Can't agree with Pixel being the top based on their current "Best Android Phone" article

[mookiekillsit]

Re: AC recommends....

If Sammy made a phone w/o TouchWiz, it might be the best ever.

 

[SteelGator]

Re: AC recommends....

Can't agree with Pixel being the top based on their current "Best Android Phone" article.

For a "best" you have to include all aspects.

Specs
Features
Camera
Battery life
Price
Design
UI

For the price Samsung s7/edge must surely win? And I don't own one btw.

The price of the Pixel, is absurd considering the features missing, or waterproofing, no SD support, untested battery life, copycat design.

The only major feature(s) are the UI, and maybe the camera.

Then you have the oneplus 3. Which is effectively the Pixel without nougat. But more than half the price.

I really feel ACs reviews and recommendations for the Pixel are somewhat forced by their business model and advertising needs.

If this was an independent site (not android specific) then the Pixel would not be top.

As others have said, and more will say, what you value in a phone and what others value are just different. I have seen plenty of articles, even some on AC, talking about the price to feature ratio. It is not like they are covering it up. At the end of the day, they think the Pixel is the better value. I, and a lot of folks who bought a Pixel, agree.

In fact, given some of Jerry's comments in these forums regarding the future support of the 821 vs. 820, you could argue the Pixel is the only phone worth being at the top right now.

Coming from the N7, it would have cost me a lot less money to get the S7E vs the Pixel XL, but I thought the Pixel XL was that much better now, and especially moving forward. For your specs list, I think the Pixel XL has better design (don't like the edges on the S7), better camera, equal to better battery life (Doze 2.0 is killer) and much better UI. Also, this time next year, there is 0 chance we will be talking about the S7E getting upgraded to Android O, yet my Pixel will be running it.

Your one plus 3 comment is hilarious by the way. You can't just throw out a huge advantage on phone has over the other and then say they are the same. Also, the Pixel has other advantage over one plus 3 -- camera, usability across carriers to name a couple.

At the end of the day, for AC to pick the Pixel is defensible and rational. Are there other phones that they could have awarded and been equally defensible? Maybe a couple. I just find the fact that you chalk it up to bias for ad revenue as a cop out.

 

[jd78]

Re: AC recommends....

If Sammy made a phone w/o TouchWiz, it might be the best ever.

It would be a step in the right direction, at least for me. However, I also prefer the aluminum construction over the all glass Samsung has been using lately. This is a bigger deal for me than water proofing and wireless charging.

 

[1213 1213]

Re: AC recommends....

Performance, buttery smooth, regular updates, great camera, great battery, great display. Main thing doesn't stutter for a $800 device something which every flagship galaxy phone does.

Nonsense. From what we know the s7 has much better battery life. Performance looks to be the same, at least the exynos version. The camera is debatable and it seems to be an even split in terms of preference (I'd say most people seem to prefer the s7 but that may be bias). The display on the s7 is better too. Updates are better on google devices but not by much, and not enough to actually make much difference in reality. The s7 was also the first device to properly support vulkan (but maybe beta nougat devices had it too?).

There are too many areas the s7 is better for AC to say the pixel is better, not even equal, and not even validate it.

 

[bhatech]

Re: AC recommends....

Nonsense. From what we know the s7 has much better battery life. Performance looks to be the same, at least the exynos version. The camera is debatable and it seems to be an even split in terms of preference (I'd say most people seem to prefer the s7 but that may be bias). The display on the s7 is better too. Updates are better on google devices but not by much, and not enough to actually make much difference in reality. The s7 was also the first device to properly support vulkan (but maybe beta nougat devices had it too?).

There are too many areas the s7 is better for AC to say the pixel is better, not even equal, and not even validate it.

May be you are just in denial to see the truth. Agree everyone has different needs but if you want a phone with great user experience, updates Pixel is the one to go without any of the carrier crap and Samsung keeps bending over back to the carriers to let them spoil the phone. Samsung doesn't care about user experience, all they care is satisfying carriers since they are their customers and they will let them do whatever they want to the phone. Again that may be fine to millions of users but definitely not for me.

 

[Jason Stroud1]

Re: AC recommends....

It is a consistency in people arguing against the Pixels being compared favorably or even in the same realm of other established leaders like iPhone and S7/edge that they focus on specific features that Pixels lack while choosing to not acknowledge value-adding innovations that Google has implemented that are available either nowhere else, or nowhere else among Android devices.

No SD? Unlimited free lifetime cloud storage in full resolution for photos/video. 128GB? 500GB? 10TB? All you want...
No waterproofing? Well, no phone is waterproof. If an OEM claims it is, ask them why they don't warrant vs water damage. It's varying degrees of water resistance. Pixel isn't rated as highly, true, but it's not like the argument that it recoups that difference elsewhere is invalid. Rounding the facts to the nearest whole that would better support your position undermines that position.

Dull design? I'm ok with that. A lot of people want their phone to be a status symbol or flashy. A lot don't care, and would rather the R&D costs and time invested to be put towards improving the actual experience. Take your choice.

