Help me decide: Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL

[Jimmy_W]

Thanks! Yeah, but for the screen issues that some reviewers and the Verizon rep mentioned, I'm leaning mostly toward the Pixel 2 XL.

 

[jjinal]

This pic of my truck was taken after a day of clay bar cleaning, full wax job, and ultimate detailing.


View attachment 275744

Sharp!!

 

[jjinal]

Off topic but here is my sons 2017 RAM 3500 Dually..

That's some serious truck!!

 

[PowrDroid]

That's some serious truck!!

Yeah, that thing is a beast!

 

[PowrDroid]

Thanks. Yes, same for my Jeep. However, I wouldn't think that Pixel 2 upgrade would offer fewer features or less compatibility. Were you able to send a free form text message?

I could not do it in my vehicle. I have to register for UConnect Access, which I did. However, now I must run my vehicle for about 20 minutes in order to get the software downloaded/updated. I haven't had an opportunity to do that yet.

It looks like when you pair your phone you might have an option to select Message Access Protocol. Apparently if your phone has this you should be able to send "free form" text messages. I don't recall when I paired my Pixel 2 XL a week ago, if it gave me that option. I might delete it and pair it again and see if I get that option.

I would assume the Pixel 2 XL would have MAP, since it's the latest and greatest phone running the latest version of Android OS.

Another possibility is that my UConnect system is too old to support MAP (Message Access Protocol), but your system is brand new so it might work with your Jeep.

See this YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEHjYqkdd_0

Also, here is a link to a pdf file. Under requirements it says "Vehicle must be registered with an active UConnect Access Advantage subscription for free form text response to work":
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...eTexting.pdf&usg=AOvVaw0FUOaUT6UZF8DfVDYew2IG

 

[Almeuit]

Let's see that RAM!

//uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171214/00630f9ba2c388c350270ab3095a2bb7.jpg

This pic of my truck was taken after a day of clay bar cleaning, full wax job, and ultimate detailing.


View attachment 275744

Nice! . I don't have a RAM but I did buy me a new toy earlier this year ^_^.

 

[Jimmy_W]

I could not do it in my vehicle. I have to register for UConnect Access, which I did. However, now I must run my vehicle for about 20 minutes in order to get the software downloaded/updated. I haven't had an opportunity to do that yet.

It looks like when you pair your phone you might have an option to select Message Access Protocol. Apparently if your phone has this you should be able to send "free form" text messages. I don't recall when I paired my Pixel 2 XL a week ago, if it gave me that option. I might delete it and pair it again and see if I get that option.

I would assume the Pixel 2 XL would have MAP, since it's the latest and greatest phone running the latest version of Android OS.

Another possibility is that my UConnect system is too old to support MAP (Message Access Protocol), but your system is brand new so it might work with your Jeep.

First, thanks very much for taking the time to test your phone! My Uconnect is the 4C NAV UAQ with 8.4" display, which may differ from yours. Also, I don't have and can't get Access. Instead, I have Sirius Guardian, with a one-year trial. It allows free-form SMS based on the phone. Whether that's for the year, I don't know, but I'll have to renew my Sirius, anyway. Sirius Access is not available on '18 Grand Cherokees, but was in '17. That Mopar link I cited is applicable, however.

I may just pick up a Pixel, as I have 30 days to return it and lose only $35 at Verizon. The only thing that concerns me a little are the screen issues reported for Pixel 2XL. I basically use a phone for SMS, voice calls, and web browsing. I don't do a lot of battery-intensive stuff, but may forget to charge my phone for a day or two. I need readers to type decently, so I like a keyboard that's reasonably large. Anyway, I'll let you know how I make out, and thanks again!

 

[PowrDroid]

First, thanks very much for taking the time to test your phone! My Uconnect is the 4C NAV UAQ with 8.4" display, which may differ from yours.

Now that UConnect Access is active I just tested free form texting and it works. It does leave a signature, "Sent by my Ram UConnect" at the end of each text message.

 

[jjinal]

Nice! . I don't have a RAM but I did buy me a new toy earlier this year ^_^.

Nice. I almost bought a red XLT the day I bought the RAM. Ford makes a good looking truck these days.

