Tempted? - Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Questions and Answers

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.
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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.
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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!!
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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:
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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!

Related

Is it worth getting a pixel 2 for the camera or is the note 8 with mods as good?

Is it worth getting a pixel 2 for the camera or is the note 8 with camera mods as good?
I ask this because I am trying to figure out which phone to get, if I am going to spend a small fortune, I don't want to regret it. For me I would consider the note 8, pixel 2 xl, the lg v30 (if the v30 is available in my region), sony xz premium. The iphone x I'd consider, but I'm doubtful unless reviews suggest there is something amazing.
The most important features for me are screen and camera. I do like the note 8 extras, but I could keep my note 5 which I use for vr occasionally, and with my gear 360.
Has anyone installed the exynos zero camera mod and hdr+ google camera port? How well do they work? Are there any video comparisons with these modifications? Also does the Samsung camera sensor have 10 bit colour?
I like taking sunset photographs and low light, dynamic range is probably more important to me than pixel peeping or other characteristics in most photos I take. For my use the note 5 camera with exposure lowered and less noise is preferred when I don't have my Sony dslr.
I'm thinking given the video and camera mods and ports to buy the note 8 exynos if possible ( best hardware) when it's on offer in the future and then just use the hdr+ app and zero camera mod. Any thoughts on this from note 8 owners?
Also is the note 8 worth the price now that you have bought it? Are there any problems?
I can tell you this: when somebody buys a galaxy note, the main atractive should be the s pen and screen size, if these things are not important to you, then get a pixel or v 30 or any good camera phone, simple
Go for The Xperia XZ Premium
I run 2 phones - Pixel XL and the Note 8 - I buy th note 8 because ive always had the note line until the 5 wasnt sold in UK (I imported but lack of SD at time made me sell) and the Note 7 (No reason needed to be given )
The note 8 by far is the best phone i have used from SAMSUNG if you only take into account their products. Pixel XL is for the puriest. I am debating getting the XL2 but wont do so until renewal in Feb next year.
Smartphone cameras these days have reached a point on Flagships where no matter which you go for - You will be impressed.
Id get the Note 8 solely for the extras it offers. Yes its not pure android but custom roms are coming out to help remove bloatware.
Ive had MANY phones in my time and these are the pinnacle of all my experience - For a better feel - Id get the Note 8 - ~JerryRigEverything tore the Pixel 2 apart and it wasnt pretty...
Xz premium paired with 4k hdr TV and vr glasses.
Go XZP, you wont regret it!
Inerent said:
Xz premium paired with 4k hdr TV and vr glasses.
Go XZP, you wont regret it!
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What if he wants a phone that doesn't look like 2012?
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neoraiden said:
Is it worth getting a pixel 2 for the camera or is the note 8 with camera mods as good?
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I think @winol said it best. Imo the note 8 is the best phone for 2017 period. The reason is simple. It will beat every other phone at most things not all. The iPhone 8 has a better processor, the Pixel has a better camera etc... But in the end the s-pen puts it in a league of its own. Even if you don't always use it. It'll save your a** in a pinch. So if your only criteria is a camera. Go for the Pixel XL.
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neoraiden said:
Is it worth getting a pixel 2 for the camera or is the note 8 with camera mods as good?
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Click to collapse
I think @winol said it best. Imo the note 8 is the best phone for 2017 period. The reason is simple. It will beat every other phone at most things not all. The iPhone 8 has a better processor, the Pixel has a better camera etc... But in the end the s-pen puts it in a league of its own. Even if you don't always use it. It'll save your a** in a pinch. So if your only criteria is a camera. Go for the Pixel XL.
I have read mixed reviews about the camera in the Pixel....Sorry, I cant even say that name without thinking the Pixel should be sold at Toys-R-Us? No offence I just cannot stand the appearance of the Pixel range as they look like toys. That is a totally subject view so ignore it.
Cameras. Not my forte so cant really add much to the debate. I understand the Note 8 has a decent camera?
As for a mobile phone the Note series is built around the S-pen. I would never even consider a Note if I had no use for that lovely S-pen experience. Its a mouse that makes ones mobile into a pocket PC. NO other mobile yet does that.
Ryland
Pixel 2 is overpriced imo....it's basically an iPhone running Android imo
Inerent said:
Go for The Xperia XZ Premium
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Inerent said:
Xz premium paired with 4k hdr TV and vr glasses.
Go XZP, you wont regret it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He said he wants a good camera. The camera on the XZ Premium is a steaming pile of CRAP. Complete garbage. Returned that phone within days of getting it because the camera was so bad.
Depends on what you do with your camera. I just want to record a moment with decent color, in focus, and so on without trying. I'm at no time looking to take a picture that will be art although like most people I have from time to time taken some truly great pictures because even a monkey banging on a keyboard will eventually get some Shakespeare. So I think the first thing that comes up is what do you want out of your camera?
As to the XL having a better camera I'm not quite sure that is true. When I look at the comparisons myself and do it blind I will often pick pictures from either camera as being better. The same holds true with the cool-aid device as well, I will pick pictures from both phones as being better when compared side to side. IMO cell phone cameras have just flat become great on the higher end and are better at taking pictures than most of us.
