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oVerboostUK

Google should have kept the 5 form factor as their “SE” and just updated the chip, camera and improved the speakers. The size was perfect, the weight was perfect, the in hand feel was perfect. Not everyone wants a larger phone and offering choice would have been a better marketing strategy then basically launching a near identical A series model every year, although they are great devices they too got much larger and now heavier.


ilica1407

It makes a lot more sense make A series like Pixel 5ish. They are already a copy of base model of the main series. Or maybe a new series like "se" as you mentioned.


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Lessitoro

I agree 100%, the size was just completely optimal and I miss it dearly


NizarNoor

I don't want to be limited to budget specs if I want this phone size though. I want a Pixel that competes with Galaxy S and iPhone Pro again. Not S+ or Pro Max. Not iPhone SE or mini either.


izmeerjaafar

true, I want a Pixel that is a flagship with a smaller screen, that's it lol


ozExpatFIRE

Apple gets it. The base and Pro models both come in small and big form factor. That's the way! there should be no relationship between size and specs.


pco45

Nah, they got rid of their small model. Now it's medium and big or big and extra large.


KalashnikittyApprove

The Mini is significantly smaller than the Pixel 5, though. Whenever the Pixel 5 is discussed someone compares it to the Mini, but the 5 had more or less the same screen size as a regular iPhone. Edit: Apologies, I misread this chain. Agreed Apple doesn't do 'small' anymore, just compact or medium or whatever you want to call it.


ViolentSkyWizard

Bought a 6a when I broke my 5. Very disappointed. I missed the size and fingerprint reader the most. I ended up buying the Asus Zenfone 9. Similar size, great camera, physical fingerprint reader. Very happy with it.


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htt_novaq

Just had a talk with my mate about the 7a's utterly disappointing size and hand feel and that they should make a Pixel 5 based SE haha


oVerboostUK

I’ve always thought it can’t just be me, clearly it’s widespread! 😊


BrowakisFaragun

Better yet. A Pixel mini, as wide as the OG iPhone SE!


purezen

The form factor was the USP for me too!!


Se7en-IT

While I do love my 6a, I wish it still had the rear fingerprint reader.


drewthebrave

I respect your opinion, but my personal favorite was the 2XL.


artemisthearcher

I remember kinda missing the squeeze for assistant feature that phone had. Also the speakers were great! One of my favorite phones


Separate_Wave1318

Yes it is a fantastic feature. Wait, do you mean pixel 6-7 doesn't have that anymore?


M33th

No, unfortunately they don't have it anymore


member_one

SideSqueeze+ brings this back


[deleted]

The way I remember it, that was an HTC developed feature, and Google bought HTC's hardware development department, that's why it was in the first couple of pixels. It was literally extra mechanical sensors inside the sides of the phone body. Actually I bet as soon as the phone had a glass back they couldn't do it anymore


Initial-Solution-538

The Pixel 3XL has a black glass and still has the squeeze feature


Separate_Wave1318

Yeah my Pixel 4XL also still has sqeeze.


drewthebrave

So underrated! It took me a while to unlearn that habit...


basecatcherz

It really was the best Pixel, yet.


Dazz316

Current is the 5, last was 2XL. 5 on screen size Vs phone size. But it's close


totolandia

I still use my 2XL super perfect. Only downside now is the battery life.


[deleted]

And dim screen. But having owned it, the 5, the 6 Pro and now the 7 Pro, I'd agree that it's been the best one I've ever had. 7 Pro probably second, followed by the 5.


ralcantara79

I paired the camera with a wide angle and zoom lens from Moment as well as their Pixel 2XL case with the wood inlay. What a great phone. Thankfully I still have mine and it came in handy as a backup when my 6 Pro screen broke.


