Pixel 2 Stuff

[sze5003]

I think we've reached the point of smartphones where they stop being impressive. What else do you want it to do be it iPhone or Android/Samsung? Bendable frame?

I'm glad they got rid of the original pixel design. The whole thing with Google is stock Android and no add ons, auto updates or update yourself as soon as it's out instead or waiting forever on other carriers.

 

[Oyeve]

I think we've reached the point of smartphones where they stop being impressive. What else do you want it to do be it iPhone or Android/Samsung? Bendable frame?

I'm glad they got rid of the original pixel design. The whole thing with Google is stock Android and no add ons, auto updates or update yourself as soon as it's out instead or waiting forever on other carriers.

Cameras can always be improved. Also battery life. But most improvements are now in the sw experience.

 

[Red Storm]

I value timely, guaranteed updates so for me the Pixel is ideal. I didn't get a gen 1 Pixel because of those ancient looking bezels, but every time I got to use one the software just ran very well, better than my S7 Edge at the time, and even now compared to the S8+. To me the big 4 items with any phone are physical design, hardware, software, and support. Samsung does very well on the design and hardware, but the other two components are lacking. As long as the Pixel 2 XL has minimalist bezels, it will check off 3 of those 4 items for me, with hardware the only one left (will have to see how good the camera is).

 

[sze5003]

Cameras can always be improved. Also battery life. But most improvements are now in the sw experience.

I value timely, guaranteed updates so for me the Pixel is ideal. I didn't get a gen 1 Pixel because of those ancient looking bezels, but every time I got to use one the software just ran very well, better than my S7 Edge at the time, and even now compared to the S8+. To me the big 4 items with any phone are physical design, hardware, software, and support. Samsung does very well on the design and hardware, but the other two components are lacking. As long as the Pixel 2 XL has minimalist bezels, it will check off 3 of those 4 items for me, with hardware the only one left (will have to see how good the camera is).

People still say or at least some that the pixel cameras are one of the best. Let's hope they improved on that.

I would feel insulted if they just took the pixel/xl camera and stuck it in the pixel 2.

I buy mainly google devices because of the software experience and google has never let me down support wise.

 

[sweenish]

I did not see that the price and design rumor earlier in the thread, which is my fault. My bad I should have read more carefully.

Eh, I edited my post and removed that callout. I shouldn't have done that. I'm grumpy in the mornings. Apologies.

 

[Zaap]

I think we've reached the point of smartphones where they stop being impressive. What else do you want it to do be it iPhone or Android/Samsung? Bendable frame?

Well for a modern Android flagship: Removable storage. A headphone jack. Wireless charging. Dual Cameras (in the high end range). A great design. Water resistance. Features that set it apart (examples: edge screen, S-pen, removable battery if possible, various security features- face/fingerprint scanner) etc.
^ NONE of these is too much to ask for in a device approaching $1000.

As I said, none of this would be a big deal with the Pixel, except it's from Google. They should be setting a positive course for Android, not pushing to make it as limited as iOS because they want to sell some wireless headphones and gouge for storage. It's way short sighted for Android's developer to waste the platform's advantages for temporary profit.

I wish consumers would vote with their wallets -the way people let Samsung know the s6 and Note 5 weren't flying with needlessly removed features, and the backlash they took at just the hint of removing the headphone jack from the s8. Android isn't the hardware limited/walled garden of iOS (thankfully) and I hate to see its developer behave as it it was.

 

[WelshBloke]

Well for a modern Android flagship: Removable storage. A headphone jack. Wireless charging. Dual Cameras (in the high end range). A great design. Water resistance. Features that set it apart (examples: edge screen, S-pen, removable battery if possible, various security features- face/fingerprint scanner) etc.
^ NONE of these is too much to ask for in a device approaching $1000.

Yeah. I'e
come to the conclusion that I'm never going to get the perfect phone and it'
not like I've got a ridiculous list of wants.

I'm hoping that the S8 active goes unlocked direct from Samsung soon, I think that's the closest I'll get.

