General Google Pixel Roadmap 2023-25 - Google Pixel 7 Pro

Exclusive: Here’s Google’s entire 2023-2025 roadmap for Pixel phones
We have obtained exclusive information related to Google's planned roadmap for the Pixel phone series from 2023 through 2025.
www.androidauthority.com

Flat screen please

can't wait to trade-in my pixel 7 pro for pixel 8 pro

I'm shocked, totally shocked after reading this mind blowing news. Devastated.

This appears to be second-hand info and this article can change 180degrees in a second, it's probably true from how the article is written. What Google needs to do is adapt Android OS Changes on what other vendors are doing with Android, if I could return/exchange my P7Pro with a OP10Pro I would do it in a split-second... this is all for some things Google will not enabled in the OS - the options are in the OS Build because other vendors are doing it but not enabled on Pixel devices.

Unless the fold is a game changer (no fold line), I wouldn't get the first version anyway. Not to mention the PRICE.

mikebb00 said:
This appears to be second-hand info and this article can change 180degrees in a second, it's probably true from how the article is written. What Google needs to do is adapt Android OS Changes on what other vendors are doing with Android, if I could return/exchange my P7Pro with a OP10Pro I would do it in a split-second... this is all for some things Google will not enabled in the OS - the options are in the OS Build because other vendors are doing it but not enabled on Pixel devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What things? OnePlus and other OEMs heavily customize the Android experience with their own skins. If it's not in Lineage, it's not in the core Google OS and is added by the OEM (this includes Pixel features).
The only thing I miss from my OnePlus 9 is the fast charging. It sucked more across the board otherwise, *especially* their buggy software.

I think I will keep my pro for the next few years

The only fold device that would even interest me would be a Pixel Fold. But I would wait a couple iterations before I thought of getting one.
Google usually doesn't use the latest hardware in their devices and generally this is a good thing for consumers because it offers better value and better optimization while still offering most of the important features.
Considering fold screens use a flexible polymer screen I am going to stay away until they can develop a flexible glass. However I think the Achilles heel of foldable devices is the screen. The crease and higher likelihood of scratches is a pretty big issue IMHO.

I am pretty happy with my Pixel 7 Pro.
I would like Google to use a more durable finish like Samsung aluminum armor and a brushed finish and frosted glass on the P8P.
I am excited to see what the Tensor 3 will bring. Hopefully Google will get arm9 and X2/3 cores and 4-3nm process.
I know it is widely said that the Tensor G2 is on 5nm I find this hard to believe. The benchmark scores between the original Tensor and Tensor G2 are significant and I doubt simply using a slightly higher clocked X1 can account for the uplift in single core scores. I know one website said a Google employee confirmed it was on 5nm but unless Google actually gave us the specifications officially I take anything else with a grain of salt. That being said if it is true then when they do advance the process it should offer significant advantages.

"However, “husky” — aka the Pixel 8 Pro — will have the same display and general measurements as the Pixel 7 Pro."
Enough with the stupidly narrow screens already, give us something that can fit in a MAN's hands, not a fairy that can't tell if it points in or out.
And no mention of the pixel tablet that's supposed to come out in 2023.