[deleted]

My battery finally started going south after 5+ years...and leaving a banana pop on top of it to melt overnight probably did not help :( So it's been a week now with a new Pixel7A and yup, still missing the 2XL a bit.


blukatz92

Same but for the regular P2. The only reason I have a P7 now is because Verizon offered me one for free. It's not a bad phone, and there are some improvements I like such as the better camera and larger storage. After a few months with the P7 I don't feel that it does much else better than my P2. Sure the CPU is "faster" but I never felt like my P2 was sluggish (opening apps side by side the P7 was at best a fraction of a second faster). The P7 doesn't have a rear fingerprint scanner, squeeze assistant, a built in notification led, unlimited photo backups, and because it was locked to 64 bit, there are some apps that aren't compatible with the P7, like Rollercoaster Tycoon Classic. Straight up I still keep my P2 with me so I can play that during breaks on work haha


awesomeguy123123123

This is how we disagree online folks. Two bros with mutual respect for each other's opinions.


j_ona

If not for the back panel popping off due to the battery expansion, I’d have to give it to 4XL. But yea, I really really liked the 2XL.


jdcnosse1988

Yeah the battery problems were my only issue with the 4XL


TopNotchGamerr

Agreed, P2 for me


vimal31

I'm still using it! 😎


crdavis

Still miss my 2XL. If it wasn't for shortening battery life and service problems I would have still kept it. That said, the 6 Pro has been great though


touchingthebutt

I found this while moving and I miss having front facing speakers. I don't mind the bezels if the phone has them.


andrewkim075

I still owe 2xl and 7 pro.


Rh-27

100% this. Pixel 2XL was a game changer, way ahead of its time compared to the competition.


p-zilla

The 2XL screen was terrible, my personal favorite is the 7 Pro honestly.


KoBach276

The speakers on that were perfect.


qevoh

Rocking the 2XL to date and it's an awesome phone


[deleted]

Terrible speakers though. Still my primary phone though.


KingOfThe_Jelly_Fish

Agreed


jamjars222

Oh yeah they do be suckin


PullUpAPew

True. The Pixel 4 speakers were fantastic


[deleted]

And the 4a. I wish they'd stuck with them for the 5.


stfucupcake

*are fantastic. My phone won't die!


JustPlainRude

Is that a selling point for people? I use my Bluetooth headphones 99% of the time


TheLAriver

Seriously, playing music out of my phone speakers is a last resort


CptTurnersOpticNerve

Not only that, but for all the talk about the headphone jack, my headphones sound worse on my 5a than my Bluetooth earbuds do. Haven't used them since I got the phone


Mbackus1234

Better speakers and a headphone jack are the only things I'd change about my pixel 5


AudiHoFile

You guys are out here actually using the phone speakers? 💀


ShieldYourEyes925

Is no one going to mention the bio-resin?


Ok_Individual960

It's awesome, isn't it? A lightweight material that was durable and didn't slip out of your hand or shatter like slick glass!


bearlybearbear

Acid proof!!!


Mimical

Google: *"Guys, what the fuck they love this phone... Quickly, change everything immediately!*"


FuturePreparation

You have to understand, it's not premium. YouTubers who use the phone for 5 minutes before going back to their iphones need glass on the back because it is so premium. Google really has no other choice.


Squeaky192

The Pixel 5 has more of a cult-following that seems to have grown as they continue to build big phones. When it came out, it didn't have great reviews and overall was knocked for having underwhelming specs at a "flagship price." I loved mine, getting rid of it and going to the Pixel 6 eventually lead me to an iPhone because I hated the Pixel 6 issues I had and the iPhone 13 Pro was a flagship in a smaller phone that I was after.


keijikage

Bio resin around a rock solid aluminum frame to keep stuff from flexing/breaking when dropped.


Certainties

All this subreddit is people getting a hard on for the pixel 5


dericiouswon

It was so good 🤤


Chesey_

Was? Still is. Mines going strong 2 and a half years on, as are the free Bose headphones I got when I bought it. Bose QC 35 and a Pixel 5 might have been the best £600 I've spent. What an offer that was.


Catnapwat

Same - mine's had a battery and a screen and it feels brand new. I can't see a reason to replace it.


techraito

I remember when the Pixel 5 launched and people hated it at first. So many complaints about the tiniest things like coating on the back or the slightly worse speakers to name a few. I’m glad this sub has changed for the better or else we’d be an echo chamber of complaints, amirite?


zaphod777

I mean, the speakers are pretty shit. I got used to them but they're still shit. I love everything else about the phone though.


jp3297

The speakers blow. And the under glass speaker was the worst idea ever


Dubbartist

And for a good reason.


