you buy a phone for utility (rather than as a fashion statement), this phone is brilliant. It's the best Android device I've ever owned and, I think, one of the best on the market.
If you want something that looks a bit more flashy, I'd suggest the Pixel XL, though.
The give-a-friend 15% offer is making this pracitcally a no-brainer for me. That brings a brand new direct from Google Pixel2 to $550. That's basically the same price as low end or older model phones. Looks like I'll be picking one up. Thanks for the advice.
Feel free to add any more thoughts, tho, cause I'm sure as we get closer to the launch of the 3, more people are going to be asking for opnions on the 2 as a budget-friendly option.
jerryhou85 said:
I believe it is still going strong and worth a buy.
Personally I don't the notch design which everyone is copying from Apple now.
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Let me correct you sir. Copying from Essential ph-1, not apple. Apple copying that design from Essential ph-1. Get it right.
ivanov13 said:
Let me correct you sir. Copying from Essential ph-1, not apple. Apple copying that design from Essential ph-1. Get it right.
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Ahh, I see. Learned that recently, thanks.
This year Pixel 3 should be the choice if I want to change my phone again.
edwinek said:
In fact I bought one three weeks ago and I'm very happy with it. It's already running Android P DP3. I have considered a Huawei P20, but in the end went with the Pixel 2, mainly because of the fast updates and stock Android (I came from a Nexus 5X)
No regrets!
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me too, I bought my pixel 2 (128GB) using a 20% coupon, used to have a nexus 5x, huge improvement

Anyone getting the S10 or S10+?

Anyone considering the S10 or S10+? Why or why not? They're offering a $550 trade in with Pixel 3 XL, so just more curious what people are doing and why.
I'm considering it. Not sure if I can actually pull the trigger on a Samsung device.
Try it out in the store first, I had the s4 after my Galaxy Nexus, that was unlocked and had stock Android flashed, then the s5 which was rooted, but only years after I got rid of it, they got the bootloader unlocked.
The s5 was fast, but it doesn't hold a candle to stock Android.
If you won't miss the stock sounds, UI, apps, root, etc. Then go for it, I consider most of that stuff bloat and a lot of the exclusive features would go unused by me.
My own opinion, but everyone has their own taste.
dchurch85 said:
Anyone considering the S10 or S10+? Why or why not? They're offering a $550 trade in with Pixel 3 XL, so just more curious what people are doing and why.
I'm considering it. Not sure if I can actually pull the trigger on a Samsung device.
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After the S9+, I'm done with Samsung. I always end up going back to Google devices. I had an S8+, Pixel 2 XL, S9+, and now Pixel 3 XL. Samsung just keeps making it harder and harder to modify MY PHONE, and I think that I should have the right to root, etc., when I pay for the phone outright. I enjoyed my Exynos S9+, dont get me wrong, but the Pixel is so much easier. Here in the US, you need to buy an international Samsung if you want to do anything with as far as Roms go, but then you loose functionality because the phone is not built for use in USA. There are ways to make things work, but it is tedious, and time consuming, then Samsung changes crap each time they update. Also, its to the point now that the Snapdragon processors are out performing the Exynos processors.
Phone looks pretty sick but still not enough to convince me to switch to sammy phone. Its a sammy........
lucky_strike33 said:
Phone looks pretty sick but still not enough to convince me to switch to sammy phone. Its a sammy........
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Been with Sammy for so many year. Please no more. Happy with them, even happier with Google.
I still look forward every time to pick up my phone, turn it on and use it,. Loving it. I dont even have a need for Pix 4. I can easily go stay with it for another year. Knowing me id get P4 tho.
But yeah no more Samsung for me. My brother is getting one tho
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do i like locked bootloaders? lmao
I have been very disappointed with my xl 3. I am getting either the s10 or LG v8
What is an S10? Until Google locks the bootloader, I wouldn't be able to tell you what other phones are out there.
I am on Pixel 3 and its been only like 2weeks now. Before this was using a S9+. Best in Pixel 3- rooting and using custom roms with hell lot of features and the bestest camera in the smartphone market now. Cons speaker and display.
Pros of S9+, the best display on a smartphone and speakers tuned by Harmon. Speakers are like the best I have heard ln a smartphone. But worst ever front camera for a flagship, it literally paints everybody in the scene.?
I'm not into locked bootloaders and phones that take 6+ months to update software. My TMo Note 8 is still waiting for official Pie o arrive. I don't care how amazing the hardware is if the software is 1/2 a year or more behind all the time.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
It’s very tempting but the updates are really slow with samsung even if it’s the international version.
I am proud of Pixel 3 getting updates first and all. Unfortunately Pie has been buggy since release and I feel like I have been beta testing the phone for them. I see Samsung's slower release as a more mature release after what Google has fixed.
garyHal said:
I am proud of Pixel 3 getting updates first and all. Unfortunately Pie has been buggy since release and I feel like I have been beta testing the phone for them. I see Samsung's slower release as a more mature release after what Google has fixed.