Related

A bit underwhelmed

I'm not sure I understand the initial media plaudits from yesterday's unveiling.
With the latest flagship phones so far released or announced, I feel this is very much a step backwards from the competition (though, rather a smaller step forward than everyone else)
Realistically, this is a most minor iteration. We have the obligatory upgrade to the latest Qualcomm flagship SoC, then..?
We have more screen real estate, though at the expense of the notch and what, initially, appears to be a relatively minor upgrade to the camera, when compared to everyone else.
Aesthetically, I personally think, this is by far the best looking OnePlus device and it's really on a par with the competition here. I don't have an issue with the look of the notch, though having never used a phone with a notch, I may well hate it in use.
Elsewhere, it seems to lag behind. Of all the competition, i.e. those with the Snapdragon 845, OnePlus seems to be the least innovative in its use. Nowhere do they advertise use of its AI / ML capabilities. I'm not suggesting they go down the Asus route and call everything AI, but at least show your making use of it.
I appreciate that most 'AI' features are mostly marketing nonsense, but some of it appears very useful. We are seeing phones with translation apps using AI, rather than connecting to the web. We're seeing phones use AI to learn how people use the phone, and continually change how they manage apps memory and power usage to improve both performance and battery life.
OnePlus have not made any claims towards anything like this, so if they are doing these types of things, why keep quiet.
This 'season' most of the innovation has been centred on the use of AI with the camera and so far we've seen some very amazing results from that. The big hitter being the Huawei P20 pro, though an honorable mention goes to the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S also, especially considering it's budget flagship price (very much in the OnePlus 6 range).
OnePlus have always lagged behind in the camera department. It seems one of its big sacrifices in order to keep the prices so low. Last year's 5T, the first OnePlus with a dual lens arrangement, was routinely savaged by critics and considered on par with the average mid range phones. So here is where many considered it needed to vastly improve.
Initial impressions do seem to suggest that great improvements have been made. However, it seems like they've really only arrived at the point other flagships were at last year. Considering the huge leap forward AI has taken in-phone photography this year, it seems that OnePlus still have a lot of work to do in order to catch up with the rest and, this year, still seem just as far behind.
Hardware wise, mobile technology is now very mature, so we're only ever, mostly, seeing small iterative improvements, so phone manufacturers can only offer iterative updates, from a hardware perspective. And this is what we've come to see over the last few years.
This year the majority of mobile innovation, on flagship models more so, has come through the use of AI, something OnePlus seems to have strangely overlooked with this latest release.
This year, this iteration feels like something I'd expect from a top end, mid range phone, not from something that used to sell itself as a flagship killer.
With some serious hard work from the OnePlus software team, much AI innovation seen elsewhere could be rolled out to the OnePlus 6 in the future, which would see it much more competitive in the flagship phone sector. Though, I imagine they'll wait until the 6T to implement such changes, which may give the competition too much of a head start.
I'm currently on my third OnePlus device but if I do decide to upgrade this year, I doubt I'll be spending my money on the OnePlus 6. I feel it's time for a change, Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S anyone?
Though if by some miracle I actually win the xda competition, I'll be happy to keep the phone for the foreseeable future
I think I'll wait to see what the Xiaomi Mi7/8 will bring
That's one way of looking at it.
I think it's a fine phone compared to the Galaxy S9+ which costs approx. €250,- more.
Yes, the Samsung has a higher screenresolution, probably a better camera and a slightly higher capacity battery, but I don't want to spend that extra money on that and get a lot of bloatware in the process.
Since I'm currently still using a Oneplus One, the 6 is awesome compared to that...
Was looking forward to the oneplus 6.
I was thinking to upgrade to either a Mi Mix 2s or OP6. But I don't see what the OP6 offers, besides non-IP rated waterproofing over the Mi Mix 2s.
Same innards.
Same price
Ugly notch
Better blacks?
Arguably worse camera on paper
No wireless charging.
I don't see why you would pick an OP6 over Mix 2s. Miui sucks (got a lot better though lately), but is very easy to replace with a custom ROM.
Disappointed
Compared to the S9 and £9+, yes it is a very fine phone and probably runs it very close.
Samsung was also seen this 'season' to only come to the table with an uninspired iterative update. I think that they've suffered in being one of the first this year to roll out the release and have been caught lagging by some of the other manufacturers that came later.
Last year the S8+ was considered to have one of the best cameras in a smart phone. This year, although the S9+ camera has improved, it is only a minor improvement. Huawei and Xiaomi through heavy use of AI, have made huge leaps forward compared to last year, probably equivalent to 5 years worth of normal iterative upgrades. They have also both brought some other, worthwhile, uses of AI with their latest phones to further push themselves ahead of the competition.
OnePlus originally made 2 big sacrifices in order to keep costs low. These were LCD screens and cameras that would be typically found on mid range phones. However they were pretty much alone in the budget flagship market back then and so this wasn't seen as a big issue. With the arrival of some competition they've had to adjust accordingly.
Last year OnePlus came with a fairly large price increase, which allowed them to switch to AMOLED screens, this year another price increase sees them moving to premium camera modules expected on flagship phones.
In terms of where OnePlus was with the One and even where they were last year, yes this is a great phone and a good improvement. But considering some of the innovations some of the competition has brought this year, they have lagged behind. I no longer believe they are the first choice for those looking at the budget flagship market. Xiaomi would appear to have taken on that title.
If Xiaomi would embrace the custom ROM community the same way OnePlus have, OnePlus could find themselves losing some loyal customers.
Firipu said:
I don't see why you would pick an OP6 over Mix 2s. Miui sucks (got a lot better though lately), but is very easy to replace with a custom ROM.
Disappointed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only once you've got passed Xiaomi's ridiculous 360 hour bootloader unlock shenanigans.
