Related
Not sure if this is the correct place to post, apologies in advance.
I was initially interested in getting the Pixel 3a. However, I see that now the Pixel 3 has a 250$ off, bringing the cost of the device down to.
In Canada, the Pixel 3 is now: $750 (this includes the $250 discount), and the Pixel 3a is $550.
I don't play games on my phone. I just can't get myself to do so when I have a Switch and PC at home.
Storage space of 64GB is actually plenty for me. I don't even close to 32GB on my current phone, due to having a NAS at home which pictures are transferred there, and the use of cloud storage. A good rear camera is the most important feature on a phone, hence why I am looking at the Pixel 3 series phone. Beside that I think I am a light user.
I really don't care about the front camera, however wireless charging seems nice to have (although I was looking into getting this, if I where to get the Pixel 3a: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Qi-...Mode-Wireless-QC3-0/33025054236.html?spm=2114 Of course, I prefer it to be integrated into the device, but is a workaround I am willing to do for the lower price (that said that will cost me ~$23.50 Canadian with shipping, bringing the cost of both device closer)
However, I heard that the Pixel 3 has performance issues that the 3a doesn't have, not sure if this was solved or not, or affected some special case? Are these performance issues (assuming not fixed) are they resolved by doing a phone reboot?
Is the gain in performance, build quality, waterproof (not sure I actually care) worth the premium?
Thanks
I was leaning towards the Pixel 3a myself before it had been officially announced, but when I saw the Pixel 3 was on sale at 50% off through Google Fi back in April I decided to pull the trigger on the Pixel 3. The Pixel 3 was just not worth it to me without a significant discount. My biggest complaint with my Pixel 3 is battery life. Also wish it had a headphone jack. I haven't noticed any performance issues while I've had it. I am happy with the phone and am glad I have 128GB of storage instead of 64GB. 64GB was not going to be enough for me.
I think in your case the Pixel 3a would be a better option. You don't need more than the 64GB of storage and the other features aren't really needed or really desired. Wireless charging isn't that big of a deal for me and you have like two options for wireless chargers that support 10w charging for the Pixel 3 due to Google using some proprietary way of wirelessly charging the Pixel 3. The processor in the Pixel 3a should be more than adequate (I think any Snapdragon 600 series of processor should provide decent performance).
I have both phones at home. Never once experienced any performance issues with the Pixel 3, and it's an absolutely great phone. All I can say about which one to choose is:
Do you need any of this:
- Wireless Charging
- Wideangle selfie camera
- Glass housing
- Slight performance increase
If you say yes to any of the points above, get the Pixel 3. Otherwise, get the 3a. The 3a has the same awesome stock Android experience, the same amazing back camera, a sort-of premium feel (they have done a great job with the plastic housing), great battery life, and according to Google, half a year longer support.
Well seems I'll be posting the first post here. Planning to get the P4A at release to upgrade my pixel 2xl.
Debating whether to get the 4 or the 4a, but the better battery life, dual SIM support are better for me than the soli radar crap.
Following, in the same boat, Pixel 2xl camera crashed and unusable for a month now. Phone becoming so slow.
frontier02 said:
Following, in the same boat, Pixel 2xl camera crashed and unusable for a month now. Phone becoming so slow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sucks to hear about your camera crashing man. Roll back to Android 9 and it should work, at least that's what I read about that issue. Seems that some hardware drivers got messed up while upgrading from 9 to 10, which is whats causing the crash for the camera in ur case and various other hardware issues with other users. I don't know if it would fix it, worth the shot. Make sure u flash the full factory image, and to make it brand new don't take out the -w and wipe ur device completely clean.
If it does work try to upgrade to 10 by flashing the full factory image.
Will008 said:
sucks to hear about your camera crashing man. Roll back to Android 9 and it should work, at least that's what I read about that issue. Seems that some hardware drivers got messed up while upgrading from 9 to 10, which is whats causing the crash for the camera in ur case and various other hardware issues with other users. I don't know if it would fix it, worth the shot. Make sure u flash the full factory image, and to make it brand new don't take out the -w and wipe ur device completely clean.
If it does work try to upgrade to 10 by flashing the full factory image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would try that but then I would be locked out of my work computer. Have to have camera to scan code. But definitely will try that after I decide on which phone to upgrade to. Twice after this post my phone quit responding to touches and had to reboot it to work.
Will008 said:
Well seems I'll be posting the first post here. Planning to get the P4A at release to upgrade my pixel 2xl.
Debating whether to get the 4 or the 4a, but the better battery life, dual SIM support are better for me than the soli radar crap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the same boat here. I have the 2XL and though I'd love to keep this phone forever, it's starting to experience its fair share of issues. I'm waiting for the 4A. A few of my friends have the 4 and from their experience, Soli hasn't been worth it. Lots of complaints about missing the fingerprint scanner. Besides, not many Android apps support Face ID.
