After using the phone for a week...

[maj71303]

I had a 128GB Clearly White Pixel 3 XL. The still photographs from the phone is ridiculously amazing; however, the video recording leaves a lot to be desired. The overall experience from the phone is "meh". The phone maxes out at 128GB of storage, only 4GB of RAM, and fast wireless charging is only available if you purchase the $80 accessory. The notch is constantly slapping you in the face while you're using it, even more so than on other notched devices like the iPhone Xs. The gestures are clunky and less-fluid than you'd find on the iPhone Xs. The battery life was good when I was using it. I was able to go to bed with about 50% left in the tank.

If Google would've put 6GB of RAM, had a 256GB or higher storage configuration, and better video recording, I would've easily kept the phone. But there's better alternatives out there for the price and those are worth exploring if you're okay with less frequent Android updates.

Just like you i returned it the third day as the Pixel leaves a lot to be desired for the price when the midrangers are offering even more bang for the buck. First the the notch wasn't needed to have dual front cameras even with front facing speakers. They could have upped the ram but decided they could pull an apple but Android is not like iOS in it's efficiency. I agree 6GB of ram for future proofing, more storage, and better than half ***** stereo recording mics and i would have kept it.I'll go with less updates to get a better in the long run functioning phone.

 

[chevyman29]

I'm enjoying my 3 for the most part.
The signal issues I had with the 2 has been fixed. The camera is great. Battery life is outstanding
Screen is nice. It could be a little brighter.

The one fly in the ointment is recent app switching. On mine it's actually gotten to the point I don't even bother trying to swipe right. It's so hit or miss that it's easier to just hit the home button and open the app you want. Other than that it's been a good week.

 

[sulla1965]

I returned the regular pixel 3. My s9 just had too many advantages over the pixel to justify replacing my s9.

 

[Logmann]

You two must definitely be in love! Congratulations!

 

[turb0wned]

I’ll get a lot of hate for this but, the Pixel 3 XL and Android Pie on it sucks. I’m not a fanboy of one phone or another, I have an iPhone XS Max a Note 9 and the Pixel 3 XL. I’m probably going to be returning it. Now I can’t speak for the regular 3 which I think is the one to get after using this. I think people need to stop giving google a pass and say it how it really is.

-Ram management is awful
-The notch, I just can’t get over it and turning it off gives me a screen the size of the regular
-These guestures, WTF were you thinking google? They suck, enjoyable on the iPhone so I was happy about it till I tired it on the pixel.
-Apps don’t even look right with the notch turned on. Now I know this is more up to the developer of the app.
-Battery life is horrendous, where’s this Android Pie built in battery management stuff google was talking about?
-Phone doesn’t feel anywhere as premium as iPhones or the Galaxy Note 9. Not sure where the hell the reviewers are getting this whole, the hardware feels so premium crap. Hold and iPhone then hold a Pixel...
-The recent apps is done so bad
-Screen is just not bright enough, it’s 2018 Google.
-The audio when recording a video sounds like ****.
-Other bugs here and there

What is good:
-The Camera
-The feel of the back of the device is nice.
I do love that they finally changed the way the notification pop ups look in Pie.
-Phone is silky smooth
-Wireless charging finally
-Speakers (although I still think the iPhones speakers just sound better, might not get as loud as the Pixel but they sound better to me.

 

[akhil8]

The reviews are so good for pixel

 

[RickInHouston]

Original Pixel to Pixel 3...

Screen on 3 is darker with a slight blue tint to the whites. I, personally, don't see the big upgrade in screen quality.

Was way too many help suggestions that I can't seem to find the way to turn off. It suggests this, it suggests that... I've got to work on that.

It's much more fluid. The scrolling is much improved (more deliberate). Good feel. Good size.

 

[osubeavs728]

I think people need to stop giving google a pass and say it how it really is.

More like you need to stop trying to force your opinion on others and insinuating that they're wrong for having a different one than you.

 

[alodar101]

My comparison is the iPhone X's Max.

-speed, iPhone is faster
-feel in the hand, both are great, Pixel
- camera.. Draw.. Both do good stuff
-video... No contest... iPhone
- ease of setup... iPhone
-learning curve... iPhone
-Notifications.. iPhone
-Phone pay..Google vs Apple.... iPhone
- Music.... iPhone
-AI backed software and software interaction...Hey Google, take a selfie.... And all the other little interactions that integrate the phone into me... No contest..Pixel.

This is why I bought this phone.

The pixel may have an issue with ram management... The iPhone has charging issues and other things. When I pick up the pixel and do stuff... It flows like it's part of me.

 

[klau25]

My comparison is the iPhone X's Max.

-speed, iPhone is faster
-feel in the hand, both are great, Pixel
- camera.. Draw.. Both do good stuff
-video... No contest... iPhone
- ease of setup... iPhone
-learning curve... iPhone
-Notifications.. iPhone
-Phone pay..Google vs Apple.... iPhone
- Music.... iPhone
-AI backed software and software interaction...Hey Google, take a selfie.... And all the other little interactions that integrate the phone into me... No contest..Pixel.

This is why I bought this phone.

The pixel may have an issue with ram management... The iPhone has charging issues and other things. When I pick up the pixel and do stuff... It flows like it's part of me.

You think the iPhone notifications is better? No way. Yes it's improved for ios 12, but android is still so much better. Just the fact that we can reply within notification beats ios already. I use an iPhone for work and my wife also uses iPhone so I use an iPhone daily.

For Apple pay vs Google pay, you mean the interface or usage? Anywhere you can use Apple pay, you can use Google so that should be tied. Google recently let you put plane tickets on Google pay that's a plus too.

I do agree with the rest of your points.