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Not sure which bugs you refer to, but my phone has run in top notch condition since day one. Good luck with your Samsung. All you have to do is look at the Note 9 forums to find million of complaints about the software. The only mature thing about their software is the release date because as per the many forums on XDA there is a ton of stuff wrong with it.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
Eudeferrer said:
Not sure which bugs you refer to, but my phone has run in top notch condition since day one. Good luck with your Samsung. All you have to do is look at the Note 9 forums to find million of complaints about the software. The only mature thing about their software is the release date because as per the many forums on XDA there is a ton of stuff wrong with it.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
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I have posted my issues on this forum before. Such problems include:
1) lag even after the most recent update
2) I restart my phone daily and on several occasions, the phone restarts to a dead black screen instead of Android
3) the clock on the status bar is stuck, restarting the phone fixes this
4) "always on display" gets stuck
5) LTE connection is bad. Instead of dropping down to 3g, it stays on "No Data" state.
I've got both the pixel and note 9, I've also had the s8 and s9+ wasn't impressed with them but I am with the note. The screen is amazing, no notch and the pen is a huge plus. I'm leaning on keeping my note for now and getting rid of the pixel. I've got the international one so bootloader is unlocked barely any bloat. Then maybe getting the S10+
garyHal said:
I have posted my issues on this forum before. Such problems include:
1) lag even after the most recent update
2) I restart my phone daily and on several occasions, the phone restarts to a dead black screen instead of Android
3) the clock on the status bar is stuck, restarting the phone fixes this
4) "always on display" gets stuck
5) LTE connection is bad. Instead of dropping down to 3g, it stays on "No Data" state.
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Other than a rare lag when first opening the camera, I can honestly say I haven't had any of these issues on my phone. I guess which apps you use has a lot to do with it also, but it sounds to me like you got a bad Apple. Maybe the Note 9 is better for your use, but my Note 8 experience is crap (slow and painfully laggy). Good luck.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
I sold my P2XL & bought an S9+. They are good phones but I couldn't wait for the P3XL to come out. I'm happy with my Pixel. Everything I did with the S9+ was tweaking it to be more like a Pixel, both with looks and adding Google apps to use instead of the Samsung apps. I had duplicates of a bunch of apps. I tried to like Bixby but that was hopeless. I use the camera quite a bit, nothing like the Pixel's that I've ever used.
dmb219 said:
I sold my P2XL & bought an S9+. They are good phones but I couldn't wait for the P3XL to come out. I'm happy with my Pixel. Everything I did with the S9+ was tweaking it to be more like a Pixel, both with looks and adding Google apps to use instead of the Samsung apps. I had duplicates of a bunch of apps. I tried to like Bixby but that was hopeless. I use the camera quite a bit, nothing like the Pixel's that I've ever used.
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I am confused. You sold your Pixel 2 and now you couldn't wait for the Pixel 3? What phone are you using now?
garyHal said:
I am confused. You sold your Pixel 2 and now you couldn't wait for the Pixel 3? What phone are you using now?
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That wasn't very clear. I had a P2XL, sold it and bought an S9+. I used that until the P3XL came out. I sold the Samsung and bought the new Pixel. I take good care of my phone, keep the packaging & accessories in the box. I got a pretty good price for the last few phones I sold on Swappa. It makes it easier than paying big money for a phone every year. I probably got 70% of the cost after 9 or 10 months of use.

Google and Pixel

Hi guys just my 2 cent on an article I've read this morning. Google says pixels smartphones don't sell that much. Well they lost another long time consumer here. I recently switched to an S10+ because the problems the pixel 3xl has. I still own a nexus 4/5/6p and a Pixel 2xl and 3xl, nearly 6 years of Google smartphone/software and they always didn't really care about our community, sending bug reports and problems that had no response of course. The last thing that made me switch is the careless they are giving to us on the microphones issues with the pixel 3.
Google should think about that, camera isn't the only important thing in a smartphone, assistance is aswell and Google gives no support at all. I'm not going back to Pixel smartphones anymore, it's been a long and fun run but I'm really tired of having top paid smartphones for 4gb of ram and a phone that you can't phone with. It's a shame. Wake up Google! It's your fault!
What you think about the last year's smartphone from Google?
Balino said:
Hi guys just my 2 cent on an article I've read this morning. Google says pixels smartphones don't sell that much. Well they lost another long time consumer here. I recently switched to an S10+ because the problems the pixel 3xl has. I still own a nexus 4/5/6p and a Pixel 2xl and 3xl, nearly 6 years of Google smartphone/software and they always didn't really care about our community, sending bug reports and problems that had no response of course. The last thing that made me switch is the careless they are giving to us on the microphones issues with the pixel 3.
Google should think about that, camera isn't the only important thing in a smartphone, assistance is aswell and Google gives no support at all. I'm not going back to Pixel smartphones anymore, it's been a long and fun run but I'm really tired of having top paid smartphones for 4gb of ram and a phone that you can't phone with. It's a shame. Wake up Google! It's your fault!
What you think about the last year's smartphone from Google?
