Did anyone else downgrade storage space?

[FreakyLocz14]

Last year, I bought the 128 GB Pixel 3 XL, but bought the 64 GB Pixel 4 XL this year. Even downloading quite a few movies to internal storage, I was just over 55 GB used. The next time I have a long flight, I'll just download a couple of movies for the flight, and remove them from internal storage (but keep in the cloud) after.

 

[anon(661246)]

128gb should be the bare minimum for any flagship phones. I couldn't imagine 64gb, after apps install and google music cache building up

 

[Jeremy8000]

Last year, I bought the 128 GB Pixel 3 XL, but bought the 64 GB Pixel 4 XL this year. Even downloading quite a few movies to internal storage, I was just over 55 GB used. The next time I have a long flight, I'll just download a couple of movies for the flight, and remove them from internal storage (but keep in the cloud) after.

I haven't made the jump yet, but would likely go with the 64GB (from my 64GB 3XL). The simple fact is, the situation I'm most likely going to wish I had more space would be exactly what you described - long flights. And it's really, really easy to keep media on a compact USB OTG that I've used and kept on my keychain since my first Pixel.

 

[Mike Dee]

128gb should be the bare minimum for any flagship phones. I couldn't imagine 64gb, after apps install and google music cache building up

For myself I agree, but there are people out there that don't need it even if it's a flagship. I'm more concerned with a 128gb cap which would make me more stringent with what I store. I have large audio files and although I made do with 3XL 128GB, I would have preferred some breathing room. Having 3 sizes doesn't make sense so they should go 128 and 256.
I have the S10+ ceramic model with 512gb.... Overkill for me.
I also have the Note 10+ 256gb which is perfect and if I fill that I can always add a card.

 

[anon(661246)]

For myself I agree, but there are people out there that don't need it even if it's a flagship. I'm more concerned with a 128gb cap which would make me more stringent with what I store. I have large audio files and although I made do with 3XL 128GB, I would have preferred some breathing room. Having 3 sizes doesn't make sense so they should go 128 and 256.
I have the S10+ ceramic model with 512gb.... Overkill for me.
I also have the Note 10+ 256gb which is perfect and if I fill that I can always add a card.

Do you use your note as your daily driver?

 

[kirksucks]

I think the idea behind the lacking features on the Pixel 4's is that Google thinks you wont need that stuff. Optimization helps with battery life and ram. Cloud should be adequate for most photo takers. All music should be streamed. And Google thinks all the apps you'll ever need are already in the phone or available via progressive web apps. The neutered screen brightness and the "don't use your phone so much" campaign Google is running which fits right in with the tiny battery they put in the 4. Seems counter to the new fancy tech they're touting but I think this is the overall idea.

 

[anon(661246)]

I think the idea behind the lacking features on the Pixel 4's is that Google thinks you wont need that stuff. Optimization helps with battery life and ram. Cloud should be adequate for most photo takers. All music should be streamed. And Google thinks all the apps you'll ever need are already in the phone or available via progressive web apps. The neutered screen brightness and the "don't use your phone so much" campaign Google is running which fits right in with the tiny battery they put in the 4. Seems counter to the new fancy tech they're touting but I think this is the overall idea.

You're probably right.

 

[Almeuit]

I didn't get a Pixel but if I did 128 would be it. It's so easy to fill space now a days.

 

[Mike Dee]

Do you use your note as your daily driver?

I use both Samsungs but Note10 + is my personal daily. Using the S10+ as a work phone. I really have an iPhone for work but I took out the sim and put it in S10. With Verizon messages plus I can make and receive calls on the S10 or the iPhone. It's an interesting feature of that app. It basically allows you to use an iPhone or an iPad as a second phone on the same number. Can't make calls with two Androids. I would ignore my iPhone altogether but I need it for work email. Sounds complicated and I carry 3 phones but I'm good with it.....lol

 

[FreakyLocz14]

I actually agree with you, but since 64 was an option and I didn't use that much last time, I went for it.

128gb should be the bare minimum for any flagship phones. I couldn't imagine 64gb, after apps install and google music cache building up

I also own a Surface Pro, and the airline usually lets you stream movies on your phone for free over their Wi-Fi.