For any phone that someone says is better and points out features it has that Pixel doesn't and says "THAT is why Pixel isn't as good/worth the money!" one can make up a counter list to the say the same about the other phone. Thing is, neither person is right in their argument for anyone other than his/herself.

Example vs S7/Edge, since that's the position you took with them over the Pixels:

The price of the S7/Edge is absurd considering the features missing... Limited bands for international use; inability to work with all major wireless network technologies; no unlimited storage; poor history of delivering timely updates to OS, rarely delivering more than 1 major release; recent history of related products with MAJOR flaw; overpriced because 'they can' due to brand recognition; slower to replace defective devices; running OS a full generation and a subsequent revision release behind; outdated AI; no on-device support; bloatware, most of which can, if desired, be available to other devices via Play; etc (I'm sure there's more, but those are a few big ones off the top of my head).

Point of the above isn't to bash Samsung. They have a lot of strengths for their side of the argument, and both are good phones. I personally really like the S7 Edge. It was a close decision between it and the Pixel. But stacking all of the pros and cons exclusive to one another, for what I'm looking for, the Pixels came out noticeably on top.

Also, if you feel AC would buckle in selection to advertising needs, let me ask you this: do you really think AC sees more capital, historically and long-term, resulting from Google or Samsung? If Samsung, a supposition with which I suspect most would agree, then that would speak even more highly of how they feel about the Pixels were they to slant it at all.

Last point, declaring that if AC were independent they'd have said differently is an interesting position to take given just how many independent sites have come to the same conclusion as AC regarding the Pixel.

Well said

 

[1213 1213]

Re: AC recommends....

May be you are just in denial to see the truth. Agree everyone has different needs but if you want a phone with great user experience, updates Pixel is the one to go without any of the carrier crap and Samsung keeps bending over back to the carriers to let them spoil the phone. Samsung doesn't care about user experience, all they care is satisfying carriers since they are their customers and they will let them do whatever they want to the phone. Again that may be fine to millions of users but definitely not for me.

That's only in the US. Where you can only get a carrier pixel through Verizon. You are clearly the one in denial when you make a generalised comment when in reality you are talking about people who stick to one carrier in one country.

 

[bhatech]

Re: AC recommends....

That's only in the US. Where you can only get a carrier pixel through Verizon. You are clearly the one in denial when you make a generalised comment when in reality you are talking about people who stick to one carrier in one country.

What are you talking? I'm not on Verizon and use the crappy carriers as dumb pipes. I bought from Google store and using on T-Mobile.
Anyways not sure why I'm arguing with a person who doesn't even own the phone, and I have had experience with all of them after owning them. Good luck and believe what you want. I also have an iPhone 7 plus and will dump the Pixel in an heartbeat if something better comes. I have zero brand loyalty, I don't gain anything standing to these companies so will use whatever fits my needs. Doesn't matter who makes them.

 

[Nubwy]

Re: AC recommends....

Can't agree with Pixel being the top based on their current "Best Android Phone" article.

For a "best" you have to include all aspects.

Specs
Features
Camera
Battery life
Price
Design
UI

For the price Samsung s7/edge must surely win? And I don't own one btw.

The price of the Pixel, is absurd considering the features missing, or waterproofing, no SD support, untested battery life, copycat design.

The only major feature(s) are the UI, and maybe the camera.

Then you have the oneplus 3. Which is effectively the Pixel without nougat. But more than half the price.

I really feel ACs reviews and recommendations for the Pixel are somewhat forced by their business model and advertising needs.

If this was an independent site (not android specific) then the Pixel would not be top.

But the HTC is an iPhone and as an s7 owner, I never have need of waterproofing. It's a neat feature but it's not requires. Also, the Pixel doesn't need an SD card for pictures and most apps won't move over unless you have adoptable storage...which Samsung rejects.

Sounds to me like you're inflating the worth of the s7 edge. Especially since on paper spec wise the Pixel is faster, more power efficient and with an equivalent camera.

 

[SlappyMcgee]

Re: AC recommends....

I laugh when people mention that the design of the pixel just looks boring. Almost everyone I know has a case on their cellphone so its not like you really see anything on the phone other than the face of it and the case it is enclosed in.

 

[ElronTheElder]

Re: AC recommends....

Just had my Pixel delivered.
It's a good phone. Best? don't know yet.
What I can guarantee: any problems encountered will be fixed, pronto.
Because Google has too much riding on it.

 

[mightyfacundo]

Re: AC recommends....

Nonsense. From what we know the s7 has much better battery life. Performance looks to be the same, at least the exynos version. The camera is debatable and it seems to be an even split in terms of preference (I'd say most people seem to prefer the s7 but that may be bias). The display on the s7 is better too. Updates are better on google devices but not by much, and not enough to actually make much difference in reality. The s7 was also the first device to properly support vulkan (but maybe beta nougat devices had it too?).

There are too many areas the s7 is better for AC to say the pixel is better, not even equal, and not even validate it.