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Interesting. I am on the opposite side of the fence. After having had practically every generation of Samsung Note that ever came out, I feel the complete opposite, and I'm not going back. I feel like Samsung doesn't care about is customers. While Samsung's phones have a more "finished look", it is my experience that their issues take way longer to resolve than on a Pixel which gets monthly updates on the 1st Monday of every month. My Pixel 3Xl phone has been the best phone I've ever had. It runs smooth as butter and I've never had any of the issues some claim to have had with the rare exception of an occasional call where the caller cannot hear me, but I hear them. My speakers sound great, my Bluetooth works wonderfully with all devices and the phone is very responsive. I'm rooted and enjoying the benefits of systemwide add blocker, Titanium backup, viper and 3minit battery mod (all of which are practically impossible in today's Samsung devices). Good luck on your locked down device. Samsung makes great screens but software wise, I find my phones became useless after 6 months due to mysteriously showing down. My Pixel is the first phone I've owned that still works as smooth as day one (even with it's surprising 4 GB of RAM). My Note 8 sits on a drawer collecting dust because it became unbearably slow after the last update, and the battery lasted less than my Pixel's. Don't get me wrong, I love Sammy devices. Just can't deal with the slow updates and the 7-8 month delay in bringing the new OS features to their devices.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
Eudeferrer said:
Interesting. I am on the opposite side of the fence. After having had practically every generation of Samsung Note that ever came out, I feel the complete opposite, and I'm not going back. I feel like Samsung doesn't care about is customers. While Samsung's phones have a more "finished look", it is my experience that their issues take way longer to resolve than on a Pixel which gets monthly updates on the 1st Monday of every month. My Pixel 3Xl phone has been the best phone I've ever had. It runs smooth as butter and I've never had any of the issues some claim to have had with the rare exception of an occasional call where the caller cannot hear me, but I hear them. My speakers sound great, my Bluetooth works wonderfully with all devices and the phone is very responsive. I'm rooted and enjoying the benefits of systemwide add blocker, Titanium backup, viper and 3minit battery mod (all of which are practically impossible in today's Samsung devices). Good luck on your locked down device. Samsung makes great screens but software wise, I find my phones became useless after 6 months due to mysteriously showing down. My Pixel is the first phone I've owned that still works as smooth as day one (even with it's surprising 4 GB of RAM). My Note 8 sits on a drawer collecting dust because it became unbearably slow after the last update, and the battery lasted less than my Pixel's. Don't get me wrong, I love Sammy devices. Just can't deal with the slow updates and the 7-8 month delay in bringing the new OS features to their devices.
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Click to collapse
At least on Samsung phone you don't get buggy software at launch. Pixel became the testing device for new Google operating system and I can't live with this anymore. If you just recently switched to Pixel line bro wait a bit and you'll get burned by Google. The history of problems is long on nexus/Pixel devices. Don't get me wrong, still using pixel 3xl sometimes mostly to take pics, I just dismissed it as phone for work. It's totally unreliable... A phone that can't phone lol
Balino said:
At least on Samsung phone you don't get buggy software at launch. Pixel became the testing device for new Google operating system and I can't live with this anymore. If you just recently switched to Pixel line bro wait a bit and you'll get burned by Google. The history of problems is long on nexus/Pixel devices. Don't get me wrong, still using pixel 3xl sometimes mostly to take pics, I just dismissed it as phone for work. It's totally unreliable... A phone that can't phone lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been on Pixel since launch of OG Pixel - never been "burnt" by them
volunteered for Beta Pie - that's the nearest to buggy I've had
Either you've had a bad model or you're doing something wrong imo
Balino said:
At least on Samsung phone you don't get buggy software at launch. Pixel became the testing device for new Google operating system and I can't live with this anymore. If you just recently switched to Pixel line bro wait a bit and you'll get burned by Google. The history of problems is long on nexus/Pixel devices. Don't get me wrong, still using pixel 3xl sometimes mostly to take pics, I just dismissed it as phone for work. It's totally unreliable... A phone that can't phone lol[/QUOTE
Incorrect. New Samsung fanboy alert
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Click to collapse
I've never had any big problems with either Pixel I've owned (2xl & 3xl). The phone has never been an issue. The main one for me was bluetooth. It cutout on my 2, and on my 3, while that stopped, I had to adjust the codec manually to show the track info in my SUV. However, that is not a big problem for me. It would be for people who don't know how to do such a thing though.
Anyway, I love the pixel line. I would *possibly* jump on an essential phone 2, or maybe something like one plus if they started doing at release updates. Outside of that, nope. Samsung can suck it as far as I'm concerned. I've had four of their phones. The last was an S7 edge. I loved it at first, but, like MANY other people on these boards and that I know personally (not to mention several articles about this), the phone mysteriously slowed down around the next phone launch. Mine was so bad I thought the phone had crapped out. So, I got a warranty replacement. After an update it was the same. Nearly unusable. And you talk about updates, my S7 got the next OS about 7 months after release. There were problems that took 3+ months for Sammy to fix. Sooo, I wouldn't say they're better at that by any means. I guess maybe they could have gotten better?