One last thing, Samsung has had one strength in their cameras for the last couple years that in a review a while back was called the fast moving child factor. This is where you pull the phone and immediately snap a pick of a fast moving object like your kids hoping to catch a moment that will soon be gone forever. You're not going to frame that photo, manipulate the objects in it, adjust your setting, you pull your phone and push the button and pray you got it. Samsung gets that one right. The 8 is better than the Pixel by a good margin, cant compare to the Pixel 2 because I don't have one. I did see a review that called out the iphone as being better at that sort of shot than the XL and in turn I know the Note 8 to be as good or better than the iphone in this area. Something to think about.
To go back to the beginning I think for most people the cameras on flagships are becoming a non factor. They're damn good and better at taking photos than their users. If this applies to you then forget about the camera and look at the other features. If the camera is paramount then you may want to widen your scope and consider the Sony.
Nowadays all smarthlones are using sony imx sensor, the diffrence is in software artifacts.
Why XZ Premium? Imx 400!
Iphone8 imx 398, s8 imx333 4k, pixel 2 imx 3xx
Imx400 is a sleeping monster! ?
P. S. XZP when you come home tired and wanna play some 4k hdr 60fps on your brand New 4k hdr smartTV ????
If photography is very important why not do the obvious thing and buy a dedicated prosumer camera?
Music is important to me so I am buying an external DAC-Amp that will enhance the sound from any mobile beyond imagination. Such DAC-Amp's when connected to the USB negate the internal DAC Amp of the mobile allowing a dedicated external device to produce the sound and the mobile is used as the source only.
If one is only mildly interested in music and cameras then any top notch present day flagship mobile should suffice. Its always going to be a question of compromise.
Most high end mobiles use Minolta cameras that are now owned by and called Sony. To that end I would imagine going to the font of the camera, ie Sony, one could not go wrong as they supply most of the trades cameras for mobiles at this level.
Ryland
winol said:
I can tell you this: when somebody buys a galaxy note, the main atractive should be the s pen and screen size, if these things are not important to you, then get a pixel or v 30 or any good camera phone, simple
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Click to collapse
I agree! I have a Note8 myself because I actually do use the pen features.
If a user wants to get a Galaxy Note device but not use the pen features, they should have instead got a plus-sized Galaxy S series (like the S8+), another Android phone, or even wait for the release of the next Galaxy S series.
What was saddening for me, was when I went to a friend's house last week to fix their PC, and found his wife uses a Note5 with the S Pen intentionally jammed inside the phone (like the top of the pen appeared to have been hammered in), to the point where it can never come out without taking apart the phone. This to me feels like when (insert metaphor here relating to my favourite TV show)
At least, from what I've seen, the Pixel 2 is a better phone for someone who doesn't need pen features on their phone, and would prefer taking photos, plus staying within Google's ecosystem.
Just sideload the pixel camera. It makes the note take much better photos.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
m.w.lawless said:
Just sideload the pixel camera. It makes the note take much better photos.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
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Would you mind providing a link for this app?
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
The Pixel 2 XL has been having multiple issues with the camera, I'd go with the Note 8. I've had friends that returned it for a new one only to have the same camera issues.
note 8 for me all the way for camera + big screen + spen i sold my s8+ to get note 8 for me it was well worth it i love it and wouldnt have anythin els
For what it's worth, both the Pixel and the iPhones are having quality and reliability issues that the Note 8 isn't.
I'm not a photographer, so I can't expound on the virtues of the Pixel over the Note 8, nor have I even held a Pixel of either generation in my hand. I can say that I am more impressed with the picture quality of my Note 8 than I was with the LG V20, and not just a little bit. I use my phone's camera to capture a moment. If I want to get artsy, I'll grab the Nikon.
A phone is a compromise. Some do better at one thing than another. The LG V series does music better than almost any other phone, for example. I have over 300GB of high resolution music. I don't even consider a phone that doesn't support an SD card.
To get a true reading on what the OP is asking will require true photographers that have experience with the various cameras to check in. There aren't many people that will fit that bill.
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GermanGuy said:
Would you mind providing a link for this app?
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Start here.
Personally I went with the note 8, I had previously the s8 that j was happy with but put it down to try the pixel. While the pixel was great I didn't go with a pixel 2 because of hown Google customer support is. November 1st I was told 3-5 business days to get my replacement cause my pixel was having issues. It is now November 23rd and every 2 days I get told theres no updates wait another 48 hours because they cannot in their words allocate a replacement device for me. I was waiting to get the pixel 2 but after this experience I went and got a note 8 and I love it couldn't be happier best Sammy device I've used and best Android I've used.
I've used the s5, HTC one m8, nexus 5, s7 edge note edge, pixel and one plus 5
For what it's worth I own the note 8 and recently purchased the original pixel XL 128gb and I am absolutely in love with the pixel XL. That said the note 8 is an amazing device and the camera is great. However the pixel 2 XL is just better. I'll be getting the 2xl soon to go with my note 8.

