I swear, if this phone doesn't work...

[tadpoles]

Honestly, I find that iPhones have the best battery life, especially the 6 and newer but that's not enough to keep me away from Android. Neither is the great iMessage and FaceTime. We all know Ferraris don't get the best gas mileage and neither do most Androids have the best battery life. Just my thought.

 

[tadpoles]

What is most critical in a phone? That is a pointed question as it's is very subjective. For me it's signal strength, battery, clean/smooth (no lag) and camera. I have yet to find a device that was superior in all 4 (Moto Z force was almost there). Heck, the N7 was only great in 2 of the 4. I couldn't get through a full day on one charge and it was extremely laggy!

Bring on the Pixel!!!

Well stated.

 

[I Can Be Your Hero]

I think all of us here are hoping that the Pixel doesn't have the same problem and suffer the same fate that the Note 7 has.

I'm looking forward to delivery on the 20th.

I, for some reason am not really excited by the Pixel. I know it's pure android in an iPhone-esque body and you'll get timely OS updates (for those that value the latest and greatest there). It seems like something like the V20 offers more hardware (I'm a hardware gal), with the exception of timely OS updates.

I kinda think of the Pixel as Google's very own iPhone but that may be a limited way of looking at things.

Funnily enough, I'm more excited about the Pixel then I have been about a phone for a while.

While great hardware is good, I think there are a few things that Google offers that to me, are things that are of importance and why I am willing to jump on the Pixel over other Android OEM devices:

1. Fastest software updates. I believe Google will have the latest software updates (including bug fixes) on Pixel phones faster than other OEM's will get the updates on their phones. I'm also expecting simultaneous release, so me being in Australia doesn't have to wait weeks/months while people in Europe get their updates.

2. Security. Similar to software updates, I believe Google will have the latest security updates and will be pushing them out consistently faster than other OEM's. I'm on a HTC 10 right now with the latest 1.95 update (which I recieved last week), yet it has the August security patch, and it's mid-October now, soon to be November. I'm not comfortable with that.

3. Sleek, quick and simplistic software as Google envisioned it. I've always preferred Google's interpretation of it's UI Android on phones. Nexus devices have always been very fast and fluid for me, and I don't doubt that the Pixel will be the same. I prefer their UI software quite a bit more than other OEM's. HTC recently have been the one to come closest. Yes this is achievable by rooting and flashing roms and all that, but I'm not interested in that. I want a phone that's exceptional out of the box - not after a few hours flashing roms and kernels and all that.

4. Original quality photo and video backup. This is a big one for me. Having all photos and 4k vidoes I've taken with the Pixel to be backed up and stored at original quality is amazing. I currently use Google's high-quality option for photos and videos, and while it's good....nothing beats original quality. This alone was the sole reason for me to order a Pixel. Snap a pic/take a video and have it auto-backup at original quality with no bite out of my Google storage? Yeah, sign me up.

5. Google Assistant. While I'm excited for this, I'm also very skeptical as to how 'smart' it'll really be. Sure I can ask it to set reminders, to set a timer, to call X or navigate to Y, but I can do that already on my current phone. So I want to see just how much more it can do, but I understand that this is still early days of AI, so I'm not holding my breath that this will be some sort of break-through, mind-blowing feature. I'm cautiously optimistic.

So they are pretty much the reasons why I'm pumped for this phone. Hardware is the least of my concerns. Yes I think something like the Note 7 looks better, is designed better, could have a better camera, better battery life etc etc, but those are less important to me than the above. Phone hardware will come and go, but the experience and services is what will hook users to a phone.

Getting software and security updates consistently suggests to me that the vendor is interested in post-sale service. That the agreement doesn't end once I've handed over my cash and then I'm left wondering 'will this update come to my phone, it's been months now'. It's building a non-formal relationship with me and suggests to me that I can trust that if there are bugs or issues that my vendor of choice has me covered. That sort of mentality is why a lot of poeple stick with iPhones. They know that if something is wrong, they can go straight to an Apple store, show them the issue and it'll get addressed then and there - possibly resulting in a new device. That's the sort of service and trust I want to have with an Android OEM, and I believe Google are the only ones that will be really invested in that.