The pixel 3xl has a Samsung display, and it looks amazing. The camera was the best until the S10 and the P30 (think the last one is right). I'm sure the 4's will destroy that again. I get monthly updates, the phone looks and feels great, and it runs perfectly. Zero lag. Unlike every Samsung I've ever owned. Also, I was on the P beta last year from DP2 on, no problems. This year I'm on the Q beta from DP1, no problems. I think Google does a pretty good job for hardware being one of their less important to them things.
But, to each their own.
gettinwicked said:
I've never had any big problems with either Pixel I've owned (2xl & 3xl). The phone has never been an issue. The main one for me was bluetooth. It cutout on my 2, and on my 3, while that stopped, I had to adjust the codec manually to show the track info in my SUV. However, that is not a big problem for me. It would be for people who don't know how to do such a thing though.
Anyway, I love the pixel line. I would *possibly* jump on an essential phone 2, or maybe something like one plus if they started doing at release updates. Outside of that, nope. Samsung can suck it as far as I'm concerned. I've had four of their phones. The last was an S7 edge. I loved it at first, but, like MANY other people on these boards and that I know personally (not to mention several articles about this), the phone mysteriously slowed down around the next phone launch. Mine was so bad I thought the phone had crapped out. So, I got a warranty replacement. After an update it was the same. Nearly unusable. And you talk about updates, my S7 got the next OS about 7 months after release. There were problems that took 3+ months for Sammy to fix. Sooo, I wouldn't say they're better at that by any means. I guess maybe they could have gotten better?
The pixel 3xl has a Samsung display, and it looks amazing. The camera was the best until the S10 and the P30 (think the last one is right). I'm sure the 4's will destroy that again. I get monthly updates, the phone looks and feels great, and it runs perfectly. Zero lag. Unlike every Samsung I've ever owned. Also, I was on the P beta last year from DP2 on, no problems. This year I'm on the Q beta from DP1, no problems. I think Google does a pretty good job for hardware being one of their less important to them things.
But, to each their own.
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Click to collapse
Amen bro. I couldn't have said it better. I feel the exact same way. Samsung's software is crap and like you say... It"mysteriously slows down the phone" by the time a new one is coming out. At least with the Pixel, this isn't the case so far.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
gettinwicked said:
I've never had any big problems with either Pixel I've owned (2xl & 3xl). The phone has never been an issue. The main one for me was bluetooth. It cutout on my 2, and on my 3, while that stopped, I had to adjust the codec manually to show the track info in my SUV. However, that is not a big problem for me. It would be for people who don't know how to do such a thing though.
Anyway, I love the pixel line. I would *possibly* jump on an essential phone 2, or maybe something like one plus if they started doing at release updates. Outside of that, nope. Samsung can suck it as far as I'm concerned. I've had four of their phones. The last was an S7 edge. I loved it at first, but, like MANY other people on these boards and that I know personally (not to mention several articles about this), the phone mysteriously slowed down around the next phone launch. Mine was so bad I thought the phone had crapped out. So, I got a warranty replacement. After an update it was the same. Nearly unusable. And you talk about updates, my S7 got the next OS about 7 months after release. There were problems that took 3+ months for Sammy to fix. Sooo, I wouldn't say they're better at that by any means. I guess maybe they could have gotten better?
The pixel 3xl has a Samsung display, and it looks amazing. The camera was the best until the S10 and the P30 (think the last one is right). I'm sure the 4's will destroy that again. I get monthly updates, the phone looks and feels great, and it runs perfectly. Zero lag. Unlike every Samsung I've ever owned. Also, I was on the P beta last year from DP2 on, no problems. This year I'm on the Q beta from DP1, no problems. I think Google does a pretty good job for hardware being one of their less important to them things.
But, to each their own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pixel 3 still best image quality mate
I haven't gone back to Samsung since experiencing the s6 and s7 edge. Horrible battery life and both launched buggy as hell. I'm sure it's better now, but, having a locked boot loader would be no fun for me.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
MArtyChubbs said:
I haven't gone back to Samsung since experiencing the s6 and s7 edge. Horrible battery life and both launched buggy as hell. I'm sure it's better now, but, having a locked boot loader would be no fun for me.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forgot about battery life. My S7 edge battery was horrible at first. I would take it off the charger at 6:30-ish, and by 5 or so it was pretty much dead. Seriously, not even 12 hours. I spent some time looking at and tweaking settings, and others did too so we shared what worked. After making a lot of changes I was able to get to about 9 or 10 in the evening before it died. It's pretty bad when a phone gets less than a day of battery life right out of the box, but under 12 or so hours is just sad.
My $0.02 is that most of these guys that jump ship to Samsung or LG or whatever will be wishing they hadn't. Probably come back to a Pixel or One+ or something too even.
I guess i can agree with everyone's a opinion good and bad but it's simple for me why i stay with Google phones just mainly because i want the latest and greatest from Android right from the jump! Lol It's our iPhones but not actually iPhones lol
To not mention that
My nexus 6p the four big cores are turned off to let the system boot. It's the famous bootloop of dead.