I haven't made the jump yet, but would likely go with the 64GB (from my 64GB 3XL). The simple fact is, the situation I'm most likely going to wish I had more space would be exactly what you described - long flights. And it's really, really easy to keep media on a compact USB OTG that I've used and kept on my keychain since my first Pixel.

 

[Mike Dee]

I actually agree with you, but since 64 was an option and I didn't use that much last time, I went for it.

As little as 2 years ago there were people suggesting that 32gb was still adequate as a base model. Yeah if you only use it as a phone ... Lol
I mean it's nice to have options but to make devices with so many versions of storage is a costly proposition and the "real cost" differential of ram purchased in volume is minimal. I suppose when you multiply the cost diferential by millions of units it adds up but it's easy to justify 128 as a base, at least on flagships.

 

[neil74]

Apps are still smaller on android vs iOS so in a way 64gb is less of an issue than it is on an iPhone.

I agree though 128gb should be the entry level, I have the 128 XL and it needs managing whereas with 256gb it is a non-issue.

 

[FreakyLocz14]

I still remember the Nexus 4, which I believe only came in 8 GB and 16 GB.

As little as 2 years ago there were people suggesting that 32gb was still adequate as a base model. Yeah if you only use it as a phone ... Lol
I mean it's nice to have options but to make devices with so many versions of storage is a costly proposition and the "real cost" differential of ram purchased in volume is minimal. I suppose when you multiply the cost diferential by millions of units it adds up but it's easy to justify 128 as a base, at least on flagships.

 

[ptkelly]

I think the idea behind the lacking features on the Pixel 4's is that Google thinks you wont need that stuff. Optimization helps with battery life and ram. Cloud should be adequate for most photo takers. All music should be streamed. And Google thinks all the apps you'll ever need are already in the phone or available via progressive web apps. The neutered screen brightness and the "don't use your phone so much" campaign Google is running which fits right in with the tiny battery they put in the 4. Seems counter to the new fancy tech they're touting but I think this is the overall idea.

I'm afraid I don't want Google or the government deciding what I can have based on what they think I need. Somewhere, what I think I need or even just what I want should be factored in by both of them.

 

[Mike Dee]

I still remember the Nexus 4, which I believe only came in 8 GB and 16 GB.

While it's true we had even smaller than that as time evolves we do need more

 

[Javier P]

For a starter, in most recent phones system plus preinstalled apps take at least 12 GB. More in some brands with heavier skins and extra bloatware ... sorry ... features.

 

[FreakyLocz14]

I'm considering returning my 64 GB 4 XL since the 128 is now available on Amazon. I'm going to ask if they can waive a restocking fee under the premise that I recently became unemployed.

 

[kirksucks]

I'm afraid I don't want Google or the government deciding what I can have based on what they think I need. Somewhere, what I think I need or even just what I want should be factored in by both of them.

What I meant was that they're confident their optimizations and free cloud backup etc should be adequate that you wont need RAM and storage or bigger battery size. They aren't deciding what you can have, they're designing their phones so you wont need to rely on that extra stuff. That's my theory anyway.

 

[Jeremy8000]

I'm afraid I don't want Google or the government deciding what I can have based on what they think I need. Somewhere, what I think I need or even just what I want should be factored in by both of them.

That's kind of the whole concept of any manufactured product, though. Apple, Samsung, Google, LG, Moto, you name it, they each put together a hardware/software system that they believe is best marketable. The only way you're likely to see a phone that accurately ticks off every single thing you want is if you (have the resources to) design and build it yourself.

 

[SupraLB]

I think they are able to get away with 64gb is largely because other phones have moved up to 4k@60fps. Those files are around 400mb per 1 minute with HEVC.
Pixel is still stuck at 4k@30fps. When Google ever decides to upgrade their camera lens and video capabilities, that 64gb will not be feasible.

FYi, the Pixel 4 camera lens sensor is the same Sony sensor used in the Pixel 3. The sensor does not support 4k@60fps. So next year they need an entirely new camera sensor if they want to upgrade video.