Unlikely the 4A will have an IP68 (or any) rating but that seems like the only downfall of the device. I'm excited to keep my fingerprint reader, dual SIM, and regain a headphone jack.
astro_stark said:
In the same boat here. I have the 2XL and though I'd love to keep this phone forever, it's starting to experience its fair share of issues. I'm waiting for the 4A. A few of my friends have the 4 and from their experience, Soli hasn't been worth it. Lots of complaints about missing the fingerprint scanner. Besides, not many Android apps support Face ID.
Unlikely the 4A will have an IP68 (or any) rating but that seems like the only downfall of the device. I'm excited to keep my fingerprint reader, dual SIM, and regain a headphone jack.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is not much price difference with the current discounts that's why I'm torn.
Pixel 4xl
Pros: better soc, better screen, marginally better camera, IP68
Cons: battery life
Pixel 4a
Pros: battery life, dual SIM
Cons: mid-range SOC, marginally worse camera, smaller screen, no IP rating.
As far as the SOC goes, the 730 soc processor should be the same performance as the pixel 3XL in apps which is fine, but will be like the 2xl in games due to the much worse GPU. Should be a whole lot more efficient on battery though. I don't play much games but I hate stutters and lags. Carrying more than 1 phone is also a pain in my a**. I really hope it performs well with no stutters.
Will008 said:
There is not much price difference with the current discounts that's why I'm torn.
Pixel 4xl
Pros: better soc, better screen, marginally better camera, IP68
Cons: battery life
Pixel 4a
Pros: battery life, dual SIM
Cons: mid-range SOC, marginally worse camera, smaller screen, no IP rating.
As far as the SOC goes, the 730 soc processor should be the same performance as the pixel 3XL in apps which is fine, but will be like the 2xl in games due to the much worse GPU. Should be a whole lot more efficient on battery though. I don't play much games but I hate stutters and lags. Carrying more than 1 phone is also a pain in my a**. I really hope it performs well with no stutters.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently upgraded to the 3a xl from the 2 xl. I love it. My wife had the original pixel xl so it was time to upggrade again. I was going to wait for the 4axl since i love the 3a so much. But as was said with the price drop I decided to get the 4xl. The main reason being I had my 3a for 3 days and accidently dropped it in water now I had flagship phones for a long time so i wasnt worried till i realized this phone is not ip rated. so i had to warrenty exchange it after only 3 days. So now my wife has 3a and I have 4. I have to say despite all the reviews the battery life on the 4xl is great. It is certianly on par with all the other pixel xl models I have had. And the only one i did not have was the 3xl. Now the 3axl is a different story that phone has legendary battery life because of its upper mid range processer. But My advice is if you need ip rated phone go for the 4xl. The smaller 4 is where the batttery really becomes an issue from what I have read and I read alot as you can see I am a big google fan had every phone starting with the n6p. oh and back in the day I had a galaxy nexus because I was a samsung fan before that.
mojorisin7178 said:
I recently upgraded to the 3a xl from the 2 xl. I love it. My wife had the original pixel xl so it was time to upggrade again. I was going to wait for the 4axl since i love the 3a so much. But as was said with the price drop I decided to get the 4xl. The main reason being I had my 3a for 3 days and accidently dropped it in water now I had flagship phones for a long time so i wasnt worried till i realized this phone is not ip rated. so i had to warrenty exchange it after only 3 days. So now my wife has 3a and I have 4. I have to say despite all the reviews the battery life on the 4xl is great. It is certianly on par with all the other pixel xl models I have had. And the only one i did not have was the 3xl. Now the 3axl is a different story that phone has legendary battery life because of its upper mid range processer. But My advice is if you need ip rated phone go for the 4xl. The smaller 4 is where the batttery really becomes an issue from what I have read and I read alot as you can see I am a big google fan had every phone starting with the n6p. oh and back in the day I had a galaxy nexus because I was a samsung fan before that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's is my issue, I want the IP rating but I also want the power efficient processor and the dual SIM. I guess I'll decide when it's fully revealed. Glad to see a Google fan, I still own and use every Nexus device from the Galaxy Nexus onward. The Nexus 6p is my all time favorite phone. I would still use it as a main phone if it's processor can be upgraded and get the battery replaced. Cheers buddy.
I've had all the Pixels, liked them all. I traded my P4XL in on an S20+. As before, I'm done with the Galaxy & ready to go back to my Pixel. The 4a looks good to me. A couple compromises but every phone has that. The price though. I've spent 2 and 3 times that for phones. This has to be the most popular Pixel ever. The only downside is the economic disaster at hand. Priorities have changed for a lot of people.