My pixel 2xl doesn't charge sometimes, you have to reboot it to let it charge.
The pixel 3xl screen is not half as beautiful as my S10+ screen. The battery sucks on the pixel 3xl too. This phone has serious problems with call that for a piace of technology lime this is really a shame.
To those Fanboy please go to another thread. If you can't understand what I'm saying. Google is just selling unreliable devices (I'd like to remember you when nexus 6p was turning off in cold weather without any warning).
I'm still rocking my pixel 3xl anyway in free time as I had time to compare pics of both phones and damn that pixel is incredible on camera side. Please guys be constructive
There is a 68-70 page thread w/ 600~ posts on the issue tracker #124412355 that applies to the 3 and 3 XL. Multiple people are having issues with phone call quality and Google hasn't responded or given any indication they're trying to come up with a solution. Some have resolved it with guitartuna after giving it microphone permissions and now people can hear them on phone calls w/o cutting out. Others turn off advanced calling features in areas with poor signal and that does the trick for them. The 3 and 3XL both are a train wreck for the price Google is asking. But despite the issues and the questionable design it's one of the best stocking offerings at this time.
Balino said:
To not mention that
My nexus 6p the four big cores are turned off to let the system boot. It's the famous bootloop of dead.
My pixel 2xl doesn't charge sometimes, you have to reboot it to let it charge.
The pixel 3xl screen is not half as beautiful as my S10+ screen. The battery sucks on the pixel 3xl too. This phone has serious problems with call that for a piace of technology lime this is really a shame.
To those Fanboy please go to another thread. If you can't understand what I'm saying. Google is just selling unreliable devices (I'd like to remember you when nexus 6p was turning off in cold weather without any warning).
I'm still rocking my pixel 3xl anyway in free time as I had time to compare pics of both phones and damn that pixel is incredible on camera side. Please guys be constructive
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who are you to send people to another thread? "Unreliable devices"??? You've got to be kidding. You are a Samsung fan boy who selectively forgets things. Let's take a little trip down memory lane. Perhaps you need to be reminded of the exploding Note7 fiasco????? Talk about unreliable and dangerous! A phone that explodes in your pocket. My Note 4 became useless after it's last update. It would not even boot unless you would freeze it in the freezer. There are tons of pages explaining that problem also on XDA. Both my S7 edge and my Note 8 are also practicality unusable and collecting dust due to how slow they mysteriously got after updates. My Note 8 would freeze every time I took a picture also and if its battery reached zero it would brick the phone. Look at forums exchanging this problem. My S9+ had endless display issues and leaked light through it's side. Samsung's latest scandal is the new Fold $2000 phone cracking screen and stopping working after only a few days. Please let's be real! Samsung has had more crappy phones that malfunctioned than any other company. Their software sucks too and it's filled with bloatware. Phones are pieces of technology that regardless who makes them can work incorrectly. You are blinded by your preference to Samsung phones and are extremely biased towards them in your comments. Good luck with your bootloader- locked down and unrootable Samsung phone which will take 7-8 months to be updated to new OS releases. It won't save you from an unreliable phone and it's certainly far from perfection.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
You sure spent a lot of money on those crappy Samsung phones.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
pkelly517 said:
You sure spent a lot of money on those crappy Samsung phones.
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Click to collapse
Paid less for the S10+ than for my 3xl if you want to know, nearly 200€.
For the other Samsung phones I don't know and I don't care anyway, I had a Google device during that time :good:
After the Pixel 3xl experience, I'm tired of stock Android and Google in general. I'm not saying That Google is bad Samsung is good. I'm just saying that the S10+ is better than 3xl in anyway except the camera maybe... You're right maybe I'll choose 1+ after that
Jiggs82 said:
I guess i can agree with everyone's a opinion good and bad but it's simple for me why i stay with Google phones just mainly because i want the latest and greatest from Android right from the jump! Lol It's our iPhones but not actually iPhones lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to be fair
pixel phones hardly give us latest and greatest, they are roughly released 5 months after the competition, and our 3 is abysmal with 4GB ram when others are offering 6GB for a base and 12GB for a pro variant just to name one drawback
virtyx said:
to be fair
pixel phones hardly give us latest and greatest, they are roughly released 5 months after the competition, and our 3 is abysmal with 4GB ram when others are offering 6GB for a base and 12GB for a pro variant just to name one drawback
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Click to collapse
12gb are completely useless and waste of money on that. 6gb max are enough. Proper memory management and you're good to go.
4gb are even enough , but google failed the memory management on it slightly (look at essential and HTC u11, 4gb RAM but management is like a beast).
Sent from my Google Pixel 3 XL using XDA Labs
DeeZZ_NuuZZ said:
12gb are completely useless and waste of money on that. 6gb max are enough. Proper memory management and you're good to go.
4gb are even enough , but google failed the memory management on it slightly (look at essential and HTC u11, 4gb RAM but management is like a beast).
Sent from my Google Pixel 3 XL using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree
I have a op6t and I can leave a tons of apps open without redraws
Ultimately that's what we want.
