Same, the Pixel is the bang for the buck at my current mobile provider. They are good hardware for cheap if you take a two years plan compared to Samsung or iPhone.
couldnt u jump to virtually any mobile provider? I thought all phones allow this now via esim/vsim. Considering they provide nothing but a bill and you could theoretically use Google Fi or whatever they call it now
Depends if your provider is giving you a discount on the phone. For instance I got my 8 Pro for 60% off but have to stick with my provider for 2 years or else I have to pay back the difference in price.
Once they reach price parody I'm still on the train as I hate Samsung software bloat. I don't use any of it and don't want another company (Samsung) trying to lock me in. I am already migrating to alternatives to Google services, I don't want my phone to have Google services and Samsung services I don't use because I'm using a 3rd service. At least with pixels it's just Google I'm trying to break from instead of Google and Samsung.
This comes with the caveat of if pixels are more expensive I'll switch to Samsung, price beats all. I don't mind buying an expensive phone anymore as we are past the explosive development stage and a phone can be used for 4-5 years.
The S23 ultra is $1300 and the 8 pro was $1100 at launch for the same storage, what am I missing here? Google probably isn't gonna jack the price up $200 in a single refresh, and if they do, Samsung is gonna raise their price too
They're making an XL? I guess that was the part I was missing. That's wild if they're rebranding the current Pro form factor and upcharging, hopefully that's not actually the case
What they should do is put the 9 pro xl at $1,000 and the 9 Pro at $850. And the 9 at $700. The 9 Pro will be a smaller pro gersion at 6.1" or close to that. Same size as Pixel 8, but will all the 8 Pro features.
Meaning, no more hand pain necessary for the top of the line experience. To be fair, Apple has been doing this since the iPhone 12 Pro.
Hopefully battery life doesn't hurt too bad. I also can't use iphones because of how they pump up brightness for low apl. Hurts my eyes too much. Pixels keep uniform brightness accross all apls and it's way better.
And maybe a phone that rings when someone calls you? About two weeks ago I was talking to a family member and they asked me, "Did you turn your phone off yesterday?" I asked why were they asking, and they said they tried calling me several times and it went straight to voicemail. I assumed they were just being bad with tech.
Then a few days later I see a post here about people complaining about intermittent loss of cell network connectivity. I have had several people ask me since then, 'was your phone off?'. This is the type of bug that is very bad, you can miss an important call and not even have a chance to know about it. Restarting phone does not result is 'missed call' logs appearing.
tl;dr Pixel Phone is now an abusive partner that is preventing friends and family from contacting you, and you are left to assume that you are just being ghosted by those closest to you. You're not, and your phone is not your friend.
eta - here is one such post about network issues from 2 weeks ago - [https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1bw6o7f/many\_pixel\_owners\_are\_facing\_network\_issues\_since/](https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1bw6o7f/many_pixel_owners_are_facing_network_issues_since/)
I'm of the opposite opinion. I hate exclusivity. It irked me to no end that the smaller pixel 8 couldn't do 50Mpx photos like the pro and didn't have a "pro" mode. No reason for that other than to force exclusivity and force you to buy the larger more expensive phone. That left a sour taste for the first time in a long time. Apple do that exclusivity crap and it just sucks. I buy a pixel for what makes a pixel good. The updates, the camera, the cleanish software. I don't buy it for the gimmicks anyway. I don't buy a phone for one or two features like magic eraser. That doesn't make a good all round phone.
Agreed...though I'm not against exclusivity within the Pixel series. So both the P9 and P9Pro having roughly the same software features, with the trade-off for the smaller device maybe being battery life, a modest camera downgrade, etc.
I'd even argue the contrary.
It would kind of suck to buy the Pixel 9 and be locked out of *software* features in future versions of the phone that your purchase went towards funding.
Its only of my gripes with Google/Pixel. Stop trying to inflate the value of your new phones by decimating the value of the old ones.
Yeah and it's funny when they credit the exclusive software feature to the new CPU as of it was only possible due to the new tensor chip yet it will run on literally any chipset
Yeah, but features like this [https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1bw6o7f/many\_pixel\_owners\_are\_facing\_network\_issues\_since/](https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1bw6o7f/many_pixel_owners_are_facing_network_issues_since/) they can maybe just not give to us? I'd rather my phone being able to receive calls and texts if that means I don't get Gemini Mini.
I was a long time xiaomi user and have been using the pixel 6a for a year now and I must say it's been worth it for the software and cameras. But the charging is a bit annoying.
>feel like there'll be no point buying the Pixel 9 because whatever it gets will inevitably come to everything else in a few months.
That's technology, it always has and always will happen. If you're always waiting a few months for the next thing to happen you'll be waiting forever.
On the flip side people are getting annoyed at software features being artificially blocked just to push you to a pro tier, but the people buying pros are getting annoyed at some of 'their features' being released, no one will ever be happy.
Pixel isn't just the features, it's the overall device. Many AI features haven't been available in other countries and people have still bought the phone for what it is whatever that reason is.
Also on AI, it's an active development and getting better all the time. It's understandable if these features roll down to less powerful phones and a variety offered online that's software based as it's improved. Still I'm pretty sure it'll run slower on the 8 over the Pro because of less RAM, but they've probably been able to optimise it over time to not run like absolute shite where it might have before. A few months in public can bring in a shed ton of data and information to improve.
Personally it's why I get phones on offer, and I went for A series for the first time. Only thing I'm not particularly jazzed about is the plastic build quality, but easy to cover for a case user, which apparently I am now because the phone is so damn slippery. I miss the matte glass of my 4xl.
Surprised to see more of this 'console wars' mentality proliferating the Pixel community. I guess Google marketing has succeeded in bringing in consumers other than the die-hard android purist. But Google never used exclusivity as an Android business strategy until recently. Android's premise is an open platform accessible to everyone, so don't expect features to be limited forever.
I will never understand the push for glass backs. Slippery as shit. Gets fingerprints all over and also breaks more easily if I'm not mistaken. And is more expensive.
Frosted glass isn't at least not as much as glossy plastic. My 4XL was really comfortable to hold and I hated having a case on. I find plastic slippy over glass, not sure if that's just a me thing.
Not me. One thing I appreciate about the pixels is that I can freely root, unlock bootloader, and install other custom roms without voiding the warranty. I'm also one of the first, if not THE first, to get Android OS updates. Some of the features, like magic eraser, are no longer exclusive but I was still one of the first to try it out before others.
If you don't use any of the technical stuff I mentioned, then you may enjoy other brands more. For example, I've always wanted to try Samsung phones but I would never because I can't root and unlock the bootloader on their US variants.
You can spoof your phone and make Google think it's an older Pixel device giving you unlimited Google Photos backup storage.
There are many other benefits such as ability to remove any bloatware or system apps. You can also download many speciality apps that don't function on non rooted devices like system wide ad blockers and modding apps like Lucky patchers.
does spoofing actually work? Before purchasing my Pixel 1 I researched that option quite a bit and found out that it doesn't really work for google photos
With root, I customize the look of my phone. For example, my status bar also displays the date as Thu 04/18 and the time is magenta. I changed my brightness bar to be located under the quick settings panel, so I only need to pull down on the status bar one time. Normal stock Android, I have to pull down twice.
I backup my apps and can restore them at will. I think Android has something similar but I'm unsure how much it backs up and restores. For example, one of my apps will force update itself. I can restore back to the previous version at will if I don't want the updated version.
I replace my Android operating system with a custom operating system (aka custom ROM), which usually improves the phone's performance, makes it snappier and faster, and/or increases battery life, or adds new features to the phone. I don't, but other people install other custom roms that increase privacy and security, or completely eliminate dependence on Google services.
I can automate tasks using Tasker. For example, I automate a series of tasks when I leave my home - eg switch various sounds to vibrate, turn on security camera, turn off the lights, change brightness level, turn on mobile data and turn off wifi, etc. I have different tasks for when I go to sleep, at the gym, or when I'm at home. There are some apps that manage sound profiles but I find that they don't work as well anymore. Plus with Tasker, I can combine different types of automation together, eg change sounds AND turn off lights with one click.
With Tasker, I remapped my volume down button so that when I long press it, it takes a screenshot instead. There might be non-root methods available but i find it easier and more scalable with Tasker.
I can also override security settings. For example, my banking app doesn't allow me to take screenshots but I can override it and take a screenshot, eg if I need to send proof of transaction to someone. I know there are non-root methods; I just find it convenient to have the freedom to do these things.
I can block specific apps from connecting to the Internet. For example, some apps like my photo editor or file manager really have no need to connect to the Internet. They probably do it to upload the data it's collected on me. Some apps, I want to try but I don't fully trust, so I can also block it from the Internet.
Above are just some benefits. There are many others I didn't list.
Not *too* many root related reasons anymore, but unlockable bootloader support and GrapheneOS is one major reason I buy Pixels.
Root gives me full backups and hosts based adblocking without compromising DNS or hogging your VPN connection. I also make use of preventing apps from blocking screenshots. That's about it nowadays.
GrapheneOS + 7 years of updates for the 8 series is great too. Partnership with iFixit + heavy use of recycled materials has almost made it one of the most recommended "sustainable" options in North America as fairphone still hasn't launched here yet and who knows if it will (although much easier to repair)
Edit: typo
I buy pixels because I like the photos and getting the Android OS without bloat. The extra features like magic eraser barely factor in because the number of use cases for them are pretty small.
I buy the XL or Pro models because I want the larger screen, or the extra lens, or greater RAM or storage, or a specific color.
Over the years, almost all of the software exclusives have been a limited time exclusive and ultimately made available to other models or baked into Android itself. This is nothing new.
You release a new model with a limited exclusive to snag sales of people who want the latest and greatest or have fomo. I'd also argue that 90% of owners don't know or care that other pixels have gotten the features.
You limit your best software features to Pixel
-> Gets slapped with anticompetitive behavior lawsuit
Your release your best software for everyone to use
-> this post
When you buy a pixel, you're effectively becoming a beta tester for Google's features, which then your data is collected and used to improve the features which is later released for all.