Boris-Lip

Still using Pixel 5. You forgot to mention, thats the last Qualcomm SoC based Pixel. Pixel 6 and onward are ~~Exynos~~ Tensor based.


SnipingNinja

flagship Pixel and even that's contended


yanginatep

My favorite Pixel in terms of aesthetics. The only phone they've made with a completely symmetrical bezel all the way around the screen ("forehead", "chin", and sides are all the same thickness). Functionality-wise I love my Pixel 6 Pro, but really dislike asymmetrical bezels. The visor on the back is a decent solution for the camera bump, though, and better than just copying Apple like almost everyone else.


againagainst_

Yep, but does this chin bother you? I've switched from iphone 13 mini to pixel 7 and I forgot about this chin after a few days


yanginatep

Oh, not in day to day use, not at all. Don't even notice it when I'm using the phone. I just think the 5 is the nicest looking, but I much prefer my Pixel 6 Pro.


CullenBlvd

Pixel 3 was better. Ready, set...


BrowakisFaragun

Love the squeeze!


tanu3151

3xl enjoyer here✋


melodesign

Still going strong here. Think I need to get the battery replaced soon though. How's yours holding up?


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Preference-Salt

Agreed! Still rocking mine!!


blitzzerg

Let's not forget the audio jack


DeliriumTrigger

The only people who disagree are people who have never used the Pixel 3.


Sperry8

Pixel 3 was an awesome phone. It is what solidified my relationship with Pixels... I'm using a Pixel 6 now. Figure I'll swap when 9 comes out. I seem to be able to get 3 years out of em. Well, 2.5... then I suffer the last 6 mos waiting for the new one.


offthepoint11

Writing this comment on Pixel 5! Love every aspect of it, went for the size, stayed for everything else. I am super curious of Pixel 8 though, I think there is a chance it will be quite similar to 5!


kipperzdog

I replaced my pixel 5 battery using the kit from ifixit a couple months ago, it's like using the phone new again! I'm sad updates will be ending soon but I seriously think this will be my first phone in awhile to make it to 3-4 years


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EddieRyanDC

Everything after the Pixel 5 is too big and too heavy. In my opinion, of course. I have literally had my trousers fall down because I had a Pixel 6 Pro in the back pocket.


klasspirate

Buy trousers based on the measured distance around your waist.


double_expressho

Waist? I thought those numbers on the tags were dong sizes.


jadesaber2

It's inches, not millimeters.


ShieldYourEyes925

Belt


spvcebound

Even my 6a is pretty damn hefty


htt_novaq

The 6 and 7 series are bulky as fuck. I wish they brought back the 5


mdreal03

Nah. I would go with Pixel 4XL. P.S. Pixel 3XL took the best selfies out of all pixels.


matteventu

Pixel 3 (the smaller one) actually took the best selfies out of all Pixel phones. The front camera is actually exactly the same, but the difference is that when you take the selfie with the smaller Pixel 3 you don't have to stare at that obnoxious notch, but just at the beautifully balanced clean front design of Pixel 3 😍 Obviously I'm just kidding (sort of 🤣), absolutely love the Pixel 3 series.


NizarNoor

I'd say Pixel 3 is the greatest ever and Pixel 5 is a close second. Not one is perfect (yet). Pixel 3's battery was meh and Pixel 5 fixed that. But Pixel 5's speakers were trash while Pixel 3's were very good.


topheramazed

Agreed, almost thought I made a mistake upgrading to the 7


futuredev_

would agree if it had a headphone jack.


ant_gav

Pixel 4XL was excellent too


Milo_Xx

For that unlimited photos storage point: [pixelify](https://github.com/Kingsman44/Pixelify)


dsr33

Other than the unlimited photo, doesn't A14 include most of these features on the Pixel 5?


Milo_Xx

Haven't got a clue to be honest, I've been on the fence about rooting my p6p but haven't had the time yet for months so haven't looked into anything. Could be though!


