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

[qnet]

Re: AC recommends....

Another thing I wanted to add is Android pay. A few people have mentioned missing Samsung pay. While I like how you can use it anywhere, the actual use of it isn't as easy to use as Android or Apple pay IMO.

From the lock screen you have to touch that you want to pay with Samsung pay. This wouldn't be an issue if it worked every time, but at times it stutters and doesn't respond quickly. This is all part of the experience of TW that I don't like. It doesn't seem to bother some people, but I don't like it. Just that little hesitation in the UI makes the experience not nice.

Apple Pay & Android pay are a far superior experience from my use. You just hold the phone to the terminal and it works. Apple's implementation is still the best but Android pay isn't far behind.

 

[Jason Stroud1]

Re: AC recommends....

I traded in my s7 for the pixel XL. Primarily because I hate TouchWiz. All phones have pros and cons it's just all about what the user prefers. For me I was sick of bloat and most of my battery being consumed by TouchWiz.

 

[EnemiesInTheEnd]

Re: AC recommends....

Yeah, there is no way the Pixel/Pixel XL is the best phone. Compared to Samsung phones, the Pixel and Pixel XL are seriously lacking. In addition to all of the features on a specs sheet that the Pixel line is missing that the Samsung phones have, even the things the Pixel does have aren't as good, such as the dim display and poor headphone jack volume. The Pixel phones are a bad value. The time I spent with a Pixel XL demo at Verizon was disappointing.

 

[EnemiesInTheEnd]

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

Another thing I wanted to add is Android pay. A few people have mentioned missing Samsung pay. While I like how you can use it anywhere, the actual use of it isn't as easy to use as Android or Apple pay IMO.

From the lock screen you have to touch that you want to pay with Samsung pay. This wouldn't be an issue if it worked every time, but at times it stutters and doesn't respond quickly. This is all part of the experience of TW that I don't like. It doesn't seem to bother some people, but I don't like it. Just that little hesitation in the UI makes the experience not nice.

Apple Pay & Android pay are a far superior experience from my use. You just hold the phone to the terminal and it works. Apple's implementation is still the best but Android pay isn't far behind.

I rarely have lag with my Note 5. When I went to Verizon to check out the Pixel XL, I turned off the demo and hit the Google Chrome icon. Lag. At least a full second of it. Then I hit another app that I can't remember (probably the camera app) and that lagged for at least a full second as well. The Pixel XL isn't any faster than my Note 5.

 

[raqball]

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

I rarely have lag with my Note 5. When I went to Verizon to check out the Pixel XL, I turned off the demo and hit the Google Chrome icon. Lag. At least a full second of it. Then I hit another app that I can't remember (probably the camera app) and that lagged for at least a full second as well. The Pixel XL isn't any faster than my Note 5.

LOL... A demo unit is your comparison? Haha haha

Sorry, there is zero, zilch, nadda, none, no lag whatsoever on the Pixel and anyone saying so is well..... Ya know..

 

[Almeuit]

Re: AC recommends....

The display on the s7 is better too.

IIRC isn't the display in the Pixel from Samsung?

 

[Almeuit]

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

Mod Note - Cleaned some posts. Please remember to discuss the matter and not try and tell others how to post / not post. If you feel there is an issue with a post please use the report button and explain your concerns to the Mod Team.

Thanks.

 

[EMGSM]

Re: AC recommends....

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.

I have read the reviews and that is why I am considering the Pixel. What's keeping me on the fence in the price. Do you have the 32 or 128/ regular or XL version?

 

[1213 1213]

Re: AC recommends....

IIRC isn't the display in the Pixel from Samsung?

Yeah but the ppi on the pixel (not xl) is obviously lower. Others have said things about sunlight legibility but dunno about that so nevermind that. Remains to be seen how it matches up in terms of colour calibration and sunlight legibility, as Samsung does better than others who use their displays when it comes to this usually. But in the end it would only be the sort of thing you only see in charts and not in real life though.

 

[Almeuit]

Re: AC recommends....