Will008 said:
That's is my issue, I want the IP rating but I also want the power efficient processor and the dual SIM. I guess I'll decide when it's fully revealed. Glad to see a Google fan, I still own and use every Nexus device from the Galaxy Nexus onward. The Nexus 6p is my all time favorite phone. I would still use it as a main phone if it's processor can be upgraded and get the battery replaced. Cheers buddy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The battery life on my 4xl is still really good and you can turn off the motion sence and the 90hz screen if it really is an issue. And I only charge my phone to 80 only 100 if I am going to be away from a chargers for more than a day and how often does that happen. Also o don't know what carrier you have but I'm on fi and I use esim. I could be wrong but I think o could pop a physical sim in and have dual SIM 1 physical and one esim. And my Nexus 6p was my favorite phone for a long time I did not have any issues with it until the end right before I got my pixel XL. The battery started getting crappy. My poor wife always gets my hand me down phones and she was stuck with it for a while till I got my.pixel 2xl. I even put a new battery in it and it worked ok for.a while and died within 7 months. That phone hadaa great start in life and a hard fall from Grace.
dmb219 said:
I've had all the Pixels, liked them all. I traded my P4XL in on an S20+. As before, I'm done with the Galaxy & ready to go back to my Pixel. The 4a looks good to me. A couple compromises but every phone has that. The price though. I've spent 2 and 3 times that for phones. This has to be the most popular Pixel ever. The only downside is the economic disaster at hand. Priorities have changed for a lot of people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing about Samsung is their hardware is untouchable when it comes to quality. For example the wifi radio it 5 times better than in other phones of the same price. But that software man. I just cant do it. It is a shame the phone has 8 gigs of ram and 7 of it is taken up by system/bloatware. ( and yes 7 gigs is an exaggeration but you get the point) when my friend got the s10 i thought about it because they say the new ui is not like touchwiz but i ran some tests on his brand new s10 and compared them to my pixel 2xl and yeah the s10 had some great features that at the time you could not get with any pixel but I gotta say my 2xl was almost as snappy as his s10 and it all came down to memory management and system resources being used by the s10. Both stock phones no root or anything. Yeah the s10 was a bit faster but the 2xl held up with its 4 gigs of ram and 835 snapdragon against 8gigs of ram and snapdragon 855 in the s10. Its all about knowing the os and how to use it. And google is the undefeated master of both. and dont say well google made android that is only partially true I put this in another post google made android alongside the great devs here at xda its their commits that google uses for pixel features and google watches whats going on here and what people are doing with android and they incorporate it into aosp and then onto pixel. anyway if your like the rest of us and strapped for cash right now you cant go wrong with the 4a. 4xl is still on sale and for that price its a good deal i think I grabbed mine up before things got really rough. Either way you will have a good snappy phone that takes great pics and never bogs down. Stay safe my friends.
mojorisin7178 said:
The only thing about Samsung is their hardware is untouchable when it comes to quality. For example the wifi radio it 5 times better than in other phones of the same price. But that software man. I just cant do it. It is a shame the phone has 8 gigs of ram and 7 of it is taken up by system/bloatware. ( and yes 7 gigs is an exaggeration but you get the point) when my friend got the s10 i thought about it because they say the new ui is not like touchwiz but i ran some tests on his brand new s10 and compared them to my pixel 2xl and yeah the s10 had some great features that at the time you could not get with any pixel but I gotta say my 2xl was almost as snappy as his s10 and it all came down to memory management and system resources being used by the s10. Both stock phones no root or anything. Yeah the s10 was a bit faster but the 2xl held up with its 4 gigs of ram and 835 snapdragon against 8gigs of ram and snapdragon 855 in the s10. Its all about knowing the os and how to use it. And google is the undefeated master of both. and dont say well google made android that is only partially true I put this in another post google made android alongside the great devs here at xda its their commits that google uses for pixel features and google watches whats going on here and what people are doing with android and they incorporate it into aosp and then onto pixel. anyway if your like the rest of us and strapped for cash right now you cant go wrong with the 4a. 4xl is still on sale and for that price its a good deal i think I grabbed mine up before things got really rough. Either way you will have a good snappy phone that takes great pics and never bogs down. Stay safe my friends.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can do with Samsung's crappy software compared to Google's stock Android, but the camera is awful man. Samsung's hardware quality is on par with iPhones but the camera still sucks even with their ultra phone.
Now that apple has got their **** together and I can say pictures are marginally better on iPhones now plus the iphone's video capabilities are untouchable.
Samsung has got to step up their camera game with software and drop the hardware approach on the matter.