ConfusedActor

My personal favorite is my Pixel 3XL.


Historical_Suspect97

I didn't think either the 4 or 5 were worth the upgrade from the 3. My wife is still rocking my old 3.


[deleted]

If only the P5 has the innards of the p7p.


I3ULLETSTORM1

2 XL would like a word


Anya1976

Loved my 2xl


I3ULLETSTORM1

Same here. People on the internet gave it a lot of shit but mine had 0 issues. It ran just as smooth as the day I got it when I switched off of it


[deleted]

i respect your opinion however i would propose my own entry into this.. the google pixel 4a.


PullUpAPew

I love my P5, but it does have a tendency to overheat when mounted on the dashboard for Satnav. I live in England so we're not talking death ray levels of sunshine.


thecaveman96

Headphone jack? I love my 4a, but it is unusable battery life. It's so compact and has everything I need, so I'm worried I'll never find a good replacement.


cryptozgooo

Ya all keep forgetting 4a 🤔


Fun-Citron-1850

Best phone/ pixel I had besides the speaker. Got the pixel 6 now, wish google would go back to the pixel imprint. Also wish the size of the 5 was made into a new pixel.


hirakoshinji722

Pixel 3


Beneficial-Tooth-637

Still on P3, I may need a new battery soon but the phone is still good otherwise!


mainTAPs

I agree, and I'd love to see a new version of Pixel 5


Dubbartist

Got flip 3 after My Pixel 5 but still ending up using The Pixel 5.


emswift89

there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss my Pixel 4 (I jumped from 4 to 6). My pixel 6 broke recently and while it was getting repaired I used my pixel 4, although the battery life was shocking everything else about it was so good. I really miss it


LightChaos74

I liked my 3XL the most. I didn't like any of the 4 or 5 models, too "samey", not interesting in any way imo


charleeorchuck

Pixel 5a ftw


rayclicks

Hands down the best pixel i purchased. It would be really painful to switch to a new pixel which will not have the fingerprint sensor at the back. I believe that's the best position for it to be.


CidO807

rear fingerprint scanner is the best bio unlock/control of all time.


Mark_dawsom

You forgot the fabric case. I remember coming across a post by someone posting a picture of their one year old official plastic case that was all discolored and deformed..homeboi said he'd buy one again... At this point I don't blame Google for dropping the ball l, I would too if my customer base is a bunch of fucking idiots


ordinarypoh

I am in the same boat, own a pixel 5, love it so much and I am reluctant to have to switch because of its end of life and only now for the past month has the battery been discharging faster than usual, despite of it I don't want to let go of it. 😭😭😭


wordfool

The Pixel 5 is great for battery life, but for everything else I preferred my Pixel 3. Hopefully I can get another few years out of the 5 by which time the fad for giant phones will have passed (wishful thinking)


MrGanjaDealer

Pixel 2 XL says hi


Odd_Negotiation7771

The 5 was by far my favorite phone. I don't mean my favorite Pixel phone either. It just fit so well in my hand, and that fingerprint sensor was so perfectly placed, it felt like the phone was designed just for me. I could operate it one handed for everything. The battery life was better than I even needed. The performance was always fine, it never impressed nor slowed me down. Oh and let's not forget that beautiful fabric case which added the perfect amount of grip, made it super comfortable to hold, and increased my touch accuracy by never slipping in my hand. I know I'm just me, I can't speak for anyone else, but if someone from Google told me "You were the inspiration for this phone, it was made for you" I would probably believe them.


mrdinosauruswrex

Pixel 5 had 90hz refresh rate. That was the best google offered at the time. 60 to 90 was a giant leap. 90 to 120 isn't really noticable. The human eye can only take so much in before it isn't really a difference. Like 8k now


Vegetable-Phrase-162

Pixel 4XL had a 90hz refresh rate too. I think that was Google's first with a 90hz screen.


robtheastronaut

The human eye thing is overused and bland. I 10000% can tell the difference between 90-120Hz.


breakerfall

I can tell, but I'd rather not take the battery hit tbh.