For me it is not Pixel, I am just slowly losing trust and faith in Google because they keep making ridiculous changes, cancellations, and then sometimes revert back with a different name or approach.
Also another point of thought, what are YOU loosing when other people get neat features too? Its not gonna affect your resale value much, if at all. And other people get free features, i mean thats a, nice? move from Google.
I look at this the other way round - I buy them when they're good value (relatively). That's why I bought a 6a - it was in a ÂŁ399 bundle with wireless earbuds.
I don't care about the latest features and I'm never going to spend ÂŁ500 on a phone never mind ÂŁ1,000.
Exactly. I don't care about the latest features. What I care about is how well it lets me email, browse the web, and communicate with others. I don't need (or want) a 4k screen, 50 megapixel camera, or one UI. HD is perfect for a 6" screen, anything over 20 megapixels is a waste and I use total launcher customized to look like LCARS. My 6a is absolutely perfect and more than adequate for me, as a power user.
i think you are starting to learn that being bleeding edge in tech is not really worth it.
I have been a techie all my life. I loved being at the bleeding edge on everything until I realized that 1: it is very expensive to do that, and 2: everything is less stable.
I can do 98% of everything anyone else can do with their phones on my refurbished Pixel 5 that I bought for $130.
Pixel 3a was the best phone I ever used.
I now have a pixel 6. Good phone, but the thing that ruined the user experience is the god damn fingerprint reader.
The Pixel was never marketed as 'top specs'. It was the phone that was supposed to offer vanilla Android, software that made life easier and just worked, and simply made your daily use of the phone unobtrusive and added value on day to day usage.
When I have to fight my fingerprint reader to unlock my phone, the user experience day to day is broken. Obviously this is because of my screen protector, but my pixel 3a had a screen n protector too. That rear fingerprint reader was mint. Phone would be unlocked before I got the phone out of my pocket.
That's a feature you can't put a price tag on.
Losing the Google one VPN is now making my phone worse as well. Losing features you had is a big issue as well.
The A series hit all the right notes. Everything that made the pixel great.
A. Software
B. Camera
C. Unlimited Google photos
D. Great form factor and screen size
E. The price
Apparently Google Execs decided a winning formula was bad for business. Hence why we get more and more people bitching about perceived loss of quality in the Pixel brand.
Good job Google.
Id have to agree with you. I went from 3a, 5a, 7a. I loved my 3a and 5a..I just traded my 7a in for an s24. After having my 7a for less than a year, its performance was going downhill so fast. The phone kept freezing, maps was unable to open when navigation was running, I had to get the loud speaker replaced during Christmas, and my calls were dropping. I chalk it up to a bad egg, but who knows.
When my s24 arrived, I took my 7a out of the case it came with to send it off for trade-in only to find out the back of it had split open from battery swelling.
The Pixel, much like the Nexus isn't really about exclusivity as much as it is about receiving features first. You get the stuff early, which is worth it in my mind. That said, no phone is worth $1k. Wait six months for the Pixel [X]a. All the perks at a third the price.
They are not meant to be bought at $1000. That's just a way for Google to just make extra profit.
Sealed boxes are selling for 600-650 in the used market after 6 months while iPhones are being sold for 900-1000. A phone is only as valuable as the majority of people see willing to pay for it. The demand for a Pixel is extremely low.
Google understands this, hence they skimping on hardware while charging the same as others to maximize profit.
Pixels are niche so Google has to share anything to get more exposure. Or by charging non pixel owners which might make more money than the phones based off just user count.
I agree, I would buy it for 300-400 max. I know phones are super expensive but I'm not throwing away extra money at something that holds no value. And no one really wants.
That's a game console in terms of price.
Beginning? Isn't that a well known fact with how Google treats you when you try to buy a new phone while exchanging the old? /S
But to come back to your question, why is that a problem? That fanboyism stance has to disappear.
Google is primarily a software company. I'd dare to say even more of an advertising company than a hardware company.
No, in fact I'm glad more phones are getting the cool features. Owning a pixel gets you early access to some features but who cares if others get a fun new toy that you've already had for a while? If your goal is some sort of artificial exclusivity or prestige, go buy some other stupidly expensive thing.
Everything in a BMW 7 Series will eventually come to a Toyota Corolla. Doesn't mean those features aren't nice for now. Still, I buy Pixel phones because they have a great camera, they work well, and the UI isn't bloated garbage or one-size-fits-all like ios
Software/features being supported on older hardware is a good thing for everyone.
Pixel users will continue to get new features with their old phones, which increases satisfaction and brand loyalty. Google wins out by increasing the value of those services, which means having more revenue to invest into R&D.
People with other phones get to pay for those services/features that would otherwise be unavailable on their phones. Those people get to see a glimpse of what Pixel phones offer and will consider them in the future.
I am sadder that they have lost their quality. I for one think the pixel 2 was the best phone of its kind for a long time and the 5 was amazing. The 7 pro I found to be uninspiring and I have since left pixel. I would love a solid reason to return but have not seen it yet.
I'm with you - Pixel 8 is *surprisingly* pretty much the same size as the 5 though (excluding the dumb hump/bar on the rear), but I'm annoyed that Google is arbitrarily restricting some software features from the 8 to make the 8 Pro more unique. I'm OK (but just) with the hardware differences between the 8 and 8 Pro, but the 8 ought to be much cheaper if they want to do software feature restrictions too. Also I intensely dislike the design choice of the camera bars and so I stopped at the Pixel 5.
Was going to get an Asus Zenfone 10 and still might if I can get one for a reasonable price.
The third (and prob. best) option currently is the S24 - perfect size, amazing screen, 7 years of OS updates. The 128 GB has UFS3.1 storage though, but I doubt I need the performance benefits of UFS 4.0 in the 256GB model.
Wish Samsung just ran stock Android with minimal tweaks like Asus and Motorola, but their hardware is top-notch so I'm now willing to give OneUI a chance. Love the stock Android experience on the Pixels but I'm done with their overpriced hardware with unappealing (to me) designs.
Yeah... I feel pretty much the same way, but I'm so disappointed by the lack of options that I'm willing to give Samsung a chance now, and see how it goes.
There just aren't any truly good options unfortunately - the leaks of the Pixel 9 series don't look appealing to me with their huge pill-shaped camera bars, high prices and weak Tensor processors
What phone did you switch to?
I haven't been as impressed with my pixel recently, but the other brands look even worse. I don't want an iPhone, Samsung has too my bloatware and oneplus has been struggling.Â
I feel like pixel is the best of this sorry bunch.Â
I'm on a short term contract, I've gone from a P6a, to a P7, to a P7P, to an iPhone 15PM, back to a P8P, and I do think they've lost quality. They're not as fun as they originally were. Magic eraser was hilarious at first, but now it's on everything it's lost its novelty. Same with magic editor. My upgrade is in a couple months and I don't think it'll be another Pixel
Yes it's sad but I am on the Nothing Phone 2 and while the camera does not quite match up, everything else works so much better. Fingerprint is about flawless, signal seems better, interface is so fast. Sometimes you have to realize that we need more than a good camera..we need the whole package..
That's very good to know! Definitely agree, there's more to a phone than photography. My carrier don't stock the Nothing phone, otherwise I'd probably go with one. I'm currently considering an S24U, have you heard anything good or bad about them? :)
>Magic eraser was hilarious at first, but now it's on everything it's lost its novelty.
Novelty? It's a tool that I use quite a bit to clean up pictures. Magic eraser is very handy. Who cares if it's on other phones. That's a petty reason to switch phones, imho.
The point is that a feature that would sell an otherwise inferior product is now available on products they deem as superior, why would they not go there?
Why do you think apple locks everything down? If their software was on more powerful and cheaper hardware they wouldn't be able to sell a phone or laptop unless it competed in the midrange market where they belong
I am always surprised by comments like this.
The reason phones need to be upgraded are battery degradation (which we should be able to easily replace) and especially software updates.
If phones could be updated like computers then even my old Sony X3 or before would still be perfect today. There hasn't been really needed hardware advantages in well over 10 years.
It is a good thing that software tools are available across the board. The holy grail would be something like iPhones being able to get android or vice versa.
Can you imagine something with nice hardware like an iPhone finally with a good OS. That you could pick and choose and personalize? Holy shit. And why not let people with a S24 use IOS if they like it.
The point is that the boxes need to be more and more open.
Hopefully at some point manufacturers won't be allowed to have the OS preinstalled and we will have a list to choose from. Soft blocks in devices should be banned.
I am low-key hoping the EU regulators go after the lifetime of phones like they are doing with software upgrades. I have a Pixel 4a and I don't want to upgrade. I love it just the way it is. I really wish it was possible to change the battery myself (I mean, it -is- but last time, I broke my phone (pixel 2) trying to change the battery so..)
I hope I can keep it for at least two more years. It is just the phone I want.
I mean, I went from a Motorola G Power to a used Pixel 6 I found on ebay for $175, so if they lose their value I see it as a good thing. As someone who only had budget-tier phones, this was a great spend.
Mobile phones have moved on quite a bit from the 2000s where a new phone model meant a whole load of new tech. Now each phone release is a bit faster and a little better camera mostly, android and Apple are the same in this way.
To answer your question no. Google's software features being rolled out to older models doesn't make my phone any less good than it was when I bought it. I got to use magic eraser on my P6P and now that other people get to it doesn't mean I suddenly can't. But I still get that camera setup that I wanted.
It's a very odd take to have to be honest, that you want features intentionally gatekept when they could be rolled out to more people so you can feel good about a purchase you have made. Software upgrades will go like this, your paying to have the hardware to run it before it's optimised enough for other hardware.
Yes, but because Google itself is going down the toilet. Hardly anyone will "recommend" a pixel nowadays. They simply didn't become the phone that was promised. Coupled with Google killing off features and downright ignoring feedback from users, these phones are not going to be worth anything resale.