The OP6 is a compelling candidate because of good mfg support for bootloader unlock without voiding warranty, lots of dev support for root etc., 3.5mm audio jack, now packaged with water resistance, at a lower price given the top processor/RAM specs.
Camera and display of OP6 are apparently not the tip-top of the field, but in the thin upper range where discerning the minor differences between competitors is splitting hairs IMO.
AI is a flaky gimmick that causes more problems than it solves in all phones in 2018, IMO. Same goes for voice assistants and most of the other bells and whistles. I'm going to shut off all that on any phone I get. K.I.S.S.
Watching now for more to come on OP6... extensive reviews, puddle-dunking, bootloader unlock, TWRP, root, clip cases, audio quality impressions (3.5mm output), initial OS "bug" fixes...
Robbo.5000 said:
I'm not sure I understand the initial media plaudits from yesterday's unveiling.
With the latest flagship phones so far released or announced, I feel this is very much a step backwards from the competition (though, rather a smaller step forward than everyone else)
Realistically, this is a most minor iteration. We have the obligatory upgrade to the latest Qualcomm flagship SoC, then..?
We have more screen real estate, though at the expense of the notch and what, initially, appears to be a relatively minor upgrade to the camera, when compared to everyone else.
Aesthetically, I personally think, this is by far the best looking OnePlus device and it's really on a par with the competition here. I don't have an issue with the look of the notch, though having never used a phone with a notch, I may well hate it in use.
Elsewhere, it seems to lag behind. Of all the competition, i.e. those with the Snapdragon 845, OnePlus seems to be the least innovative in its use. Nowhere do they advertise use of its AI / ML capabilities. I'm not suggesting they go down the Asus route and call everything AI, but at least show your making use of it.
I appreciate that most 'AI' features are mostly marketing nonsense, but some of it appears very useful. We are seeing phones with translation apps using AI, rather than connecting to the web. We're seeing phones use AI to learn how people use the phone, and continually change how they manage apps memory and power usage to improve both performance and battery life.
OnePlus have not made any claims towards anything like this, so if they are doing these types of things, why keep quiet.
This 'season' most of the innovation has been centred on the use of AI with the camera and so far we've seen some very amazing results from that. The big hitter being the Huawei P20 pro, though an honorable mention goes to the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S also, especially considering it's budget flagship price (very much in the OnePlus 6 range).
OnePlus have always lagged behind in the camera department. It seems one of its big sacrifices in order to keep the prices so low. Last year's 5T, the first OnePlus with a dual lens arrangement, was routinely savaged by critics and considered on par with the average mid range phones. So here is where many considered it needed to vastly improve.
Initial impressions do seem to suggest that great improvements have been made. However, it seems like they've really only arrived at the point other flagships were at last year. Considering the huge leap forward AI has taken in-phone photography this year, it seems that OnePlus still have a lot of work to do in order to catch up with the rest and, this year, still seem just as far behind.
Hardware wise, mobile technology is now very mature, so we're only ever, mostly, seeing small iterative improvements, so phone manufacturers can only offer iterative updates, from a hardware perspective. And this is what we've come to see over the last few years.
This year the majority of mobile innovation, on flagship models more so, has come through the use of AI, something OnePlus seems to have strangely overlooked with this latest release.
This year, this iteration feels like something I'd expect from a top end, mid range phone, not from something that used to sell itself as a flagship killer.
With some serious hard work from the OnePlus software team, much AI innovation seen elsewhere could be rolled out to the OnePlus 6 in the future, which would see it much more competitive in the flagship phone sector. Though, I imagine they'll wait until the 6T to implement such changes, which may give the competition too much of a head start.
I'm currently on my third OnePlus device but if I do decide to upgrade this year, I doubt I'll be spending my money on the OnePlus 6. I feel it's time for a change, Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S anyone?
Though if by some miracle I actually win the xda competition, I'll be happy to keep the phone for the foreseeable future
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had similar feelings/experience. Ended up my story with oneplus by selling my op5t and bought a p20 pro. I won't buy the 6 and waiting for the 6t... Who knows. Also interested by the Mi Mix 2s.
hunhool said:
I had similar feelings/experience. Ended up my story with oneplus by selling my op5t and bought a p20 pro. I won't buy the 6 and waiting for the 6t... Who knows. Also interested by the Mi Mix 2s.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What improvements hardware/software wise will the 6T bring do you think ?
SlyUK said:
What improvements hardware/software wise will the 6T bring do you think ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe wireless charging..but I don't really know.
SlyUK said:
What improvements hardware/software wise will the 6T bring do you think ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe better battery, 3D Face unlock, fingerprint sensor under display
refedit said:
Maybe better battery, 3D Face unlock, fingerprint sensor under display
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only realistic item you listed is the battery which I 100% agree at least by a few hundred Mah.
The fingerprint sensor under the display isn't ready yet. Samsung has been trying to get this tech for their galaxy phones buts its just not there.
Huawei has a 2k device that has it and all the reviews states its not good.
They definitely could have done something special to make more of a splash but i think this rounds they did it with design.
where they fall short for me is :
1) Camera
2) Display
3) USB standard.
4) Battery
1) i think they should have done a bit more with the cameras on paper like larger pixels maybe dualpixel AF i think the 16 MP should have matched last years pixel 2 specs but with 16 MP then for the 20MP fo a wider angle monocrom so a max of LG / huawei. But i wait on official review to see if the current setup works well
2) Display i think OP should go to QHD its about time but leave the resolution at 1080p via software like what sony does but nit picking again as one plus screens are not bad its a Samsung panel so. Just they could add a AOD option via software.
