Google Pixels are NOT Samsung or Apple

[straygator7]

It seems there are a handful of posters who appear with each new Pixel release and persist in declaring here, as some kind of established "fact" on which anyone with good sense ought to agree, that the Google Pixel is overpriced and inferior to the latest Samsung or iPhone or whatever brand because those devices have a larger battery, and larger storage capacity, and more camera lenses, etc. They remind me of people who dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, then post a review online in which they complain because the portions were too small.

Why is it so difficult for these folks to comprehend that some people simply do not equate "more" with "better"? The choice of a phone, like any consumer decision, ought to be a matter of individual preference; and many individuals value the quality of their particular user experience with a Pixel device over the ability to get an extra hour or two out of their battery, or to take wide-angle photos, or to store more videos and movies.

If your idea of best value is obtaining maximum quantity for the lowest price, then just bypass the gourmet restaurant and pull in at the all-you-can-eat buffet. And even if you think the people who opt for the gourmet restaurant are stupid to pay more while settling for a lesser quantity, is it really necessary to rag incessantly on them for having a different basis of evaluation?

The only established "fact" is that people have differing preferences in phones because they have differing wants, needs, and usage patterns for their devices. More importantly, they have the right to weigh the importance of quality versus quantity relative to price because it's their money. When someone doesn't agree with your opinions or the choices you make, that doesn't make them "wrong."

 

[dsignori]

It seems there are a handful of posters who appear with each new Pixel release and persist in declaring here, as some kind of established "fact" on which anyone with good sense ought to agree, that the Google Pixel is overpriced and inferior to the latest Samsung or iPhone or whatever brand because those devices have a larger battery, and larger storage capacity, and more camera lenses, etc. They remind me of people who dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, then post a review online in which they complain because the portions were too small.

Why is it so difficult for these folks to comprehend that some people simply do not equate "more" with "better"? The choice of a phone, like any consumer decision, ought to be a matter of individual preference; and many individuals value the quality of their particular user experience with a Pixel device over the ability to get an extra hour or two out of their battery, or to take wide-angle photos, or to store more videos and movies.

If your idea of best value is obtaining maximum quantity for the lowest price, then just bypass the gourmet restaurant and pull in at the all-you-can-eat buffet. And even if you think the people who opt for the gourmet restaurant are stupid to pay more while settling for a lesser quantity, is it really necessary to rag incessantly on them for having a different basis of evaluation?

The only established "fact" is that people have differing preferences in phones because they have differing wants, needs, and usage patterns for their devices. More importantly, they have the right to weigh the importance of quality versus quantity relative to price because it's their money. When someone doesn't agree with your opinions or the choices you make, that doesn't make them "wrong."

Well said.

 

[bhatech]

It seems there are a handful of posters who appear with each new Pixel release and persist in declaring here, as some kind of established "fact" on which anyone with good sense ought to agree, that the Google Pixel is overpriced and inferior to the latest Samsung or iPhone or whatever brand because those devices have a larger battery, and larger storage capacity, and more camera lenses, etc. They remind me of people who dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, then post a review online in which they complain because the portions were too small.

Why is it so difficult for these folks to comprehend that some people simply do not equate "more" with "better"? The choice of a phone, like any consumer decision, ought to be a matter of individual preference; and many individuals value the quality of their particular user experience with a Pixel device over the ability to get an extra hour or two out of their battery, or to take wide-angle photos, or to store more videos and movies.

If your idea of best value is obtaining maximum quantity for the lowest price, then just bypass the gourmet restaurant and pull in at the all-you-can-eat buffet. And even if you think the people who opt for the gourmet restaurant are stupid to pay more while settling for a lesser quantity, is it really necessary to rag incessantly on them for having a different basis of evaluation?

The only established "fact" is that people have differing preferences in phones because they have differing wants, needs, and usage patterns for their devices. More importantly, they have the right to weigh the importance of quality versus quantity relative to price because it's their money. When someone doesn't agree with your opinions or the choices you make, that doesn't make them "wrong."

Very well said, I have seen that with Pixel launches. At least in these forum it's not that much but good god on Reddit it's really bad.

 

[onthecouchagain]

When it comes to specs, we don't need Google to be Samsung. There's no need for Note 10-level specs. However, 6GB was a reasonable ask in 2018 and the Pixel 3 proved it ultimately needed it. Likewise, in 2019, reliable battery off charger is also a reasonable request especially on the smaller model and especially because one of the marquee features is the 90Hz refresh rate. Does it have to be exactly 4000+ mAh size like other devices? Again, no, we don't need them to be Samsung.

