Pixel XL to S8 - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions & Answers

Curious if anyone else made the switch? I did, but not exactly by choice. I am curious if it is ok to use the Pixel XL wall charger to charge the S8 with?
Any deals on wireless chargers that anyone is aware of? I looked on Amazon but not a ton at the moment. Do I need the official one or will any one do?
Finally, thoughts on the UAG Monarch? Have read both good and bad reviews. Only have a Spigen Rugged Armor at the moment but am a bit concerned about protection.
Thanks!

Yeah, I made the switch from the Pixel XL to S8. Also not by choice (Pixel was stolen).
It's a decent phone but despite the older chipset, the pixel felt smoother overall. I also think the camera on the pixel was slightly better but this one has OIS which is a big plus. I also like having wireless charging again and the waterproofing is great, I've taken it into the pool a few times.
I think it's fine to use the Pixel charger (I have done so) but it probably won't fast charge, just regular speed.
Same with wireless chargers. You should probably get one that specifically states it will fast charge the S8 because I got one which advertised fast wireless charging but it doesn't fast charge my S8 (with the stock S8 wall charger) for whatever reason. Regular charging works fine which is ok for me since I just drop it on there at night or in the office.
Spigen should be sufficient for protection. I have a couple of Ringke cases and have dropped the phone 2-3 times without a scratch.

I just switched from Pixel XL to the S8 Plus. I like the brighter screen on the S8 Plus but the new ratio isn't so great. Most of my apps now have a large black space at the top and the bottom, any don't run correctly with the fit to screen option. I think the camera might be slightly better on the S8 Plus but I'll miss that unlimited storage. The waterproofing and the memory card support were the biggest factors for me to change.

Trooper27 said:
Curious if anyone else made the switch? I did, but not exactly by choice. I am curious if it is ok to use the Pixel XL wall charger to charge the S8 with?
Any deals on wireless chargers that anyone is aware of? I looked on Amazon but not a ton at the moment. Do I need the official one or will any one do?
Finally, thoughts on the UAG Monarch? Have read both good and bad reviews. Only have a Spigen Rugged Armor at the moment but am a bit concerned about protection.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also not by choice. I had the Pixel (not the XL) and now have the S8 (not the S8+).
With verizon I had a nagging (known issue for a rare number of users) where the microphone would not produce sound. This meant that recording videos would have no sound, system alarm wouldn't go out, and Android Auto in my car would often times not connect (it must have some API dependency on system sound).
There's a known soldering issue reported by Google where one of the Pixel microphones has an issue. I was sent a replacement with the Verizon warranty program. Two issues with the replacement:
1) I couldn't OEM unlock anymore so I couldn't root. I was NOT pleased. I thought about requesting a direct one from Google but thought that would raise suspicion on wanting to OEM unlock.
2) It too had this issue.
I could have gone through yet another replacement but threw in the towel. I loved that phone and wonder if this issue was actually a Verizon issue. I like that the S8 finally has root. I love it. It'd be nice to have an unlocked bootloader but root is definite progress (at least I can install Viper now).

I currently use both. Have a Pixel XL and S8+ through Verizon. I use the Pixel XL mostly as my daily driver, but use the S8 plus as my truck GPS mostly and with my VR headset to watch movies while in the bunk. Pixel just feels more natural to me. Better camera, imo. Though the UI Samsung has created is pretty snappy. I think the main deal breaker for me is the location of the fingerprint scanner/gesture reader. The one dead center on the pixel feels more naturally placed. Also, the pixel's glass seems more stronger. I have dropped the pixel from my semi and it not shatter... dropped the s8 from my bed onto a wood floor and it has a shatter in the top right corner.

I have a Pixel (non XL) and just got the S8+. I think Ill be going to the S8 because the plus is a little too big for me. Aside from that I think I like the S8 family much more than the Pixel (I know it makes me a terrible person, saying that). Oh well, regardless, there are a LOT of things I love about my S8 over my Pixel. Yep, I use the same type C charger for both, the one that came with my Pixel.

Related

Tempted?