 

[Mike Dee]

I’ll get a lot of hate for this but, the Pixel 3 XL and Android Pie on it sucks. I’m not a fanboy of one phone or another, I have an iPhone XS Max a Note 9 and the Pixel 3 XL. I’m probably going to be returning it. Now I can’t speak for the regular 3 which I think is the one to get after using this. I think people need to stop giving google a pass and say it how it really is.

-Ram management is awful
-The notch, I just can’t get over it and turning it off gives me a screen the size of the regular
-These guestures, WTF were you thinking google? They suck, enjoyable on the iPhone so I was happy about it till I tired it on the pixel.
-Apps don’t even look right with the notch turned on. Now I know this is more up to the developer of the app.
-Battery life is horrendous, where’s this Android Pie built in battery management stuff google was talking about?
-Phone doesn’t feel anywhere as premium as iPhones or the Galaxy Note 9. Not sure where the hell the reviewers are getting this whole, the hardware feels so premium crap. Hold and iPhone then hold a Pixel...
-The recent apps is done so bad
-Screen is just not bright enough, it’s 2018 Google.
-The audio when recording a video sounds like ****.
-Other bugs here and there

What is good:
-The Camera
-The feel of the back of the device is nice.
I do love that they finally changed the way the notification pop ups look in Pie.
-Phone is silky smooth
-Wireless charging finally
-Speakers (although I still think the iPhones speakers just sound better, might not get as loud as the Pixel but they sound better to me.

Notch much difference between 3 and 3XL

 

[turb0wned]

More like you need to stop trying to force your opinion on others and insinuating that they're wrong for having a different one than you.

I see I triggered a fanboy. Out of that whole thing I wrote, that is all you cared about.

 

[osubeavs728]

I see I triggered a fanboy. Out of that whole thing I wrote, that is all you cared about.

Wrong, bud. I picked that out because you wanted to try and spew and bunch of bullsh*t about how people should feel the same as you. Nice try with the fanboy name calling though.

 

[Almeuit]

Relax guys. Just a phone.

 

[alodar101]

Yes I do... For me. With the iPhone I can turn off notifications at the contact level. Pixel you can not.

Apple Pay vs Google Pay... Apple pay is easier to set up and use... For me

Now, I find the 'supposed' ability to custom to your heart's content either imaginary or limited to those who have filtered through the level after level of settings, and know where things are...ALL the things.

The learning curve with Android is HUGE.

You think the iPhone notifications is better? No way. Yes it's improved for ios 12, but android is still so much better. Just the fact that we can reply within notification beats ios already. I use an iPhone for work and my wife also uses iPhone so I use an iPhone daily.

For Apple pay vs Google pay, you mean the interface or usage? Anywhere you can use Apple pay, you can use Google so that should be tied. Google recently let you put plane tickets on Google pay that's a plus too.

I do agree with the rest of your points.

 

[erasat]

My comparison is the iPhone X's Max.

-speed, iPhone is faster
-feel in the hand, both are great, Pixel
- camera.. Draw.. Both do good stuff
-video... No contest... iPhone
- ease of setup... iPhone
-learning curve... iPhone
-Notifications.. iPhone
-Phone pay..Google vs Apple.... iPhone
- Music.... iPhone
-AI backed software and software interaction...Hey Google, take a selfie.... And all the other little interactions that integrate the phone into me... No contest..Pixel.

This is why I bought this phone.

The pixel may have an issue with ram management... The iPhone has charging issues and other things. When I pick up the pixel and do stuff... It flows like it's part of me.

*note* sorry I just realized that you were answering this same question at the same time I was posting this one.

I respect your opinion, I really do, and I know that what you posted is just that, but in Notifications, do you really like Notifications better on iPhone?

Just asking because that will be the first time I heard that, even from iPhone fans that will never give an Android phone a test drive.

 

[alodar101]

I see I triggered a fanboy. Out of that whole thing I wrote, that is all you cared about.

I think I lean towards the beav with this one. All your issues, if you said...to me... Then I'd agree with you. Most of what you see, most people don't see. Most people don't have an iPhone x or the max, so the comparison is moot. Ram management is conditional and only important when it impacts you. Most don't see it as impactful because a pause or blink just doesn't matter to them. Losing progress is not important when you're playing solitaire as compared to the high level thing (s) your doing.

It's in the eyes of the beholder here... Which is what I think the BEAV was getting at.

 

[anon(10092459)]

We all have biases with our devices. If we didn't prefer them we wouldn't own them, right? I think this thread is more focused on the Pixel 3's individual merits and not so much a "vs" thread. No device is perfect for all people. Faults can be found in all of them and benefits differ from person to person.

Pixel 3 is an incredible device, second to none in the marketplace IMO, but if it doesn't resonate with somone that's okay too.

 

[klau25]

Yes I do... For me. With the iPhone I can turn off notifications at the contact level. Pixel you can not.

Apple Pay vs Google Pay... Apple pay is easier to set up and use... For me

Now, I find the 'supposed' ability to custom to your heart's content either imaginary or limited to those who have filtered through the level after level of settings, and know where things are...ALL the things.

The learning curve with Android is HUGE.

Yeah I guess, I just value replying through the notifications and being able to to see pictures people send me through whatsapp and mark messages as read all within the notification is important for me.

 

[robinhelenehebert]

We all have biases with our devices. If we didn't prefer them we wouldn't own them, right? I think this thread is more focused on the Pixel 3's individual merits and not so much a "vs" thread. No device is perfect for all people. Faults can be found in all of them and benefits differ from person to person.

Pixel 3 is an incredible device, second to none in the marketplace IMO, but if it doesn't resonate with somone that's okay too.

Well said and exactly right