3)The main let down for me why is the USB C port still usb 2.0 standard every one else uses usb 3.0 or 3.1 to allow for faster file transfers. For a lunch focused on speed this is the major let down smh the rest i was being nit picky but the usb really.
4) one plus should really try to get in the 4000 mah and 3600 mah battery capacity ranges especially since they have dash charge and goodish battery life
hunhool said:
I had similar feelings/experience. Ended up my story with oneplus by selling my op5t and bought a p20 pro. I won't buy the 6 and waiting for the 6t... Who knows. Also interested by the Mi Mix 2s.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought and returned a View 10 and P20 (non-pro) and neither would play my favorite game Hill Climb Racing 2. Major stutters so bad I couldn't even play. The P20 purchase was 9 weeks after the View. I was hoping it was a fluke deal. I did try a few other games that played well but I've also seen it mentioned that the 970 has GPU issues. I held off on the Mix 2s until the curtain was pulled back for the OP6 but I'm also on the fence. Think I'll order the 6 and if not wowed just return it and get the 2s.
Glass back on the 6
hunhool said:
Maybe wireless charging..but I don't really know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that theyve swapped from metal to glass backing, i think you are correct.
I find it weird that it wasnt included in the 6 though.
Robbo.5000 said:
Compared to the S9 and £9+, yes it is a very fine phone and probably runs it very close.
Samsung was also seen this 'season' to only come to the table with an uninspired iterative update. I think that they've suffered in being one of the first this year to roll out the release and have been caught lagging by some of the other manufacturers that came later.
Last year the S8+ was considered to have one of the best cameras in a smart phone. This year, although the S9+ camera has improved, it is only a minor improvement. Huawei and Xiaomi through heavy use of AI, have made huge leaps forward compared to last year, probably equivalent to 5 years worth of normal iterative upgrades. They have also both brought some other, worthwhile, uses of AI with their latest phones to further push themselves ahead of the competition.
OnePlus originally made 2 big sacrifices in order to keep costs low. These were LCD screens and cameras that would be typically found on mid range phones. However they were pretty much alone in the budget flagship market back then and so this wasn't seen as a big issue. With the arrival of some competition they've had to adjust accordingly.
Last year OnePlus came with a fairly large price increase, which allowed them to switch to AMOLED screens, this year another price increase sees them moving to premium camera modules expected on flagship phones.
In terms of where OnePlus was with the One and even where they were last year, yes this is a great phone and a good improvement. But considering some of the innovations some of the competition has brought this year, they have lagged behind. I no longer believe they are the first choice for those looking at the budget flagship market. Xiaomi would appear to have taken on that title.
If Xiaomi would embrace the custom ROM community the same way OnePlus have, OnePlus could find themselves losing some loyal customers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well no offence, but the AI in mobiles at this point of time is a bit overrated... We have been seeing phones detect scenes and boost colors based on the scene long before companies started marketing it as AI (Coming from Honor View 10 User) , predictive app mamagement has also been a thing for a long time now.... Sure AI helps do it better... But does it really have to be marketed so much.. In reality my phone with AI doesnt feel as smooth as my friends Oneplus 5t, so im willing to bet oneplus 6 will be even smoother...
Since no one has posted any real camera samples and reviews as of now... I cant say much about it...
Onething that i did notice using the View 10 is the battery life. Its great.. Maybe thanks to the NPU, lets see if oneplus is doing something similar without making a fuss about it...
Overall it looks to be a very 2018 phone with all features te current flagships have - the AI advertising
Firipu said:
Was looking forward to the oneplus 6.
I was thinking to upgrade to either a Mi Mix 2s or OP6. But I don't see what the OP6 offers, besides non-IP rated waterproofing over the Mi Mix 2s.
Same innards.
Same price
Ugly notch
Better blacks?
Arguably worse camera on paper
No wireless charging.
I don't see why you would pick an OP6 over Mix 2s. Miui sucks (got a lot better though lately), but is very easy to replace with a custom ROM.
Disappointed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mi mix 2s disadvantages are ,very poor development & community...
If you like to modify your phone ..rooting , trying custom kernels , custom ROMs...etc.. then definitely OP6...
Otherwise Mix2s ..
I'm surprised by some of these comments. You're all asking for features that would clearly bump the price way up? I think you have unrealistic expectations - if you want it to be a s9, buy an s9 lol!
4k panel? Why? Your eyes can't see it, worse battery and more expensive.
The wireless charging, yes it's interesting, but doesn't matter at all to me. It's slower than with wires and I can't play on my phone whilst charging.
The camera is probably the only Biggie for me. I really hope it's low light shots are at least usable. I'm coming from my nexus 6P and this camera has served me very well - I hope the OnePlus 6 is better.
As for other things like the notch - I mean come on guys, if you disable it you can't even see it. With it there you get more screen size.
I think for the price it's a fantastic phone, and the software is a great experience compared to many other cheap alternatives!
cultofluna said:
Mi mix 2s disadvantages are ,very poor development & community...
If you like to modify your phone ..rooting , trying custom kernels , custom ROMs...etc.. then definitely OP6...
Otherwise Mix2s ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not disagreeing, but I have a Mix 2 and redmi note 4. They both have a very active dev community. Really can't complain. Not as amazing as e.g. Nexus devices, but still very good imo. Can't comment on Oneplus dev community though.
And the 2s is a treble device.
wireless charging will always be asked for but hardly be undestood by me.
It's utterly slow compared to any charging solution on market.
Then you go on the charge for a day... it's somewhat convenient, but takes some more room in the phone internals, and on your desk with the charger.
The glass back is more for the awesome mobile network speeds and wifi reception.
As much as I hate glass for shattering, my experience always shown that metal chassis results in poor reception.
Well that's about it. I'm curiously waiting for the oneplus6 to arrive. It was a long time ago with the OnePlus One when I last saw how OnePlus fares...
I'm sure I'm gonna have the U12+ too as well this year, but I needed to check another qualcom rocketed device this year (no kirin or exynos for dev purposes on my end)