 

[anon(5630457)]

I spent a long time with the demo unit Pixel 2 XL at Best Buy tonight and seriously, there's no issues with the screen. The demo unit didn't even have any burn in, which was surprising. I put my S8 Active's screen next to the screen on the Pixel 2 XL, and yes, even though the colors on the S8 Active were punchier, I preferred the color on the Pixel 2 XL. My S8 Active had the same amount of off-axis blue shifting as the Pixel 2 XL. I'll be getting my Stormtrooper Pixel 2 XL tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it! My S8 Active is going back to T-Mobile.

I'm eating crow right now.

 

[PowrDroid]

I spent a long time with the demo unit Pixel 2 XL at Best Buy tonight and seriously, there's no issues with the screen. The demo unit didn't even have any burn in, which was surprising. I put my S8 Active's screen next to the screen on the Pixel 2 XL, and yes, even though the colors on the S8 Active were punchier, I preferred the color on the Pixel 2 XL. My S8 Active had the same amount of off-axis blue shifting as the Pixel 2 XL. I'll be getting my Stormtrooper Pixel 2 XL tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it! My S8 Active is going back to T-Mobile.

I'm eating crow right now.

You should post this in one of the many blue tint threads on this forum.

Oh, and I would be interested to hear how battery life compares on the Pixel 2 XL vs. the Galaxy S8 Active. The S8 Active was on my radar screen as a possibility but when Verizon had the Pixel 2 XL on sale for $300 I picked one up.

 

[anon(5630457)]

The battery life on the S8 Active will be better, hands down. It's a smaller screen (5.8") with a bigger battery (4,000mAh). I took my S8 Active off the charger at 3 pm central yesterday and the battery is at 40% with about 6 hours SOT. No joke. This thing is a beast, but it's still on the October security patch. That's why I'm returning it to T-Mobile and picking up the Pixel 2 XL instead.

 

[Jimmy_W]

Now that UConnect Access is active I just tested free form texting and it works. It does leave a signature, "Sent by my Ram UConnect" at the end of each text message.

I must not have hit "Post" last time, so thanks very much for spending the time to test your phone. If yours works with Access, mine should work with my Sirius Guardian. Once I have a chance to pair it up and test, I'll post back. I believe it will cost $100 to renew your Access for a year, and you'll need Access to continue with free-form text. The canned phrases don't require an Access subscription. I'm just playomg around with the 2XL now to figure out everything.

 

[PowrDroid]

The battery life on the S8 Active will be better, hands down. It's a smaller screen (5.8") with a bigger battery (4,000mAh). I took my S8 Active off the charger at 3 pm central yesterday and the battery is at 40% with about 6 hours SOT. No joke. This thing is a beast, but it's still on the October security patch. That's why I'm returning it to T-Mobile and picking up the Pixel 2 XL instead.

Well, you would think it would be better on the S8 Active. I'm getting about the same as your S8 Active for battery life on my Pixel 2 XL. Yours was 19 hours with 6 hours SOT and 40% left. Here's mine with 18 1/2 hours, about 5 hours SOT and 51% left. I suspect the S8 Active would win out, but the Pixel 2 XL is no slouch. I'm very happy with battery life.

 

[sulla1965]

It really just comes down to screen size. If you want one handed use, get the Pixel 2. If you like a bigger display, get the 2 XL.

 

[Byrese]

It also decided on how pocketable you need your device to be. If you need to one hand stuff then obviously the pixel. I don't one there's been lots of problems with the 2XL... But it's a great phone. Tough choice....1st world problems.

 

[Mike Dee]

I spent a long time with the demo unit Pixel 2 XL at Best Buy tonight and seriously, there's no issues with the screen. The demo unit didn't even have any burn in, which was surprising. I put my S8 Active's screen next to the screen on the Pixel 2 XL, and yes, even though the colors on the S8 Active were punchier, I preferred the color on the Pixel 2 XL. My S8 Active had the same amount of off-axis blue shifting as the Pixel 2 XL. I'll be getting my Stormtrooper Pixel 2 XL tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it! My S8 Active is going back to T-Mobile.

I'm eating crow right now.

Just curious.... Did you compare the colors in boosted mode?

 

[cae758]

I'm typing this message with the Pixel 2XL. I received it from Google last Friday, but only turned it on this Wednesday while I debated on a case. (I knew if I took the packaging off the phone, I wouldn't be able to put it down.) I did the trade in with Google for my 1st Gen Pixel.