Anyone Tempted by the new Pixel 2 XL?
It's a nice device & expensive.
I like the ATPX HD & front firing speakers.
What you guys & girls think?
Ugly - Looks like an iPhone 5, huge bezels, screen not good enough, no dual camera, no headphone jack, no wireless charging.
It'll be extremely fast, no doubt, but for me, Google need to go back to the drawing board with that one. Step back IMO.
The Note 8 (my first Samsung) has converted me from an Android purist. Luckily I seem to have jumped on board just as Samsung fixed the UI lag too.
As good as the Pixel hardware is likely to be, I will not go back to vanilla Android easily now. All phones going forward are also going to need a pen!
Not me, I had a Nexus 1, Nexus 4 and a Nexus 6 but Google has priced me out of their market.
They need to bring back Dev Editions of these Samsung flagships. Best of two worlds. Awesome hardware from Samsung, snappy software from Google. Those were the days.
Even if Pixel 2 XL is nice, they wont be available in my country, and getting them from other country is too much of a hassle. Saw MKBHD video this morning, few samples and they rly looked dope. But so does the Note 8, will be waiting for some camera comparison. Anyway looks rly shady when DxOMark test the phone that is not even released. Note 8 still looks more like a full package to me.
No, not for me.
When I was pre-ordering the Note 8 I did consider waiting for the Pixel 2 Xl. I'm quite glad I didn't now.
The Pixel isn't waterproof, has no wireless charging, the screen isn't as nice. No headphone jack. Single camera (photo results would be interesting to see though). No s-pen.
I mean, the only benefits I can truly see is stereo speakers and "early access" to Oreo.
Those benefits just aren't worth the drawbacks, imho.
That, and I do love my Note 8.
No the Note 8 looks so much better.
Nope, the pixel is playing catch up to the iphone,which is playing catch up to the Note 8. Hehehe
Seriously tho, being a Samsung fan aside, the Note has too many feature I want that the pixel doesn't. Mainly pen and ip68 and the headphone jack also.
Sent from my Galaxy Note8 using XDA Labs
SquidgyB said:
No, not for me.
When I was pre-ordering the Note 8 I did consider waiting for the Pixel 2 Xl. I'm quite glad I didn't now.
The Pixel isn't waterproof, has no wireless charging, the screen isn't as nice. No headphone jack. Single camera (photo results would be interesting to see though). No s-pen.
I mean, the only benefits I can truly see is stereo speakers and "early access" to Oreo.
Those benefits just aren't worth the drawbacks, imho.
That, and I do love my Note 8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pixel is waterproof - you are right about wireless charging though and the others - it will be interesting to see how the Camera Works - bought the XL 2 for my wife. We'll see if I end up hijacking it.
I have the original pixel. It works very well, software updates are a huge plus, and I love the camera. The XL 2 is very tempting, but I can get 95% of the camera performance from the gcam apk available on this forum, which I'm hoping will get updates with the new software tricks from the new pixels. And even though I got used to Oreos little enhancements, it'll come to the Note 8 eventually. I knew what I was giving up getting the Note 8 this close to the Pixel launch and even though it'll be blistering fast, it lacks the second camera, headphones Jack, which I just used last night when my Bluetooth headphones battery died, and wireless charging. I really like keeping a charging pad on my desk at work, keeps my phone charged and at a convenient angle for easy viewing and access. And most importantly no s-pen. I did unlock my bootloader on the pixel and play with ROMs and software mods and root was nice, but I don't consider them completely necessary.
Now the pixelbook on the other hand....
Geekser said:
Pixel is waterproof - you are right about wireless charging though and the others - it will be interesting to see how the Camera Works - bought the XL 2 for my wife. We'll see if I end up hijacking it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, my bad. IP67 on the pixel vs IP68 on the Note - I stand corrected.
I'm tempted but I'll stay with the Note8. I have the Pixel XL as a spare phone and only really use it when I'm out of the country (Project Fi). It takes amazing pictures and I'm sure that will be the only reason why I would really consider owning the 2 XL but never really use it. I think I'll just stick to the Note8 and iPhone combo, the iPhone X is on the horizon anyway.
Not at all.. love my note 8
They effectively double if not trippled their prices during the last two or three incarnations of their devices. Not worth it for me.
Samsung could effectively eff them up if they also released a developer Note 8 version.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Heck no, had the first Pixel for a hot minute when I had to leave my Note7 and that phone was simply BORING. I want all the bells and whistles and the Pixel was so Plain Jane boring I was bored within 48 hours and had to give it back, not to mention no SD card slot to hold my free 256gb card from the Note7 pre-order. #NOTE8POTY
I'm slightly jealous. It'll be smoother than this phone, have a superior camera, have dual speakers, instant upgrades, a thriving community with ROMs galore...
But then I remember that I have a bigger, better screen, more RAM, a headphone jack, a very good camera, very fast UI, Miracast, better water resistance, a better looking device, an SD-card slot, AND AN INIMITABLE, IRREPLACEABLE S-PEN!!
PsiPhiDan said:
I'm slightly jealous. It'll be smoother than this phone, have a superior camera, have dual speakers, instant upgrades, a thriving community with ROMs galore...
But then I remember that I have a bigger, better screen, more RAM, a headphone jack, a very good camera, very fast UI, Miracast, better water resistance, a better looking device, an SD-card slot, AND AN INIMITABLE, IRREPLACEABLE S-PEN!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah but the Huawei is also "smoother" dont mean I will use them.:laugh:
As a hardcore Google purest, I saw that Pixel and now Pixel 2 coming. Was using the XL and loved it, still have it but it's now sitting in its box on my kitchen table waiting to be sold.
Sadly Google has let me down with their poor choices over the recent years. I'll still with the Note 8. Never letting my SPen go ever again unless Samsung does something stupid.
Limeybastard said:
yeah but the Huawei is also "smoother" dont mean I will use them.:laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha yeah but they don't have all the other upsides. Sincerely, the Pixel XL 2 would EASILY by my #2 phone (if for some reason reason I couldn't have this one). Great device. Loved the original and used to be my favorite phone ever until the Note 8 stole my heart!