 

[sze5003]

Another thing I didn't like about the Samsung was the screen wrapping around the edges. I always put a screen protector on my phone and that would be weird to do on a phone like that.

I do admit Samsung does have nice screens and very nice cameras. If they didn't use TouchWiz I would consider one.

I don't know why they ever stopped making the developer edition of those phones. Stock Android, no TouchWiz and unlocked.

My little sister has had pretty much every Samsung phone up until the s7 and usually one year after she gets one I always get a call from her asking why her phone is laggy, slow, and apps stop responding.

Although improvement has been made in TouchWiz I still feel it's bloat to some point.

For me I want a decent design, good amount of storage (64gb standard or 128 preferred), water resistance, stereo front speakers, nice screen and minimal bezels, and fingerprint reader in a proper position.

If pixel 2 XL isn't water resistant I think I may pass on it. They had a chance to do it last year and didnt despite Google's phones being rushed but this year shouldn't be any excuses.

 

[WelshBloke]

I don't know why they ever stopped making the developer edition of those phones. Stock Android, no TouchWiz and unlocked.

Because no ah heck bought them.

 

[gorcorps]

I think we've reached the point of smartphones where they stop being impressive. What else do you want it to do be it iPhone or Android/Samsung? Bendable frame?

I'm glad they got rid of the original pixel design. The whole thing with Google is stock Android and no add ons, auto updates or update yourself as soon as it's out instead or waiting forever on other carriers.

Other than the obvious of wildly better battery technology (which isn't really the phone makers that will make that breakthrough) it's hard to imagine what else there could be. Of course, there's a lot of things that are in phones now that I didn't know I wanted, and now that I have them I know it's a really good idea.

Honestly I think we still have improvements to make as far as glass technology. Today's screens are harder to scratch than the ones many moons ago, but they're still delicate enough to warrant screen protectors. Lexus uses a paint coating that self heals minor scratches. I'd love for either Corning or a phone company to come up with a new glass, or a transparent coating on the glass that will give me more peace of mind as far as small scratches are concerned. My galaxy s8 is a great phone, currently brought down by the soft screen protector I have to use because I don't want to risk scratching it.

 

[sze5003]

Other than the obvious of wildly better battery technology (which isn't really the phone makers that will make that breakthrough) it's hard to imagine what else there could be. Of course, there's a lot of things that are in phones now that I didn't know I wanted, and now that I have them I know it's a really good idea.

Honestly I think we still have improvements to make as far as glass technology. Today's screens are harder to scratch than the ones many moons ago, but they're still delicate enough to warrant screen protectors. Lexus uses a paint coating that self heals minor scratches. I'd love for either Corning or a phone company to come up with a new glass, or a transparent coating on the glass that will give me more peace of mind as far as small scratches are concerned. My galaxy s8 is a great phone, currently brought down by the soft screen protector I have to use because I don't want to risk scratching it.

Yea battery technology can always improve. But usually it's also up to the software. I use a glass screen protector on all my phones. I've dropped it and times at the gym and cracked the screen protector but screen is still looking like new.

What gets me is that google has a lot of money and they could use that and have a design department or team that should work a little better at creating and designing their own phones rather than having lg or htc make the design for them.

They just bought htc for 1.1 billion dollars and I think most of it is for the patents and the property such has manufacturing factories. Now htc can focus on the Vive and maybe google can come up with something better next time.

Also camera is one of my top priority too. I want a very good camera any day compared to wireless charging or other features. I take a lot of pics with my phone when traveling.

 

[sdifox]

I am excited! The Note 8 is beautiful but too pricey, and the iPhone X is ugly and too pricey. Help me Pixel 2, you are my only hope!

ahahahah, what makes you think it will be any cheaper?

 

[Red Storm]

ahahahah, what makes you think it will be any cheaper?

I would begrudgingly pay that price for a well made Pixel 2 XL, but I wouldn't do the same for the Note 8. Software and updates being the reason why.

 

[sze5003]

I would begrudgingly pay that price for a well made Pixel 2 XL, but I wouldn't do the same for the Note 8. Software and updates being the reason why.