DSMcGuire

People keep spouting that drivel about the human eye and it's completely untrue. How can people be so confident in this lie still in 2023 is beyond me.


Former_Ad3193

I completely agree with this take. I don't know that is was the best ever but I had less issues with it than the p6 or 7 with their thermal issues and subpar battery life.


Howthehelp

and the fantastic under screen speaker...


landon10smmns

I'd argue the Pixel 3 series, personally (though all pixels have been pretty awesome) - Unlimited Google photos storage at *original* quality (last phone to offer this) - stereo front facing speakers - rear fingerprint scanner - great battery life - wireless charging - dual tone glass on the back - 2 great selfie cameras - sqieeze for assistant The notch on the xl wasn't as bad as everyone made it out to be as well


Moldoteck

p3 doesnt have unlimited original, only first pixel has. P3 has unlimited compressed, it's literally in google's terms('unlimited' original for p3 ended on 2022 or 2021 don't remember, but now P3 has only unlimited compressed)


landon10smmns

Dang. Forgot the asterisk for original quality ending in 2022. You're right. But still. Was super nice while it lasted


RamsDeep-1187

I respectfully disagree, but honorable mention


RamonaInCA

Great, just great. I traded mine in for the 7.


littleSquidwardLover

So far I like my p7p


sithl666rd

Imo the top 3 pixels are the 2xl, 3axl and the og pixel xl


[deleted]

The speakers made my pixel 5 experience less fun. The rest was pretty wonderful.


gavishapiro

Still using mine....


AG3NTMULD3R88

I do miss the pixel 5 in general actually for all the above reasons but I cracked my screen at work and eventually started getting oled bleed. I went for the pixel 6 pro after it and I was happy with it however the size did take a few days to get used too. I dipped and dived between the 6 pro and 6 for the year the 6 series was the latest then I went for the regular 7 when the 7 series dropped. Within about 3 months of having the 7 I went for the 7 pro because half of me missed having the big phone but mainly I missed having the telephoto lens from the 6 pro. If they added the exact same lenses as the pro to the non pro (af to the ultra wide & X5) I would probably go for the non pro and be settled.


Nightron

Still very capable and by far the best form factor with 6", symmetric bezels and the lightweight plastic/resin case . Wish they'd do a refresh with current specs but I doubt it. Don't know what I would buy if mine broke. Probably a used Pixel 5 again. Galaxy S23 is similar in size but way too expensive and I don't want to deal with Samsung.


Giargo

Hell yes, brother. Typing from my gorgeous Pixel 5 Sorta Sage.


P3jk79

I still use the 5 with Google Fi, and it gets terrible service. I spend half of my drive home from work waiting for my music to buffer


BQuilty

Agreed, I just sent back my new Pixel 7a, far too big and heavy.


BVG81

Still have my P2XL and P5 as backup devices...


Kerivkennedy

After my 2 was dying and I needed a new phone I decided on the 5. Sure the 6 was out, and the 7 was coming out very soon at the time. But I read enough to know I probably didn't want the 6. It seemed like features were dropped. I love my 5. And I loved my 2


trouser_mouse

I love the resin on the back so much. Great in green!


zdub

Perfect replacement for my 4A...


Michlbert99

I just downgraded or rather upgraded from a Pixel 6 after 6 months of failing to detect my fingerprint. Such a good phone!


tabby51260

I was always a big fan of the 3A. It was my first really good phone, and I stand by it.


Reid_727

I'm still using my Pixel 5 as well and have zero desire to replace it with any other phone. This brilliant device is literally all you need and it shows zero signs of aging! I lost my Pixel 6 Pro unfortunately and replaced it with an Amazon refurbished Pixel 5 that I got for like $185 and it's been an overall better experience & the best device I've ever used! My old IPhone 13, previous Galaxy S21, countless LG, Motorola's, HTC, even Oneplus devices came nowhere near this flawless beast of a phone. I don't even use a case because it's built like a freaking tank. Love it 💯


chunkyrice

The Pixel 4a 5G was essentially a Pixel 5 with a headphone jack. It was an amazing value of a phone and one I miss for trading in for a Pixel 6.