What good is the 90Hz display if the device can't keep it running for a reliable amount of time? I'm forcing 90Hz on Pixel 4 XL because it's the one new feature that makes the Pixel 4 worthwhile. It'd be nice if I didn't have to worry about the battery. I don't think that's unreasonable in a $1000 flagship smartphone.

Never mind them being Samsung or Apple... they need to just be a better Google.

 

[bhatech]

Yeah but that’s not a good example though. You need to compare them fairly. You can purchase a Samsung phone carrier free directly from Samsung just like you can buy a pixel from google. That phone will not come with the crapware. Furthermore, Samsung offer WAY MORE than google. Their trade in program alone plus the extras that you get for preordering (free Samsung buds, free wireless charger) as well as getting a good amount for you’re trade in phone. Google offers a max of $250 of trade in value for the 3Xl, Samsung offers up to $550 for the S9 series or whatever recent galaxy phone to put towards a note 10/S10 and they give you some goodies on top of that. Meanwhile google takes away headphones and unlimited photos etc... you need to tell the whole story. At the end of the day, what do I get for my money? That is what matters to me as a consumer. That is why Samsung buyers are ok dealing with the carrier crapware and stuff, because the carriers as well as Samsung is offering solid incentives, meanwhile google gives you the middle finger while taking away stuff.

I buy every Samsung flagship directly from Samsung unlocked, every iPhone and lots of other phones so it's not like I'm biased towards Pixel or other phone. I honestly don't care about reviews or opinions of others and buy the phones I like.

But the point I was trying to make is, why is it hard to understand what you consider value is different than what someone else may consider value. It's very simple, someone may just prefer the Pixel software experience and fast Android updates and whatever else. For you that's crap which is perfectly fine, for someone else the Samsung or LG or whatever experience is crap. Doesn't matter if it's $500 less or has every particular hardware specs etc.

For example, I hate the US carriers and what they do to Android phones and never ever buy a phone from carrier even if it's say 75% cheaper than non carrier unlocked version. That's just my preference because I value something else than someone else. One can say you can disable carrier apps, do this and that. But it's just MY preference and principle that I don't buy phone from carriers.

 

[cardboard60]

Pixel lovers don't seen to realize.
If less is more.
And you dont need everything with a pixel.
They why does google charge the prices they do for less.
That is what we are stating.


And with your remark of going out to eat and getting less when you are paying more.

You are paying for the Chef and what he created, that you can't get anywhere else.

Your reasoning don't even calculate out right.

You just want to be right.

 

[barondebxl]

That's assuming you don't consider the Samsung apps and launcher/UI "crapware" which I do. I refuse to buy from a carrier and be tied down in case they do something and their service sucks (Verizon did this in my area and I was stuck in a courage with crappy service for 18 months).

I enjoy the vanilla Android experience and I looked knowing I'm getting monthly security updates. That's why I purchase Pixels. The only other phone I would consider is there One+. Samsung lost my business years ago.

That’s a personal choice, not an assumption.

 

[msm0511]

You're going to get different SOT's with varying signal strengths (-dBM's) though. The video was on wifi (assuming the same wifi) so things should be equal. IMO I don't think the battery on the 4XL is near as bad as the naysayers think it is. We should have a better idea shortly on battery performance.

Those battery life tests are as silly as speed tests, drop tests etc. Nobody uses their phones as the do in those tests.

 

[barondebxl]

I buy every Samsung flagship directly from Samsung unlocked, every iPhone and lots of other phones so it's not like I'm biased towards Pixel or other phone. I honestly don't care about reviews or opinions of others and buy the phones I like.

But the point I was trying to make is, why is it hard to understand what you consider value is different than what someone else may consider value. It's very simple, someone may just prefer the Pixel software experience and fast Android updates and whatever else. For you that's crap which is perfectly fine, for someone else the Samsung or LG or whatever experience is crap. Doesn't matter if it's $500 less or has every particular hardware specs etc.

For example, I hate the US carriers and what they do to Android phones and never ever buy a phone from carrier even if it's say 75% cheaper than non carrier unlocked version. That's just my preference because I value something else than someone else. One can say you can disable carrier apps, do this and that. But it's just MY preference and principle that I don't buy phone from carriers.

I 100% agree with you there, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder as they say.