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?
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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 ?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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...
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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:

Talk Me Off The OP7P Edge!!!

I've been a Note Officianado for YEARS...and suddenly I'm being tempted by the One Plus 7 Pro 5G as a possible replacement!! I feel so guilty for even THINKING it...but I can't seem to shake that nudge of curiosity and temptation to have that "next new thing"! Somebody please talk me down. Tell me I'm insane for entertaining the sacrilegious notion of leaving the Note Family! TALK ME OFF THE LEDGE!!!
Give it a shot. If you're like me you'll come back at some point anyway (see my signature). Nothing bad in giving other manufacturers a shot from time to time, it's a good opportunity to understand where Samsung is lacking/needs improvement, and to realize all the things they get right and the Samsung features you're missing
I'm not a OnePlus fan, but the 7 Pro seems to be a pretty great device. They finally seem to take care and give importance to the small details and refinement their phones were lacking in the past imho (finally a great display, a better vibration motor, better build quality, the cameras seem better too, etc.)
If you really need a reason to not switch: The Note 10 will be an even better phone when it launches this fall
Phazonclash said:
...If you really need a reason to not switch: The Note 10 will be an even better phone when it launches this fall
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DITTO that...look out and hold out for the Note 10 rather...
S-Pen. That's the number 1 difference-maker for me. As far as a daily phone goes. It's always going to be a Note. Using an S-Pen to interact with my display has always been the most efficient and fastest way.
Im in the same boat after watching the reveal of the OP7P. The only reason i womt switch is because i know i will definitely going back to get the Note 10. The camera is essential and it still looks like the OP7P isnt better then the Note 9 camera.
I watched the launch, got all excited, then found out it doesn't have wireless charging and it's not waterproof rated!
Can anyone else say, DEAL BREAKER?!?!
'Cause I sure can!
dugryce said:
I watched the launch, got all excited, then found out it doesn't have wireless charging and it's not waterproof rated!
Can anyone else say, DEAL BREAKER?!?!
'Cause I sure can!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IIRC OnePlus were avoiding getting it rated because of the costs involved, but were still going to make it waterproof anyway.
dugryce said:
I've been a Note Officianado for YEARS...and suddenly I'm being tempted by the One Plus 7 Pro 5G as a possible replacement!! I feel so guilty for even THINKING it...but I can't seem to shake that nudge of curiosity and temptation to have that "next new thing"! Somebody please talk me down. Tell me I'm insane for entertaining the sacrilegious notion of leaving the Note Family! TALK ME OFF THE LEDGE!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YouTube videos have hyped you up! How is it better than a Note 9? Only the screen's 90 Hz refresh and fills more space. Compared to the Note, screen is not as bright and run-time between battery charges is terrible! Then there is no wireless charging or waterproof. If you have come to like a lot of the features you get with a Samsung UI/apps, you will lose that too.... and no s-pen. You won't get Dark Mode until Android Q, while Samsung OneUI is doing integrated themes now. The Note 9 is about $635 right now, so the OPSP is not cheaper either.
Op7p has most of N9 problems such as curved screen, mediocre battery life and average camera. It also lacks some good N9 features such as headphone jack, wireless charging or spen. I doesn't make sense to swap unless you are bored and just want a new toy.
Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk
Not gonna lie normally I go for the latest tech. But nothing in the op7pro or even the s10plus makes me want to leave my beautiful device. And I shall be honest not even the note 10 will make me want to upgrade. Don't see the point no more. If it is working why break it.
No notification LED! That killed it for me!

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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