Will008 said:
I can do with Samsung's crappy software compared to Google's stock Android, but the camera is awful man. Samsung's hardware quality is on par with iPhones but the camera still sucks even with their ultra phone.
Now that apple has got their **** together and I can say pictures are marginally better on iPhones now plus the iphone's video capabilities are untouchable.
Samsung has got to step up their camera game with software and drop the hardware approach on the matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with the fact that Samsung needs to try a little harder. Maybe less one ui bull crap and a little more camera optimizations
Hi all, I want to take you my experience. My daily driver for the last 3 years is a OnePlus 5. I'm very satisfied about it's performance, but I really don't like the camera and the videos. And now OnePlus prices are so unaffordable to take a new one. So, I decided to switch to the P4A hoping battery and camera will me easily forget my OP5
mattoa said:
Hi all, I want to take you my experience. My daily driver for the last 3 years is a OnePlus 5. I'm very satisfied about it's performance, but I really don't like the camera and the videos. And now OnePlus prices are so unaffordable to take a new one. So, I decided to switch to the P4A hoping battery and camera will me easily forget my OP5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I almost got a OnePlus myself, have you tried the gcam mod for the OnePlus?
https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/p/gcam-oneplus-5-5t/
Currently using Verizon Google Pixel 2 XL
Retired: Verizon Motorola Moto Z2 Play
Retired: Verizon LG G4, Model: LG-VS986
Retired: Motorola DROID RAZR HD, Model: XT926
Oh yes I tried, but it works better with rooted devices and I don't want to root mine now. If you have some version that works without root too I will download it immediately :laugh:
mattoa said:
Oh yes I tried, but it works better with rooted devices and I don't want to root mine now. If you have some version that works without root too I will download it immediately :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a oneplus 6 when it came out. Gcam was very buggy, couldn't depend on it much. Still using my pixel 2xl, best pixel phone the every made to date.
mattoa said:
Oh yes I tried, but it works better with rooted devices and I don't want to root mine now. If you have some version that works without root too I will download it immediately [emoji23]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try this one, hopefully all goes smoothly after install.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-5t/themes/app-arnova8g2s-google-camera-port-t3731001
Currently using Verizon Google Pixel 2 XL
Retired: Verizon Motorola Moto Z2 Play
Retired: Verizon LG G4, Model: LG-VS986
Retired: Motorola DROID RAZR HD, Model: XT926
---------- Post added at 02:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:40 AM ----------
Will008 said:
I had a oneplus 6 when it came out. Gcam was very buggy, couldn't depend on it much. Still using my pixel 2xl, best pixel phone the every made to date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No doubt about that, they say even better than the Pixel 3 and 3XL.
Currently using Verizon Google Pixel 2 XL
Retired: Verizon Motorola Moto Z2 Play
Retired: Verizon LG G4, Model: LG-VS986
Retired: Motorola DROID RAZR HD, Model: XT926
If someone can help me. With the leaks I think we pretty much now what to expect from the Pixel 4a.
I have a dilemma though. The Pixel 4A is expected to release at the €400 price in a few weeks. But I can also get the Poco F2 Pro for €450. The issue I have is that looking at the specs and videos available, the F2 PRO has a lot better specs on paper. Larger battery life, HDR10+, big screen Snapdragon 865 so its 5G enabled (in case I ever need it).
I've been running Lineage OS in my very old Oneplus One. And back in the day I had the Nexus One. I would love to get the latest Google updates and I'm missing out on the latest assistant of course.
So I know many of you have been running Pixel phones and are looking at the Pixel 4A.
My question is. Is it really worth it going for a lower specs phone like the Pixel 4A over a phone like the Poco F2 PRO? And if so. Why?
Couldn't II get the same Google experience on the Poco F2 PRO later on by installing a custom ROM?
Thans for your help.
Cometer said:
If someone can help me. With the leaks I think we pretty much now what to expect from the Pixel 4a.
I have a dilemma though. The Pixel 4A is expected to release at the €400 price in a few weeks. But I can also get the Poco F2 Pro for €450. The issue I have is that looking at the specs and videos available, the F2 PRO has a lot better specs on paper. Larger battery life, HDR10+, big screen Snapdragon 865 so its 5G enabled (in case I ever need it).
I've been running Lineage OS in my very old Oneplus One. And back in the day I had the Nexus One. I would love to get the latest Google updates and I'm missing out on the latest assistant of course.
So I know many of you have been running Pixel phones and are looking at the Pixel 4A.
My question is. Is it really worth it going for a lower specs phone like the Pixel 4A over a phone like the Poco F2 PRO? And if so. Why?
Couldn't II get the same Google experience on the Poco F2 PRO later on by installing a custom ROM?