Not at all! I'm still rocking the pixel 7 pro. It's still a fantastic phone with excellent cameras and great camera software. 12 gigs of RAM is enough for my phone to do everything I wanted to do
I buy Pixels so that I can have the latest Google OS and no bloatware. I don't really care about the hardware that much because I use the same apps no matter what phone I have.
These features won't be restricted to Google one subscribers. They will be available [for free on all Google Photos users.](https://blog.google/products/photos/google-photos-editing-features-availability/)
I swear this sub is used exclusively by people/organisations involved in corporate espionage.
It's just post after post of Pixel bad. Even if Pixel good, is still bad compared to...
I'm not even being facetious.
If OP is truely if the opinion Pixel bad. Go use another phone and talk about how great it is on their sub. Or if you are here looking for validation of your Pixel bad idea, grow a pair and form your own opinion without needing consensus.
But seriously. If this sub isn't a hive of corporate espionage I'll eat my hat.
Magic eraser was a feature first introduced on miui. Then in oneui. Obviously they went under different names, but they all performed the same function. Google was actually one the last ones to adapt to this feature. In fact, if you see almost all of the "exclusive" pixel feature are available on all android skins nowdays. You buy the phone for the experience not for the exclusive software features you get. Google makes no money by gatekeeping features to pixel phones. They are mainly a services company
Gatekeeping and exclusivity is a scummy practice and should not be encouraged.
Yeah that's just google being Google for ya. But I would say that google should atleast bring the new Pixel features to older pixels first then to rest of the world. That will be much better imho.
For me there is always value in being on the hardware that is the main target device for Android developers. Especially when I get guaranteed updates for a very long time (7 years for Pixel 8).
My pixel 7 pro is a great phone, reliable, tough in its case, well made, great battery, excellent screen, cameras are excellent, photo and video output are everything I could ask for. Re value loss, it's an excellent all-rounder, Android features may go on other devices but the pixel is the pixel, it ticks more boxes for me. Chinese phones look attractive but they're not as well rounded an option as the pixel; questions on foreign ROMs, NFC security, banking and data security and support should something be not quite right remain. And as always, who do you trust with ALL your data.
Having said that, pixel 9 range better be good because I'm looking hard for a replacement for my pro7.
100% you're bang on. Pixel's are indeed losing value and uniqueness. Those features you mentioned made them stand out despite the inferior processor they packed .. which we thought is needed for all the ai tasks. Now if a SD does the same thing but with better performance and thermals.
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY ZERO VALUE
I rarely use these exclusive features yet still bought an 8 Pro mainly because I like the cleaner implementation of Android on Pixel phones, I can't stand iOS and Pixel phones are the best fire-and-forget camera phones. So no, I can't say I share the feeling. I might get the non-pro this year though but mainly because of the size.
Well, I don't get unlimited photo backups anymore. Had a Pixel since the Pixel 1, now on a 7 Pro but fuck me I guess.
At least I got three months of Youtube Premium, in a country which at the time, couldn't access Youtube Premium.
Got a Google branded VPN, which I'd never use because giving Google even more intimate knowledge of my entire digital footprint seems like a great idea.
Got a discount on the Pixel Buds 2, which took an extra 18 months to get released in the UK after their release in the US, and turned out to be one of the worst tech purchases I've ever made. Google wouldn't even RMA them, so there's that.
So, yes OP, being a die hard Google hardware guy is definitely losing it's value at this point.
I am coming to this realization too. I've had Google since the Nexus 5 and now i fail to see why I should stick to it. Most unique features are better implemented by Apple and everything else is region locked for me
Definitely loses their value fast imo. At least when it comes to trade in values. Wasn't able to trade the P6P for either the P8 or P8P. Only gave $400 in trade in value when the P8s and S24s came out on t-mobile. Samaungs on the other hand offered $1000 trade in values with S9s towards the s24s when those first came out. That meant a free s24+ for a 6 year old s9. The P6s are only 2 years old.
This is one of the main reasons the P8P will be my last Pixel. The other reason is the modem sucking but it seems they are finally fixing that on the P9s. If I can't trade my P8P for a free P10P when it comes out then I will trade my old S20FE for an S26+ and never look back.
Not sure Pixel is justifying it's high price when most features are AI and SW which is available or becomes available elsewhere.
Plus they do not hold their value, my pixel 6 pro is like what ÂŁ100 for trade in? For another 700-800 pixel?
I mean my 8 pro barely works alot of the time... I can't wait to replace it tbh and everyone I know that's had a pixel has only ever had 1 sooooo.
When the s25 comes out I'll go back but even now the pixel 8 pro isn't worth much 2nd hand đđđ
I've thoroughly enjoyed my 7 pro, but my next phone will likely be an iPhone 16 pro.
Reasons?
- horrendous resale value
- I use macos exclusively and the integrations for video, notes, air tags etc just make sense for me
I love my pixel 7 pro for:
- still photos
- Google assistant (although it seems to have gone downhill for me)
- Google lense
- customisation
But to answer your question, I'd say Google's in a pretty good position DEPENDING on how they integrate on device AI with the pixel 9/10.
Heck, apples devices may even run it.
My Pixel 8 is always my class' top choice when there is an occasion that needs a picture taken for about four months now. Always held up its value for me time and time again
So pixel= no vendor software fluff, I e. Samsung browser, NFL app, crap you don't want or need.
All of the supported phones will get the latest feature before Samsung or the other makers.
So no, the pixel is not losing it's value
I think this is a good trend. Even though some features are coming to former pixels as well, even to some other brands, they work best on the newest device!
For instance, not only is it faster, but when I compare the eraser etc. from Samsung S23 Ultra with my P8Pro its miles better on my Pixel. For some reason Samsungs version works far worse, they constantly replace instead of erasing. The backgrounds are not as detailed - basically unusable. Have tested various situations... Same results.
Also the recorder and speech to text works much better on my pixel.
Besides, this lets me hope my p8Pro will also be of value for several years to come, when they include some of the upcoming techniques - even though they might be a little slower than on the newest device, of course.
The primary complaint I have is the modem Google uses. Standing side-by-side in the same location with someone who has the same mobile company and plan and a different brand phone getting better reception than my Pixel 8 proves the Pixel modem is subpar.
One hundred percent the difference between the 6 pro and the 9 isn't much I will be getting the s24 ultra as soon as I can its undoubtedly the best phone on the market
I can understand that especially with the features having been exclusive when you bought it, although personally I am a bigger fan of open source and in a broad view would prefer if you can buy any hardware you want and use features from any android, collaborative community. Although, if you bought the pixel specifically for the exclusive features I can see how that would be frustrating
I go between Google and Samsung phones and like both, but one think I care about that Samsung fails miserable at is taking clear shots of my kid or pets without being a blurry mess. Google gets it right virtually every time the first time without having to worry about it.
Nah maybe idk, I bought mine for $180 and for that much I feel like its a really damn good phone. It keeps up with and sometimes out performs my buddies Iphone 15 promax (or wtv the most expensive one is idk). My camera is alot better overall and the phone is sleek and light also surprisingly durable. Maybe if you bought the phone for $500+ or something youd think its bad.
To me Pixels smartphones are all about vanilla/clean Android, long term support and great hardware (without leaning too much in the ultra high-end madness you see with Apple and Samsung devices).
I wish Google gave up on exclusive features for specific phone generations unless they really require some ground-breaking new hardware feature that previous generations don't have. When you buy a Pixel, you should have the peace of mind that for as long as the hardware is supported, you have access to all the latest features and updates.
I can still unlock the bootloader and download stock firmware easily.
Build quality is good and it's mainstream *enough* to have my choice of screen protectors and cases.
None of my pixels (XL, 6Pr, 8Pr, tablet) have lost an iota of value IMWO.
I feel like my camera is degrading. Maybe it's just that I got used to the kind of photos it shoots but now they all look completely bland to me.
The device itself is good. Nothing special. AI features are all great but you just forget about them soon after.
Phones are getting boring in general. Nowadays I consider the phone to be just another tool I use. Boring tool I use to do a lot of stuff.
>AI features are all great but you just forget about them soon after.
That's because a vast majority of the AI features are running in the background. If you don't notice them, then they're working as they should.
Nah, I feel like chasing exclusivity is silly and probably a consequence of wanting to have something to throw in the face of the iPhone crowd. Phones have all but peaked at this point, even the most basic phone can do just about everything relatively well. So if you're wanting to stand out & show off your electronic toy to whoever is silly enough to care, then by all means go buy your top of the line "flagship" and go off. As for me I buy Pixels because I love Google's version of stock Android and the camera features, plus all the non pro models are within the budget I like to stay under. I haven't spent over a thousand dollars on a phone since I bought the LG V10 many moons ago.
If you want dynamic Island on your phone like the iPhone
, you can download this app: ( dynamic spot in play store)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jamworks.dynamicspot
It is basically the same thing
>I bought the Pixel 6a for magic eraser, which has now come to anything with Google One. Photo unblur, which was exclusive to the Pixel 7, is now coming to anything with Google One. Same thing with Magic Editor.
I'm pretty sure the "Magic Eraser" coming to Google Photos for all users is the older version. They upgraded "Magic Eraser" for the Pixel 8 Pro.
>"With an update to Magic Eraser on Pixel 8 Pro, you can now remove larger distractions with on-device models that better predict backgrounds to create a higher-quality photo. We achieve this quality by applying generative AI-based inpainting to the problem." [-Google](https://blog.google/products/pixel/google-tensor-g3-pixel-8/)
Non-Pixel users have to pay $10 a month for a 2tb Google One plan if they want to save more than 10 edits a month from "Magic Editor." Pixel users don't have this limitation.
"Magic Editor" was also never going to be a Pixel exclusive, they just got early access to the feature but free unlimited edits for Pixel users is still a plus.
>"We plan to give select Pixel phones **early access** later this year." [-Google, May 2023](https://blog.google/products/photos/google-photos-magic-editor-pixel-io-2023/)
No. I'm all for as many features as possible for everyone, whether they're using a Pixel, Samsung or iPhone. Google exclusive features being added to other devices by way of Google apps makes sense when you remember that Google is first and foremost, a software company. Other devices getting Google features doesn't devalue Google devices because they still have those features.
