AC: The end of Nexus: This year's Google phones to forge new path

[Old Stoneface]

Is that rumor posted anywhere? So far I've seen $450/$600 as the rumored prices for Sailfish and Marlin.

I'm sure there are plenty of people who will, but I won't be paying $450 for a phone with a two-year lifespan. I'm annoyed enough having paid $200 for my 1st Gen. Moto G and having it about ready to retire due to decreasing runtime. $300: Yes, tho very reluctantly. $350: Doubtful, but not totally out of the question. $400 or more: Ain't ever gonna happen.

Then again: I'm one of those odd people who can't understand people paying $100/mo. or more for subscription T.V.

 

[Clocks]

I'm sure there are plenty of people who will, but I won't be paying $450 for a phone with a two-year lifespan. I'm annoyed enough having paid $200 for my 1st Gen. Moto G and having it about ready to retire due to decreasing runtime. $300: Yes, tho very reluctantly. $350: Doubtful, but not totally out of the question. $400 or more: Ain't ever gonna happen.

Then again: I'm one of those odd people who can't understand people paying $100/mo. or more for subscription T.V.

A more expensive phone still has resale value after 2 years. A sub $300 phone won't. Not saying your math doesn't still work, but it's not as if the phone turns into a pumpkin after 24 months.

 

[gendo667]

A more expensive phone still has resale value after 2 years. A sub $300 phone won't. Not saying your math doesn't still work, but it's not as if the phone turns into a pumpkin after 24 months.

The Google Pumpkin and Pumpkin XL.

Coming this October.

 

[speedlever]

I won't be paying $450 for a phone with a two-year lifespan. I'm annoyed enough having paid $200 for my 1st Gen. Moto G and having it about ready to retire due to decreasing runtime. $300: Yes, tho very reluctantly. $350: Doubtful, but not totally out of the question. $400 or more: Ain't ever gonna happen.

So what are your viable choices? The OP3? Personally, I'd like something I can purchase (unlocked) locally from BestBuy and be able to take it back for R&R, if need be. I have grown to dislike carrier locked phones with all the bloat I can't uninstall. And I have no idea how the OP3 is for service/support.

The good news is that Samsung has been selling the S7/S7E unlocked. The bad news (for me), is that I want something bigger than a 5 inch screen and I prefer a flat, not edge display. Which leaves nothing on the table from Samsung for me at this point.

So my Android hope for this year (and it's been 3+ years since I bought my last smart phone) is the Pixel XL/Marlin. But even Google says they will only support Nexus phones for 2 years OS/3 years security. I wonder if that applies to Pixel phones too?
Google support site now lists end-of-life dates for Nexus devices [Updated]

Regardless, I'm doing something this year, whether it's Android or Apple.

 

[AllenRulz]

Yeah I think it's so weird that Google has time frame on Security and OS updates. I have a Nexus 5 and I won't ever get an OS update but currently on my last leg for Security updates. I guess since I'm ready for a new phone now that the time frame works for me to just upgrade at that time but just still weird.

 

[speedlever]

If Google is going to justify Apple prices because of the Pixel name, then they darn well better support it like Apple does. 2 yrs OS/3 yrs security is weak imo. I'll have to think pretty hard before I plunk down Apple-esque cash for inferior support. And yes, I'm kinda hot about it. I am not intending to buy a phone every 2 years just to stay up-to-date. Not at these prices. That's decent laptop territory which lasts me a lot longer than 2 or 3 years.

 

[Old Stoneface]

A more expensive phone still has resale value after 2 years. A sub $300 phone won't. Not saying your math doesn't still work, but it's not as if the phone turns into a pumpkin after 24 months.

I wouldn't buy a two-year-old phone that didn't have a user-replaceable battery. If I wouldn't buy it, I wouldn't try to sell it.

Google, and the others, are purposely making phones that EOL in two years, not because they're no longer capable, but because the batteries will no longer hold a charge. That's deplorable, regardless of cost, but it's at least grin-and-bear-it "tolerable" for a sub-$300 device.

So what are your viable choices?

Don't know. For a while there I could look to Motorola, but, ever since Lenovo asserted full control, that option, while not completely off the table, is no longer nearly so attractive.

The good news is that Samsung

You could not pay me to use a Samsung smartphone. You could not pay me to use a Samsung "smart" anything.

Regardless, I'm doing something this year, whether it's Android or Apple.

If Google is going to justify Apple prices ...

I have, so far, been thoroughly an Android guy. But most of my knowledgeable I.T. colleagues are using Apple. (I'm not talking about clueless, tech-impaired end-users. I'm talking really knowledgeable I.T. geeks with serious tech chops.) Given that Android seems to be the new Windows, vis-a-vis software quality; non-Nexus/Pixel/whatever devices have an execrable update record, and Nexus/Pixel/whatever phones may price themselves too highly for me: I may have to consider making the switch.

I wish there was a Linux smart device alternative. *sigh* Instead: All there is is Windows, "The New Windows" and Apple.

*blegh*

 

[speedlever]

I agree with pretty much everything you said except for Samsung. My personal experience with Sammy gear has been excellent. OTOH, they don't make anything I'm interested in for 2016.

Motorola does interest me. But I am put-off by their attitude/indecision/broken promises about updates.

I feel like I'm being forced into the fabled walled garden if I want to keep a phone past 2 years. If the Pixel XL impresses me in my hot button areas and at a reasonable price, I may be willing to accept the short OS/security life as a trade-off to stay with Android.

But frankly, all my noodling about this is bringing the iP7 higher on my list rather than lower. And I'm desperately searching for an acceptable solution to rescue me from that fate.