Failing to find N6 replacement - 1+6, Moto G6, Nokia 7+

As described in the title.
I'm failing to find a replacement for my N6..
Pixels are way above the budget.
OnePlus feels like it but lacks stereo speakers, but looks like good enough as camera (ois) and OS (updates,cleaner).
Moto g6 is mid ranger - good value for money, lacks OIS and stereo. Plus OS updates will be long delayed if I compare it with ny wife's G5S Moto.
Nokia 7+ looked promising as design, Android One program, battery. Budget wise - exactly to the point. However missing stereo speakers. And camera looks like disappointment to reviewers due to lack of OIS.
Any thoughts ?
My brother has the Nokia 7+. And I own a Nexus 6. As for comparison, I can say that 7+ is an OKAY upgrade. But sure, N6's speakers are better. 7+ speaker is not bad tho. But trust me, you'll miss the amoled display. 7+ cameras are awesome, don't listen to reviewers. Install gcam and viola, pixel quality shots on N7+.
We have the same situation tho. For now, I consider the Xiaomi Mi8 SE and refurbished Pixel XL.
As I wait for a worthy replacement, I am maximizing the life out of my N6. Recently changed the battery, flashed custom ROM & kernel. And man, I never thought this device will still hold its own like it does. Maybe keep this phone until the end of this year. I think we still have to wait for more SD710 phones to come out. But that's just me. Cheers!
@Ivan - thanks! Sounds promising And yes - N6 is still holding on, just I've dropped it. Still has life in it though.
Which ROM do you use?
TodNex said:
@Ivan - thanks! Sounds promising And yes - N6 is still holding on, just I've dropped it. Still has life in it though.
Which ROM do you use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on AOSiP 8.1 with Popcorn Kernel v1.4 and it's working very great. Still observing for best battery life tho.
Oh, I forgot to mention, I'm very hyped for the budget Pixel phone with SD710. I think that's the phone for me.. and I feel it. :laugh:
Well, if you can endure the cracked screen for until early 2019, wait for it.
TodNex said:
I'm failing to find a replacement for my N6..
.....Any thoughts ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking for a replacement, including wireless charging.
I wait for a Nokia 8 Sirocco with a lower price.
TodNex said:
Pixels are way above the budget.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No financing options where you are? I ask because financing through Google is how I got my P2XL.
My N6 though is still seeing use. My roommate preferred it over the Moto X Style (XT1575) I got for her, simply because the screen was larger as well as Android 8.x custom ROMs. That's saying something when an older device is preferred over a newer one, but I digress. I wouldn't go with any of the options you give in your post title however. None of them have quad HD screens and apparently they don't have stereo speakers either. Instead, I'd look into used devices such as on Swappa and get one from there.
Thank you for your replies.
Yes, not easy..N6 proved to be actual in the present, and not easy to replace in mid-range.
Yes Pixels are.very expensive here.
I would go with LineageOS if I was not security freak and doubting about installing Google Apps aside from a site.
OpenGApps.org is a reputable site and has been the "go to" option for years. However, several developers on XDA also have downloadable GApps packages available. I'd hunt for them if you don't trust OpenGApps.org, and then upgrade your N6. Nitrogen is a good choice, better than LineageOS I feel.
Imagine if they revived shamu with 18:9 aspect ratio, fingerprint sensor, usb type c, upgraded camera & SoC, same awesome front firing speakerS. Heck yeah, that's my dream phone!
It already exists. It's called the Pixel 2 XL.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
It already exists. It's called the Pixel 2 XL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, no headphone jack & wireless charging.
And I also mean the curved back design of shamu.
None of which were on your list. Now, obviously people's mileage will vary here, but wireless charging is something I never used, and as for the headphone jack? I was just like you in thinking I would die without a headphone jack. And then I grew up.
P. S. I rather like phones I can't spin on a desk.
OnePlus 5T seems like such a perfect replacement - probably what I'd get if I were in the market right now. Oneplus has became the de facto nexus replacement after google decided to update its pricing scheme
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
It already exists. It's called the Pixel 2 XL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No headphone jack on the 2XL. thats a deal breaker for me.
Ta3miyyasandwich said:
OnePlus 5T seems like such a perfect replacement - probably what I'd get if I were in the market right now. Oneplus has became the de facto nexus replacement after google decided to update its pricing scheme
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thinking about this too. OP5T is still available in my country, 3rd party tho. Will wait for 5T price drops when OP6 arrives here.
I admit that I'd like to see Google buck trends like Samsung, but I don't see it happening. Since there are so few choices out there for decent devices with unlockable bootloaders you will at some point have to decide what you would prefer to give up, whether it be a display without a notch, a headphone jack, or wireless charging.
I can live without the headphone jack, but I also have bluetooth headphones. If I couldn't, I'd be using the USB audio adapter Google provided in the box.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
..., a headphone jack, or wireless charging...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing I want is wireless charging.
> 4 years of wireless charging and the N6-battery is still good for a day ...
And that is where mileage will vary. I never used wireless charging and don't care if the device has it.
It's too bad Google wants to be like/become Apple. First with the OS now the notch...What's next? Google needs to move away from trying to be Apple before people start to move away from Android. If they haven't started to move away already. I'm also having a hard time finding a worthy phone to replace the Nexus 6...But so far I'm happy staying with it for awhile.
rushier.ivan said:
Imagine if they revived shamu with 18:9 aspect ratio, fingerprint sensor, usb type c, upgraded camera & SoC, same awesome front firing speakerS. Heck yeah, that's my dream phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
long live 16:9 :victory:

Con me out of selling my 6T.