Thans for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My 2 cents after using all the Nexus and pixel phones up to the 2xl. Haven't upgraded since cause the 3XL and 4XL have sub par battery performance, more on the 3XL than the 4XL though.
The only reason I can not bare to use another phone is the camera. I was spoiled with the photo quality of the Nexus 6p which is still better than a lot of 2020 flagship phones camera performance. I upgraded to the OnePlus 6 from the Nexus 6p which was an amazing phone at the time, but after two months I switch to the pixel 2xl solely because of the photo quality from the cameras. Google camera ports are never reliable, you should not buy a phone thinking you will use it full time cause u won't be able to.
Pixel phones lack support except in the US. Always plagued with hardware issues and it's a lottery if you get a device without the issues. Since I don't live in the US it's a pain in the ass to even get a case or a screen protector and I have to pay for international shipping. I couldn't even file the Nexus 6p class action lawsuit claim cause I don't live in the US. God forbid if I break the screen or anything happens, I'm completely on my own. Honestly I'm kind of fed up with Google and their crap. I'm one of their most loyal customers but they do not care about their customer base while they just want to grow pixel sales, which is contradictive.
Also there is the news of Marc Levoy leaving Google after he basically put them on the map, cause imo if the pixel phones had the same camera as other phones it wouldn't have sold more than a few hundred phones ever year. This news comes with a lot of concern, imo the camera quality didn't improve much in the last 4 years (Nexus 6p). Phones from the Nexus 6p are very comparable to photos from the pixel 3XL. Very slight improvements every year, while apple just closed the gap this year with the iPhone 11.
With the discounts of the 4XL only real difference is
1- get a mid range phone with good battery life and possibly no hardware issues cause they are not trying to reinvent the wheel with this one, like they do with the pixel line.
2- get the flagship pixel 4XL but gamble on screen quality and battery life. I have seen people on reddit saying that their pixel 4XL has worse screens than their pixel 2XL. The screen on the pixel 2xl is the worst thing on it! And was considered a con when it came out.
After realizing that both choices are bad, I'm starting to seriously consider jumping ship to apple with the upcoming iPhone 12pro. With apply I would certainly get what I pay for in terms of quality, still with a list of disadvantage. But I would get official support world wide, buying accessories won't be such a pain in my ass and most importantly camera quality is now debated to be on the same level as pixels if not better.
This got way longer than intended.
TL;DR: The only reason to get a pixel is to have one of the best cameras on a phone. Other than that it's all the same with android, more or less. Specially of you root get into custom roms.
Good afternoon,
I'm sure as many of us are aware that as of June 1st 2021, Google photos is going to start imposing a limit on non pixel phones for the uploads of photographs and videos. I currently have A32 5g phone which I recently acquired from T-Mobile. I also have a fully functional pixel 3A XL. I'm going to start using the A32 5G as my daily driver. I was wondering if there was a way for me to take photos on the a32 and bypass the Google photos limit. One thought I had in mind was to take the pictures on the A32, and then transfer them over to the pixel 3A, and then have the pixel 3A upload the images to the Google photos. First of all, would that work? or would the metadata notify google photos and impose the limit since it was not taken on pixel 3a? If it would work, would would be the best way to go about it? Resillo sync comes to mind at this time. I would ratherNOT Root the a32 5g if possible. Dont want to brick a new phone by accident. Thank you for your advice.
~Ankur
Your current photos will not count towards 15GB free storage.
Source: https://blog.google/products/photos/storage-changes/
Also bricking your phone due to this, makes no sernse, sounds like science fiction to me personally. No offense
I don't know, maybe start using alternative cloud solutions like eg. nextcloud for this?
Also... A32 5G to Pixel? Wouldn't solution be to download all photos on device storage/sdcard, then reupload using new Pixel to make sure new higher GB limit for Pixels apply?
Sorry, let me clarify. I have a pixel 3a xl, and i have a A32 5G. I would like to use the A32 5G and upload pics to google photos somehow (AFTER June 1) so that it does not start counting in my storage limit. Yes, I am thinking that kind of solution downloading/transfering form A32 5G to pixel and upload from pixel. (Pixel has no SD Card slot).
How to get unlimited Google Photos storage for life
You better pick up an original Google Pixel while they're still around
www.androidpolice.com
I have answered my own question.
Hi,
I would like to know if there is a smartphone with the same capabilities in terms of photography as the pixel 5a after installing the Gcam application but for a budget of about 350€ ?
I find the pixel 4a very good in terms of photography but it is far too limited in terms of hardware for my use (battery too weak and screen too small).
I would like to know if you have ever installed Gcam on a phone in this price range with a very good photo result afterwards?