And more ram = More opened apps in memory
I have the 8gb variant and constantly find myself using 6-7GB ram
Balino said:
At least on Samsung phone you don't get buggy software at launch. Pixel became the testing device for new Google operating system and I can't live with this anymore. If you just recently switched to Pixel line bro wait a bit and you'll get burned by Google. The history of problems is long on nexus/Pixel devices. Don't get me wrong, still using pixel 3xl sometimes mostly to take pics, I just dismissed it as phone for work. It's totally unreliable... A phone that can't phone lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A bit dramatic with this response here. I have had the Nexus and Pixel series and the biggest misconception is that of unreliability on Google phones. Google phones are just as equally unreliable and reliable as others phones. I have the Pixel 3xl and with due respect that is a great piece work. It has it's quirks, yes I agree, like the big notch and the chin which could be smaller but I can assure you this is a premium device. No wonder it scores on top on many aspects. Let's speak objectively.....put emotions aside!

Pixel 3/3XL Owners: Overall thoughts? What will be your next phone and why?

Hey all Pixel 3/3XL owners (and even those who don't own these devices but have kept up with the Pixel lineup of devices),
I'm just looking to gather some thoughts on what you guys thought about the Pixel 3/3XL phones overall and how they stacked up against your previous phones. I'm also looking to see what you guys think of the seemingly controversial Pixel 4 lineup of devices and lastly, what you now think of the Pixel phone brand in general.
Also, what do you think will be your next phone?
And just for clarification, I'm looking for opinions because I'll soon be in the market for a new phone, and to be honest, I've been a little disappointed with the Pixel lineup as of late because I feel that they've been taking the classic "Apple" approach. Of course, this is just my opinion, but I just feel like there have been fewer meaningful (to me) improvements with each recent Pixel iteration.
With that said, I'm currently thinking about moving to the Note 20 when it releases but usually have a very hard time making up my mind, lol. Hence this post!
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
5a. Battery and camera I'm not a power user so... I'll have to sell my pixel stand I guess.
Pixel 3 XL was my last Google phone. Started with the Galaxy Nexus and have had every one up to the 3 XL.
Moved to the Note 10+ back in October which I hate. Just went to the OnePlus 8 Pro two weeks ago and I love it. In my opinion (which doesn't mean much) OnePlus phones are the spiritual successor to the Nexus line.
Sent from my IN2025 using Tapatalk
I'm thinking OnePlus as well, but the prices in Canada are insane. Thinking I might look for a used one since they sell pretty low.
rmiles7721 said:
Pixel 3 XL was my last Google phone. Started with the Galaxy Nexus and have had every one up to the 3 XL.
Moved to the Note 10+ back in October which I hate. Just went to the OnePlus 8 Pro two weeks ago and I love it. In my opinion (which doesn't mean much) OnePlus phones are the spiritual successor to the Nexus line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root? I'm addicted to Viper4Android so it's a must for me.
Sent from my crosshatch using XDA Labs
ffchampmt said:
Root? I'm addicted to Viper4Android so it's a must for me.
Sent from my crosshatch using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. This is the first phone I've rooted since the Nexus 6.
Sent from my IN2025 using Tapatalk
I need dual speakers. That's my must have....and root obviously. I know there are some gaming phones on the market with stereo speakers, but not on Verizon. Also some other phones are starting to use the earpiece and bottom speaker for stereo but the Pixel 2xl and 3xl and the Moto X Pure I had prior, all had front facing speakers. I briefly had the s8+, and although I could root it and it was a beautiful phone the speaker drove me nuts. Anyway, I'm gonna wait for what the 5 has to offer and decide where to go from there. I'll pull the trigger on something new at that time though, or shortly after.
rmiles7721 said:
Moved to the Note 10+ back in October which I hate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why'd you hate it (if you don't mind me asking) ?
My one annoyance with the Note lineup is that I'd have to get the unlocked, Exynos version for root...and I feel that the Exynos chips are a large value hit considering their generally crummy performance relative to their Qualcomm counterparts. Now I'm no mobile gamer, and so that doesn't bother me too much. But the previous Samsung phones have had poorer battery life with the Exynos chips, which is the biggest caveat for me.
NippleSauce said:
Why'd you hate it (if you don't mind me asking) ?
My one annoyance with the Note lineup is that I'd have to get the unlocked, Exynos version for root...and I feel that the Exynos chips are a large value hit considering their generally crummy performance relative to their Qualcomm counterparts. Now I'm no mobile gamer, and so that doesn't bother me too much. But the previous Samsung phones have had poorer battery life with the Exynos chips, which is the biggest caveat for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bloat (fixable using adb and/or PDP.) I'm used to mostly stock Google apps. Hiding them rather than freezing doesn't make sense to me since they are still taking up resources.
When using Google Pay on any other phone I've had I can unlock it with the pin or fingerprint and then just tap and pay. With the Note 10 I had to unlock, tap, unlock again. Faster to just use my card, which is what I ended up doing.
I prefer a mostly stock Android version. Also prefer fast updates.
No root (unlocked US version) so the minor annoyances were unfixable.