Yea I have no idea what I'll get if I don't like the pixel 2 XL. The LG v30 is a runner up for me I guess no matter how much I hate their UI interface. That or go iPhone X just for one year.

 

[OWR88]

Has there been any leaks regarding camera sensor, aperture and pixel size? My S6 battery is dying and I need a phone bad, I will only get Pixel if camera is a nice leap forward, otherwise I will stick with Pixel.

 

[sze5003]

Has there been any leaks regarding camera sensor, aperture and pixel size? My S6 battery is dying and I need a phone bad, I will only get Pixel if camera is a nice leap forward, otherwise I will stick with Pixel.

No but the recent google ad, and at one point under the google webpage there was a link that said ask more from your phone on Oct 4. The advertisement seems to hint that the pixel 2 /XL will have a better camera and better battery.

 

[sweenish]

Better battery life through software. Oreo puts a fat clamp on rogue background processes.

And while I'm sure the camera hardware will be excellent, it'll be the Google Camera app that makes it really shine, just like the last gen. I'm quite excited to plunk down on the Pixel 2 XL. We've gone four years since our last upgrade.

People complaining about phones not being exciting should give that a try.

 

[OWR88]

Well I am in love with my newly acquired Pixel, never going back to Touchwiz ever again. I will gladly pay the premium.

I think I will switch my wife over from iPhone to Pixel as well.

 

[sze5003]

Better battery life through software. Oreo puts a fat clamp on rogue background processes.

And while I'm sure the camera hardware will be excellent, it'll be the Google Camera app that makes it really shine, just like the last gen. I'm quite excited to plunk down on the Pixel 2 XL. We've gone four years since our last upgrade.

People complaining about phones not being exciting should give that a try.

Oreo battery on my 6p is crappy but I'm not doing a factory reset as I'm giving this phone away soon. Those who did a factory reset saw much better results. I like Oreo on the current device and I'm sure it's better suited for the pixel 2.

 

[sweenish]

I'm very disappointed in how the 6P turned out.

I was never going to buy it (mostly money constraints at the time, but also the 810), but Google did a great job presenting it. I think I commented something to the effect that I almost forgot it had an 810 in it.

I honestly hope it is a Huawei issue, and not an Android issue. My battery does not last until lunch some days. My N5 never had great battery, and four years on with the same battery, it's just ridiculous. I can get that some people are not excited about the PIxels, but seriously, try waiting four years. Phones seem pretty exciting to us right now.

The N5 was right at the cusp of "good enough" SoCs with the SD800. Before that, you had to buy a flagship, and you had to upgrade rapidly lest your phone just dump all over itself constantly. But we were on the wrong side cameras, storage speed, RAM speed and amount, battery life, etc. being "good enough." I see the next four years with these Pixels being much more enjoyable than the four years with the N5.

 

[sze5003]

Yea four years is a long time with one phone. This is the first time I didn't upgrade every year and I'm already tired of the 6p after 2 years. It's just not as snappy anymore because I haven't been resetting it after updates. Google play services always screws your battery for a few days after it updates.

Can't wait until next week..hopefully I'll be able to order something.

 

[sweenish]

https://www.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl-stereo-speaker-music-recognition-portrait-mode/

Most of these were just rumors, but XDA feels confident enough to actually post a story. Stereo speakers excites me.

 

[WelshBloke]

Stereo speakers excites me.

This is something that's never excited me. What's the usage where stereo speakers is better than headphones or Bluetooth? Are speakers on each end of a phone far enough apart to even give the listener stereo separation?

 

[sze5003]

This is something that's never excited me. What's the usage where stereo speakers is better than headphones or Bluetooth? Are speakers on each end of a phone far enough apart to even give the listener stereo separation?

Front stereo speakers make a big difference to me at least. The ones on the Nexus 6 were nice and loud and the ones on the 6p are ok but not as good. Only time I wear headphones is at the gym and at work.

The HTC m7 had really nice front stereo speakers. It's not so much that they are stereo output but the placement in the front has better sound projection.

 

[Red Storm]

How will they do minimal bezels and stereo speakers? If they can do both that would be really nice.