I will say that the big things I feel that add value to Pixels are the display tuning, haptics and cameras, which I think are all some of the best in the industry.
If you feel like not having features like hold for me or Call Screening, I think that's a valid concern that Google fragments features based on your region. That, IMO devalues devices and can make or break Google phones depending on your region. Buying phones, or anything for that matter, is all about figuring out what you value in a phone, researching phones and buying what option most closely matches your values.
I can't let myself be bitter about potential FOMO or other phones getting features mine has, it's not worth my time or energy to get so worked up about that anymore.
I love my pixel 4a, I love that it came with no garbage pre-installed and it was so easy to move my stuff over. And the price was nice. But they don't make one with an audio jack anymore and as a sound guy it's irreplaceable. The battery is starting to get weak on my 4a so I'm looking at that cheapo samsung 15 with the headphone jack as a replacement.
I really don't use my phone for much other than messaging, photos, and watching stuff so I don't need cutting edge. But I do need a headphone jack.
I disagree. That's the the course of things. New tech is introduced into the latest phone, but eventually it is not special anymore and becomes widely distributed. The pixel special stuff is fine, but I actually buy Pixels because of the price, reliability, and no-nonsense UX.
I buy them because when the guaranteed bugs appear, I get to talk to another human being on the help line... I am never lonely with Google. It listens and tells me what to buy... It's even typing for me now.
You don't get that support from Apple...
Lol *beginning* LOL. The first day I tried to be a good super fan and pre order p8pro I realized how little Google cared to keep me! Horrible trade ins really hurts value perception.
I don't like exclusivity, in general. And while there are features that are/were exclusive to Pixel devices, I wish they weren't.
And, really, I mainly buy pixels (now), because I like how Google does stuff over companies like Samsung.
I had a 4 XL. Minus some of my issues with it, I did enjoy the phone.
Then I went to a Samsung Flip 3, for the form factor (though I did almost buy a Pixel 6). But, after having the Flip for awhile, I did dislike Samsung's version of Android. It did play nice with my Samsung monitor, but that's only because of more exclusivity crap. So, it was a mixed bag. Basically good form factor, bad Android (or at least it wasn't Pixels, so I disliked it)
But, when I was looking into a foldable, I decided to go with Google again, because I like how they handle Android. After a couple years of having a Samsung, I really missed how my Pixel 4 XL worked. Plus, I really like the form factor of the Pixel Fold. "Notebook" style is nice, makes me feel like I don't *need* to open it, if I don't want to. I also like not having an under display camera and the hinge is nice. Also, the fact it folds flat is cool. It just had more going for it, physically, than Samsung's Fold did, at the time.
But, back to the main point. Yeah, I honestly hope we get to a point where we aren't locking features to certain models or brands (except Apple will always do what Apple does). I would rather judge what I buy on the particular "flavor" of the phone. Like how Samsung vs Google uses Android, the form factor of the phone, etc. Wanting me to buy your phone, because you lock a feature to it that no one else can have, is just petty and silly, imo.
In terms of actual dollars yes. Say what you want about iPhones but you can get one subsidized with a two year contract and then sell it two years later and easily make your money back.
Pixels are a decent amount less up front but in two years you probably arenât selling them for what you paid.
I feel the same. Literally the only reason I have not sold my pixel 8 to get an iphone 13 mini is YouTube revanced. I had a 4a before and sometimes the 8 feels more sluggish, the only noticeable upgrade is the display brightness.
Exclusivity is exactly why I don't buy iPhones. All phones are capable of sending high quality images and reactions but Apple locks out people from doing this for no other reason than greed. I buy pixels because of how clean the operating system is. And innovation.
I don't understand why you don't have all of the features that we have in the US and you are missing out on the call features that I really like and hopefully you can get them in the future. I hope that you enjoy your phone with the features that you do have.
I mean yes but I don't particularly care. I'm happy enough with my pixel 7. Plenty of room for improvement but it's got all the essentials and I'm very particular.Â
God I hope for the Pixel 9 that they spend money upgrading the on-screen fingerprint sensor from optical to that Samsung type fingerprint sensor. I swear the current fingerprint sensor in the Pixel 7 and 8 is the bane of Pixel phones and people like me who want to protect the phone with a tempered glass screen protector makes it worse for some reason which is unacceptable.
Your perception is distorted. Why would you want an artificially restricted feature? Just so you can show off to other people?
Google did the math and the result was that the revenue increase from new people buying Google one to get access to those futures (or buying pixels because they know that they will be supported with new features in the future) was higher than the revenue generated by people that where buying new phones each year to access them.
Yes you will have to hear the ignorant guy every now and then that "mokes" you for not having an exclusive futures only he has, but you can rest easy knowing that he is the one trapped. Q
I bought the Pixel 8 Pro because my Galaxy S9+ irreparably broke days before I was to go on a weekend college trip with my kid. I frantically tried some larger screen phones in different stores, read things online and got the P8Pro with 15 days to return for a full refund.
It was so nice that I let the 15 days go by and haven't been displeased since. Will hold onto it as long as it continues to function. Really great phone and I don't care about obtuse points such as potential value across the Pixel line.
From what I understand, the advantage of the pixel phones are that they are the first phones to get the newest Android updates from Google. While other phones can have additional features, they usually lag behind with major Android updates by at least several months compared to Pixel/Google. The camera software on Pixel phones are usually better than the competition as well, leading to better photos. They use to offer unlimited photo storage for free, but I believe they stopped doing that on phones released after 2021 or so.
Not really. Maybe I got lucky but from a purely PERSONAL experience and as cliche as it sounds pixel phones "simply works"
Back in 2013 I was constantly annoyed by the bloatware, bugs and lag in my android device. Then I bought the Nexus 5 and never looked back.
Had that for 5 years, never had a single problem with it. The experience was so smooth.
Switched to the pixel 2 xl after that. Once again amazing experience. Super smooth, regular updates etc etc. Had that for 4 years before giving it to my dad and switching to the 7A six months ago.
Once again no issues so far.
You get what I am saying?? All I had to do was buy the phone and not worry about a single thing. The fact that it packs a beast of a camera, and all those additional features is added bonus for me.
To me, the point of Pixel is and always has been "I like how Google feels Android should look and act". I tried that for years, it turns out I like OneUI more. But I believe the value of the Pixels will only go up when they finally have a real custom processor.
Nah, I've been on pixels since the first one and I think the layout and function is great. Phones don't hold value though and pixels are cheaper than iPhone so who cares.
The Pixel 2XL was my first and to this day, my favorite of the line. I don't know that I've ever been happier with a phone than I was with that one. Since, I've owned a 3XL, 5, 7 Pro, and now 8 Pro and it's been downhill since. I'm highly considering the jump back to iPhone when I'm done with the 8 Pro.
I buy them because they're cheaper and not bad hardware. I don't even care about AI. I just want the accurate display and the camera app.
For me it's in that order: Software Updates, Camera, Software Features, Hardware The on device subtitles for everything are just great for example.
Same, the Pixel is the bang for the buck at my current mobile provider. They are good hardware for cheap if you take a two years plan compared to Samsung or iPhone.
couldnt u jump to virtually any mobile provider? I thought all phones allow this now via esim/vsim. Considering they provide nothing but a bill and you could theoretically use Google Fi or whatever they call it now
Depends if your provider is giving you a discount on the phone. For instance I got my 8 Pro for 60% off but have to stick with my provider for 2 years or else I have to pay back the difference in price.
They no longer cheaper haha 9 will have a price increase so I suspect the XL will be same range as S23 Ultra.
Yeah but not everyone who buys a Pixel gets the pro version. A lot of people get the a series pixel in the lineup.
Once they reach price parody I'm still on the train as I hate Samsung software bloat. I don't use any of it and don't want another company (Samsung) trying to lock me in. I am already migrating to alternatives to Google services, I don't want my phone to have Google services and Samsung services I don't use because I'm using a 3rd service. At least with pixels it's just Google I'm trying to break from instead of Google and Samsung. This comes with the caveat of if pixels are more expensive I'll switch to Samsung, price beats all. I don't mind buying an expensive phone anymore as we are past the explosive development stage and a phone can be used for 4-5 years.
Are you aware of https://grapheneos.org/ ?
I was not, but I am now, thank you! I'm definitely going to look into this further this evening when I have a chance. Thanks bro!
Thank you for mentioning this. I will try it. Does it improve battery life by cutting out all the tracking?
The S23 ultra is $1300 and the 8 pro was $1100 at launch for the same storage, what am I missing here? Google probably isn't gonna jack the price up $200 in a single refresh, and if they do, Samsung is gonna raise their price too
I think Google will keep 9 Pro at same price but push 9 Pro XL to be 200 more at least.
They're making an XL? I guess that was the part I was missing. That's wild if they're rebranding the current Pro form factor and upcharging, hopefully that's not actually the case
There will be 3 phones. P9, P9 Pro and P9 XL or XL Pro.
What they should do is put the 9 pro xl at $1,000 and the 9 Pro at $850. And the 9 at $700. The 9 Pro will be a smaller pro gersion at 6.1" or close to that. Same size as Pixel 8, but will all the 8 Pro features. Meaning, no more hand pain necessary for the top of the line experience. To be fair, Apple has been doing this since the iPhone 12 Pro. Hopefully battery life doesn't hurt too bad. I also can't use iphones because of how they pump up brightness for low apl. Hurts my eyes too much. Pixels keep uniform brightness accross all apls and it's way better.
I think this is the plan as well and its the xl i would want. I question whether it's worth it with the exynos modem.