Overall the Note 10+ is a fantastic phone. Nice and fast. Just for me the small things add up. I also briefly used the Note 3 and didn't really like it that much either.
Sent from my IN2025 using Tapatalk
i sold my pixel 3xl months ago. got myself oneplus 8 pro and s20+. at the end i put my oneplus 8 pro at the side. i enjoy s20+ more. its not bloated like what most people claim.
I have the 3XL and this will be my last Google device. Since they went to bed with Big Red everything has changed. Bugs, poor battery life, and just poor quality of late has turned me off. Tie that to less than even lack luster support and I'm done.
Pixel 3 XL, Yep, Crashed It.....
..... Again.
Probably the Pixel 3 XL will be my last Google Phone. I use Nexus/Pixel since the Nexus 4, but Pixel 4 is a total disgrace. An ugly, old fashioned and expensive phone. The camera did not fascinate me like in Pixel 3 XL. Average/poor battery life. Now to complete the mess, the master mind behind the pixel's cameras, Marc Levoy quits from Google before the Pixel 4a launch. The media said that Pixel 5 will not going to be a flagship, a huge step back. I like the Google phones because it shows how the Android supposed to be, but i can't accept use a mid range phone in 2020/2021. Maybe I will change to Oneplus, but, I hate that stupid curved display. Probably will buy the Iphone 12 Pro. Iphone 11 é very nice deal. Huge battery life, awesome specs, a very nice camera AND CHEAPER then pixel 4 at their launch. It's still a very good deal until today. It's time to give Apple a chance since my last Iphone 4. For me to stay in Google Phones, Pixel 5 must be a thing that I never seen before in a smartphone.
I wish luck to all who will stay with the Pixel line. Google did a pretty big mess with it.
Because of the safetynet issue with root & xposed + the crappy wearos watches I'll probably switch to iPhone, the dark side with jailbreak it's the best imho
I'm most likely going to get a red magic 5g gaming phone, I like my pixel 3 xl but it's time for a change because of the lack of rom support and the a/b ****
My next phone will have an unlockable bootloader and will have Open Network function on Verizon. I will not use android without adblocking, or with gapps.
(I completed 7 recaptchas in 38 clicks to submit this response. FUn)
nay_ said:
My next phone will have an unlockable bootloader and will have Open Network function on Verizon. I will not use android without adblocking, or with gapps.
(I completed 7 recaptchas in 38 clicks to submit this response. FUn)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wanted the pixel 4, but the lack of fingerprint sensor was a little bummer for me, plus google photos "Limited" quality... the Pixel 5 might be for me but seems there will be only pixel 4a which sucks, has a "middle range" snapdragon, not sure how it's comparable with pixel 3xl tho. I really like stock Android but let's see...
Never buying a Google phone again, camera is the best no doubt but battery and gaming performance sucks, heating issues and visible throttling due to heating. Probably gonna buy OnePlus 8
The Pixel 3XL will, more than likely, be my last Google phone. I finally pulled my wife away from Apple's ecosystem and convinced her to give Android a try. So, we both got Pixel 3XLs when it came out nearly two years ago. Since then, I have been less than impressed with this phone. Personally, I've been with the Nexus/Pixel line since the Nexus 4. The 3XL has been a big disappointment to me, and my wife ,who reluctantly gave Android a shot.
Here has been our mutual experience.
Terrible battery life.
Roll-of-the-dice security patches. (Will my battery life get better or worse with this one?)
Terrible RAM management. (News and music playing in the background? "Pick one or the other", says the Pixel.
Great Camera, no doubt.
Google: "You like that app? Well, we're shutting it down"
This truly felt like a beta phone for a flagship price. I wish I would have put my money elsewhere, because as a stock Android lover, this was disappointing.
My wife will more than likely want to jump over to iPhone again, and you know what, I don't blame her. For me at least, it seemed like Google just rushed a phone out for the sake of being competitive.
Yeah, I've had some positive experiences to say about it. The camera was and is absolutely fantastic. The fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate 99% of the time, and the speakers are loud enough for me. As for a daily driver? I would have looked elsewhere If I had known.
I have been a hardcore Google phone user since the Galaxy Nexus, but after the 3 XL I think I am going to jump ship. Google phones have awesome software, but the hardware is years behind the competition. I plan to keep using my 3 XL until the OnePlus 9T Pro is released next fall, then it's sayonara Google devices! OnePlus phones catch my eye because they have excellent hardware and are easily hackable, exactly what I'm looking for in a phone.
I will probably get the 5 XL. It follows my new phone every 2 years pattern.

My .02 cents

I absolutely love my white Pixel 4 XL, only phone in the last 5 plus years that I've continued to use as my DD for more than 6 months or so. I got the phone right after launch so it's been with me for more than a year now. With that being said I am disappointed Google didn't launch a P5 XL that was more of a true flagship in specs/materials. In looking at the new Samsung S line, if Google would have released an S21+ type device as their XL flagship I think it would have been fantastic. Build quality, processor, storage, all for right around $1k (I paid $900 for my Pixel) to me would be a perfect package of hardware and specs with the software I just love using. On a side note, I LOVE face unlock, I can get to my home screen without interacting with the screen, hope future Pixels add this back in, I don't even see the forehead anymore, of course ymmv.
