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So...who's excited? Who is disappointed? Who is just plain baffled?
Nexus branding is now officially dead. This Google-designed, HTC-manufactured device is priced like an Apple/Samsung flagship ($649 for the 5" model with 32gb onboard storage up to $869 for the 5.5" model with 128gb onboard storage) and has what can only be characterized as a severely derivative design (flat-backed aluminum unibody with rounded edges, massive top and bottom bezels on the front, a corner-mounted camera, and a circular design element just above the centerpoint of the back...y'all know what I'm talking about). On the other hand, by all accounts, screen quality, camera quality, and build quality are all top-notch.
In the US, it's available on Verizon or unlocked. No other carriers will be selling it through their retail stores.
On the software side, not only is it debuting Android 7.1, but it features Google's new voice assistant, a new launcher that features an all-circular icon pack, and a tab for quick access to voice or video tech support direct from Google (I think Amazon did this a while back with their Fire devices and it was actually a really good response to "Apple genius bars" in my opinion).
Personally, I think it would be a great device when viewed in isolation, but it's not going to sell well against the very-well-established iPhone and Galaxy S lines, particularly when it's priced directly against them.
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Spartan@HIDevolution Company Representative
I was excited then when I saw the specs, all of that died. Mediocre camera, same CPU as phones from last 6 months like the Galaxy S7 line, average battery size in relation to the size of the phone.
Next please.hmscott likes this. -
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Edit: according to this, Google Assistant will NEVER come to Nexus devices, only Pixel devices: https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/07/the-pixels-release-doesn-t-mean-your-nexus-is-completely-toast/
When the number one selling point of the Pixel phone is "immediate updates from Google," but Google is now not living up to that promise for the Nexus phones that people bought in 2015 and 2016, who would want to pay $800 for a phone based primarily on that promise?
Last edited: Oct 7, 2016hmscott likes this. -
As for exploding batteries, if the replacements are also catching on fire, then its obviously not an one off issue and indicate a serious supply chain problem and safety issue. If Ford had a commonly used part that exploded, like oh say the fuel tank, and fuel tanks of similiar design or manufacturing origin was used in other models, you bet im not buying a Ford when other options exist.hmscott likes this. -
The S7 and S7 Edge have been on the market for more than half a year. If they had similar battery problems to the Note line, we would have seen hundreds or thousands of fires by now. Instead, I know of exactly one S7 Edge fire, entirely in line with the fire rates for other phones, such as iPhones (one or two stories each year, likely either unique manufacturing defects or post-sale damage to the battery).
The issue of unlocked bootloaders and flashing ROMs is different than software updates from the OEM. Nexus/Pixel is still the way to go for custom ROMs, true (but beware that the Verizon Pixel will have a locked bootloader), but Google's announcement that even the newest Nexii won't get Google Assistant makes Google significantly worse than Apple when it comes to OEM software support.
I buy Samsung because I like the hardware and software experience at the time of sale, and I'm okay with the concept that the UI will remain relatively the same during the course of ownership, instead of being updated with new features each year. If you want all the new software features that a company develops each year, really the best way to go is Apple, not Nexus/Pixel, as the no-Google-Assistant-on-Nexus fiasco shows.hmscott likes this. -
But android is open source, the whole point of having open source is so that development is not limited to software companies. I have an old Galaxy Nexus, last official update was 4.3, yet Im running 6.0.1 with no issues whatsoever.
hmscott likes this. -
This is a sensible device for people who put an unlocked bootloader and open-source community support as a priority AND want $700-$900 "premium" hardware. But how much overlap is there in that Venn diagram, and is it a significant portion of Android users overall?hmscott likes this. -
Google said they wouldn't ever do this.
And, now they have.
Selling a crappy phone (same as current tech) on the merits of their exclusive Android features that others can't offer.
Nexus rode the fence on this subject, keeping the hardware makers involved in the production.
Now Pixel takes away the hardware from those vendors and Google takes the whole pie.
Where are those Linux smartphones?, we need some new competition to take Google down a few notches.
It's not like Google needs the revenue, what in the world are they thinking shutting out their partners this way??Mitlov likes this. -
Whether or not GOogle Assistant turns out to be a really killer feature remains to be seen--I personally don't care about it--but the very principle that it's a software feature that Google is making available on Google hardware but not OEM Android hardware really bothers me.hmscott likes this. -
Also, the Nexus line is a developer platform, Google will make the base software, whatever else you want, you add it yourself or wait for someone else in the community to do so. When you buy a Nexus, its generally expected that you will flash custom ROMs. Realistically, there is no reason to buy a Nexus unless you are going to do so, but even then, basal level of support by google on the Nexus line is infinitely better than Samsung and their piss poor software.
In terms of actual software support by the manufacturers, Apple and Microsoft are obviously better than Android OEM. Google knows that this is a problem, hence Nexus and Pixel. It's a shame that they're killing off the Nexus, but having something like the Pixel line should in theory push the other OEMs into doing more with their software. Otherwise, Samsung and the like will have less features and no updates.