So, I landed a 6T for a steal. I wasn't even in the market to replace my G6 (US997, rooted), but here I am.
As of right now, the only distinct advantages the 6T has over the LG G6 are:
Pie
Far smoother operation
Larger screen
Infinitely better aftermarket support (roms etc)
The G6 has my heart in:
Power button being on the back (Yes, I know I'll get used to the side button again).
SD Card Slot (I have a 256gb collecting dust now)
Pixel density
Quick Charge
Always On Display
Integrated headphone jack (although I rarely use my wired headphones anymore)
And right now, I'm on the fence:
Call quality (seems to be a wash)
Display clarity (wash again, despite the pixel density)
and the biggest thing to me, is the camera. I know I'm missing the wide angle from the G6. But is it just me, or is the camera just sort of meh on the 6T?
It seems to charge very slow when not connected to the included charger (which I can't seem to find in stock anywhere?)
I landed it with a case and screen protector for 350. I know I can sell it for that or maybe even up to 400. But I'm not sure I want to. I want to love this thing. It feels so nice in my hand. The battery on it is as big as a freakin car battery. It's more modern than my G6, has better specs. Is definitely faster.
So tell me, what do I do here?
I sorta did the same. My previous phone was a G6. In my case that phone I got it basically for free when I renewed my contract.
LG G6
I hated the fact that I could not root it (in my country that model is bootloader locked).
I loved its camera, but the glass on top of it it's real trash because it scratched in a month or so even with a case and TLC.
I hated the battery not lasting more than 2 hours screen on time.
I hated the button and FP on the back.
I hated the OS, stuttered and most of all, bloated (more of a carrier problem than a phone problem I know).
I hated being stuck on an older Android version.
I hated the screen because I got some screen burn-in issues, but fortunately with no permanent damage (reversible).
I too used it with a 200GB memory card, but the horrible management of the 4GB of RAM and 32GB internal storage meant that I was constantly running out of space. Even if you move apps to external storage, some huge chunks of data remain internally.
I was on the fence between getting the Huawei P20 Pro or the OP6T, and I decided to try the OP6T with 8GM RAM and 256GB Storage and boy o boy, I can't complain at all!
OnePlus 6T
The sheer speed of this phone is amazing! In all these years with Android (I started in 2007) I have never enjoyed a phone this much!
I love the fact that I'm always getting more than 7 hours screen on time with extensive use!
I love the tiny camera notch!
This phone is stupid FAAAAASTTTT!!!
And the fast charge on the OP6T is far FAR superior to that on the LGG6. Every morning I charge my OP6T while getting ready for work and about 40-45 minutes later is already at 100%. No more leaving the phone on my nightstand charging overnight!
OxygenOS is simply the best Android iteration ever created!
OnePlus Android updates and beta program is amazing!
So freaking easy to root.
OnePlus community is awesome (not that xda forums are not cool, but you get my point).
The huge RAM and Storage makes it future proof for many years to come if I desire to keep it that long.
Last but not least, the on-screen fingerprint scanner is a great conversation starter and wow factor. (mine works flawlessly)
This is simply no fair comparison, the LG G6 feels dated in comparison.
I don't miss the audio jack because I'm always listening over Bluetooth.
I don't miss the higher DPI because the OP6T screen despite having less DPI looks stunning!
I don't miss the external storage option on the LGG6
I don't miss the wide angle lens on the main camera, but I do miss the wide angle lens on the front camera.
This is my experience so far!
Cheers mate!
sell it; I'll give you 50 bucks for it
aNGERY said:
So, I landed a 6T for a steal. I wasn't even in the market to replace my G6 (US997, rooted), but here I am.
As of right now, the only distinct advantages the 6T has over the LG G6 are:
Pie
Far smoother operation
Larger screen
Infinitely better aftermarket support (roms etc)
The G6 has my heart in:
Power button being on the back (Yes, I know I'll get used to the side button again).
SD Card Slot (I have a 256gb collecting dust now)
Pixel density
Quick Charge
Always On Display
Integrated headphone jack (although I rarely use my wired headphones anymore)
And right now, I'm on the fence:
Call quality (seems to be a wash)
Display clarity (wash again, despite the pixel density)
and the biggest thing to me, is the camera. I know I'm missing the wide angle from the G6. But is it just me, or is the camera just sort of meh on the 6T?
It seems to charge very slow when not connected to the included charger (which I can't seem to find in stock anywhere?)
I landed it with a case and screen protector for 350. I know I can sell it for that or maybe even up to 400. But I'm not sure I want to. I want to love this thing. It feels so nice in my hand. The battery on it is as big as a freakin car battery. It's more modern than my G6, has better specs. Is definitely faster.
So tell me, what do I do here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
G6 has your heart with Quick charge? The OnePlus 6T is one of the fastest charging phones there is.
lg sucks i own 2 still but UI is slow they mess a kernel up don't support developers less everything that's like pulling out the old Razer phone
aNGERY said:
So, I landed a 6T for a steal. I wasn't even in the market to replace my G6 (US997, rooted), but here I am.