Sorry for the long rant, just felt like getting this out. It's nothing against you personally at all and everyone has their own reasons for buying/not buying a phone, but I thought I'd just present the other side of the argument - the 'it's more than just hardware' side.

 

[droidiac13]

OP: I am with you on this.
I am also a Samsung refugee.
Hopeful that the Pixel XL will be a great device.

Add me to this list...

 

[tadpoles]

I completely understand. To be honest, when the 'best, most fluid, software experience is paramount for me, I'd likely go iPhone and iOS. It's already proven, FOR ME and I like iOS and Android equally, yet for different reasons. Dedicated to neither.

For me, this is the beginning of the season for Android and it's merits and quibbles. Bonuses and bugs. When this season is over, be that a year or more or less, it'll be the season for iPhones and their walled garden. This keeps it all relatively fresh for me yet annoys my hubby.

Your points as to the merits of what Google is doing with the pixel are well received.

Thx.

 

[dennisharrison]

I am leaving the Note 7 (actually still have it even though I have switch to my wifes iphone) and heading to the Pixel XL. I actually loved the n7. Couldn't have been happier, even with all that happened I would be willing to wait it out for another one( I know its done, just saying). The phone alone is worth it. But if you add all the free stuff I got and the time spent getting to use this phone. Amazing.

So now I am baited on this Pixel XL. I have had to use the Iphone 5s, which I know is not a newer version, but the ios is 10.2 or whatever. Look I am not bashing the iphone as a device that isnt worth it for anyone. I get it. I see why my mother can use this phone and just about anyone else. It is clean, smooth, integrated and consistent. If it was 8 years ago and all I wanted was a phone that works, maybe. It just feels like many steps back. A futuristic version of what was bad 10 years ago with OS's. It gets even worse with the newer version with no headphone jack.

Now I see the Pixel XL as the best option for me at this time coming from the N7 and not wanting to go to apple. I had the s7e as a loaner and it felt like the step back it was. I bet the N5 would have felt the same way. I usually get new phones every year, just hadn't had a new new phone. Of course I picked the N7 as that and look how I was rewarded.

So now the I sit and wait for the latest new phone. With promise of greatness of some kind. Is it going to go down the path of apple? Will google step into the shadow of success the iphone has cast or will it take a new path? All this is relative, nobody is making phones for me. This coming from someone that believed in the palm pre. Not in its ability to overtake apple, samsung or anyone. But in its ability to be an open concept device with design and features independent of convention. I realize the iphone was such a device of difference. But it was and is done so with the model of I know better then you about which you want or need. It never feels like apple is listening to its customers. If they do its only when it suits them and their monopolistic goals.

The nexus devices always seem to be showcases of what google expected the future of android should be. This process gave everyone else a goal to reach for. But it did not stop others from listening and creating differently. It gave many manufacturers a head start on ripening there own skills within the ecosystem. And then to there credit, they then switched to another manufacturer. Maybe for reasons much more monitory or simplistic.

Now we have the Pixel and Pixel XL. I am looking at them as maybe the Cadillac of HTC. Maybe not as google would put it and without being able to compare the 2, maybe not a fair comparison. But we all know its made with close ties to HTC. In theory google may step further and further away from HTC with further versions, but we know its rooted in HTC. As the pixel lines advance, will we see more of apples games or will google continue to expand its reliance on diversity?

All I know is this better arrive on time, work, not be recalled and meet my overly excited expectations. Most importantly let me get rid of this Apple Newton.

Total spaghetti. Totally agree on opinions of Note 7 and Pixel XL. Please post your thoughts after getting the XL

 

[miyanc]

I had the note 7, with zero lag, 40% battery at the end of the day, camera was awesome, and with wifi calling zero connection issues. Oh and that was the same for both the n7's or the s7e for that matter. As for LG, I had the g4 and it was garbage , actually had 2 of them both terrible. The camera was great, but ui, battery abysmal . I have had other LG's in the past and returned them. Can't remember the models. I had hoped the g4 would be good enough. Even after the Samsung stuff I would go back. The n7 was and is a fantastic device. I would be OK keeping it and charging it on a baking sheet. No way I buy another LG. Yes I would prefer removable battery and memory card. But also lose waterproof. I think LG has to sell removable batteries, otherwise the phones wouldn't last 6 months. They give away batteries and chargers because there batteries don't have that extra zip the n7 does....hehe

Bottom line for me is pixel xl 128. Black. No someone tell verizon to ship mine.