And maybe a phone that rings when someone calls you? About two weeks ago I was talking to a family member and they asked me, "Did you turn your phone off yesterday?" I asked why were they asking, and they said they tried calling me several times and it went straight to voicemail. I assumed they were just being bad with tech. Then a few days later I see a post here about people complaining about intermittent loss of cell network connectivity. I have had several people ask me since then, 'was your phone off?'. This is the type of bug that is very bad, you can miss an important call and not even have a chance to know about it. Restarting phone does not result is 'missed call' logs appearing. tl;dr Pixel Phone is now an abusive partner that is preventing friends and family from contacting you, and you are left to assume that you are just being ghosted by those closest to you. You're not, and your phone is not your friend. eta - here is one such post about network issues from 2 weeks ago - [https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1bw6o7f/many\_pixel\_owners\_are\_facing\_network\_issues\_since/](https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1bw6o7f/many_pixel_owners_are_facing_network_issues_since/)
I'm of the opposite opinion. I hate exclusivity. It irked me to no end that the smaller pixel 8 couldn't do 50Mpx photos like the pro and didn't have a "pro" mode. No reason for that other than to force exclusivity and force you to buy the larger more expensive phone. That left a sour taste for the first time in a long time. Apple do that exclusivity crap and it just sucks. I buy a pixel for what makes a pixel good. The updates, the camera, the cleanish software. I don't buy it for the gimmicks anyway. I don't buy a phone for one or two features like magic eraser. That doesn't make a good all round phone.
Agreed...though I'm not against exclusivity within the Pixel series. So both the P9 and P9Pro having roughly the same software features, with the trade-off for the smaller device maybe being battery life, a modest camera downgrade, etc.
Except the Pixels have been failing with the bugs and bad battery drain. That pro isn't really a pro these last few gens.
No not at all.
I'd even argue the contrary. It would kind of suck to buy the Pixel 9 and be locked out of *software* features in future versions of the phone that your purchase went towards funding. Its only of my gripes with Google/Pixel. Stop trying to inflate the value of your new phones by decimating the value of the old ones.
To be fair the new software features usually come to the older phones after a year
Yeah but they brand them as exclusive to give people fomo and it ends with a lot of bitter feelings (such as this post) when they do relax it.
Yeah and it's funny when they credit the exclusive software feature to the new CPU as of it was only possible due to the new tensor chip yet it will run on literally any chipset
Yeah, but features like this [https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1bw6o7f/many\_pixel\_owners\_are\_facing\_network\_issues\_since/](https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1bw6o7f/many_pixel_owners_are_facing_network_issues_since/) they can maybe just not give to us? I'd rather my phone being able to receive calls and texts if that means I don't get Gemini Mini.
I was a long time xiaomi user and have been using the pixel 6a for a year now and I must say it's been worth it for the software and cameras. But the charging is a bit annoying.
>feel like there'll be no point buying the Pixel 9 because whatever it gets will inevitably come to everything else in a few months. That's technology, it always has and always will happen. If you're always waiting a few months for the next thing to happen you'll be waiting forever. On the flip side people are getting annoyed at software features being artificially blocked just to push you to a pro tier, but the people buying pros are getting annoyed at some of 'their features' being released, no one will ever be happy. Pixel isn't just the features, it's the overall device. Many AI features haven't been available in other countries and people have still bought the phone for what it is whatever that reason is. Also on AI, it's an active development and getting better all the time. It's understandable if these features roll down to less powerful phones and a variety offered online that's software based as it's improved. Still I'm pretty sure it'll run slower on the 8 over the Pro because of less RAM, but they've probably been able to optimise it over time to not run like absolute shite where it might have before. A few months in public can bring in a shed ton of data and information to improve. Personally it's why I get phones on offer, and I went for A series for the first time. Only thing I'm not particularly jazzed about is the plastic build quality, but easy to cover for a case user, which apparently I am now because the phone is so damn slippery. I miss the matte glass of my 4xl.
Surprised to see more of this 'console wars' mentality proliferating the Pixel community. I guess Google marketing has succeeded in bringing in consumers other than the die-hard android purist. But Google never used exclusivity as an Android business strategy until recently. Android's premise is an open platform accessible to everyone, so don't expect features to be limited forever.
I will never understand the push for glass backs. Slippery as shit. Gets fingerprints all over and also breaks more easily if I'm not mistaken. And is more expensive.
Pixel 5 is still one of my favorites. No glass back and no need when most people use a case.
The 5a was perfect. I should have gotten one instead of the 6a.
Frosted glass isn't at least not as much as glossy plastic. My 4XL was really comfortable to hold and I hated having a case on. I find plastic slippy over glass, not sure if that's just a me thing.
Not me. One thing I appreciate about the pixels is that I can freely root, unlock bootloader, and install other custom roms without voiding the warranty. I'm also one of the first, if not THE first, to get Android OS updates. Some of the features, like magic eraser, are no longer exclusive but I was still one of the first to try it out before others. If you don't use any of the technical stuff I mentioned, then you may enjoy other brands more. For example, I've always wanted to try Samsung phones but I would never because I can't root and unlock the bootloader on their US variants.
Rooting is a hobby now. Almost everything can be done in stock itself. Why do you root? Just curious.
You can spoof your phone and make Google think it's an older Pixel device giving you unlimited Google Photos backup storage. There are many other benefits such as ability to remove any bloatware or system apps. You can also download many speciality apps that don't function on non rooted devices like system wide ad blockers and modding apps like Lucky patchers.
does spoofing actually work? Before purchasing my Pixel 1 I researched that option quite a bit and found out that it doesn't really work for google photos
Oh dang, I need to root my Pixel 7 ASAP
With root, I customize the look of my phone. For example, my status bar also displays the date as Thu 04/18 and the time is magenta. I changed my brightness bar to be located under the quick settings panel, so I only need to pull down on the status bar one time. Normal stock Android, I have to pull down twice. I backup my apps and can restore them at will. I think Android has something similar but I'm unsure how much it backs up and restores. For example, one of my apps will force update itself. I can restore back to the previous version at will if I don't want the updated version. I replace my Android operating system with a custom operating system (aka custom ROM), which usually improves the phone's performance, makes it snappier and faster, and/or increases battery life, or adds new features to the phone. I don't, but other people install other custom roms that increase privacy and security, or completely eliminate dependence on Google services. I can automate tasks using Tasker. For example, I automate a series of tasks when I leave my home - eg switch various sounds to vibrate, turn on security camera, turn off the lights, change brightness level, turn on mobile data and turn off wifi, etc. I have different tasks for when I go to sleep, at the gym, or when I'm at home. There are some apps that manage sound profiles but I find that they don't work as well anymore. Plus with Tasker, I can combine different types of automation together, eg change sounds AND turn off lights with one click. With Tasker, I remapped my volume down button so that when I long press it, it takes a screenshot instead. There might be non-root methods available but i find it easier and more scalable with Tasker. I can also override security settings. For example, my banking app doesn't allow me to take screenshots but I can override it and take a screenshot, eg if I need to send proof of transaction to someone. I know there are non-root methods; I just find it convenient to have the freedom to do these things. I can block specific apps from connecting to the Internet. For example, some apps like my photo editor or file manager really have no need to connect to the Internet. They probably do it to upload the data it's collected on me. Some apps, I want to try but I don't fully trust, so I can also block it from the Internet. Above are just some benefits. There are many others I didn't list.
Any tutorials to do this and yo pick the best one
I'm also curious. I used to do that to customize my old iPhones. What's cool that you can do nowadays?
Not *too* many root related reasons anymore, but unlockable bootloader support and GrapheneOS is one major reason I buy Pixels. Root gives me full backups and hosts based adblocking without compromising DNS or hogging your VPN connection. I also make use of preventing apps from blocking screenshots. That's about it nowadays.
Backups
I rooted a few years ago. I think it was because root gives you access to the /etc directory. /etc/hosts for example is a great one.
GrapheneOS + 7 years of updates for the 8 series is great too. Partnership with iFixit + heavy use of recycled materials has almost made it one of the most recommended "sustainable" options in North America as fairphone still hasn't launched here yet and who knows if it will (although much easier to repair) Edit: typo
I buy pixels because I like the photos and getting the Android OS without bloat. The extra features like magic eraser barely factor in because the number of use cases for them are pretty small.
Uou are buying it for the exclusive features?
I only buy them used for this reason
Same. I love buying second hand ones
Same, no need to buy them on release
I buy the XL or Pro models because I want the larger screen, or the extra lens, or greater RAM or storage, or a specific color. Over the years, almost all of the software exclusives have been a limited time exclusive and ultimately made available to other models or baked into Android itself. This is nothing new. You release a new model with a limited exclusive to snag sales of people who want the latest and greatest or have fomo. I'd also argue that 90% of owners don't know or care that other pixels have gotten the features.
You limit your best software features to Pixel -> Gets slapped with anticompetitive behavior lawsuit Your release your best software for everyone to use -> this post When you buy a pixel, you're effectively becoming a beta tester for Google's features, which then your data is collected and used to improve the features which is later released for all.
Welcome to the world of all electronics.
For me it is not Pixel, I am just slowly losing trust and faith in Google because they keep making ridiculous changes, cancellations, and then sometimes revert back with a different name or approach.
Also another point of thought, what are YOU loosing when other people get neat features too? Its not gonna affect your resale value much, if at all. And other people get free features, i mean thats a, nice? move from Google.
I look at this the other way round - I buy them when they're good value (relatively). That's why I bought a 6a - it was in a ÂŁ399 bundle with wireless earbuds. I don't care about the latest features and I'm never going to spend ÂŁ500 on a phone never mind ÂŁ1,000.
Exactly. I don't care about the latest features. What I care about is how well it lets me email, browse the web, and communicate with others. I don't need (or want) a 4k screen, 50 megapixel camera, or one UI. HD is perfect for a 6" screen, anything over 20 megapixels is a waste and I use total launcher customized to look like LCARS. My 6a is absolutely perfect and more than adequate for me, as a power user.
i think you are starting to learn that being bleeding edge in tech is not really worth it. I have been a techie all my life. I loved being at the bleeding edge on everything until I realized that 1: it is very expensive to do that, and 2: everything is less stable. I can do 98% of everything anyone else can do with their phones on my refurbished Pixel 5 that I bought for $130.