As of right now, the only distinct advantages the 6T has over the LG G6 are:
Pie
Far smoother operation
Larger screen
Infinitely better aftermarket support (roms etc)
The G6 has my heart in:
Power button being on the back (Yes, I know I'll get used to the side button again).
SD Card Slot (I have a 256gb collecting dust now)
Pixel density
Quick Charge
Always On Display
Integrated headphone jack (although I rarely use my wired headphones anymore)
And right now, I'm on the fence:
Call quality (seems to be a wash)
Display clarity (wash again, despite the pixel density)
and the biggest thing to me, is the camera. I know I'm missing the wide angle from the G6. But is it just me, or is the camera just sort of meh on the 6T?
It seems to charge very slow when not connected to the included charger (which I can't seem to find in stock anywhere?)
I landed it with a case and screen protector for 350. I know I can sell it for that or maybe even up to 400. But I'm not sure I want to. I want to love this thing. It feels so nice in my hand. The battery on it is as big as a freakin car battery. It's more modern than my G6, has better specs. Is definitely faster.
So tell me, what do I do here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LG G6 a lot slower.
Snapdragon 821 vs Snapdragon 845.
Not even in the same league. 6 month old phone vs almost two year old phone.
I had an LG G6 and traded it for an Essential PH-1.
Sold the Essential when the 6T came out and have not looked back.
The 6T is just a better all around phone.
The 6T is dual SIM which made it a no brainer for me. I was carrying a work phone and a personal phone.
I carry one phone now.
I don't have 2 sims, but I don't disagree about the hardware being superior. I actually wiped the phone last night, put my sim in my G6, and about an hour later, I started setting up the 6T again. I'm on it now.
I'm not going to make any hasty decisions. Probably will give this thing a week.
As I type this, the biggest thing to adapt to is the SD card slot being absent.
Am I being too hard on the camera?
G6 is garbage
If 6T it's slow or seems slow, format the phone or do a MSM tool.
Yes the camera is maybe the cheapest..., but in daylight take good pictures. At night not so good. For camera you can try Google cam.
Reuben_skelz92 said:
G6 is garbage
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Compared to a 6T it is.
For camera, try the Pixel camera. See separate thread.
aNGERY said:
I don't have 2 sims, but I don't disagree about the hardware being superior. I actually wiped the phone last night, put my sim in my G6, and about an hour later, I started setting up the 6T again. I'm on it now.
I'm not going to make any hasty decisions. Probably will give this thing a week.
As I type this, the biggest thing to adapt to is the SD card slot being absent.
Am I being too hard on the camera?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also came from the G6. I do miss the wide angle camera and the overall photo quality from the G6. Also was a fan of water resistance rating, mil-spec drop rating, and the power button/fingerprint sensor on the back. The G6 really felt good in the hand, but the performance difference between it and my 6T are night and day. I don't think I could go back to the G6 from a performance standpoint.
I think you should sell it.
However, having someone else decided what phone you use will never end well.
Only thing that bothers me about the phone is that fp doesn't work on custom ROMs wich combined with the bad ram management on stock oos is kinda annoying.
About the camera. I find it rather inconsistent. Sometimes i get pretty good shots and sometimes they are just lousy. Anyway it's a tiny phone cam and as such it simply suffers physical limitations.
Sell it!
You paid for it.
tet-bundy said:
Only thing that bothers me about the phone is that fp doesn't work on custom ROMs wich combined with the bad ram management on stock oos is kinda annoying.
About the camera. I find it rather inconsistent. Sometimes i get pretty good shots and sometimes they are just lousy. Anyway it's a tiny phone cam and as such it simply suffers physical limitations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bad RAM management?
Do you have a 6GB device?
I'm reading through this post on my g6 while I let the 6t sit and try to figure out what's giving me wakelocks.
This thing is tiny and slow in comparison lol. I'm glad I'm giving it another go. Appreciate the opinions.
Reasons why I buy OP phones
Nearly native Android experience
Always rootable - I will not touch a phone I can't put Adaway on
Fast updates - almost as fast as the Pixels
Battery that lasts and lasts
Price/performance that can't be beat
Things that could be better
Camera is definitely a meh. Shutter delay is notable and limiting for anything but static scenes. Auto WB is way out of wack in anything but mid day blue sky conditions, and even setting WB manually leaves you with funky casts. This is particularly troublesome with skin tones, where your choice is between a "boiled shrimp" and "jaundice sickness" appearance. I don't use the camera for anything other than utilitarian purposes so this is a don't care, but if my phone was my primary camera I would definitely think twice.
Designs are somewhat bland, but this is probably partly how they keep the price as low as it is. I could not care less, as long as the formfactor is right. Which it is.
tech_head said:
Bad RAM management?
Do you have a 6GB device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
8 GB