In terms of Samsung battery issue, it's a supply chain and QC issue. Samsung is currently making **** batteries, which are exploding. Those batteries are made by Samsung SDI, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Samsung group makes batteries for all makes and models of Samsung devices (not just phones). Unless SDI stops dropping the QC ball like this, exploding batteries will spread to all Samsung devices since they seem have absolutely no clue which batches are good and what batches are bad.hmscott likes this. -
hmscott likes this.
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I can't say I agree with that. Consider that people on the Apple side constantly talk about features and updates, you really think that magically disappears on the android side? I'm under the impression that Android users absolutely care about new features and updates, but are constantly disappointed by manufacturer support that they're just living with it. Hell, the Dutch are suing Samsung for not delivering software updates.
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Spartan@HIDevolution Company Representative
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Remember, if internet forums were accurate representations odd the market as a whole, both Nexus and OnePlus would outsell Samsung Galaxies... -
I hear these complaints at the office and at the bar almost daily, I guess we are just exposed to different demographics?
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I think the hardware is pretty much in line with expectations of a flagship this time of the year. Google doesn't manufacture or design their own SoCs, so it would be unreasonable to expect them to have a Cortex-A73 monster ready to spar with Apple's A10. Besides, they've been in bed with Qualcomm for a long time now.
I'm not sold either, however, as I would have liked a display of at least 5.7-inches and a more attractive design with smaller bezels. Shame to see them do away with the stereo speakers of the Huawei Nexus 6P, even if it frees up room to allow a higher screen-to-body ratio (??).Last edited: Oct 9, 2016 -
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Waiting on reviews. May trade in my note 7 for this.
Sent from my SM-N930V using TapatalkConvel likes this. -
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hmscott and Spartan@HIDevolution like this.
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Spartan@HIDevolution Company Representative
There are no better options out there IMHO right now. I hate modular phones and the iPhone 7 has its issues like the hissing sound from the GPU and some screens having a yellow tint.
You'll also save some money going with an S7
then we'll upgrade to the S8 which is going to have an all glass design with no bezels and dual lens camerasHTWingNut likes this. -
Spartan@HIDevolution likes this.
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Spartan@HIDevolution Company Representative
Mitlov likes this. -
(1) regardless of how good the Pixel's photos will be in professional hands in controlled conditions, Samsung cameras are remarkably good at giving good results to average joes like me in the real world,
(2) I know some people think vanilla Android is the pinnacle of the Android experience, but my Nexus 9's performance hiccups and app compatibility issues have soured me on it, plus I prefer Samsung's quick-toggle setup, and
(3) I routinely wake my phone up while it's sitting on a desk, and you can't do that with a back-mounted fingerprint reader.Spartan@HIDevolution likes this. -
Spartan@HIDevolution Company Representative
Mitlov likes this. -
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(2) HTWingNut is already aware of the Note 7's issues, as he owns one, and hasn't shown any desire to boycott the company as a whole.
(3) Samsung's response to the Note 7's issues is measured in days and weeks. Contrast that with GM's response to the ignition defect (stalled for years, resulting in possibly hundreds of deaths) and Chrysler's response to the Grand Cherokee fires (years of stalling and denial)...yet I don't know many people talking about boycotting GM or Chrysler. And while Antennagate was a usability issue instead of a safety issue, Apple fought that one for three years before issuing checks of $15 per affected consumer. Samsung's response to the Note 7 issue (first recall within weeks of the first reported fire, second recall within days of reports of post-recall devices catching fire) is downright exemplary in comparison.
(4) There's not a tech company out there that doesn't have a pejorative nickname. Crapple, Lenopenope, Dell Hell, etc. -
2. HTWingnut may have had a good experience with Samsung, I have not. I had a Galaxy Nexus in white that died on day 364, in which Samsung has refused to fix, had to threaten them with a lawsuit. They then replaced it with a refurb which had the battery bulge out after about 6 months, obviously had to get that one replaced. It was a good thing that the battery pops out of the back, instead of becoming an IED. I've also had a bad Samsung TV, washer, fridge, microwave, and SSD. Yeah, I get that defects that occurs on occasion, but its the frequency of the occurrences and how the company deals with them that's the problem. In all of those cases, Samsung voided the warranty in one way or another trying to get out of warranty repairs. Funniest one was "water damage" in my washing machine. In each occurrence, had to get either the government or lawyers involved to resolve the issue. The way the Note 7 issue was handled merely reflects Samsung's culture, which is in line with my own experience.