 

[I Can Be Your Hero]

I completely understand. To be honest, when the 'best, most fluid, software experience is paramount for me, I'd likely go iPhone and iOS. It's already proven, FOR ME and I like iOS and Android equally, yet for different reasons. Dedicated to neither.

For me, this is the beginning of the season for Android and it's merits and quibbles. Bonuses and bugs. When this season is over, be that a year or more or less, it'll be the season for iPhones and their walled garden. This keeps it all relatively fresh for me yet annoys my hubby.

Your points as to the merits of what Google is doing with the pixel are well received.

Thx.

That's true. If someone is after the most fluid, smoothest experience, I'd say the iPhone would be the go-to device. What I'm hoping for is that the Pixel becomes 'that' device in the Android space, or at least gets very very close to replicating what the iPhone has in terms of UI speed/fluidity, updates, security, service etc.

I'm banking on the Pixel to be that device, and I think Google are the ones in the best position to provide that. I hope I'm right.

 

[Amele]

Another Note 7 refugee. I thought about the N5 but 64 gb, no sd card. nope. Didn't like the 7edge.
The viewing angles, the way the edges kept popping out when I put my finger wrong. I don't expect miracles here. I am tired of the two months worth of my life eaten up by Samsung, and just want a phone with a decent camera, and even without the sd card, the 128 gb will probably be ok for my 17 gb of music. (not a fan of music streamed from anywhere). I think if I approach this with lowered expectations, but a willingness to move on, the Pixel Xl should be fine. No, it's not the N7, which was easily the best phone I ever had, and I loved it. Maybe I will love the Pixel but I will settle for liking it and trusting it won't explode. Part of me is really mad at Samsung, and glad to buy a phone from Google. I hope it hurts, Sammy. Childish, I know. Oh well.

 

[akin_t]

I sprung for the HTC 10 to replace my Note 7. Pixels sound nice on paper but I needed expandable storage, the front facing finger print scanner was the straw that broke the back for me. I'm sure you'll like the Pixel, it's sure to be fast.

 

[ihbsbA]

Yeahp, Google's iPhone. So to speak. What is the advantage over the Nexus line?

The Pixel is replacing the Nexus.

 

[prking0905]

Great points! I completely agree with you.

 

[garak0410]

I too came from the Note 7 and loved the phone despite the flaws. The flaws for me were the lag. My Note 5 had no lag that I could report but the Note 7 did. The "replacement Note 7" was a little better but the camera app was so, so slow to me, especially after trying to exit it after using it.

I have high hopes that I can use my Pixel XL for some time...for now, I am placing it in a "jail" Otterbox Commuter, mainly because I am going to a theme park this weekend and want to take good pictures and have it safe in pocket during rides (who trusts those cubbies)? I hope to try the custom picture cases soon. I'm looking forward to taking some awesome pictures and videos this weekend.

 

[tadpoles]

The Pixel is replacing the Nexus.

Exactly. So I'm not quite sure why the rebrand but it is getting positive feedback from the media.

 

[alirezafarmad]

Who told you the 2015 Nexus had a plastic cover?!?

 

[Wiley_11]

Who told you the 2015 Nexus had a plastic cover?!?

I think somebody didn't think that through..........

 

[Dan L2]

just sprung and purchased the XL from google. Had a mild heart attack after pressing confirm pricing, 1300 ish Canadian for the XL 32 with protection plan and 20 for shipping, but know it will be a positive experiences move from a S4.

My first big phone but I got to hold aa case for one and the size feels nice in my hand. much better then the iphone 6 plus that feels huge.

 

[juliesdroidsync]

I believe that the pixels will be OK for you...<snip> Will it satisfy you like the Note 7.. I rather doubt that it will tick all the checkmarks that make you feel for the Note... <snip> I'm sorry if this upsets you or anyone else for that matter... I just can't see anyone really being happy with something else if they think that the note series is the "best" they think there is...

I agree... I look at it more like a temporary fling... a distraction... something you do while your bad-boy lover serves a short stint in prison...