Returned Pixel 5, still like my Pixel 4 XL

Am I crazy that I still really like the Pixel 4 XL a year plus later?
I bought the Pixel 5 right away, wanting better battery life and bright screen, plus more one handed friendly phone.
Yes the Pixel 5 has insane battery life. That's it. It feels like a cheap toy phone, and the speakers suck do bad, mainly the earpiece for phone calls, sound tinny and like a mile away.
The Pixel 4 XL feels way more premium, higher end build quality, sharper looking display, better feel in hand, I know it's large for a 6.3" phone, but I find it easier to type on and just feels solid in hand.
Actually if you didn't tell anyone when these two phones were released, I bet most non tech people would think the Pixel 4 XL is a new 2020 phone, and the Pixel 5 an older phone from few years ago.
Anyways, hoping Google goes more flagship next year.
I looked at other phones, and nothing really interests me out there right now. Yeah the OnePlus 8 Pro looks great, but at this point the 9 Pro is due in March.
iPhone 12 Pro Max looks stunning, super high end build, and a beautiful huge screen, with a FLAT display But iOS ugh .
I don't buy phones every year. If the Pixel 5 had been released next year, I would have kept my Pixel 4 XL for 3-4 years, if possible. I don't want a small phone. I'm not interested in plastic rim phones(4a). I find hole-punches more offensive than top bezels... I would rather have real tech using the space. But I'm not sore about using lesser SoCs... Qualcomm is ruining flagship potentials with their 5G design choices in upper-end SoCs.
Just wait for a 2021 phone. It's not worth getting a new phone only a year later anymore.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
I agree that it's not worth getting a new phone after a year now. Also agree with OP in spirit although I haven't actually tried a pixel 5. I find the 4xl screen excellent size & resolution, I find face unlock brilliant. Somehow rear fingerprint scanner seems like years ago now. Personally, I use telephoto more than I would a wide angle camera and also, in my opinion, any amount of bezel or "forehead" is better than a hole in the screen. Ye, 2021 at least for me too.
Yeah I've had my pixel 4 XL since last November. I downgraded by selling my note 10 plus and using this as my daily driver. It is served its purpose for the most part but a year later there are things about it that are annoying me apart from an absolute ****ty selfie camera, there are more noticeable bugs and issues that I'm having now than I ever did when I got to device initially.
But it is what it is I've enjoyed it for the most part and I'm excited to receive my Sony Xperia 5 Mark II in a few days. That device is game changing compared to this and the pixel 5.
thepersona said:
Yeah I've had my pixel 4 XL since last November. I downgraded by selling my note 10 plus and using this as my daily driver. It is served its purpose for the most part but a year later there are things about it that are annoying me apart from an absolute ****ty selfie camera, there are more noticeable bugs and issues that I'm having now than I ever did when I got to device initially.
But it is what it is I've enjoyed it for the most part and I'm excited to receive my Sony Xperia 5 Mark II in a few days. That device is game changing compared to this and the pixel 5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's only game changing on paper, in real world use not so much.
Mackay53 said:
It's only game changing on paper, in real world use not so much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I respect your opinion, I disagree,
the battery life alone is something that demolishes the pixel 4 XL.
Then you have an identical stock Android. the stock Android that pixels have that everybody glorifies an overhypes the saying is super smooth is no different than what is found on the Xperia.
and 120hz refresh rate.
Personally I found pixel devices to be completely overhyped for the prices that they're charging and with formidable issues such as poor build quality (seen regularly with all pixel devices since their inception) I just haven't had my money's worth of an experience with the pixel devices.
I genuinely believe the software and the apps that Google develops is great. They should stick with software development and just present their full-fledged featured apps with no compromises to all Android phones. 90% of their apps are available on other devices and can definitely be ported over specifically the recorder app and even on some phones gcam. Which in all honesty I've seen ports of gcam that function better than the stock camera on the pixel 4 XL.
But yeah that's just been my experience everybody's differs they might have had an entirely pleasant experience and that's good on them but I'm excited to be back on the Xperia line again.
thepersona said:
While I respect your opinion, I disagree,
the battery life alone is something that demolishes the pixel 4 XL.
Then you have an identical stock Android. the stock Android that pixels have that everybody glorifies an overhypes the saying is super smooth is no different than what is found on the Xperia.
and 120hz refresh rate.
Personally I found pixel devices to be completely overhyped for the prices that they're charging and with formidable issues such as poor build quality (seen regularly with all pixel devices since their inception) I just haven't had my money's worth of an experience with the pixel devices.
I genuinely believe the software and the apps that Google develops is great. They should stick with software development and just present their full-fledged featured apps with no compromises to all Android phones. 90% of their apps are available on other devices and can definitely be ported over specifically the recorder app and even on some phones gcam. Which in all honesty I've seen ports of gcam that function better than the stock camera on the pixel 4 XL.
But yeah that's just been my experience everybody's differs they might have had an entirely pleasant experience and that's good on them but I'm excited to be back on the Xperia line again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah software is good on the Sony ones. Only thing that was annoying when I had the 1 mk ii was the disappointing camera and slow UI in the app.
21:9 is comfy to hold so I miss that. Id be very surprised if a 4000mah battery at 120hz would be much different to the 4XLs.
Hopefully a better experience for you on the 5ii than I had on the 1ii.
I upgraded to Pixel 5 from the 4XL. My primary motivation is I hate the face unlock. I sorely missed the old fingerprint reader along the back. The only reason I upgraded from a 3XL to 4XL was the 3XL had hardware probs.
At first, I wasnt sure I was gonna be able to do it as the smaller phone felt odd and wasnt sure if I'd be able to type vertically with my thumbs (I still can once I got the case on it). It took some getting used to but then I quickily realized how absurdly big and heavy the 4XL is. The only other obstacle was no Active Edge. I never used it for the Assistant, but I use it daily to use my flashlight from the lock screen. This one was a must. I then discovered the Torchie app , that I can activate using the volume buttons.
Its much faster and the battery life is crazy good. Im very happy now having my fingerprint unlock back and more room in my pockets.
Tried the pixel 5 out and couldn't justify upgrading from my 4xl.
I'm returning it to Best buy tomorrow
JJT211 said:
I upgraded to Pixel 5 from the 4XL. My primary motivation is I hate the face unlock. I sorely missed the old fingerprint reader along the back. The only reason I upgraded from a 3XL to 4XL was the 3XL had hardware probs.
At first, I wasnt sure I was gonna be able to do it as the smaller phone felt odd and wasnt sure if I'd be able to type vertically with my thumbs (I still can once I got the case on it). It took some getting used to but then I quickily realized how absurdly big and heavy the 4XL is. The only other obstacle was no Active Edge. I never used it for the Assistant, but I use it daily to use my flashlight from the lock screen. This one was a must. I then discovered the Torchie app , that I can activate using the volume buttons.
Its much faster and the battery life is crazy good. Im very happy now having my fingerprint unlock back and more room in my pockets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These days, with masks on all the time, face unlock has been rendered useless and annoying
HipKat said:
These days, with masks on all the time, face unlock has been rendered useless and annoying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear this all the time, but I haven't experienced it much. To begin with, I don't think face unlock even looks at the bottom part of your face. Maybe it's a male-specific beard precaution. With a face contouring mask, moving the mask down half an inch is all it takes for my phone to recognize me. I can manage that just by opening my mouth wide which pulls down the mask slightly.
jljtgr said:
I hear this all the time, but I haven't experienced it much. To begin with, I don't think face unlock even looks at the bottom part of your face. Maybe it's a male-specific beard precaution. With a face contouring mask, moving the mask down half an inch is all it takes for my phone to recognize me. I can manage that just by opening my mouth wide which pulls down the mask slightly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I work on the medical field, wear a mask all shift, and it has never recognized me with a mask on. I don't have a beard but interestingly it does unlock when I have shaving cream on my face probably because it can actually get the contours of my cheeks. Either way, I usually use Smart Lock with my watch while at work.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
jljtgr said:
I hear this all the time, but I haven't experienced it much. To begin with, I don't think face unlock even looks at the bottom part of your face. Maybe it's a male-specific beard precaution. With a face contouring mask, moving the mask down half an inch is all it takes for my phone to recognize me. I can manage that just by opening my mouth wide which pulls down the mask slightly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TBH, since Android 11, Face unlock has been sketchy. It never used to lag unlocking when it's in the phone holder in my vehicle. Now it does often. In the dark, fuhgeddaboudit....