* In your opinion. (There, I fixed it for you.)

 

[Cant Miss]

Re: AC recommends....

What I can guarantee: any problems encountered will be fixed, pronto.

Not sure you want to be on the hook for that... it has never been in Google's nature. It is however one of the most interesting things to keep an eye on regarding these phones.

 

[Ptaswath]

Re: AC recommends....

There should be something special that android central experts have seen to say that its the best!
Because they are the best..they knows many things they have used many devices and even compared each other to say that google pixel is the best..

 

[EMGSM]

Re: AC recommends....

One of the things I like about forums is the fact that they are informative. IMO the OP brought up a valid point: why is the Pixel the best or among the best?. Don't get offended just cause you own a pixel and turn it into a Samsung vs Google thing. I am not a SamsungGanger. I am simple on the fence seeking information on which phone to buy between Pixel and LG V20. The point was brought up about waterproofing, true all phones are not waterproof but there are more features than water proofing. For example, the LG V20 has a Quad dac, removable battery, dual camera, expandable storage. With all this, I am still considering the Pixel. I just want to know what makes the Pixel SOOO good. In other words, Sell Me the Phone.

 

[Wiley_11]

Re: AC recommends....

Not sure you want to be on the hook for that... it has never been in Google's nature. It is however one of the most interesting things to keep an eye on regarding these phones.

I hope we will be pleasantly surprised!

 

[qnet]

Re: AC recommends....

If Sammy made a phone w/o TouchWiz, it might be the best ever.

They already did with the Google experience Galaxy S5, it was one of my favorite phones. Now if they made a Note 7 with Android 7.1, a safe battery, and with s pen features, now we're talking about something.

 

[ElronTheElder]

Re: AC recommends....

Not sure you want to be on the hook for that... it has never been in Google's nature. It is however one of the most interesting things to keep an eye on regarding these phones.

Yes it will be interesting.
My belief is based on Google throwing as many resources as needed.
With the built in help....I like their chances.

 

[SteelGator]

Re: AC recommends....

One of the things I like about forums is the fact that they are informative. IMO the OP brought up a valid point: why is the Pixel the best or among the best?. Don't get offended just cause you own a pixel and turn it into a Samsung vs Google thing. I am not a SamsungGanger. I am simple on the fence seeking information on which phone to buy between Pixel and LG V20. The point was brought up about waterproofing, true all phones are not waterproof but there are more features than water proofing. For example, the LG V20 has a Quad dac, removable battery, dual camera, expandable storage. With all this, I am still considering the Pixel. I just want to know what makes the Pixel SOOO good. In other words, Sell Me the Phone.

If you have read all the reviews of the Pixel, I'm not sure what more anybody here can do to "sell it" to you.

I've read these forums at length. The consensus is the phone is much better than it's spec sheet, very quick with a great camera. It is missing some features that other phones have -- water proof, replaceable battery, wireless charging, expandable storage, Samsung Pay -- to name a few. If those features are must haves for you, the Pixel is not for you. If you value the snappiness and quick updates, you will likely enjoy the Pixel.

For me, the features that are not included are nice to haves. I will live without them quite easily. Are there a couple I wish were included, sure. Again for me, I do not want an LG phone at all. They would have to put together a killer package to even tempt me, and they did not. I don't like the S7E (I loved my N7 though), in part b/c the curved screen is to susceptible to accidental touch, and in part due to no Grace UI yet. It boggles my mind that they could not have pushed this when the N7 was launched. By the time they get it out the door, S8 will be all they are worried about.

The Pixel has been a joy for me to use. I am actually surprised how much I like it. I full y expected to return it and wait for the next round of phones. In the end, it looks better in real life than it does in pictures, and the software, UI and camera are snappy. I love the phone. It will get me to next year this time at a minimum to see what is available then.

 

[miyanc]

Re: AC recommends....

Neither of my phones had any lithium issues. The 2 phones I had both preformed as good or better then anything else I have every owned. it had more features and felt more customization then anything I owned. Ultimately I can't speak to the battery issue. Maybe at some point they all would have exploded. Maybe the few that did were it. Maybe none have exploded since. I am not sure. All i do know is that I would be willing to try again. I thought the phone was that good. We also don't know to the extent that the consumer was to blame. Look, many phones have gotten reactive. Iphone, samsung, lg, you name some percentage of phone has had an issue. Whether it be battery or anything else. Some holding a much larger percentage of customers effected then what 100 out of 2.5 million. In this case how many of the battery issues were because they used improper chargers. or because they wanted the attention attempted to make this happen. Also like the young person who got burnt and it wasnt even a n7. None of us have all the facts. In the court of public opinion the phone was a complete loss.

Having said all that I was giving my opinion about my phone which suffered no issues. The only reason I can't say it IS the best is because it is currently on its way out of my life.

At this point is can not be recommended. and until my signal issues get resolved I cant recommend the pixel xl either. Maybe not all of them but the one i have is a no go for launch.