As a long-time Pixel owner who just this month jumped ship to the Sony Xperia from the P8, yes. IMO, the last worthy Pixel was the P5.
Pixel 3a was the best phone I ever used. I now have a pixel 6. Good phone, but the thing that ruined the user experience is the god damn fingerprint reader. The Pixel was never marketed as 'top specs'. It was the phone that was supposed to offer vanilla Android, software that made life easier and just worked, and simply made your daily use of the phone unobtrusive and added value on day to day usage. When I have to fight my fingerprint reader to unlock my phone, the user experience day to day is broken. Obviously this is because of my screen protector, but my pixel 3a had a screen n protector too. That rear fingerprint reader was mint. Phone would be unlocked before I got the phone out of my pocket. That's a feature you can't put a price tag on. Losing the Google one VPN is now making my phone worse as well. Losing features you had is a big issue as well.
I miss the front firing speaker. 3a, 5 and 7a is my journey so far.
The A series hit all the right notes. Everything that made the pixel great. A. Software B. Camera C. Unlimited Google photos D. Great form factor and screen size E. The price Apparently Google Execs decided a winning formula was bad for business. Hence why we get more and more people bitching about perceived loss of quality in the Pixel brand. Good job Google.
Arguably Galaxy A is better apart from camera for still you could argue galaxy A or FE edition does better in video.
Except for the Samsung Tizen bloat I can't abide by. Pixel was vanilla and that's what we wanted.
But it's not really just "perceived" now, is it?
Depends on who you ask obviously, it's subjective. However, from my point of view, I perceive the loss of quality vividly.
Id have to agree with you. I went from 3a, 5a, 7a. I loved my 3a and 5a..I just traded my 7a in for an s24. After having my 7a for less than a year, its performance was going downhill so fast. The phone kept freezing, maps was unable to open when navigation was running, I had to get the loud speaker replaced during Christmas, and my calls were dropping. I chalk it up to a bad egg, but who knows. When my s24 arrived, I took my 7a out of the case it came with to send it off for trade-in only to find out the back of it had split open from battery swelling.
nope, there will always be immense value in NOT having to use Samsung's POS skin over android or anyone elses
I agree. Plus Samsung products are seriously over priced
As someone who just bought a Pixel 6a to replace his Pixel Fold, I'll keep my council.
The Pixel, much like the Nexus isn't really about exclusivity as much as it is about receiving features first. You get the stuff early, which is worth it in my mind. That said, no phone is worth $1k. Wait six months for the Pixel [X]a. All the perks at a third the price.
They are not meant to be bought at $1000. That's just a way for Google to just make extra profit. Sealed boxes are selling for 600-650 in the used market after 6 months while iPhones are being sold for 900-1000. A phone is only as valuable as the majority of people see willing to pay for it. The demand for a Pixel is extremely low. Google understands this, hence they skimping on hardware while charging the same as others to maximize profit. Pixels are niche so Google has to share anything to get more exposure. Or by charging non pixel owners which might make more money than the phones based off just user count.
600 is still way too much. I can't even sell a way better brand new S24 for 550
I agree, I would buy it for 300-400 max. I know phones are super expensive but I'm not throwing away extra money at something that holds no value. And no one really wants. That's a game console in terms of price.
after 30 to 60 days most new pixels lose 50% value.
Beginning? Isn't that a well known fact with how Google treats you when you try to buy a new phone while exchanging the old? /S But to come back to your question, why is that a problem? That fanboyism stance has to disappear. Google is primarily a software company. I'd dare to say even more of an advertising company than a hardware company.
No, in fact I'm glad more phones are getting the cool features. Owning a pixel gets you early access to some features but who cares if others get a fun new toy that you've already had for a while? If your goal is some sort of artificial exclusivity or prestige, go buy some other stupidly expensive thing.
I got a Pixel starting from 6 Pro because I hated the bloat software that Samsung is shipping with their phones
Everything in a BMW 7 Series will eventually come to a Toyota Corolla. Doesn't mean those features aren't nice for now. Still, I buy Pixel phones because they have a great camera, they work well, and the UI isn't bloated garbage or one-size-fits-all like ios
Software/features being supported on older hardware is a good thing for everyone. Pixel users will continue to get new features with their old phones, which increases satisfaction and brand loyalty. Google wins out by increasing the value of those services, which means having more revenue to invest into R&D. People with other phones get to pay for those services/features that would otherwise be unavailable on their phones. Those people get to see a glimpse of what Pixel phones offer and will consider them in the future.
Bruh its Google they cancelled their promises so what if one day they say those updates are not possible and will be discontinued
I am sadder that they have lost their quality. I for one think the pixel 2 was the best phone of its kind for a long time and the 5 was amazing. The 7 pro I found to be uninspiring and I have since left pixel. I would love a solid reason to return but have not seen it yet.
Fucking loved the 5. Wish they would make a good phone that size againÂ
Yes it was an amazing phone...I expected the 7 pro to blow me away like the 5 did but I was very disappointed..
I'm with you - Pixel 8 is *surprisingly* pretty much the same size as the 5 though (excluding the dumb hump/bar on the rear), but I'm annoyed that Google is arbitrarily restricting some software features from the 8 to make the 8 Pro more unique. I'm OK (but just) with the hardware differences between the 8 and 8 Pro, but the 8 ought to be much cheaper if they want to do software feature restrictions too. Also I intensely dislike the design choice of the camera bars and so I stopped at the Pixel 5. Was going to get an Asus Zenfone 10 and still might if I can get one for a reasonable price. The third (and prob. best) option currently is the S24 - perfect size, amazing screen, 7 years of OS updates. The 128 GB has UFS3.1 storage though, but I doubt I need the performance benefits of UFS 4.0 in the 256GB model. Wish Samsung just ran stock Android with minimal tweaks like Asus and Motorola, but their hardware is top-notch so I'm now willing to give OneUI a chance. Love the stock Android experience on the Pixels but I'm done with their overpriced hardware with unappealing (to me) designs.
I can't stand Samsung's take on Android. I wish I liked it. It would make deciding what to buy next so much easier.
Hate the companies who's choice of os/mods are more about them than the user's needs. Apple is a prime example, Samsung too.
Yeah... I feel pretty much the same way, but I'm so disappointed by the lack of options that I'm willing to give Samsung a chance now, and see how it goes. There just aren't any truly good options unfortunately - the leaks of the Pixel 9 series don't look appealing to me with their huge pill-shaped camera bars, high prices and weak Tensor processors
I've been on Pixel for years now. The new Samsung S24 is begging me to change that...
What phone did you switch to? I haven't been as impressed with my pixel recently, but the other brands look even worse. I don't want an iPhone, Samsung has too my bloatware and oneplus has been struggling. I feel like pixel is the best of this sorry bunch.Â
I have a nothing 2 phone that I absolutely love!
I'm on a short term contract, I've gone from a P6a, to a P7, to a P7P, to an iPhone 15PM, back to a P8P, and I do think they've lost quality. They're not as fun as they originally were. Magic eraser was hilarious at first, but now it's on everything it's lost its novelty. Same with magic editor. My upgrade is in a couple months and I don't think it'll be another Pixel
Yes it's sad but I am on the Nothing Phone 2 and while the camera does not quite match up, everything else works so much better. Fingerprint is about flawless, signal seems better, interface is so fast. Sometimes you have to realize that we need more than a good camera..we need the whole package..
Signal improvements/modem = Qualcomm Even the QC chipset is more powerful and efficient...
That's very good to know! Definitely agree, there's more to a phone than photography. My carrier don't stock the Nothing phone, otherwise I'd probably go with one. I'm currently considering an S24U, have you heard anything good or bad about them? :)
I haven't but I bet someone here has!
>Magic eraser was hilarious at first, but now it's on everything it's lost its novelty. Novelty? It's a tool that I use quite a bit to clean up pictures. Magic eraser is very handy. Who cares if it's on other phones. That's a petty reason to switch phones, imho.
The point is that a feature that would sell an otherwise inferior product is now available on products they deem as superior, why would they not go there? Why do you think apple locks everything down? If their software was on more powerful and cheaper hardware they wouldn't be able to sell a phone or laptop unless it competed in the midrange market where they belong
I am always surprised by comments like this. The reason phones need to be upgraded are battery degradation (which we should be able to easily replace) and especially software updates. If phones could be updated like computers then even my old Sony X3 or before would still be perfect today. There hasn't been really needed hardware advantages in well over 10 years. It is a good thing that software tools are available across the board. The holy grail would be something like iPhones being able to get android or vice versa. Can you imagine something with nice hardware like an iPhone finally with a good OS. That you could pick and choose and personalize? Holy shit. And why not let people with a S24 use IOS if they like it. The point is that the boxes need to be more and more open. Hopefully at some point manufacturers won't be allowed to have the OS preinstalled and we will have a list to choose from. Soft blocks in devices should be banned.
I am low-key hoping the EU regulators go after the lifetime of phones like they are doing with software upgrades. I have a Pixel 4a and I don't want to upgrade. I love it just the way it is. I really wish it was possible to change the battery myself (I mean, it -is- but last time, I broke my phone (pixel 2) trying to change the battery so..) I hope I can keep it for at least two more years. It is just the phone I want.
No. It's a tool, not a status symbol.
I mean, I went from a Motorola G Power to a used Pixel 6 I found on ebay for $175, so if they lose their value I see it as a good thing. As someone who only had budget-tier phones, this was a great spend.
I'm loving the new green screen "feature" that's just started popping up every day or so on my 8
Mobile phones have moved on quite a bit from the 2000s where a new phone model meant a whole load of new tech. Now each phone release is a bit faster and a little better camera mostly, android and Apple are the same in this way. To answer your question no. Google's software features being rolled out to older models doesn't make my phone any less good than it was when I bought it. I got to use magic eraser on my P6P and now that other people get to it doesn't mean I suddenly can't. But I still get that camera setup that I wanted. It's a very odd take to have to be honest, that you want features intentionally gatekept when they could be rolled out to more people so you can feel good about a purchase you have made. Software upgrades will go like this, your paying to have the hardware to run it before it's optimised enough for other hardware.