Thank you for your advice. ;o)
GCam is developed and copyrighted by Google, it's only available ( working ) on Google devices. One have to find a 3rd-party clone of GCam what will work on other devices.
Google Camera Port Hub: Get the best GCam APK for Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus, and other phones
Looking for the best version of the Google Camera app for your phone? We've rounded up a ton of versions for different models and brands.
www.xda-developers.com
When planning to buy a flagship smartphone, Pixel phones are a contender, but I have always eliminated them from the final list because of lack of features in Stock Android.
The one and only thing that makes Pixel devices a contender is their camera system. When we buy a phone, cameras are a very important consideration. BUT, there are a lot of other things too that are just as important, if not more.
The problem with Pixel phones is stock Android. While the clean UI and quick updates are a good thing about them, the lack of several useful features leaves a lot to desire for.
Android today is well optimised and doesn't suffer from problems like lagging, freezing, etc. The OEM versions from other brands, despite some bloatware, do not cause too much problems today. A lot of apps that come pre-installed can now be uninstalled or disabled.
In this scenario, the additional features that come packed with OEM versions of Android make them very desirable. Often, 3rd party apps do not work as well as built-in features such as scrolling screenshots, screen recording, etc. So having an OS that comes with these features is very desirable.
One can always spend some time uninstalling apps they don't need and disable unnecessary services via ADB. Once that is done (which might take a few hours, including research and finding the right tools), the experience going forward, that will last a few years, will be great.
The camera systems in flagship smartphones of any brand today are really good in capturing great photos and videos. This is sufficient for most users as minor differences between what makes one device a winner doesn't really matter.
Is there anything I'm missing here about Pixel phones? Or is clean UI and faster software updates the only thing about them?
TheMystic said:
When planning to buy a flagship smartphone, Pixel phones are a contender, but I have always eliminated them from the final list because of lack of features in Stock Android.
The one and only thing that makes Pixel devices a contender is their camera system. When we buy a phone, cameras are a very important consideration. BUT, there are a lot of other things too that are just as important, if not more.
The problem with Pixel phones is stock Android. While the clean UI and quick updates are a good thing about them, the lack of several useful features leaves a lot to desire for.
Android today is well optimised and doesn't suffer from problems like lagging, freezing, etc. The OEM versions from other brands, despite some bloatware, do not cause too much problems today. A lot of apps that come pre-installed can now be uninstalled or disabled.
In this scenario, the additional features that come packed with OEM versions of Android make them very desirable. Often, 3rd party apps do not work as well as built-in features such as scrolling screenshots, screen recording, etc. So having an OS that comes with these features is very desirable.
One can always spend some time uninstalling apps they don't need and disable unnecessary services via ADB. Once that is done (which might take a few hours, including research and finding the right tools), the experience going forward, that will last a few years, will be great.
The camera systems in flagship smartphones of any brand today are really good in capturing great photos and videos. This is sufficient for most users as minor differences between what makes one device a winner doesn't really matter.
Is there anything I'm missing here about Pixel phones? Or is clean UI and faster software updates the only thing about them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people simply prefer to use AOSP as is without the embellishments and "improvements" many OEMs stack on top of it, along with bloatware. The Pixel series was always intended to showcase Android as is; in fact the system builds are extremely similar to the Generic System Image releases. The devices follow the Treble model, where the entire build and partition layout is modular; the devices are designed to use a common kernel and a common system image, with small device-specific functions being contained in device specific partitions.
Contrast this with Samsung, who obstinately insists on increasing overhead with their OneUI, going against the open nature of Android by preventing direct access to device partitions, and packing tons of unnecessary bloat into their system builds. My Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is slow as snot on the OEM Samsung firmware, but on an AOSP GSI, it's worlds better because of the reduced overhead.
V0latyle said:
Some people simply prefer to use AOSP as is without the embellishments and "improvements" many OEMs stack on top of it,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some of those improvements are indeed very useful. They make the whole experience much better, and more so if user can disable unnecessary apps, services and features.
V0latyle said:
along with bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
V0latyle said:
packing tons of unnecessary bloat into their system builds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of that can be disabled today. Thanks to XDA
V0latyle said:
My Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is slow as snot on the OEM Samsung firmware, but on an AOSP GSI, it's worlds better because of the reduced overhead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't that another reason why you shouldn't choose Pixel? If you are a user who wouldn't mind installing custom ROMs, you can always get a device with the best hardware (which Pixel devices are not) and then load the OS of your choice. This allows you to use the additional features (both hardware like S-Pen and software) not available on Pixel phones.
TheMystic said:
Some of those improvements are indeed very useful. They make the whole experience much better, and more so if user can disable unnecessary apps, services and features.
