Phone Recommendations, Upgrade from Pixel 2

[Ben Tilford]

Basically my Pixel 2 is showing it's age. Battery life is dropping to annoying levels etc. However, I haven't kept up with what's out there since switching to Pixel devices and nothing really seems decent.

Normally I prefer to have about a 2 year cycle between upgrades, I'm just not seeing anything out there that will fit that.

Basically what I'm looking for:
* Screen absolutely must be less than 6", 5" is really preferred. Using 2 hands on a phone is unacceptable.
* I really prefer vanilla Android and all the google integrations.
* I'd really prefer fingerprint reader over any facial recognition biometrics.
* I'm not a photographer but still want a good camera. Something that works in a poorly lit garage and takes decent video.
* I'm a developer so having a device that isn't completely obscure allows using as a test device.
* I'm ok with the upper end of average screen, storage, etc
* I'm not in an area that is likely to have 5G for years, and 90% of the time I'm on home or work WiFi anyways
* Needs to work with Google Fi service
* I've got 3 different GSuite accounts + 2 regular google accounts so if some manufacturer broke account management that's not an option.
* I want OTA updates quickly and don't have time to mess with rooting or managing the image myself anymore.
* Only the screen should be glass, a phone I don't need to put in a case would be awesome. Something durable and not slippery.
* Longer battery life is better. I miss the original OnePlus's battery life.
* The phone doesn't need to be slim especially if it doesn't require a case.
* Needs to fit into pants pockets AND I need to be able to sit down without being stabbed in the hip/leg.

Right now I'm sort of looking at:

1. Pixel 4 -- If I can get it on sale. It's overpriced for something I don't really like and I'd likely replace it once the Pixel 5 is released.
2. Pixel 4a -- Looks like something that I'd be ok with for about a year but I don't want to wait.
3. OnePlus 7? -- Screens are all just too big and I'm not sure about OxygenOS, I liked Cynagen on their original until that died off.
4. Pixel 3 -- And just replace when the Pixel 5 comes out assuming it's better or more acceptable than the Pixel 4.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! If you need something right now, how about the Pixel 3a?

 

[belodion]

Good luck with finding something that's just right. I suspect thát many of us have tó accept something that's no more than nearly right.

 

[summersun1233]

I love xiaomi. I think it is very good.

 

[Mike Dee]

Basically my Pixel 2 is showing it's age. Battery life is dropping to annoying levels etc. However, I haven't kept up with what's out there since switching to Pixel devices and nothing really seems decent.

Normally I prefer to have about a 2 year cycle between upgrades, I'm just not seeing anything out there that will fit that.

Basically what I'm looking for:
* Screen absolutely must be less than 6", 5" is really preferred. Using 2 hands on a phone is unacceptable.
* I really prefer vanilla Android and all the google integrations.
* I'd really prefer fingerprint reader over any facial recognition biometrics.
* I'm not a photographer but still want a good camera. Something that works in a poorly lit garage and takes decent video.
* I'm a developer so having a device that isn't completely obscure allows using as a test device.
* I'm ok with the upper end of average screen, storage, etc
* I'm not in an area that is likely to have 5G for years, and 90% of the time I'm on home or work WiFi anyways
* Needs to work with Google Fi service
* I've got 3 different GSuite accounts + 2 regular google accounts so if some manufacturer broke account management that's not an option.
* I want OTA updates quickly and don't have time to mess with rooting or managing the image myself anymore.
* Only the screen should be glass, a phone I don't need to put in a case would be awesome. Something durable and not slippery.
* Longer battery life is better. I miss the original OnePlus's battery life.
* The phone doesn't need to be slim especially if it doesn't require a case.
* Needs to fit into pants pockets AND I need to be able to sit down without being stabbed in the hip/leg.

Right now I'm sort of looking at:

1. Pixel 4 -- If I can get it on sale. It's overpriced for something I don't really like and I'd likely replace it once the Pixel 5 is released.
2. Pixel 4a -- Looks like something that I'd be ok with for about a year but I don't want to wait.
3. OnePlus 7? -- Screens are all just too big and I'm not sure about OxygenOS, I liked Cynagen on their original until that died off.
4. Pixel 3 -- And just replace when the Pixel 5 comes out assuming it's better or more acceptable than the Pixel 4.

I would normally recommend the Pixel 3, however I only hesitate because the video and audio portion of the camera is just OK. For photos it's one of the best out there.