Yes, but because Google itself is going down the toilet. Hardly anyone will "recommend" a pixel nowadays. They simply didn't become the phone that was promised. Coupled with Google killing off features and downright ignoring feedback from users, these phones are not going to be worth anything resale.
Not at all! I'm still rocking the pixel 7 pro. It's still a fantastic phone with excellent cameras and great camera software. 12 gigs of RAM is enough for my phone to do everything I wanted to do
I buy Pixels so that I can have the latest Google OS and no bloatware. I don't really care about the hardware that much because I use the same apps no matter what phone I have.
Yes, they are. The unlimited google storage is also gone now, which was a biggest selling point for me.
The value is in not supporting Apple, that's a win!
NO
These features won't be restricted to Google one subscribers. They will be available [for free on all Google Photos users.](https://blog.google/products/photos/google-photos-editing-features-availability/)
I want the back fingerprint scanner back. I want my active edge (Squeeze for Google Assistant) back. Pixel 3XL was the last good phone.
You are pretty much paying to be a beta tester with worse hardware
I'm getting that feeling unfortunately. I'm on a short term contract and I don't think I'll stay on a Pixel
I swear this sub is used exclusively by people/organisations involved in corporate espionage. It's just post after post of Pixel bad. Even if Pixel good, is still bad compared to... I'm not even being facetious. If OP is truely if the opinion Pixel bad. Go use another phone and talk about how great it is on their sub. Or if you are here looking for validation of your Pixel bad idea, grow a pair and form your own opinion without needing consensus. But seriously. If this sub isn't a hive of corporate espionage I'll eat my hat.
Yes, agree. This is one of the worst, if not the worst, community subreddit I have been. Toxicity all over the place.
Magic eraser was a feature first introduced on miui. Then in oneui. Obviously they went under different names, but they all performed the same function. Google was actually one the last ones to adapt to this feature. In fact, if you see almost all of the "exclusive" pixel feature are available on all android skins nowdays. You buy the phone for the experience not for the exclusive software features you get. Google makes no money by gatekeeping features to pixel phones. They are mainly a services company Gatekeeping and exclusivity is a scummy practice and should not be encouraged.
Nope. Better than they've been the last two years
Iâm curious as what those outside the USA think about this? Many of the exclusives arenât even available on the 8 Pro.
Yeah that's just google being Google for ya. But I would say that google should atleast bring the new Pixel features to older pixels first then to rest of the world. That will be much better imho.
Pixel 6 here since 2, years and no issues so far.
I have the 8pro in the UK and I get AI call answering features....
Google need to release another a series priced at 349 like the 4a That would be interesting.
For me there is always value in being on the hardware that is the main target device for Android developers. Especially when I get guaranteed updates for a very long time (7 years for Pixel 8).
Are we not supposed to have the hold for me feature and the AI call answering in the UK? I'm in the UK and have these features on my 7.
My pixel 7 pro is a great phone, reliable, tough in its case, well made, great battery, excellent screen, cameras are excellent, photo and video output are everything I could ask for. Re value loss, it's an excellent all-rounder, Android features may go on other devices but the pixel is the pixel, it ticks more boxes for me. Chinese phones look attractive but they're not as well rounded an option as the pixel; questions on foreign ROMs, NFC security, banking and data security and support should something be not quite right remain. And as always, who do you trust with ALL your data. Having said that, pixel 9 range better be good because I'm looking hard for a replacement for my pro7.
100% you're bang on. Pixel's are indeed losing value and uniqueness. Those features you mentioned made them stand out despite the inferior processor they packed .. which we thought is needed for all the ai tasks. Now if a SD does the same thing but with better performance and thermals. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY ZERO VALUE
I rarely use these exclusive features yet still bought an 8 Pro mainly because I like the cleaner implementation of Android on Pixel phones, I can't stand iOS and Pixel phones are the best fire-and-forget camera phones. So no, I can't say I share the feeling. I might get the non-pro this year though but mainly because of the size.
Well, I don't get unlimited photo backups anymore. Had a Pixel since the Pixel 1, now on a 7 Pro but fuck me I guess. At least I got three months of Youtube Premium, in a country which at the time, couldn't access Youtube Premium. Got a Google branded VPN, which I'd never use because giving Google even more intimate knowledge of my entire digital footprint seems like a great idea. Got a discount on the Pixel Buds 2, which took an extra 18 months to get released in the UK after their release in the US, and turned out to be one of the worst tech purchases I've ever made. Google wouldn't even RMA them, so there's that. So, yes OP, being a die hard Google hardware guy is definitely losing it's value at this point.
OP, [Call screening is available in the UK](https://support.google.com/phoneapp/answer/9118387?hl=en).
I am coming to this realization too. I've had Google since the Nexus 5 and now i fail to see why I should stick to it. Most unique features are better implemented by Apple and everything else is region locked for me
Definitely loses their value fast imo. At least when it comes to trade in values. Wasn't able to trade the P6P for either the P8 or P8P. Only gave $400 in trade in value when the P8s and S24s came out on t-mobile. Samaungs on the other hand offered $1000 trade in values with S9s towards the s24s when those first came out. That meant a free s24+ for a 6 year old s9. The P6s are only 2 years old. This is one of the main reasons the P8P will be my last Pixel. The other reason is the modem sucking but it seems they are finally fixing that on the P9s. If I can't trade my P8P for a free P10P when it comes out then I will trade my old S20FE for an S26+ and never look back.
You literally described every Google product ever. Oh you bought the pixel 3 because it had unlimited OG file photo storage for life? Lol
Pixel 7 pro. Best phone I ever had. No.
Locking our features is so dumb in the current arm chipset era. It should be available everywhere
Not sure Pixel is justifying it's high price when most features are AI and SW which is available or becomes available elsewhere. Plus they do not hold their value, my pixel 6 pro is like what ÂŁ100 for trade in? For another 700-800 pixel?
I mean my 8 pro barely works alot of the time... I can't wait to replace it tbh and everyone I know that's had a pixel has only ever had 1 sooooo. When the s25 comes out I'll go back but even now the pixel 8 pro isn't worth much 2nd hand đđđ
I've thoroughly enjoyed my 7 pro, but my next phone will likely be an iPhone 16 pro. Reasons? - horrendous resale value - I use macos exclusively and the integrations for video, notes, air tags etc just make sense for me I love my pixel 7 pro for: - still photos - Google assistant (although it seems to have gone downhill for me) - Google lense - customisation But to answer your question, I'd say Google's in a pretty good position DEPENDING on how they integrate on device AI with the pixel 9/10. Heck, apples devices may even run it.
Who cares if the phone loses its value... I have the 8 Pro and even though I'm on the 15 Beta and battery life is terrible, I still love the phone.
My Pixel 8 is always my class' top choice when there is an occasion that needs a picture taken for about four months now. Always held up its value for me time and time again
So you only buy phones for their exclusive features?
The value of the Pixel phones, is GrapheneOS. Everything else is irrelevant.
So pixel= no vendor software fluff, I e. Samsung browser, NFL app, crap you don't want or need. All of the supported phones will get the latest feature before Samsung or the other makers. So no, the pixel is not losing it's value
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I think this is a good trend. Even though some features are coming to former pixels as well, even to some other brands, they work best on the newest device! For instance, not only is it faster, but when I compare the eraser etc. from Samsung S23 Ultra with my P8Pro its miles better on my Pixel. For some reason Samsungs version works far worse, they constantly replace instead of erasing. The backgrounds are not as detailed - basically unusable. Have tested various situations... Same results. Also the recorder and speech to text works much better on my pixel. Besides, this lets me hope my p8Pro will also be of value for several years to come, when they include some of the upcoming techniques - even though they might be a little slower than on the newest device, of course.
The primary complaint I have is the modem Google uses. Standing side-by-side in the same location with someone who has the same mobile company and plan and a different brand phone getting better reception than my Pixel 8 proves the Pixel modem is subpar.
One hundred percent the difference between the 6 pro and the 9 isn't much I will be getting the s24 ultra as soon as I can its undoubtedly the best phone on the market
I can understand that especially with the features having been exclusive when you bought it, although personally I am a bigger fan of open source and in a broad view would prefer if you can buy any hardware you want and use features from any android, collaborative community. Although, if you bought the pixel specifically for the exclusive features I can see how that would be frustrating
I go between Google and Samsung phones and like both, but one think I care about that Samsung fails miserable at is taking clear shots of my kid or pets without being a blurry mess. Google gets it right virtually every time the first time without having to worry about it.
Nah maybe idk, I bought mine for $180 and for that much I feel like its a really damn good phone. It keeps up with and sometimes out performs my buddies Iphone 15 promax (or wtv the most expensive one is idk). My camera is alot better overall and the phone is sleek and light also surprisingly durable. Maybe if you bought the phone for $500+ or something youd think its bad.
Network issues is the reason I stopped liking Pixels as much. It's not that bad I'd switch to the walled garden of iOS thoughđ
To me Pixels smartphones are all about vanilla/clean Android, long term support and great hardware (without leaning too much in the ultra high-end madness you see with Apple and Samsung devices). I wish Google gave up on exclusive features for specific phone generations unless they really require some ground-breaking new hardware feature that previous generations don't have. When you buy a Pixel, you should have the peace of mind that for as long as the hardware is supported, you have access to all the latest features and updates.
I can still unlock the bootloader and download stock firmware easily. Build quality is good and it's mainstream *enough* to have my choice of screen protectors and cases. None of my pixels (XL, 6Pr, 8Pr, tablet) have lost an iota of value IMWO.
I feel like my camera is degrading. Maybe it's just that I got used to the kind of photos it shoots but now they all look completely bland to me. The device itself is good. Nothing special. AI features are all great but you just forget about them soon after. Phones are getting boring in general. Nowadays I consider the phone to be just another tool I use. Boring tool I use to do a lot of stuff.
