Here it is: Thoughts on switching to the Pixel 2 XL

[PaulQ]

I scanned the first two pages of posts and was surprised I didn't see this discussion already started.

I did it. I "bought" a Pixel 2 XL. I put that in quotes because I did go through the purchase process but mainly to get mine reserved knowing I would spend a little time trying to decide if I should switch from my 8+ and still have the option to cancel.

The main things holding me back are WIRELESS CHARGING and the fact that I haven't even had the S8+ for very long - like 4 months. The beautiful design of the S8+ does help its case but it wouldn't be a reason alone to keep it.

I only brought up the XL because the regular version just doesn't hold a candle to the S8.

Then you have the next Samsung on the horizon.

Things that bug me? The fingerprint sensor. Slow updates.

And...... I miss the Google experience I had on my 6P. This 8+ is an amazing leap forward. I haven't had a Samsung in years.

Anyway..... anyone else in this predicament or have thoughts on this?

 

[thoughtjunky]

I'm not going to upgrade from my S8+ for a multitude of reasons. I love what Google is doing with the Pixel 2, but it's just not a good move for me right now. I think I'll probably go for the Pixel 3 if it gets wireless charging and a micro SD slot.

 

[Wbutchart]

Pixel has been crippled by the removal of the headphone jack. Absolutely no plans to buy into apples courage nonsense.

 

[Yuvalhad12]

Pixel has been crippled by the removal of the headphone jack. Absolutely no plans to buy into apples courage nonsense.

This.

I'm sorry Google, but this year we got no headphone jack, a little better camera with portrait mode, squeezable sides (or however you say that?), a better screen that somehow looks worse then the pixel xl, and a stereo front speakers. Those are basically the major changes, at least for me.

But, I just think that doesn't justify the 850$+ price tag, especially if you could get a mint condition pixel xl 128gb for 500$ at swappa. I mean seriously, for 350$ less you don't loose so many features, and actually you get a more solid-looking device and A HEADPHONE JACK.

Yep, I knew I rent a little, but damn Google, WHY?

 

[rushmore]

This.

I'm sorry Google, but this year we got no headphone jack, a little better camera with portrait mode, squeezable sides (or however you say that?), a better screen that somehow looks worse then the pixel xl, and a stereo front speakers. Those are basically the major changes, at least for me.

But, I just think that doesn't justify the 850$+ price tag, especially if you could get a mint condition pixel xl 128gb for 500$ at swappa. I mean seriously, for 350$ less you don't loose so many features, and actually you get a more solid-looking device and A HEADPHONE JACK.

Yep, I knew I rent a little, but damn Google, WHY?

No sd slot

No 3.5 jack

Big bezels

Inferior display

...... Not seeing a reason to change

 

[mchi5]

no not gonna upgrade. No micro SD card, worse display, and no headphone jack (although I mainly use Bluetooth headphones). plus the price is way too much for the XL

I recently switched from the LG G6 to the S8+ and couldn't be happier. Samsung has come a long way since my last Samsung (Note 4). and plus, I got the S8+ mint off eBay for $541 shipped. can't beat that

 

[Yuvalhad12]

No sd slot

No 3.5 jack

Big bezels

Inferior display

...... Not seeing a reason to change

The display is arguably worse or better, but the front looks weird that I just don't wanna look at it. But yea, that's what I meant. If you come from a nexus or want to upgrade to a pixel, just upgrade to the original pixel.

 

[anon(7894520)]

I'm not downgrading from the S8 to the Pixel.

 

[WallaceD]

There's absolutely no need to switch.

 

[PaulQ]

It's funny to see the difference between this type of discussion on the S8 forum vs the Pixel 2 forum. One notable fact is that when I asked what people are switching from, most of the answers are phone older than the last major flagship released.

I am leaning further toward canceling the order now.

 

[neil74]

Other than the software updates the LG V30 looks the better option over the XL2

 

[Yuvalhad12]

It's funny to see the difference between this type of discussion on the S8 forum vs the Pixel 2 forum. One notable fact is that when I asked what people are switching from, most of the answers are phone older than the last major flagship released.

I am leaning further toward canceling the order now.

Which phone do you use? If you use the galaxy s8 and enjoy it, I think you should cancel the order.
If you're concerned about updates, we still have 2 years of support, and if you are worried about timely updates- oreo has a lot of bugs right now, so I don't see why would someone want to get the update first, with all of those bugs.
If you come for the speakers, camera and etc - you should upgrade, but hey, at least we have a headphone jack!

Anyway, I'm sure you will be alright with both ways! Good luck!

 

[FutureMech]

Going from S8 to Pixel 2 is a huge downgrade, worse screen, no headphone jack, no SD, no wireless charging, battery might be better a bit, no Samsung Pay

 

[V J]

I have similar thoughts honestly. If you really can't live without the stock Android experience then by all means switch. Keep in mind that there are going to be many downsides to it but for some people, it's stock Android or no Android, which is understandable.

However, if you've lived with your S8+ for 4 months and you're not hating the Samsung UI experience, then just get a custom launcher and enable faster transition animations in developer settings and you pretty much have close to stock Android plus all the other benefits of the S8+ over the Pixel XL (bigger/better screen, wireless charging, Samsung Pay etc).

 

[PaulQ]

I have similar thoughts honestly. If you really can't live without the stock Android experience then by all means switch. Keep in mind that there are going to be many downsides to it but for some people, it's stock Android or no Android, which is understandable.

However, if you've lived with your S8+ for 4 months and you're not hating the Samsung UI experience, then just get a custom launcher and enable faster transition animations in developer settings and you pretty much have close to stock Android plus all the other benefits of the S8+ over the Pixel XL (bigger/better screen, wireless charging, Samsung Pay etc).

Good points. I put Action Launcher on all my phones. I do give the stock launchers a try but always end up back with Action Launcher.

I am just about ready to cancel the Pixel 2.

 

[jmartin]

My take is this. I have been a Nexus/Pixel 1 user from the get go (Nexus 1). The S8 came out, I waited a bit, got it for a great discount. The screen. The minimized TW/SE intrusion, it is amazing how far Samsung has come, and what they offer on top of stock Android. My wife used iPhone for a long time, she never cared for my Android phones. She now uses my S8, and I now have a Note 8. I watched the Pixel/Google event, and for the first time I did not order. These are that good.

 

[PaulQ]

...
...Canceling the Pixel 2 XL.

These discussions helped lead me to this decision. From my perspective, there were two things I had to settle with giving up:

1. Fast updates
2. Deeper integration with Google Assistant

I do have concerns about the security updates but that has been status quo, maybe a little improvement lately. I am also concerned that Samsung could possibly push Assistant further into the background favoring Bixby. I want every single Google Assistant feature I can get.

Other than that, the S8+ is an outstanding phone. I am not experiencing the lag that some speak of (using Action Launcher). The price of the Pixel is extreme. I haven't had this S8+ very long so the value lost would sting more than if I had it for a year.

I'm going to go push myself to hit.... CANCEL. :'(

 

[PaulQ]

Ouch. That hurt. But... also a financial relief.

 

[jmartin]

The Pixel will always be there. I don't know how often you change phones, however the S9 is not too far off either. Again, I have never been a Samsung fan (Galaxy Nexus - meh) but this time, these are good.

 

[bstarr3]

I wanted to like the Pixel. I really thought about getting one when they came out. but I feel like the s8 just offered a better packages overall. if I could somehow get ok Google to wake the phone with screen off, it would be just about perfect for me