Max Screen Brightness ?

As I posted in another thread earlier today, even though this Pixel 4XL is a huge disappointment in many ways to me, I still will consider buying it to replace my Nexus 6 - which is still doing decent job for me.
Google has never given us bright display, and this XDA article analyzing Pixel 4 displays explains it pretty well -
My question is - anybody with Pixel 4XL -> have you been able to get high-brightness mode for regular [while outdoors] display? Anyone can try?
To me, the state of pretty much every Google-branded phone and display is a step-behind the leaders. Here, we've got Pixel 4XL with a last-generation display that is dimmer and takes more power than Samsung's latest. And then, Google disables the high-brightness (high-battery-drain) mode - so you can't see the display in bright sunlight. So competitors using the same last-generation display have brighter phones (and better battery life). For me, if I can't see the damn display, it doesn't matter what the battery life is - the phone is unusable for lots of things if you can't see the display.
Recommend reading Dylan Raga's entire article, but here my highlight, and just so sad that Google is so bad in this area:
The Pixel devices have historically been unimpressive when it comes to display brightness. This year is no different. While every other major smartphone maker has made their OLEDs significantly brighter, Google has shown little-to-no progress. Google did manage to increase its newest phones’ brightness this year, from about 400 nits up to 450 nits, but it still leaves them as some of the dimmest flagship smartphones in recent years.
Lack of high brightness mode
The reason Google is so far behind is that they are refusing to incorporate a higher-power brightness state for their system brightness. Furthermore, Google is using last-generation display panels that cannot compete in power efficiency or in rated brightness with Samsung’s latest panels. What’s interesting is that Google has had a higher brightness mode within their phones, which they can tap into during HDR playback (or with root). But for reasons likely related to battery, Google does not allow their phones to use this extra brightness for normal use. Higher brightness modes do require significantly more power to drive — an 800-nit peak brightness state drains significantly more power than twice that of a 400-nit brightness state — but if the competition is able to support higher brightness levels and maintain better battery life than the Pixel devices, then Google is severely falling behind in both departments.
When enabling high brightness mode within the Pixel 4s’, their displays approach acceptable levels of brightness. At 600 nits, this ranks the Google Pixel 4 displays competitively with last years’ OLEDs in brightness. But in 2019, 600 nits is about the baseline for every major smartphone company, while the best are pushing 800 nits (100% APL). These are simply the limits of Google’s outdated panels, as the same panels found in the Huawei Mate 30 Pro and the OnePlus 7 Pro push the same brightness levels — except those phones actually push those brightness levels in normal use.​
I'm not sure why it's such a huge disappointment for you, but why would you consider getting it if you dislike it so much?
airmaxx23 said:
I'm not sure why it's such a huge disappointment for you, but why would you consider getting it if you dislike it so much?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because there is no phone that has everything I want.
I will not get a phone I can't root - must have unlocked/unlockable bootloader.
I will not get a phone that won't have custom ROM/kernel devs.
So, what's left after those 2 requirements?
I really wanted Asus rog 2 but it's nice not having to front the money pretty happy with the pixel 4xl but hate I have to be vigelent on background processes to keep the battery life
And the screen is a bit dim for direct sunlight but not an issue most of the time
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
relaxable said:
Because there is no phone that has everything I want.
I will not get a phone I can't root - must have unlocked/unlockable bootloader.
I will not get a phone that won't have custom ROM/kernel devs.
So, what's left after those 2 requirements?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Realme x2 pro, xiaomi mi 9t pro, both are flagship phones with 855 and unlockable bootloader's and plenty of development
srimay said:
Realme x2 pro, xiaomi mi 9t pro, both are flagship phones with 855 and unlockable bootloader's and plenty of development
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that reply.
As I live in a location where Google does not charge re-stocking fee (!) I decided to purchase the deals on the Pixel 4XL.
Then, I decided to also purchase a Pixel 3a XL.
The 4XL has arrived and I have been using it for about 24hrs. There's a huge difference in performance compared to the Nexus 6 - and probably will prefer Android 10 over earlier versions, BUT, there are a lot of things I don't like. And quite a bit shocked at how easily the phone breaks! The JerryRig youtube review shows how easily the phone snaps and breaks in four different places :crying:- here's a writeup with the video embedded at bottom of the page.
(I really enjoyed the video - here's Youtube link this guy has such a calming voice and dry witty humor, and makes a lot of good points about how awful a job Google really did - hinting cannabis may have played a part in Google's decisions - but certainly not a piece that's going to make Pixel 4xl owners feel good...)
I took some photos last night and they turned out horrible. In fact it was so bad I thought there might be some protective shipping plastic on the camera hump. But no, not the case. I guess I need to dig a little more to learn how to take a photo with the included camera app....
I did root the phone, but really super disappointed that /system remains mostly untouchable. And more than a bit annoyed that, if you start initial setup with a SIM installed, a bunch of SYSTEM carrier-bloatware apps are installed during the first-time setup! So you get junk (MyVerizon and more in my case) apps that you can't remove even with root! (This is not unique to this phone - it's Android 10 limitation as best I can tell.) I think this can be avoided if you do the initial setup without a SIM, and then disable the system app the enables this forced stuffing of carrier apps on your phone.
So, since I know I wouldn't want to keep this 4XL for >5 years like I did with the Nexus 6, and since I'd probably want to replace it before next year's hopefully better (although Google has consistently disappointed me ever since Nexus 6) Pixel design, I'm hoping that either the Pixel 3a XL will be 'good enough' or perhaps another of the rootable/dev-supported phones....
That said - there are some things I like or am impressed with -> the sound is pretty good considering the tiny holes - when I saw the holes, I thought no way this phone can have decent audio for music, but it's a lot better than I expected.
The screen is brighter than I expected as well - but I haven't tried it yet in direct sunlight.....
Nice thing about Google is they don't care if you root or unlock and warranty is still in tact. That with the advanced replacement option should there by any warranty issues makes this a no brainer for me.
I told a Google rep on chat the other day I was having an issue with the "oem unlocking" switch greyed out and that should not be the case since I ordered directly from the Google store - I told him I got the phone specifically for rooting and he didn't blink an eye