Birdsfan said:
I absolutely love my white Pixel 4 XL, only phone in the last 5 plus years that I've continued to use as my DD for more than 6 months or so. I got the phone right after launch so it's been with me for more than a year now. With that being said I am disappointed Google didn't launch a P5 XL that was more of a true flagship in specs/materials. In looking at the new Samsung S line, if Google would have released an S21+ type device as their XL flagship I think it would have been fantastic. Build quality, processor, storage, all for right around $1k (I paid $900 for my Pixel) to me would be a perfect package of hardware and specs with the software I just love using. On a side note, I LOVE face unlock, I can get to my home screen without interacting with the screen, hope future Pixels add this back in, I don't even see the forehead anymore, of course ymmv.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They were going for bang for buck rather than ultra flagship. Going from a Pixel 4 to a Pixel 5 wouldn't have made any sense for the most part. I think the Pixel 6, even if it's bang for buck again, is still going to be a good upgrade. I'm like 99% sure I'll still be Team Pixel.
I've stuck with Google phones, Pixel, Nexus, etc with a side-dash to Samsung here and there - mostly the Notes (with one disastrous and short-lived ASUS phone), but I despise Samsung. And unless the next Pixel is a true flagship, it might be time to start looking at other devices.
HipKat said:
I've stuck with Google phones, Pixel, Nexus, etc with a side-dash to Samsung here and there - mostly the Notes (with one disastrous and short-lived ASUS phone), but I despise Samsung. And unless the next Pixel is a true flagship, it might be time to start looking at other devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah for the price, the regular S21 is really nice. The S22 could be worth skipping a Pixel 6 now.
EeZeEpEe said:
They were going for bang for buck rather than ultra flagship. Going from a Pixel 4 to a Pixel 5 wouldn't have made any sense for the most part. I think the Pixel 6, even if it's bang for buck again, is still going to be a good upgrade. I'm like 99% sure I'll still be Team Pixel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in the same boat. I have been looking at the Pixel 6 leaked stuff and I am looking forward to its release.
all I want is face unlock... is the 6 doesn't bring it back...I don't know.. it might be on my first iphone
If Google doesn't release a 6 pro/flagship xl this year, I'm out.. I need a bigger phone and I also want the top specs. If they DO, I would like face unlock back as well as Soli. I hate that they try something then ditch it right away. They need to stick to a plan and move forward.
I would HATE to not have day one updates as well as beta's and day one OS releases, but I may be out this year. I'm thinking either One+ 9 pro, or wait for the S22. I can always come back whenever they release a phone I want again.
Man, that OnePlus 9 pro though! It's very tempting. Definitely going to wait for now though.
gettinwicked said:
Man, that OnePlus 9 pro though! It's very tempting. Definitely going to wait for now though.
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Click to collapse
There's nothing that should be tempting about the OnePlus 9 at all. Even the camera is average at best.
I do totally agree with your previous statement tho about Google needing to release a high end phone this time. There's still plenty of people that will buy it including myself. But the 4a and 5 are a joke to me. I want the bigger screen, better processor and I'm willing to pay. Don't care as much about face unlock now in this world with everyone being forced to wear masks all the time. Face unlock doesn't work now.
I can't stand Samsung or any other device that doesn't run vanilla Android. Stock Pixel I can use and OOS on my OnePlus 6t is alright but I prefer stock Android on my 4xl much more. For me, living in the USA, there is but two choices when it comes to Android phone's and mine are Pixel or OnePlus. I have a 6t and a 4xl now and I prefer my 4xl. That being said I believe if myself or any one of you guys/gals were leader of Googles Pixel development team and designed the next model, I think we'd do it more justice. I believe the "a" models were a good idea. Maybe make a mid-range model for 600 or so and still have a top tier flagship model and go after the top.. At any rate I still love my Pixel 4 XL!! I picked a 64gb factory unlocked model near mint for 250 a few weeks ago online! I never used the fingerprint security option much on my OnePlus 6t so not missing that but it was rather cool but never worked quite as well as it did on stock OOS on custom AOSP roms. I've had many devices since Android began starting with the HTC G1! I've had many Samsung phones and others over the years and nothing has ran AOSP and Lineage custom roms as well as my Nexus and now Pixel phone's have! I did have a Xiaomi Mi Mix2 that also was a custom rom beast but my other phone's and I've had many, they just don't seem to work all that great using custom roms that aren't stock based and unless it's a Pixel and uses a pure vanilla style Android than I've never been too happy with it. That's my opinion. Samsung makes some amazing devices but I'd never swap my Pixel for anything they have. If I don't install it, it's not on my Android device. I love the option we have tks to topjohnwu and chainfire before him and all others who've made root possible so we can have the ability to debloat our devices and have full control over them to do as well please. God bless the developers!! There are MANY!!!! Long live open source and long live Android and magisk!!

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