Question A bit underwhelmed

Had the pixel 7 for 4 days now and not that impressed with it
Actually thinking about going back to my OnePlus 7 Pro
The charging is poor on it and generally scrolling on webpages menu etc its no better than my oneplus
Dont know maybe I will persevere with it and it will get better
Got the pixel 7 on a killer deal with 5g coming from 4g with EE - I literally got the phone for free but not feeling it
Anyone else not buying into the hype?
So I've had the phone for the better part of a month and my takeaway from owning the device is that whilst is not the best or does it have any killer features that stand out above any other phone I've used. It does everything that it does really very well
The auto brightness is basically perfect.
The camera is reliable, it's not the best. The video is a bit lacking, but everything else about it is very good.
Is probably not the fastest at navigating between apps and multitasking but when I use the device it's reliably smooth in operation.
The battery isn't as good as my previous device, Poco F3, however, it gets me through the day and it's reliable in battery drain.
Notifications work unlike MIUI
Signal is much better compared to my 7T Pro
I can use speaker phone in my car and the other side can hear me clearly, couldn't do this on the 7T or F3
The screen is accurate and well balanced
I could go on
The phone doesn't have anything amazing that will make you want to go out and buy it or talk about how amazing it is, but once you just use it day in day out as the tool phones are now, it becomes the best phone I've used as a package.
roughavoc said:
So I've had the phone for the better part of a month and my takeaway from owning the device is that whilst is not the best or does it have any killer features that stand out above any other phone I've used. It does everything that it does really very well
The auto brightness is basically perfect.
The camera is reliable, it's not the best. The video is a bit lacking, but everything else about it is very good.
Is probably not the fastest at navigating between apps and multitasking but when I use the device it's reliably smooth in operation.
The battery isn't as good as my previous device, Poco F3, however, it gets me through the day and it's reliable in battery drain.
Notifications work unlike MIUI
Signal is much better compared to my 7T Pro
I can use speaker phone in my car and the other side can hear me clearly, couldn't do this on the 7T or F3
The screen is accurate and well balanced
I could go on
The phone doesn't have anything amazing that will make you want to go out and buy it or talk about how amazing it is, but once you just use it day in day out as the tool phones are now, it becomes the best phone I've used as a package.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thing is my oneplus is a better phone than the pixel
I am not trying to downplay the pixel its just for a new phone/upgrade its not what I thought it would be
If it works for you great and I genuinely mean that
Going to give it a few more days but I can honestly see myself switching back I miss the fluidity and charging speed of my oneplus
I only got the P7 because the carrier I'm with would only give me a better deal if I got a new phone. It's been nearly 3 months and still haven't used it other than to take pictures and see how it runs lol. It's a quirky thing.
I do have plans for it down the road, once it's rooted with a custom ROM, but won't be using it as a primary device. 128 GB without an SD card slot was what killed it for me. I know most phones don't have the slot these days, but with specs similar enough to my S10 with 512 GB and the card slot, I've just stuck with using that. I know the P7 has a better battery and charges faster, but the extra storage is more important for what I need. Not bad as a back-up device though.
I have a pixel 7 after almost 3 years with the OnePlus 7pro and I was the same... OxigenOS have a lot more stuff than pixel except for the exclusive stuff. I was missing my OnePlus a lot and hold this P7 for a month or more... After that I went back to the OnePlus and noticed the quality of the phone. OnePlus felt so cheap in my hand and idk, it was not the same. So yes I understand your feeling about OP7pro it was a hell of a phone but , I think pixel 7 is just more premium feeling and a "mature OS" nut fun but mature.
Oneplus have a great deal on the 11 at the moment I can get £180.00 trade in on the 7 pro plus - free buds plus if I link my device and a 5% student beans I have got the price down £400 very tempting
I went from the OnePlus 6t to the pixel 6 and I kinda felt the same way. I knew it was a better phone in theory with higher specs and all, but the 6t had a better screen to me and seemed faster in charging and smoothness at first. However, the camera on the pixel was waaaay better and I was happy with that trade off. Fast forward a year and I got a good trade in deal from the pixel 6 to the 7 and it is a way better screen than my 6. Not much else other than slightly lighter in the hand with better weight distribution (6 was top heavy). It is a much better overall experience though and I love a couple of features I've only found on pixels like the ability to copy text from your recent apps slider, amazing speech to text, and I will say the scrolling speed/smoothness has gotten way better with time. I think the software needs a bit of time to smooth out.
I came from the OP8. I did like the phone, but got really tired of the hit or mostly miss camera. I know there are better camera phones than the P7, but I'm not buying a phone I can't root plus I really like the smaller size. The OP11, IDK, like another said, my P7 does everything I want and does it really well. Also there's the whole Chinese and Spyware thing.
I get what everyone is saying!! I came from a Pixel 3XL. The 7 didn't blow me away, but works very efficiently. At least I can unlock my bootloader now.
roughavoc said:
or does it have any killer features that stand out above any other phone I've used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That depends on if you use your phone as a phone, once you get used to not receiving spam calls and having call screening there is no going back.