I also buy every phone that comes out. I’ve had the iPhone 11, oneplus 7 pro AND 7T (which I returned because of some data connection issues), Note 10, S10e etc... I love smartphones in general and I do enjoy both iOS and android although android is definitely my favorite one. I also much prefer buying unlocked rather than carrier version to avoid being in their shackles. But I do use cricket so that’s also why I buy my phones outright. I used to be on verizon and T-Mobile and I would use their phones. It was ok but I always prefer the unlocked versions.

All I’m saying with the pixel is that google could have done more in my opinion. I’m sure plenty of pixel users are happy and who am I to tell them what to do, I couldn’t do that even if I wanted to. I understand that some features like stock android and timely updates as well as no crapware is great, I get all of that. But specs do matter to a certain extent I would say. For example, had google released the pixel 4 xl with a 1500mah battery, a single camera and a 5 watt charger for $899, would it still not be ok to scrutinize it because it runs stock android without “crapware” and has timely updates? I don’t think so. For the price they are chi a eh big I just think they don’t offer much. I vote with my money and I have absolutely zero brand loyalty. If you offer me something good at a great price I rock with you, point blank period.

 

[Golurk]

When it comes to specs, we don't need Google to be Samsung. There's no need for Note 10-level specs. However, 6GB was a reasonable ask in 2018 and the Pixel 3 proved it ultimately needed it. Likewise, in 2019, reliable battery off charger is also a reasonable request especially on the smaller model and especially because one of the marquee features is the 90Hz refresh rate. Does it have to be exactly 4000+ mAh size like other devices? Again, no, we don't need them to be Samsung.

What good is the 90Hz display if the device can't keep it running for a reliable amount of time? I'm forcing 90Hz on Pixel 4 XL because it's the one new feature that makes the Pixel 4 worthwhile. It'd be nice if I didn't have to worry about the battery. I don't think that's unreasonable in a $1000 flagship smartphone.

Never mind them being Samsung or Apple... they need to just be a better Google.

I agree. People are confusing “Pixels should be like Samsungs” with “Pixels should have better hardware specs”.

Asking for 128GB minimum storage and a big battery with good stamina isn’t asking for Google to be like Samsung. It’s asking for Google to actually improve its game so its phones don’t have embarrassingly stingy specs compared to the competition.

Never mind that Google stuff apparently ‘just works’ (because 95% of Samsungs’ features do as well)...not when they getting basic things like battery life and their own trademark features wrong (facial recognition is insecure, no more free OG storage on Google photos, 90hz only works in very specific circumstances).

And speaking of bloatware, buying phones from carriers is just a bad idea. Samsung’s actual software is pretty good...hardly qualifies as bloatware in my opinion. OneUI is a long shot from TouchWiz

 

[barondebxl]

When it comes to specs, we don't need Google to be Samsung. There's no need for Note 10-level specs. However, 6GB was a reasonable ask in 2018 and the Pixel 3 proved it ultimately needed it. Likewise, in 2019, reliable battery off charger is also a reasonable request especially on the smaller model and especially because one of the marquee features is the 90Hz refresh rate. Does it have to be exactly 4000+ mAh size like other devices? Again, no, we don't need them to be Samsung.

What good is the 90Hz display if the device can't keep it running for a reliable amount of time? I'm forcing 90Hz on Pixel 4 XL because it's the one new feature that makes the Pixel 4 worthwhile. It'd be nice if I didn't have to worry about the battery. I don't think that's unreasonable in a $1000 flagship smartphone.

Never mind them being Samsung or Apple... they need to just be a better Google.

Exactly what I’m saying. I mean a 2800mah battery on a 90hz display with motion sense for $800. That’s a tough sell. For those that wanna buy it, do you, I definitely wouldn’t. Even the 4xl isn’t worth it in my opinion but it’s a more reasonable phone than the smaller one for sure. At this point I think a pixel 3a xl is an excellent choice for the android purists. The camera is excellent for half the price. And you still get the pure experience. That’s just me tho

 

[Wiley_11]

Those battery life tests are as silly as speed tests, drop tests etc. Nobody uses their phones as the do in those tests.

It's Ohm's law. P=IE. Your using a known P/battery and a known E/voltage and calculating an unknown/variable I/amperage to give you the amount of time to deplete the battery. Pretty basic stuff really, so the only thing silly is your comment.

 

[barondebxl]

I agree. People are confusing “Pixels should be like Samsungs” with “Pixels should have better hardware specs”.