Pixel 5 hate thread

One place for all the negative comments and feelings about Google and the Pixel 5. And just think, if we keep it civil the mods won't close it. And Pixel fans ... allow detractors to vent. (but not too much)
Pixel 5 almost Sage - Nov 3 - 4 delivery
So many ppl hating. I dont get it. Im leaving a Samsung phone for the P5 and couldn't be happier. Ppl gonna say the S20fe is a better deal but they forget that they have to deal with the horrible OneUI OS, and short device support for updates among other things. I haven't had a Pixel since the OG and I'm really looking forward to going back to stock Android.
Even though I pre-ordered and this is not strictly "hate" per-se. I wish the screen was 6.2" to 6.5" with a 4500 mAh+ battery. Part of me feels the 4080 mAh battery now is not going to give it any better battery life than my 3a XL.
@TokedUp
Samsung promised previously that all phones from the Samsung S10 and beyond is getting 3 years of OS updates and security updates. So the S20 FE should be getting well Android 11, 12, 13, and patches. I also can't stand other UIs other than stock or near-stock. My least favorite was not OneUI but rather Huawei's EMUI.
No hate here. People don't realize it's a different Pixel experience. Different strokes for different folks though. I always seem to come back to a Pixel.
I hate that it has 5G, a useless, dangerous technology.
I wish it had the 865 and Wifi 6. Other than that, I'm super stoked. Waiting for my pre-order
@TokedUp
Samsung promised previously that all phones from the Samsung S10 and beyond is getting 3 years of OS updates and security updates. So the S20 FE should be getting well Android 11, 12, 13, and patches. I also can't stand other UIs other than stock or near-stock. My least favorite was not OneUI but rather Huawei's EMUI.[/QUOTE]
Does nothing for me since I have a Note 9 which could easily run Android 11 but will not get the update. I cannot wait to sell this Sammy phone as soon as my P5 comes.
pcloadletter1 said:
5G dangerous technology
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how so?
Well done to the OP for this thread. I'll be happily following it and hoping it does as intended.
pcloadletter1 said:
I hate that it has 5G, a useless, dangerous technology.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Watch this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjEwOAs2Kto
Basically, science says it shouldn't be dangerous to your health, but fake science seems to get more views and people buying into it everyday. It's non-ionizing radiation. Also, the frequencies 5G tech uses has been used by many other devices over the last 30 years.
Some tech/devices that have been using 5 GHz...radar dishes, cordless phones (like the ones you used to use at home), WiFi, etc.
Acreo Aeneas said:
Watch this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjEwOAs2Kto
Basically, science says it shouldn't be dangerous to your health, but fake science seems to get more views and people buying into it everyday. It's non-ionizing radiation. Also, the frequencies 5G tech uses has been used by many other devices over the last 30 years.
Some tech/devices that have been using 5 GHz...radar dishes, cordless phones (like the ones you used to use at home), WiFi, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5G uses 24 GHz which is a mmWave and has nothing to do with wifi. Higher freq 95 GHz mmWaves are used in weapons. Low power phones shouldn't be dangerous, but the higher power towers could be, but it's too early to tell. It's the reason some countries stopped or prevented 5G deployment.
Besides, 5G is an $100 on the 4a. I would rather have $100 than a tech I can't use.
Generally speaking, 'hating' on a product based solely on its published specs is absurd - either the company in question have made a device that you want to buy or they haven't.
However, Google 'made' the only handsets I've owned with stock Android which just worked. After my Nexus 5 screen broke, I bought the HTC One M8 - not cheap, but the specs were everything I could want (at the time). Unfortunately, the software blew chunks. I had a OnePlus X with a near-stock OS - but the software (particularly the camera) was buggier than a buggy thing in a buggy contest.
What I want is-
A google phone (stock Android that just works and has all the latest updates) with decent specs (would have been happy to pay a bit more for flagship CPU, but 765 will be adequate as I'm not paying flagship prices for it),
Ability to fit in my Dainese leather motorcycle jacket pocket (~Pixel 4 or smaller)
Ideally removable storage (uSD slot), or an option to spec 256GB (happy to pay more for storage)
Front facing stereo speakers (don't mind having top and bottom bezels if there's a good reason)
3.5mm headphone socket (I have decent bluetooth earbuds, but not as good as my wired earbuds that fit so much easier in my pocket)
Fingerprint unlock (ideally rear)
Decent battery life
Wireless charging
Video out over USB-C
This list in broadly in order of priority.. Obviously I pre-ordered the Pixel 5 before the launch event finished (or at least before it finished streaming for me - was somewhat laggy), but am disappointed that they left out some of my wants. Also no google watch again.
I wish we could get a pixel phone with more flagship specs , I was really hoping for a pixel 5 with a 6.8 or at least a 6.5 inch display. I prefer a big display but i hate all the ****ty uis that you need to deal with to have a phone with a big display .... I really wish there was another option for pure android other then the pixel. My note would be a worlds better phone if it was running pure android and have options to install any Samsung features you may need.
Dont really hate the new Pixel 5 just wish it were a bit bigger and faster
razor237 said:
I wish we could get a pixel phone with more flagship specs , I was really hoping for a pixel 5 with a 6.8 or at least a 6.5 inch display. I prefer a big display but i hate all the ****ty uis that you need to deal with to have a phone with a big display .... I really wish there was another option for pure android other then the pixel. My note would be a worlds better phone if it was running pure android and have options to install any Samsung features you may need.
Dont really hate the new Pixel 5 just wish it were a bit bigger and faster
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Faster for what?
They bailed on QHD after 5 years it was literally all I cared about (well unless they tried 4GB of RAM again lol)
Benjamin_L said:
Faster for what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not ?? lol but that really wasn't the point i was going for. Using the better current gen CPU 865G over the 765G would mean a yes faster phone but will allow it to last longer and still perform good a few years from now. that's how i see it so you may not agree but it still would be nice to have seen a bigger screened pixel with the 865G and not the Pixel 4a 5G
They should just team up with Samsung and put out a true fan edition phone that makes android shine in its purest form
The only reason we're here is monthly updates and the next gen software. Oh, and the camera.
Samsung Galaxy Nexus was the first new android phone I owned
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy_Nexus
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
haloimplant said:
They bailed on QHD after 5 years it was literally all I cared about (well unless they tried 4GB of RAM again lol)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This, and the physical screen size are my biggest concerns.
The early videos have somewhat eased my concern, except for the size of course.
bigknowz said:
Samsung Galaxy Nexus was the first new android phone I owned
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy_Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your my hero. List all your phones since than