Also the speech recognition is faster and more accurate than any device on the market.
Thing is phone's have been fast enough for years and you won't notice a huge difference between modern devices.
gap30 said:
Had the pixel 7 for 4 days now and not that impressed with it
Actually thinking about going back to my OnePlus 7 Pro
The charging is poor on it and generally scrolling on webpages menu etc its no better than my oneplus
Dont know maybe I will persevere with it and it will get better
Got the pixel 7 on a killer deal with 5g coming from 4g with EE - I literally got the phone for free but not feeling it
Anyone else not buying into the hype?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was in the same situation, upgraded from my oneplus 7 pro. I agree that the screen was better on the oneplus and looking at a spec sheet it is obvious that it is the better screen. Other than that and charging speed everything is better on the pixel 7. The NFC is more reliable, better sound quality, better networking, camera and so on. I think it is worth the upgrade if you do not mind the screen. I rarely ever used the dash charge and mostly stuck to slower charging for over night so I do not have issues with the charging and the battery lasts me the whole day anywaay.
gap30 said:
Had the pixel 7 for 4 days now and not that impressed with it
Actually thinking about going back to my OnePlus 7 Pro
The charging is poor on it and generally scrolling on webpages menu etc its no better than my oneplus
Dont know maybe I will persevere with it and it will get better
Got the pixel 7 on a killer deal with 5g coming from 4g with EE - I literally got the phone for free but not feeling it
Anyone else not buying into the hype?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had my pixel 7 since late November, and I'll never buy another. I regret trading in my Galaxy S20fe for this turd of a phone. Google has locked down so much of the stock OS it's ridiculous. Very Apple -like. If I want that garbage I'll just buy an iphone.
But by far the most miserable part is the awful--and I mean TRULY, epically horrifically bad--fingerprint sensor. It's hands down the worst I have ever seen on any phone.
jasongw said:
I've had my pixel 7 since late November, and I'll never buy another. I regret trading in my Galaxy S20fe for this turd of a phone. Google has locked down so much of the stock OS it's ridiculous. Very Apple -like. If I want that garbage I'll just buy an iphone.
But by far the most miserable part is the awful--and I mean TRULY, epically horrifically bad--fingerprint sensor. It's hands down the worst I have ever seen on any phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't comment on the OS because I just got the phone and rooted it right out of the box, but Samsung phones are fairly limited themselves IMO not to mention with tons of bloat. I went from an Honor View 10 to an S10(because ATT blocked my V10 from service last year) and the s10 is crap in comparison and has very restrictive OS.
Do you have a screen protector? Did you rescan your fingerprints after? Lots of issues have been reported for those who haven't rescanned after a screen protector install, even changing brands I would recommend it.
GL
I bought this in December after accidentally destroying the screen of my OnePlus 7 Pro. It's everything I loved about that phone, with the bonus of NOT having a curved screen. Best phone ever? Nah. But a damn good and reliable phone? Absolutely.
You need to give Pixels some time, as the software is supposed to be intuitive and adapt to your usage. Also, I think some people coming from a different OEM don't realize Pixels are pure android with no frills, so they don't always "wow" you right out of the box. Pixels aren't for everybody, but those of us who love our Pixels tend to be happy with them and enjoy special features that others may not get due to carrier software manipulation, etc.
At the end of the day, all devices are subjective and it just depends on what you're looking for. Don't like the Pixel? Cool. There are thousands of other options out there. Go find your happy place.
Pixels can run grapheOS, others phones can't. That's me reason to keep pixel phones.
I regret trading in my P3 for this phone
The OS is cleaner and it has some nice functionality, but even my Xiaomi mi 10 that I traded from feels like a better phone. And the battery life, which was the only reason I gave up the mi 10 (which had dropped to 60% battery), is **** on the pixel 7.
cannot talk about the OS, i immediately switched to LineageOS as i'm used to that.
i tend to agree to the general feeling, underwhelming it's a good summary for this device.
in my overall experience, it's a barely good device which could've been great if they wanted to.
Screen: 5/10
mediocre screen... it only looks good on darker colors, lighter ones look terrible with visible rainbow effects at very little movement.
minor, almost imperceptible, flickering on static images.
i completely fail to understand why pixel 7 has so many positive reviews about the screen.
thankfully xda and other reviewers made interesting insights about this issue, sadly we as the customers got a indecent panel.
Battery life: 8/10
usually allows me to do 5h of screen usage with ~50%, which is more than enough for me, just in time to put in charge for the next day.
Camera: 7/10
i expected more, considering the reviews.
i've tried it a few days on stock and gcam but i really don't see why all the praises.
anyway it delivers more than i actually need and care.
front camera is actual ****, really bad for video calls.
About the rest:
fingerprint sensors, odd enough, works ok for me: it always recognize my fingerprint. it's just a tad slow which isn't great.
stereo audio balance is weird.
i'll always complain about 3.5" mm audio jack lack.
57op said:
i'll always complain about 3.5" mm audio jack lack.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It also doesn't have digital to analog conversion, soost USB-C to 3.5mm converters won't work.

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