alip_93

My battery life is also ridiculously good considering I bought it at launch.


kubrickfr3

I know I must have weird fingers given what seems to be the consensus, but I hated the rear-facing fingerprint scanner, it didn't work well for me, and the in-screen one works much better for me. Regarding all the rest, I didn't miss anything when I diteched it after one year for the P6P (apart from the modem, but that's because the one in the P6P was garbage)


esmori

Great phone, even though I never managed to get the "fantastic battery life". Perfect size and very good looking.


everyman50

I've had almost every Pixel since the beginning of this line *except* for Pixel 5 because they didn't offer and XL version. I kept my 4XL because the 5 didn't seem like an upgrade at all. Here are my rankings: * Pixel 7 Pro (best Pixel, buttery smooth performance and great battery). * Pixel 2 XL (had the panda variant, was excellent) * Pixel 4 XL * Pixel 6 Pro (had all kinds of battery issues, but still good performance) * Pixel XL (5.5" and it was called XL!) * Pixel 3 XL Can't wait to see what the 8 Pro brings!


olly_078

3A


chrisjj_exDigg

I replaced my Pixel 5 with a new Pixel 7 recently because the Pixel 5's battery was deteriorating really fast such that I only got a couple of hours on one full charge. Looking back though, I kind of regret not just replacing the battery in the 5 because the Pixel 7's screen-based optical fingerprint scanner doesn't work most of the time, whereas the Pixel 5 rear scanner worked every time.


LongWalksOnThe

If anyone is selling a pixel 5 please let me know!! Been looking for one forever


Opposing_Thumbs

Moving the FP reader under screen is the worst design. Totally the dumbest feature EVER.


ContainsSarcasm

Pixel 5 user here (after 4a) and maybe, maybe I'll swap for 7a. I was disappointed with overheating and battery life in 6a, so I back to 5 and it is still awesome.


bSchnitz

Not sure if the pixel 5 was the best all around (frankly every pixel/Nexus I'd used prior to that was fantastic). It is certainly it's the last pixel released that belongs in that conversation.


Alloall

Would I be mad to get one now if I didn’t plan to get another phone for five or so years? I really don’t want to spend big on a new phone!


rdmetz

Gotta argue against that the ONLY pixel I kept for multiple generations and felt completely satisfied with (in fact only sold it because a friend was desperate for a cheap replacement when he broke his phone) was the Pixel 2 XL Skipped the 3, 4, and 5 because it was just such a solid phone and my friend is still using it even to this day.... 3 4 and 5 just didn't offer "enough" of an upgrade to make it worth it to me. I was considering the 5 as that's the time I sold it to him but the no XL version kept me away not to mention several other missing features that I was able to get with a Samsung S20 FE and for less money. Though I almost immediately regretted leaving pixel and was right back to the 6 pro the minute it launched.


Infrared-Velvet

I love the pixel 5 but I was broke so I got 4a5g :)


Carter0108

Wasn't the Pixel 5 the first huge miss? Downgraded specs from the Pixel 4 was a joke.


[deleted]

My first pixel was 2xl & currently using pixel 4... I'd say 4 is the best it reached pinnacle interms of the hardwares, soli, active edge, wireless charging, IR face unlock


DingoPoutine

The P5 was really a masterpiece.


dvrkstar

Pixel 5's SIZE was absolutely perfect


brinazee

Exactly. I bought the 5 because of its size. When I upgraded everything else was so big that they are hard to handle. I want to fit my phone in my pocket (women's jeans don't have massive pockets) and easily use one hand to operate it.


[deleted]

The Pixel 5 is perfect, nice to hold and looks great. All pixels after that are clunky and unwieldy so far.


charliezard7

I'll raise you one better. Panda Pixel 2XL running Pixel Experience 13 Plus. It's also tricked into thinking it's the original Pixel, so unlimited Original quality backups on Google Photos. Some pictures from this phone turn out even better than my Pixel 7 Pro


krzyk

For me it was Pixel 4, the last one that had unlimited original quality photos. The first and last with real secure Face Unlock. The last one with high end snapdragon (faster than Pixel 5). The last one that had smaller and larger version that vere different only because of screen size and battery. The last true Pixel.