General Google Pixel 7a reviews

If you find reviews for this phone, please link it to this thread. THX
Here is couple reviews.. One is only hands-on but i think full GSMArena review comes soon.
Google Pixel 7a review: The best midrange phone with flagship-level features
The $499 Pixel 7a looks, feels, and performs just like the Pixel 7, which just six months ago was a highly-rated flagship phone.
www.xda-developers.com
Google Pixel 7a review: all you really need | Stuff
Significant upgrades for Google's most affordable phone. Despite a price hike, the Google Pixel 7a is still a value champ
www.stuff.tv
Google Pixel 7a hands-on review
The latest member in the Google Pixel series is the new Pixel 7a, which is also part of the company's more accessible a-series of devices. Starting at...
www.gsmarena.com
Google Pixel 7a review
Don't get a Pixel 7 - pick the 7a instead. That more or less summarized our thoughts from our initial encounter with Google's latest a-series smartphone,...
www.gsmarena.com
Google Pixel 7A review: a better deal
A midrange phone that’s hard to beat.
www.theverge.com
Google’s Pixel 7A Raises the Bar for Sub-$500 Phones
The mid-priced handset has just about all you need in a phone: great performance, excellent camera, wireless charging, and Android's many helpful extras.
www.wired.com
Pixel 7A Review: Basically Google's Pixel 7 for $100 Less
The Pixel 7A has many of the features that the Pixel 6A was missing, at a lower price than the Pixel 7.
www.cnet.com
Google Pixel 7a review: The best budget phone
Our hands-on verdict on the £449 Android handset.
www.digitalspy.com
Google Pixel 7a review: A Pixel 7, for less
The Pixel 7a is another excellent mid-range phone from Google that blurs the line between flagship phone and affordable option
www.techadvisor.com
Google Pixel 7a review: It’s got everything you need and more for just $499 | Engadget
With the addition of a 90Hz screen and support for wireless charging, the $500 Pixel 7a strikes the perfect balance between price and features..
www.engadget.com
I have one, below is what I put in thread I had made, for me its good buy!
It runs great, I haven't had any lag or stutters, I love it.... Battery is decent , I`m no power user, it`s very snappy with the 8gb ram compared to the 6gb the 6A , and love the coral color, I rooted it and using Magsik and AOSP MOD, repainter app., has wireless charging that the Pixel 6A didn`t have, I liked the pixel 7A enough , I actually sold my S23 ultra yesterday, but I do have the new Sony Xperia 1 V on preorder, in my opinion the Pixel 7A is a great buy!!
Edit: also it has face unlock, which the pixel 6A doesn`t which is nice too, still has the plastic back, but doesn`t bother me.
Who knows what inspire those people who write reviews about new products coming up to the market. With so many websites promoting stuff these days it's hard to find an objective voice that is free from bias of self interest. Some writers write reviews because they must meet deadlines and others write for companies directly involved in profiting from sales/marketing of such items.
In the end, we the customers will have the final word reviewing things after purchasing it and still, some of us gonna say "it sucks" others "so,so" then some"it's fantastic fantastic".
Personally I like this Pixel 7a or I should've said: I'm not disappointed because I expected this phone to be exactly as it turned out to be. Easy to handle because of its size/weight as compared to my S23U. As for quality - can't complaint, the price is the best excuse to tolerate some very minor design issues. The phone is working smoothly overall, I can't be too picky when I switch for a day or two from S23U.
I spent some time today in the local park testing the camera: it never got hot, warm yes, but my S22 vanilla year ago was going at least 20-30 deg F hotter while recording slow-mo and regular videos for extended amount of time. Same when continuously shooting pics. Here are some pics from earlier today:
p.s. I'm good on the cover, won't need more, the one I have was also free from preorder promo. It's perfect, almost clear plastic, but it has some irregular dots on the back, good grip and it looks great.
My only complaint thus far is the screen. Its not horrible but the colors are a bit dull even with Adaptive selected in display settings. It's also not the brightness phone and can struggle in directly sunlight. The image in general is just a bit off too I can put my finger on it. Other than that I love it, I'm hoping some of my issues with the image quality and brightness can be adddressed via Firmware update.
GSMArena full review is here
Google Pixel 7a review
Don't get a Pixel 7 - pick the 7a instead. That more or less summarized our thoughts from our initial encounter with Google's latest a-series smartphone,...
www.gsmarena.com