 

[AllenRulz]

I agree with pretty much everything you said except for Samsung. My personal experience with Sammy gear has been excellent. OTOH, they don't make anything I'm interested in for 2016.

Motorola does interest me. But I am put-off by their attitude/indecision/broken promises about updates.

I feel like I'm being forced into the fabled walled garden if I want to keep a phone past 2 years. If the Pixel XL impresses me in my hot button areas and at a reasonable price, I may be willing to accept the short OS/security life as a trade-off to stay with Android.

But frankly, all my noodling about this is bringing the iP7 higher on my list rather than lower. And I'm desperately searching for an acceptable solution to rescue me from that fate.

Definitely the same feeling. I upgrade around 3 years because of battery and just other reasons. So if Pixel XL going to be a great phone with excellent battery life then I'm probably down. If not, then I will be trying the V20 from LG.

My original Nexus 5 is pretty much done. Charging port is broken, battery doesn't last at all unless I keep battery saver on all day. Just so ready for an upgrade.

 

[Citizen Coyote]

If Google is going to justify Apple prices because of the Pixel name, then they darn well better support it like Apple does. 2 yrs OS/3 yrs security is weak imo. I'll have to think pretty hard before I plunk down Apple-esque cash for inferior support. And yes, I'm kinda hot about it. I am not intending to buy a phone every 2 years just to stay up-to-date. Not at these prices. That's decent laptop territory which lasts me a lot longer than 2 or 3 years.

I don't think Google is going to charge flagship prices, even if it is called the Pixel. With the exception of the Nexus 6, the Nexus line from the 4 on has been modestly priced (remember that the 5x started at $379 for 16gb, and the 6P was/is $499 for 32gb). I suspect the new not-Nexus will be similar.

But hey, they could pull a Nexus 6 or current Pixel line and charge a stupid amount. If that happens, I may seriously consider an iPhone for the first time since the original.

 

[Ry]

$648 so it can be $27 monthly.

 

[I Can Be Your Hero]

I don't think Google is going to charge flagship prices, even if it is called the Pixel. With the exception of the Nexus 6, the Nexus line from the 4 on has been modestly priced (remember that the 5x started at $379 for 16gb, and the 6P was/is $499 for 32gb). I suspect the new not-Nexus will be similar.

But hey, they could pull a Nexus 6 or current Pixel line and charge a stupid amount. If that happens, I may seriously consider an iPhone for the first time since the original.

Rumours are suggesting the base Pixel 32gb model will be $650 US, which is iPhone territory.

I'm thinking if they are going to charge that much, then they must have some sort of reason why. I'm guessing it has to have some sort of great new features that other phones don't have or some really great services or something. Otherwise, why would a consumer pick up the Pixel over the iPhone or Galaxy phones?

 

[Citizen Coyote]

Otherwise, why would a consumer pick up the Pixel over the iPhone or Galaxy phones?

That will be the $650 question.

 

[Law2138]

I'm calling it now....it's not the hardware they want everyone to notice, its the Google Experience they want everyone to jump on.

The hardware will keep pace because no doubt people will call attention to it and test it against the best. They'll provide just enough to keep everyone happy in terms of apps and games.

What they want people to think is, "This device REALLY does bring everything together in a brilliant way! Google understands how we live, consume and share information. The device seamlessly integrates services that learn about me and my habits and provides useful feedback. On top of a phenomenal user experience, Google support is in place to take care of my needs promptly and without hassle. I can choose my carrier anytime I want and fall back on Google Fi if I'd like."

Google understands its entering the race with Apple and Samsung very late...so they have to do something unprecedented.

 

[I Can Be Your Hero]

I'm calling it now....it's not the hardware they want everyone to notice, its the Google Experience they want everyone to jump on.

The hardware will keep pace because no doubt people will call attention to it and test it against the best. They'll provide just enough to keep everyone happy in terms of apps and games.

What they want people to think is, "This device REALLY does bring everything together in a brilliant way! Google understands how we live, consume and share information. The device seamlessly integrates services that learn about me and my habits and provides useful feedback. On top of a phenomenal user experience, Google support is in place to take care of my needs promptly and without hassle. I can choose my carrier anytime I want and fall back on Google Fi if I'd like."

Google understands its entering the race with Apple and Samsung very late...so they have to do something unprecedented.

Yeah I definitely think it'll be something software based. I think they'll go all in on the assistant feature and have some sort of showcase on how you can do X, Y and Z easily get intelligent answers etc. Kind of like a super Siri of sorts that's much more capable.

They probably have more muscle than anyone when it comes to AI, this could be their chance to flex it.

 

[AllenRulz]

I'm calling it now....it's not the hardware they want everyone to notice, its the Google Experience they want everyone to jump on.

The hardware will keep pace because no doubt people will call attention to it and test it against the best. They'll provide just enough to keep everyone happy in terms of apps and games.

What they want people to think is, "This device REALLY does bring everything together in a brilliant way! Google understands how we live, consume and share information. The device seamlessly integrates services that learn about me and my habits and provides useful feedback. On top of a phenomenal user experience, Google support is in place to take care of my needs promptly and without hassle. I can choose my carrier anytime I want and fall back on Google Fi if I'd like."

Google understands its entering the race with Apple and Samsung very late...so they have to do something unprecedented.

I can definitely see this being the case. I just wished they did try and fight to be the top flagship device. Dont get me wrong, I love my Nexus devices through and through but I can definitely see software being more important than the rest with them which does kind of suck. Because you have many companies who focus on both and its flippin' awesome.