Asking for 128GB minimum storage and a big battery with good stamina isn’t asking for Google to be like Samsung. It’s asking for Google to actually improve its game so its phones don’t have embarrassingly stingy specs compared to the competition.

Never mind that Google stuff apparently ‘just works’ (because 95% of Samsungs’ features do as well)...not when they getting basic things like battery life and their own trademark features wrong (facial recognition is insecure, no more free OG storage on Google photos, 90hz only works in very specific circumstances).

And speaking of bloatware, buying phones from carriers is just a bad idea. Samsung’s actual software is pretty good...hardly qualifies as bloatware in my opinion. OneUI is a long shot from TouchWiz

I think that’s where they (pixel fans) are missing the point. Nobody wants google to be be Samsung. Android is all about variety and we have so many good choices, they don’t need to be the same thing. Just put a decent size battery and make the screen brighter. I think those 2 alone would have sealed the deal for me on the xl. Thats not too much to ask for damn near a $1000

 

[msm0511]

It's Ohm's law. P=IE. Your using a known P/battery and a known E/voltage and calculating an unknown/variable I/amperage to give you the amount of time to deplete the battery. Pretty basic stuff really, so the only thing silly is your comment.

Not really at all though. I don't care how long a phone lasts only on wifi running various tasks from 100-0. It's not a real world situation. Real life has too many variables to make those tests accurate for anything other than a YouTube video.

 

[aecgda]

The phone costs $899 or $999 and has middling battery life. The fact that it costs so much with so-so battery life, when you can get better battery life of phones that cost half the price, is valid. Reviewers used the devices for a week or two. Battery life isn't going to improve much after that.

Got my Pixel on Thursday. Charged it overnight. Half an hour after using it on Friday morning battery was still 100%. I'll settle for that.

 

[bhatech]

I think that’s where they (pixel fans) are missing the point. Nobody wants google to be June Samsung. Android is all about variety and we have so many good choices, they don’t need to be the same thing. Just put a decent size battery and make the screen brighter. I think those 2 alone would have sealed the deal for me on the xl. That not too much to ask for damn near a $1000

Not many are arguing (there are few) that things couldn't have been better. Who wouldn't want a much bigger battery and brighter screen or more RAM or whatever along with their preferred software experience. But as someone actually owning the phone and using it, it's not degrading the overall experience at all. Yes a bigger battery would have helped the battery life more and yes it's oversight from Google to not put a bigger battery size.

But using the phone, the overall experience is still top notch and feels like every bit premium in terms of experience. And you made your decision that the decisions Google made is not for you and not worth between $799 - $1000 which is perfectly fine. For me the overall experience outweighs some of the decisions and it doesn't bother me paying the price Google is asking. The important point thing is for ME, since it may not be acceptable for others.

I'm not a normal user anyway. But personally if I were to own just one phone I'll make a controversial statement. I'll just own the iPhone 11 pro and call it a day

 

[anon(661246)]

I gave up on the pixel line. Too many corners that are cut. I own a note 10 + and a OnePlus 7t and it'd be too much of a downgrade to get a pixel phone.

 

[barondebxl]

Not many are arguing (there are few) that things couldn't have been better. Who wouldn't want a much bigger battery and brighter screen or more RAM or whatever along with their preferred software experience. But as someone actually owning the phone and using it, it's not degrading the overall experience at all. Yes a bigger battery would have helped the battery life more and yes it's oversight from Google to not put a bigger battery size.

But using the phone, the overall experience is still top notch and feels like every bit premium in terms of experience. And you made your decision that the decisions Google made is not for you and not worth between $799 - $1000 which is perfectly fine. For me the overall experience outweighs some of the decisions and it doesn't bother me paying the price Google is asking. The important point thing is for ME, since it may not be acceptable for others.

I'm not a normal user anyway. But personally if I were to own just one phone I'll make a controversial statement. I'll just own the iPhone 11 pro and call it a day

Haha lol it’s not controversial, It’s a fantastic phone.

May I ask, what does the pixel 4 offer more in terms of experience vs the pixel 3a XL if specs aren’t everything? Genuine question.

 

[Wiley_11]

Not really at all though. I don't care how long a phone lasts only on wifi running various tasks from 100-0. It's not a real world situation. Real life has too many variables to make those tests accurate for anything other than a YouTube video.

If you want to live in your own reality that's fine by me.

 

[almath]