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 phones

I'm trying to get an updated opinion about the "hot" snapdragon 8 gen 2 phones that are out currently. About 4-5 months ago the Vivo x90 Pro+ and Xiaomi 13 Ultra were the talk, but the vivo as it stands isn't going to be releasing a global version, and the CN version that a handful of people got their hands on, there is quite a bit of talk about all the bloatware on the device, plus notification issues, plus it doesn't appear as rooting it is anywhere in the near future for the phone.
The Xiaomi is an option and they have a global version in the talks, but apparently it might not come to the states and also I hear that the signal support is hit or miss.
Next up is the Samsung S23 Ultra; although I hear great things and generally speaking the hardware is pretty hard core, I don't have good experience with their interface. From personal experience using galaxy s6,7,8 bloatware is a HUGE issue and from what I hear not much has changed for the better since those models. Also I have read root is possible which is a plus on the S23 ultra, but still not sure if there are any limitations (outside of samsung software (I don't use samsung software)) such as google wallet/pay, bank apps, etc?
Moving on, Oneplus. I've always been a hit or miss kinda guy with the Oneplus. I've owned the op3T, op5T, and now the OP9 Pro. I like that they are "root friendly" generally speaking, and have a semi-vanilla android OS. What I dislike about the phone is the curved screen. Don't really care for it. Also the glass back is no-bueno because my current one has cracked multiple times on me despite being in a case and still functional.
Anyway, I'd like to hear some updated opinions about any of these phones or similar phones that you recommend.
For me, I am mostly interested in performance and battery life that can get me through the day or so. Having a nice camera is a perk, but I think most camera's these days are decent at the very least.
Also kind of a side topic, has anyone had any experience with a carbon fiber phone case? I was thinking of using one for my oneplus or future phone to prevent the back from breaking if it's glass. Carbon fiber is supposed to be really strong and light weight; but I'm not sure if it hinders the phone signal/antenna.
The Samsung Note 10+ (N975U1) has a smaller battery, is 30gm lighter, has better form factor & bezel to display ratio and gets better SOT (11-13 hrs) than the S23U*. In actual use it's only slightly slower except for intensive gaming. It runs cool and supports up to 1tb of expandable storage. The 60hz display is still one of the best in terms of resolution, color accuracy/calibration.
It's cams are more than adequate. Solid build quality and long lived. I have two and nothing Samsung has released since has matched it in overall functionality and usability which why I still run them. They are still a joy to use.
New ones are loaded with Android 10 are still available.
*all Samsung's should be optimized otherwise battery life will suffer.
blackhawk said:
The Samsung Note 10+ (N975U1) has a smaller battery, is 30gm lighter, has better form factor & bezel to display ratio and gets better SOT (11-13 hrs) than the S23U*. In actual use it's only slightly slower except for intensive gaming. It runs cool and supports up to 1tb of expandable storage. The 60hz display is still one of the best in terms of resolution, color accuracy/calibration.
It's cams are more than adequate. Solid build quality and long lived. I have two and nothing Samsung has released since has matched it in overall functionality and usability which why I still run them. They are still a joy to use.
New ones are loaded with Android 10 are still available.
*all Samsung's should be optimized otherwise battery life will suffer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your input. The one concern I have with that model is that I believe the form factor is considered a phablet if I'm not mistaken. I personally like the smaller phones (thinner in terms of width).
Another phone I haven't heard too much about is the iqoo 11. I think it's comparable to the Oneplus 11 in terms of price and specs. Does anyone have any input on that one?

Categories

Resources