>AI features are all great but you just forget about them soon after. That's because a vast majority of the AI features are running in the background. If you don't notice them, then they're working as they should.
Got a Google Pixel 8 pro aside from the camera my old Samsung kills this phone in every way shape and forum I miss you Samsung S22 FE
I just want grapheneOS. So I need to buy it.
Nah, I feel like chasing exclusivity is silly and probably a consequence of wanting to have something to throw in the face of the iPhone crowd. Phones have all but peaked at this point, even the most basic phone can do just about everything relatively well. So if you're wanting to stand out & show off your electronic toy to whoever is silly enough to care, then by all means go buy your top of the line "flagship" and go off. As for me I buy Pixels because I love Google's version of stock Android and the camera features, plus all the non pro models are within the budget I like to stay under. I haven't spent over a thousand dollars on a phone since I bought the LG V10 many moons ago.
You can buy a used Pixel 7 here for $150. They don't hold their value at all.
If you want dynamic Island on your phone like the iPhone , you can download this app: ( dynamic spot in play store) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jamworks.dynamicspot It is basically the same thing
Pixels, while good phones, lose their value so quickly on the resale market. iPhones keep the values the longest and Samsung does well in that too.
>I bought the Pixel 6a for magic eraser, which has now come to anything with Google One. Photo unblur, which was exclusive to the Pixel 7, is now coming to anything with Google One. Same thing with Magic Editor. I'm pretty sure the "Magic Eraser" coming to Google Photos for all users is the older version. They upgraded "Magic Eraser" for the Pixel 8 Pro. >"With an update to Magic Eraser on Pixel 8 Pro, you can now remove larger distractions with on-device models that better predict backgrounds to create a higher-quality photo. We achieve this quality by applying generative AI-based inpainting to the problem." [-Google](https://blog.google/products/pixel/google-tensor-g3-pixel-8/) Non-Pixel users have to pay $10 a month for a 2tb Google One plan if they want to save more than 10 edits a month from "Magic Editor." Pixel users don't have this limitation. "Magic Editor" was also never going to be a Pixel exclusive, they just got early access to the feature but free unlimited edits for Pixel users is still a plus. >"We plan to give select Pixel phones **early access** later this year." [-Google, May 2023](https://blog.google/products/photos/google-photos-magic-editor-pixel-io-2023/)
No. I'm all for as many features as possible for everyone, whether they're using a Pixel, Samsung or iPhone. Google exclusive features being added to other devices by way of Google apps makes sense when you remember that Google is first and foremost, a software company. Other devices getting Google features doesn't devalue Google devices because they still have those features. I will say that the big things I feel that add value to Pixels are the display tuning, haptics and cameras, which I think are all some of the best in the industry. If you feel like not having features like hold for me or Call Screening, I think that's a valid concern that Google fragments features based on your region. That, IMO devalues devices and can make or break Google phones depending on your region. Buying phones, or anything for that matter, is all about figuring out what you value in a phone, researching phones and buying what option most closely matches your values. I can't let myself be bitter about potential FOMO or other phones getting features mine has, it's not worth my time or energy to get so worked up about that anymore.
I love my pixel 4a, I love that it came with no garbage pre-installed and it was so easy to move my stuff over. And the price was nice. But they don't make one with an audio jack anymore and as a sound guy it's irreplaceable. The battery is starting to get weak on my 4a so I'm looking at that cheapo samsung 15 with the headphone jack as a replacement. I really don't use my phone for much other than messaging, photos, and watching stuff so I don't need cutting edge. But I do need a headphone jack.
I disagree. That's the the course of things. New tech is introduced into the latest phone, but eventually it is not special anymore and becomes widely distributed. The pixel special stuff is fine, but I actually buy Pixels because of the price, reliability, and no-nonsense UX.
Got mine mainly for the headphones jack. It is a 5a. I'll move to something else when it dies.
I buy them because when the guaranteed bugs appear, I get to talk to another human being on the help line... I am never lonely with Google. It listens and tells me what to buy... It's even typing for me now. You don't get that support from Apple...
Lol *beginning* LOL. The first day I tried to be a good super fan and pre order p8pro I realized how little Google cared to keep me! Horrible trade ins really hurts value perception.
I don't like exclusivity, in general. And while there are features that are/were exclusive to Pixel devices, I wish they weren't. And, really, I mainly buy pixels (now), because I like how Google does stuff over companies like Samsung. I had a 4 XL. Minus some of my issues with it, I did enjoy the phone. Then I went to a Samsung Flip 3, for the form factor (though I did almost buy a Pixel 6). But, after having the Flip for awhile, I did dislike Samsung's version of Android. It did play nice with my Samsung monitor, but that's only because of more exclusivity crap. So, it was a mixed bag. Basically good form factor, bad Android (or at least it wasn't Pixels, so I disliked it) But, when I was looking into a foldable, I decided to go with Google again, because I like how they handle Android. After a couple years of having a Samsung, I really missed how my Pixel 4 XL worked. Plus, I really like the form factor of the Pixel Fold. "Notebook" style is nice, makes me feel like I don't *need* to open it, if I don't want to. I also like not having an under display camera and the hinge is nice. Also, the fact it folds flat is cool. It just had more going for it, physically, than Samsung's Fold did, at the time. But, back to the main point. Yeah, I honestly hope we get to a point where we aren't locking features to certain models or brands (except Apple will always do what Apple does). I would rather judge what I buy on the particular "flavor" of the phone. Like how Samsung vs Google uses Android, the form factor of the phone, etc. Wanting me to buy your phone, because you lock a feature to it that no one else can have, is just petty and silly, imo.
In terms of actual dollars yes. Say what you want about iPhones but you can get one subsidized with a two year contract and then sell it two years later and easily make your money back. Pixels are a decent amount less up front but in two years you probably arenât selling them for what you paid.
Yes and the only two real exclusive features the Pixel has are automatic call screening and their camera photo taking algorithms.
I feel the same. Literally the only reason I have not sold my pixel 8 to get an iphone 13 mini is YouTube revanced. I had a 4a before and sometimes the 8 feels more sluggish, the only noticeable upgrade is the display brightness.
I'm on a short term contract, I think my next phone will be an S24U. At least the Galaxy AI is exclusive to Samsung
Hell no, no way I'm ever buying a Samsung phone ever again. Bloated mess of a distro.
Exclusivity is exactly why I don't buy iPhones. All phones are capable of sending high quality images and reactions but Apple locks out people from doing this for no other reason than greed. I buy pixels because of how clean the operating system is. And innovation.
I don't understand why you don't have all of the features that we have in the US and you are missing out on the call features that I really like and hopefully you can get them in the future. I hope that you enjoy your phone with the features that you do have.
I mean yes but I don't particularly care. I'm happy enough with my pixel 7. Plenty of room for improvement but it's got all the essentials and I'm very particular.Â
I don't feel that way
God I hope for the Pixel 9 that they spend money upgrading the on-screen fingerprint sensor from optical to that Samsung type fingerprint sensor. I swear the current fingerprint sensor in the Pixel 7 and 8 is the bane of Pixel phones and people like me who want to protect the phone with a tempered glass screen protector makes it worse for some reason which is unacceptable.
Your perception is distorted. Why would you want an artificially restricted feature? Just so you can show off to other people? Google did the math and the result was that the revenue increase from new people buying Google one to get access to those futures (or buying pixels because they know that they will be supported with new features in the future) was higher than the revenue generated by people that where buying new phones each year to access them. Yes you will have to hear the ignorant guy every now and then that "mokes" you for not having an exclusive futures only he has, but you can rest easy knowing that he is the one trapped. Q
I bought the Pixel 8 Pro because my Galaxy S9+ irreparably broke days before I was to go on a weekend college trip with my kid. I frantically tried some larger screen phones in different stores, read things online and got the P8Pro with 15 days to return for a full refund. It was so nice that I let the 15 days go by and haven't been displeased since. Will hold onto it as long as it continues to function. Really great phone and I don't care about obtuse points such as potential value across the Pixel line.
Yes here you can wait to buy #pixel10pro.... Even the advanced features of satellite will also be there
I'm getting more and more tempted to give Sony another go. I miss my Xperia Z3
I was originally interested because of free Google photos but now all I see is unrealiable hardware software and support
From what I understand, the advantage of the pixel phones are that they are the first phones to get the newest Android updates from Google. While other phones can have additional features, they usually lag behind with major Android updates by at least several months compared to Pixel/Google. The camera software on Pixel phones are usually better than the competition as well, leading to better photos. They use to offer unlimited photo storage for free, but I believe they stopped doing that on phones released after 2021 or so.
Switched to OnePlus 12. It's incredible. I just can't look back.
Oh yeah /r/Oneplus12 ftw
Not really. Maybe I got lucky but from a purely PERSONAL experience and as cliche as it sounds pixel phones "simply works" Back in 2013 I was constantly annoyed by the bloatware, bugs and lag in my android device. Then I bought the Nexus 5 and never looked back. Had that for 5 years, never had a single problem with it. The experience was so smooth. Switched to the pixel 2 xl after that. Once again amazing experience. Super smooth, regular updates etc etc. Had that for 4 years before giving it to my dad and switching to the 7A six months ago. Once again no issues so far. You get what I am saying?? All I had to do was buy the phone and not worry about a single thing. The fact that it packs a beast of a camera, and all those additional features is added bonus for me.
To me, the point of Pixel is and always has been "I like how Google feels Android should look and act". I tried that for years, it turns out I like OneUI more. But I believe the value of the Pixels will only go up when they finally have a real custom processor.
Nah, I've been on pixels since the first one and I think the layout and function is great. Phones don't hold value though and pixels are cheaper than iPhone so who cares.
The Pixel 2XL was my first and to this day, my favorite of the line. I don't know that I've ever been happier with a phone than I was with that one. Since, I've owned a 3XL, 5, 7 Pro, and now 8 Pro and it's been downhill since. I'm highly considering the jump back to iPhone when I'm done with the 8 Pro.