You know... you go elsewhere for a little while... you have some fun, you have some laughs... but you both know it's not gonna last.

Because when your lover gets parole, and makes restitution for what he's done wrong, and tops it off with some of the best "make-up phone" you've ever had... you know what I'm talking about... Make-up phone sooooo good you literally pass out... multiple times... because with your true love it will always be WAY better than ANY make-up phone you'll ever have...

Then... you put your fling behind you (dump that Pixel XL on eBay) and go back to your one true love...

Sammy... are you jealous yet???

I still love you, Sammy... but a girl has her needs while you're away...

See you soon, baby...

 

[mightyfacundo]

I agree... I look at it more like a temporary fling... a distraction... something you do while your bad-boy lover serves a short stint in prison...

You know... you go elsewhere for a little while... you have some fun, you have some laughs... but you both know it's not gonna last.

Because when your lover gets parole, and makes restitution for what he's done wrong, and tops it off with some of the best "make-up phone" you've ever had... you know what I'm talking about... Make-up phone sooooo good you literally pass out... multiple times... because with your true love it will always be WAY better than ANY make-up phone you'll ever have...

Then... you put your fling behind you (dump that Pixel XL on eBay) and go back to your one true love...

Sammy... are you jealous yet???

I still love you, Sammy... but a girl has her needs while you're away...

See you soon, baby...

Awesome. I love it. One of the better posts I've read on this site.

 

[arthurhkt]

I am leaving the Note 7 (actually still have it even though I have switch to my wifes iphone) and heading to the Pixel XL. I actually loved the n7. Couldn't have been happier, even with all that happened I would be willing to wait it out for another one( I know its done, just saying). The phone alone is worth it. But if you add all the free stuff I got and the time spent getting to use this phone. Amazing.

So now I am baited on this Pixel XL. I have had to use the Iphone 5s, which I know is not a newer version, but the ios is 10.2 or whatever. Look I am not bashing the iphone as a device that isnt worth it for anyone. I get it. I see why my mother can use this phone and just about anyone else. It is clean, smooth, integrated and consistent. If it was 8 years ago and all I wanted was a phone that works, maybe. It just feels like many steps back. A futuristic version of what was bad 10 years ago with OS's. It gets even worse with the newer version with no headphone jack.

Now I see the Pixel XL as the best option for me at this time coming from the N7 and not wanting to go to apple. I had the s7e as a loaner and it felt like the step back it was. I bet the N5 would have felt the same way. I usually get new phones every year, just hadn't had a new new phone. Of course I picked the N7 as that and look how I was rewarded.

So now the I sit and wait for the latest new phone. With promise of greatness of some kind. Is it going to go down the path of apple? Will google step into the shadow of success the iphone has cast or will it take a new path? All this is relative, nobody is making phones for me. This coming from someone that believed in the palm pre. Not in its ability to overtake apple, samsung or anyone. But in its ability to be an open concept device with design and features independent of convention. I realize the iphone was such a device of difference. But it was and is done so with the model of I know better then you about which you want or need. It never feels like apple is listening to its customers. If they do its only when it suits them and their monopolistic goals.

The nexus devices always seem to be showcases of what google expected the future of android should be. This process gave everyone else a goal to reach for. But it did not stop others from listening and creating differently. It gave many manufacturers a head start on ripening there own skills within the ecosystem. And then to there credit, they then switched to another manufacturer. Maybe for reasons much more monitory or simplistic.

Now we have the Pixel and Pixel XL. I am looking at them as maybe the Cadillac of HTC. Maybe not as google would put it and without being able to compare the 2, maybe not a fair comparison. But we all know its made with close ties to HTC. In theory google may step further and further away from HTC with further versions, but we know its rooted in HTC. As the pixel lines advance, will we see more of apples games or will google continue to expand its reliance on diversity?

All I know is this better arrive on time, work, not be recalled and meet my overly excited expectations. Most importantly let me get rid of this Apple Newton.

I believe the Pixel would be a good choice for you. Since it preinstalled with Android nougat, most of the N7 functionality like the splitscreen are available on it to (Except for the S Pen). Other things you can expect from the Pixel was the smooth UI experience and also latest and fastest Android update straight from Google. Good luck on you mate, and enjoy your phone.