3. You should talk to more people, plenty of people have boycotted GM, Chrysler, Ford, Toyota etc. for life, I know quite a few. Also, I should point out that the ignition problem was arguble in terms of causing deaths. The car may stall sometimes yes, but car stalling does not lead straight to it crashing or flipping over or whatnot. Steering and breaking are still good, hazard lights are still good. People panicking was a major factor in the related fatalities and injuries. In apple's case, it wasn't a case of usability, it was an advertising issue, that's where they've got dinged. Also, I'd say that you're comparing apples to oranges. Apple's fault didn't affect safety, big auto's "safety issues" didn't occur when people were in their bed sleeping. If you got a product where it can significantly harm people or destroy their property when they're not able to fight it, then waiting as long as Samsung did is by no means exemplary. Moreover, replacing IEDs with more IEDs is also an exceptionally ****ty thing to do.
4. When every Korean friend (from Korea, not Korean-Americans) I talk to knows Samsung's nickname, its a problem of an entirely different magnitude.
Also, gonna get back on topic here.
Pixel is interesting, hope Google will support it on par to what Apple and Microsoft does with iPhones and Lumias respectively. If not, meh, developer device, I'll flash my own ROMs as usual. It's just a branding change, nothing to freak out about.Last edited: Oct 11, 2016 -
The S7 Edge actually has really good battery life in my experience, especially if you disable the always-on display (which adds drain of about 1% per hour in my experience and in TechRadar's experience). And in ArsTechnica's testing, the S7 Edge's battery life beat the Nexus 6P, LG G4, and iPhone 6S Plus.
I'm not going to debate anecdotes about washing machine reliability or TV quality or Korean friends, because your anecdotes don't match my anecdotes.
Anyway, back to the Pixel. -
Last edited: Oct 11, 2016
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Spartan@HIDevolution Company Representative
@Mitlov @HTWingNut
The S7/S7 Edge camera and mic blows the Pixel XL's camera out of the water, look at the color saturation, resolution, and audio difference!!
HTWingNut likes this. -
The S7-family has a killer camera, no doubt. Video on the S7 is indeed better, with crisper, stereo sound coming from its mics, and a better dynamic range with more vivid colours. However, there's a lot more jitter, especially with 4K, and the greens seem a bit overblown. Low light is again a win to the S7, though its not too shabby on the Pixel either, so while Google isn't even close to Samsung here, I don't think they'd disappoint people coming from other phones. For still photography in decent lighting, I'd say the HDR+ of the Pixel is killer, as well as the front-facing camera. Look at the details of the reviewer's jacket and face, as well as the more natural looking and balanced colours. I take way more photos than video, so even though the S7's low-light shooting would have been nice, I'd pick the Pixel based on that review. Overall, I think the reviewer's stance of calling it a tie is accurate. I'm honestly a bit surprised by the results.Spartan@HIDevolution likes this. -
Spartan@HIDevolution Company Representative
Convel likes this. -
I love SuperSaf video comparisons. Very fair and detailed. Liked his comparison of the S7 and iPhone 7 cameras as well.
The main thing is that the Pixel's camera is at the same tier as the S7 (and, due to the transitive property of equality, the iPhone 7). Google and HTC have had a pretty poor camera history, the Nexus 5X/6P being the one notable exception. Camera performance is VERY important for a phone at this price point, and so long as it's at a "personal preference dictates the winner" level with the S7 and iPhone 7, it's doing well.Spartan@HIDevolution likes this. -
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Spartan@HIDevolution Company Representative
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The Wallpaper app with currated and daily wallpapers is now available on the Play Store for all devices running Android 4.1+. Pretty neat!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.wallpaperSpartan@HIDevolution likes this. -
I also have to give a shout out to the "Pixel IP" icon pack, which has faithfully recreated the Pixel's round icons for non-Pixel users. I find the uniformity in icon silhouettes a step up from what vanilla Android did previously. Obviously requires a launcher that supports icon packs, such as Nova.Convel likes this. -
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Google Pixel 2 coming out in 2017
https://www.androidpit.com/google-pixel-2-release-date-news-price-specs-features -
Any Pixel owners here had the problem with the microphone intermittently cutting out on voice calls? A coworker has a Pixel and had that issue, and apparently it's pretty common. Seems like a huge, huge issue on a smart phone.
I want to like "pure Google" hardware, but after the various issues with my Nexus 9 (light bleed, frequent lag issues typically attributed to the choice of processor) and this, I'm somewhat distrustful.hmscott likes this. -
hmscott likes this.
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Pixel 2 leaked!
Looks pretty nice.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/0...ow-bezel-amoled-display-and-squeezable-frame/
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Very attractive hardware--a real upgrade over the current hardware in like subjective opinion--but my only concern would be whether LG has solved the boot loop issues that have plagued many of their recent phones, including the Nexus 5X.
hmscott likes this. -
Is there is any talk about the Pixel 2 having IP68 water resistance?
hmscott likes this. -
H.A.L. 9000 Occam's Chainsaw
And yes, it's rumored the new Pixels will have an IP rating... whether it be 67 or 68 is not clear. -
https://m.androidcentral.com/google-pixel-2
Edited: typoLast edited: Jul 15, 2017 -
You meant LG for the XL?
The Pixel phone/Pixel XL thread
Discussion in 'Smartphones and Tablets' started by Mitlov, Oct 5, 2016.