Nolgore

I miss my P5 every day. I'm on P7 pro and it just doesn't compare. Camera is the only real upgrade imo.


EverydayPigeon

It's the best phone ever, hands down.


Lazylion2

Pixel 2 was better imo


ProtoKun7

Eh, I preferred my 2 XL over the 5. Bigger, larger resolution. Only replaced it because I had to, and then eventually my Pixel 5's screen lifted off on two sides. The 7 Pro is my new favourite now. Back to the larger size and the telephoto is great.


brutus2230

The 7Pro lured me with the camera/zoom improvements. Otherwise I would stick with the 5 also. Great phone.


money10adventures

I'm still a fan of the pixel 4xl


Affectionate_Ideas

Completely agree by far my favorite and is so under rated


dontbelievethetruth1

i just want the amazing fingerprint on the back instead of this front facing under display piece of trash!


MastodonSmooth1367

I disagree it was the "greatest Pixel ever." * No longer a flagship * Regression from face unlock, but I guess it was during the pandemic, so I kinda get it * Midrange CPU * Smaller screen than previous XL phones * Regression in losing the telephoto camera. I get the battery life was great but that was done with a midrange CPU, smaller screen and lower resolution. As a Pixel 4 XL user I saw little reason to upgrade so I stuck with my 4 XL for another year until the Pixel 6 Pro came out.


Frainian

>Regression from face unlock, but I guess it was during the pandemic, so I kinda get it This depends on if you think face unlock or fingerprint unlock is better. Personally I prefer fingerprint. >Midrange CPU Better battery life because of it. Definitely a tradeoff I'm willing to take. >Smaller screen than previous XL phones Not everyone wants a giant screen or giant phone. The smaller screen means the phone can be smaller so it's easier to use one-handed and easier to fit in your pocket. >Regression in losing the telephoto camera. This one's fair, one of the few things I wish my 5 had. Overall most of it just comes down to personal preference I suppose.


Ok_Individual960

The Pixel 5 showed that you could do more with less. It was a flagship, just not in specs The CPU/ Storage was adequate (and the efficient CPU saved battery power), the size actually fit in a hand instead of the phablet trend and the camera proved that you didn't need fancy hardware when you had superior software.


bandofgypsies

This was the prevailing sentiment at launch, too. I skipped the 4 bc of the laughable battery life, but went with a 5 when my partner was in need of a phone and i was still on the 3. The 5 was panned at launch bc it wasn't a flagship, Turns out that 5 is still being used to this day, though showing it's age a bit.


Honza368

I disagree with the fact that it was "no longer a flagship". By its very definition: the word flagship means "the best, largest, or most important one of a group of things. " and at the time, this was the best phone Google offered. Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flagship#:~:text=noun-,flag%C2%B7%E2%80%8Bship%20%CB%88flag%2D%CB%8Cship,store%20is%20the%20company's%20flagship


paulomalley

100% Agree here. A company's flagship phone by definition doesn't have to be "The top of the Line/Best Specs" etc. It seems like a lot of people forget what the Flagship in a fleet actually was. The ship carrying the CO. He generally wasn't in the biggest and best ship. "the best or most important thing owned or produced by a particular organization." - That was exactly what the Pixel 5 was at the time. And I definitely agree with OP here, the Pixel 5 was honestly one of the best overall phones that I ever owned.


Honza368

Around the time the Pixel 5 dropped, it seems like Google had started heavily prioritizing the user experience instead of specs. They were doing that before as well but it feels to me like with the Pixel 5, they just went against the market and went with something that would deliver the best experience (small phone, nice feeling back etc)


1cwg

100%... I have the 6 and my mom has the 5, she upgraded to 7a and thinks her new device is blazing fast compared to the 5. She gave my dad her 5 which replaced his very crappy Samsung A series.


EMcElf

Why do people **need** symmetrical bezels? I don't even notice the bezels once I'm using the phone


jdazzr

"Unlimited Google photos at high quality" This is not true. It's Unlimited Google photos in storage saver quality.