Others have said things about sunlight legibility but dunno about that so nevermind that.

I went out on break yesterday / this morning and it was fine. I go on lunch soon at work so I can test it in full sunlight to see. I had no issues though so far seeing the display just like I didn't have an issue with my Note 7 / S7 Edge.

 

[EnemiesInTheEnd]

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

LOL... A demo unit is your comparison? Haha haha

Sorry, there is zero, zilch, nadda, none, no lag whatsoever on the Pixel and anyone saying so is well..... Ya know..

So now a one day old Pixel phone isn't basis for comparison? It lagged. The fact that the screen was scratched to hell could be chalked up to demo phone abuse, but not the lag.

IIRC isn't the display in the Pixel from Samsung?

Yes, but the display is significantly dimmer than even my one year old Note 5. I'd bet money that it was done on purpose because of the potential for the on-screen buttons to burn into the display.

 

[mightyfacundo]

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.

Well said. Let me say this again, and I have consistently said this through the forums here at AC: There isn't one phone that's right for everyone and that's a good thing. If it wasn't for misinformation from the local Verizon rep, I would have owned the Note7 and been very happy with it for a few days before all of the stories about the battery catching fire. Still, I recognize that many people LOVED that phone, and I'm fine with that. I was extremely impressed with it when I played with it at the local Best Buy. However, I really don't care about the bells and whistles that people like to call features. I would trade almost all of those features for a device that is fast, buttery smooth, and is a joy to use. That's what I was hoping for when I pre-ordered the XL, and I'm happy to say, that's exactly what I got. As others have pointed out, there are things it doesn't have. I would prefer a removable battery. An SD card would be nice, but I would rather have 128 GB of internal storage which is plenty for me. I would have never used the s-pen but other people would and do. I don't care about water resistance, but if I worked on a dock as one member said, that would be a must have feature. So, again, it comes down to which phone is the best fit for you. The Pixel is a great fit for me but I'm fine if it's not for others.

 

[Almeuit]

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

Yes, but the display is significantly dimmer than even my one year old Note 5. I'd bet money that it was done on purpose because of the potential for the on-screen buttons to burn into the display.

So far in real world use I am not seeing a difference in brightness from my S7 Edge / Note 7 that I had previously. I will be testing the full sunlight soon.

 

[EnemiesInTheEnd]

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

So far in real world use I am not seeing a difference in brightness from my S7 Edge / Note 7 that I had previously. I will be testing the full sunlight soon.

I didn't notice it either until I put my Note 5 side by side with the Pixel XL.

 

[Almeuit]

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

I didn't notice it either until I put my Note 5 side by side with the Pixel XL.

Maybe our eyes are different -- I can see it just fine without issue just like I did the previous phones. As long as I can see it without strain to me that counts as it being okay.

 

[1213 1213]

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

So far in real world use I am not seeing a difference in brightness from my S7 Edge / Note 7 that I had previously. I will be testing the full sunlight soon.

Remember, Samsung has the display set so that its brightest setting is only available in bright light on auto.

 

[Almeuit]

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

Remember, the Samsung has the display set so that its brightest setting is only available in bright light on auto.

I know. My main thing is -- if the phone gets bright enough where I can read w/o strain or anything of that nature (unlike on other phones.. specifically LCD ones) then how is that bad? Just because it doesn't hit that exact brightness it isn't worth it? I am just trying to gauge the "meter" we're going by. For me it is -- can I read it in sunlight with ease.

 

[Momof9Blessings]

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

I had 2 N7s - YES they were the best phone I have ever had (of course I got rid of them quickly both times because of the fire issue).... I used my N4 in between. So then after the replacements started catching fire, I turned it in for a Moto Z Force - I did NOT like that phone at all - kept trying to make it act like a Samsung (I have had several Samsung over the years) So I traded it in for the S7 Edge - which I disliked even more.... beveled screen is too sharp - messes with the display, edge panel not working as nice as N7, same with several other issues.... With the beveled screen, you actually lose a lot (I heard 10%) of the useable screen....