The 2XL is my first cell breaking my size rule: I must be able to fit my hand around the phone and my thumb and middle finger need to touch without a case. This general rule protects for the addition of most cases in terms of comfortable hand holding and placing in pockets. If I was a woman and carried around a purse or handbag, I probably would have been more lenient.

In the last couple of days using the 2XL, I love it. And I always felt fine with my previous phone's dimensions, but comparing the two, I don't see how I managed. The experience feels too cramped now.

The almost edge to edge screen makes a huge difference. The actual size of the phone isn't that much different from my previous either, just a better usage of screen realstate. I was pleasantly surprised by how un-akward it is to carry in my front pant's pocket.

Also, I had LifeProof on my Pixel. I don't like the LifeProof cases they made for the 2XL: Both color options look too sporty. And they make the phone HUGE. I've always believed in LifeProof because of the 360 protection. Keep out dust, dirt, and lint, not just water. For anyone planning on phone resale, it's the only game in town for cases, offering the best protection for the thinnest profile.

I decided to risk it this time around. After much deliberation, I opted for Ringke Fusion: Google Pixel 2 XL Phone Case Ringke [FUSION] Crystal Clear Minimalist Transparent PC Back TPU Bumper [Drop Protection] Scratch Resistant Natural Shape Protective Cover for Google Pixel 2 XL - Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075Q96XF...ag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=UUacUvbUpU6107719
It's thin and nice to actually see the phone for a change (I have the stormtrooper/panda color 2XL). I'm not prone to dropping my phone and I don't work in construction, so I feel (and hope) it'll provide the protection I need. Although, it's larger size ups the risk of dropping. IQ Shield for screen protection: Google Pixel 2 XL Screen Protector [Not Glass][2-Pack], IQ Shield LiQuidSkin Full Coverage Screen Protector for Google Pixel 2 XL [Case-friendly][HD Clear][Anti-Bubble][Anti-Scratch] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073RV6PQ...ag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=UUacUvbUpU6107719
So far, so good, but I have only been actively using the phone since yesterday.

One complaint about a larger phone in general: I feel my usage is more noticeable than before. Not that I am doing anything nefarious or NSFW, but going on my phone seems to draw more attention. Just an observation.

 

[PowrDroid]

In the last couple of days using the 2XL, I love it. And I always felt fine with my previous phone's dimensions, but comparing the two, I don't see how I managed. The experience feels too cramped now.

The almost edge to edge screen makes a huge difference. The actual size of the phone isn't that much different from my previous either, just a better usage of screen realstate. I was pleasantly surprised by how un-akward it is to carry in my front pant's pocket.

Yes, yes, exactly my experience as well.

I decided to risk it this time around. After much deliberation, I opted for Ringke Fusion: Google Pixel 2 XL Phone Case Ringke [FUSION] Crystal Clear Minimalist Cover for Google Pixel 2 XL - Clear.
It's thin and nice to actually see the phone for a change (I have the stormtrooper/panda color 2XL). IQ Shield for screen protection: Google Pixel 2 XL Screen Protector [Not Glass][2-Pack].

IQ Shield LiQuidSkin Full Coverage Screen Protector for Google Pixel 2 XL

So far, so good, but I have only been actively using the phone since yesterday.

Awesome. That's almost the same setup that I have. I went with the IQShield screen protector as well (case friendly version) and the Spigen Liquid Crystal Google Pixel 2 XL Case with Slim Protection and Premium Clarity for Google Pixel 2 XL (2017) - Crystal Clear. The Spigen case is basically the same case as the Ringke. I have the 'just black' Pixel 2 XL but my son has the stormtrooper and the same Spigen clear case and, yes, the colors show through just fine. I don't like thick cases and this Spigen provides just enough added grip without being obtrusive. I like how the phone/case fits in my front pocket.

 

[Jimmy_W]

Now that UConnect Access is active I just tested free form texting and it works. It does leave a signature, "Sent by my Ram UConnect" at the end of each text message.

Well, I'm skunked! Apparently, the feature is not available at the moment with the Pixel 2s with my Uconnect. Well, I needed a new phone anyway, and perhaps they'll upgrade to the new Pixel 2s at some point. Nevertheless, thanks again for the help! (I can always trade it in for a Galaxy 8+)