A lot of that can be disabled today. Thanks to XDA
Isn't that another reason why you shouldn't choose Pixel? If you are a user who wouldn't mind installing custom ROMs, you can always get a device with the best hardware (which Pixel devices are not) and then load the OS of your choice. This allows you to use the additional features (both hardware like S-Pen and software) not available on Pixel phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, my daily is a Pixel 5. I don't see the point of a stylus, but to each his own. Regardless, OEM specific functions won't work on a GSI, unless specifically built with the necessary framework and additional software. AFIAK, AOSP does not have stylus support by default.
The reason I prefer Pixel devices is their openness and accessibility; unlocking and flashing them is extremely easy, unlike the convoluted gymnastics Samsung makes you jump through in order to run a non-OEM build. I can certainly agree with you on hardware though; Pixels have generally used midrange SoCs, instead of the top end processors expected of flagships. It's kind of disappointing that my Pixel 5 has the same processor as my wife's significantly cheaper 5a, the only difference being she has a bigger screen and battery, I have 2GB more RAM.
V0latyle said:
I don't see the point of a stylus, but to each his own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stylus was just one example of extra hardware (in this case being unique to the S22 Ultra series). I personally barely use it, but it is useful for a specific userbase and also for all users under specific circumstances.
Other examples would include superfast charging available in most Chinese brands (which unfortunately isn't being implemented in other phones; not sure if there are any patent issues), dedicated cooling technologies, IR Blaster, FM radio, etc.
V0latyle said:
OEM specific functions won't work on a GSI, unless specifically built with the necessary framework and additional software. AFIAK, AOSP does not have stylus support by default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom ROMs made for the device do support use of hardware available on the device in most cases.
V0latyle said:
The reason I prefer Pixel devices is their openness and accessibility; unlocking and flashing them is extremely easy,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's probably the only other benefit. This is also why I bought a OnePlus phone. Except for the cameras, I think it would beat the Pixel in every other aspect. Clean software, fast charging, good features set, etc.
V0latyle said:
Samsung makes you jump through in order to run a non-OEM build.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true. But I don't mind that because Samsung phone is my primary phone and I'll keep it completely stock.
V0latyle said:
I can certainly agree with you on hardware though; Pixels have generally used midrange SoCs, instead of the top end processors expected of flagships. It's kind of disappointing that my Pixel 5 has the same processor as my wife's significantly cheaper 5a, the only difference being she has a bigger screen and battery, I have 2GB more RAM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true. When they launched the 1st Pixel phone, it had two unique advantages over competition: unlimited Google Photos storage in full resolution, and a camera system that was significantly superior to competition.
Now the Google Photos storage benefits has been withdrawn (I think it was only provided with the 1st Pixel device). And camera systems from competition in the same price category have become just as good, and those devices offer a much better value for the money as a package, all things considered.
Every time I think of buying a Pixel device, I really don't see anything of value other than the cameras. I will have to sacrifice/ compromise with a lot of useful features that are available with competition, and this keeps me away from getting them.
I think stock Android is overrated as Pixel devices don't offer any improvement in performance or battery life with their 'clean' software. What exactly did their 'clean' software achieve then?
TheMystic said:
Stylus was just one example of extra hardware (in this case being unique to the S22 Ultra series). I personally barely use it, but it is useful for a specific userbase and also for all users under specific circumstances.
Other examples would include superfast charging available in most Chinese brands (which unfortunately isn't being implemented in other phones; not sure if there are any patent issues), dedicated cooling technologies, IR Blaster, FM radio, etc.
Custom ROMs made for the device do support use of hardware available on the device in most cases.
That's probably the only other benefit. This is also why I bought a OnePlus phone. Except for the cameras, I think it would beat the Pixel in every other aspect. Clean software, fast charging, good features set, etc.
That's true. But I don't mind that because Samsung phone is my primary phone and I'll keep it completely stock.
That's true. When they launched the 1st Pixel phone, it had two unique advantages over competition: unlimited Google Photos storage in full resolution, and a camera system that was significantly superior to competition.
Now the Google Photos storage benefits has been withdrawn (I think it was only provided with the 1st Pixel device). And camera systems from competition in the same price category have become just as good, and those devices offer a much better value for the money as a package, all things considered.
Every time I think of buying a Pixel device, I really don't see anything of value other than the cameras. I will have to sacrifice/ compromise with a lot of useful features that are available with competition, and this keeps me away from getting them.
I think stock Android is overrated as Pixel devices don't offer any improvement in performance or battery life with their 'clean' software. What exactly did their 'clean' software achieve then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unlimited photos feature was not withdrawn, but it was made so you have unlimited storage saver, not original quality.