SO yesterday I returned my S7e to BB - I had until today and I am back on my Note 4 (it is slow - but my daughter has it pretty slow). I have not done a factory reset - it depends on what I decide to do and how long I am going to use this phone.... Yesterday I also went to Verizon to "see" the Pixel XL and V20 - no V20 yet - also the rep I talked to (N7 owner as well) did not recommend the LG (seen to many come back with serious issues - we had 2 go bad in our family last month).

I DID play with the Pixel XL - I really LIKE it. I think it will be a great replacement - that I can use it for 2 years etc. I have recently been contemplating an iPhone 7 plus. I have an iPad air2 that I DON"T like.... but there are some things in iOS 10 that make it seem usable.... But most reviews I see comparing the Pixel XL to the iPhone have them tied or Pixel edging out.... so if I can stay with Android and the customization - wow I will be happy. I AM also planning on making it a total new phone experience - not expecting it to be anything like Samsung....

N8.... if it comes out with a pen - I will be very tempted, but I will wait until it is proven to NOT catch on fire.... I don't want to experience this fiasco if I can avoid it....

Oh yea, I am planning on buying a good stilus for the Pixel.... I did return the Creative Intuos 2 pen (bluetooth) to BB yesterday. It worked fine on the Moto Z and S7e - but I have seen people talking about the Stilo and the Adonit series (Jot Pro) as drawing fine lines as well.... I am planning on ordering them and trying them out.... But now I have about a month or so to wait to get the Pixel XL

 

[miyanc]

Re: AC recommends....

Yeah, there is no way the Pixel/Pixel XL is the best phone. Compared to Samsung phones, the Pixel and Pixel XL are seriously lacking. In addition to all of the features on a specs sheet that the Pixel line is missing that the Samsung phones have, even the things the Pixel does have aren't as good, such as the dim display and poor headphone jack volume. The Pixel phones are a bad value. The time I spent with a Pixel XL demo at Verizon was disappointing.

Oh so your extensively researched information is from spending some time with a demo phone. OK so now I know how to take your opinion, with a samsung grain of salt. My opinion is no better or worse then yours. but in my opinion of your opinion, you are very wrong. and honestly so are all those other people that have not used enough phones to form there own opinion. I have owned the g4, n7, s7e, n7 iphone 5s, pixel xl. in the last 2 months. I have also owned many other phones over time.

Look I get it. you have a pretty much one sided opinion and of course that means you think your right. In reality samsung is the company that brought us the n7 so I agree, but where did that get me? This is something that should be factored in. All brands think they have features that single them out against the competition. You are claiming that certain phones are lacking compared to the phone you like, well as others have stated the samsung s7 or s7e is lacking in many things as well. I am sure you opinion of the dim display was fully tested outside? The theft teather reach that far? I have pitted both the n7 vs the pixel xl and your right. the samung is slightly brighter, but at what cost? I get better battery on the pixel xl and so far my battery has not expanded uncontrollably. I also feel the display on the pixel xl is better. Brightness aside the samsung overdoes it. which may explain the brightness.

How about the value of time? How much of a price can you put on being able to use your phone to record your life and maybe the life of those around you. In the best video or picture quality as possible and keep as much of that as possible. Can the samung do that? I bet not. I guess they that better too?

 

[SteelGator]

Re: AC recommends....

I have read the review and that is why I am considering the Pixel. What's keeping me on the fence in the price. Do you have the 32 or 128/ regular or XL version?

I have the 128 XL version. The 128 is probably overkill, but I have always tended to overbuy memory, regardless of tech. I cannot imagine owning a phone smaller than 5.5", the last phone I owned smaller than that would be the Blackberry Storm 2 (groan . . . ).

I will also say, I am continually struck by the beauty of the XL display. Very sharp, very rich. The Google wallpapers look incredible. I do not perceive the slightest drop from the Note 7 if there is one, and I prefer it to any LCD that I have seen, including the iPhone 7.