TheMystic said:
Stylus was just one example of extra hardware (in this case being unique to the S22 Ultra series). I personally barely use it, but it is useful for a specific userbase and also for all users under specific circumstances.
Other examples would include superfast charging available in most Chinese brands (which unfortunately isn't being implemented in other phones; not sure if there are any patent issues), dedicated cooling technologies, IR Blaster, FM radio, etc.
Custom ROMs made for the device do support use of hardware available on the device in most cases.
That's probably the only other benefit. This is also why I bought a OnePlus phone. Except for the cameras, I think it would beat the Pixel in every other aspect. Clean software, fast charging, good features set, etc.
That's true. But I don't mind that because Samsung phone is my primary phone and I'll keep it completely stock.
That's true. When they launched the 1st Pixel phone, it had two unique advantages over competition: unlimited Google Photos storage in full resolution, and a camera system that was significantly superior to competition.
Now the Google Photos storage benefits has been withdrawn (I think it was only provided with the 1st Pixel device). And camera systems from competition in the same price category have become just as good, and those devices offer a much better value for the money as a package, all things considered.
Every time I think of buying a Pixel device, I really don't see anything of value other than the cameras. I will have to sacrifice/ compromise with a lot of useful features that are available with competition, and this keeps me away from getting them.
I think stock Android is overrated as Pixel devices don't offer any improvement in performance or battery life with their 'clean' software. What exactly did their 'clean' software achieve then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clean software is made the way android was intended. Pixel has some features on top of stock android. I find their UI very nice and pretty, and it is easy to use. I also like that bullied into keeping it stock.
Arealhooman said:
The unlimited photos feature was not withdrawn, but it was made so you have unlimited storage saver, not original quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is unlimited storage (storage saver quality) still available for current Pixel devices?
Arealhooman said:
Clean software is made the way android was intended. Pixel has some features on top of stock android. I find their UI very nice and pretty, and it is easy to use. I also like that bullied into keeping it stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you list some of those?
Except for GCam (original) and Google Recorder (with offline transcription), what other features make Pixel stand out above competition?
I have a Google One subscription (because I need additional cloud storage). This gives me some exclusive editing features in Google Photos. Are these features provided for free on Pixel devices?
As I mentioned earlier, the 'clean' nature of their software hasn't transformed into better performance or battery life for the user. The user essentially has to live without a lot of useful features such as scrolling screenshots, advanced screen recording, themes, Secure Folder (hardware based Knox) on Samsung devices, one-handed mode, Face Unlock (which finally arrived only on Pixel 7 series), App Lock in most Chinese brands, and above all a built-in firewall in brands like OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, etc. There are other brand specific features that can be looked upon.
Pixel seems to be way behind when it comes to such useful features. iPhone users don't have an alternative if they want the highly limited iOS. But Android users have a plethora of choices and the Pixel phones are just no match when it comes to competition (except for the Camera system).
Just like iPhone users who have never used an Android phone in recent times, early adopters of Pixel who haven't experienced the other smartphone brands do not know what they are missing. They have fallen for the 'clean' software hype that hasn't made any meaningful difference to the user experience.
TheMystic said:
Is unlimited storage (storage saver quality) still available for current Pixel devices?
Can you list some of those?
Except for GCam (original) and Google Recorder (with offline transcription), what other features make Pixel stand out above competition?
I have a Google One subscription (because I need additional cloud storage). This gives me some exclusive editing features in Google Photos. Are these features provided for free on Pixel devices?
As I mentioned earlier, the 'clean' nature of their software hasn't transformed into better performance or battery life for the user. The user essentially has to live without a lot of useful features such as scrolling screenshots, advanced screen recording, themes, Secure Folder (hardware based Knox) on Samsung devices, one-handed mode, Face Unlock (which finally arrived only on Pixel 7 series), App Lock in most Chinese brands, and above all a built-in firewall in brands like OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, etc. There are other brand specific features that can be looked upon.
Pixel seems to be way behind when it comes to such useful features. iPhone users don't have an alternative if they want the highly limited iOS. But Android users have a plethora of choices and the Pixel phones are just no match when it comes to competition (except for the Camera system).
Just like iPhone users who have never used an Android phone in recent times, early adopters of Pixel who haven't experienced the other smartphone brands do not know what they are missing. They have fallen for the 'clean' software hype that hasn't made any meaningful difference to the user experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First question the anwser is yes kinda (I was wrong and it’s only pixel 3a-5). For second question, i found this new video
Arealhooman said:
First question the anwser is yes kinda (I was wrong and it’s only pixel 3a-5). For second question, i found this new video
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The features mentioned in that video are not for everyone. A very small niche of users would find them useful or use them regularly.
So they are focussing on providing non-essential features and ignoring the essential ones that almost everyone would find useful.