Pixel 2 XL - Coming From The Note 8

[garak0410]

I obtained a new Pixel XL 2 this past Friday having been using a Note 8 since it was launched. I decided to pop in my sim and try it out over the weekend. I was wary considering all of the negative press it has received but coming from the original Pixel XL, I really wanted to give it a shot. As good at the Note 8 is, I find that I don't want to go back.

Yes, the screen isn't as vibrant as the Note 8 but I do agree with some that it is more natural looking, even with saturated mode on.

I've not experienced anything negative with the phone as been reported in the tech news.

I really prefer pure Android. Having duplicate Samsung apps and the Samsung app store just feels messy and in a lack of better words, stressful. So nice to have it clean and pure...

The camera is indeed awesome...not much more to say there...

If I have to say one thing negative is Bluetooth in my Jeep's UConnect is still hit and miss, as it was with the original Pixel XL. Sometimes requires to be disconnected and reconnected. Sometimes doesn't show music track or podcast title and shows unknown. I wish this was fixed by now.

I imagine I'll be using this for quite some time...

 

[Frenzytom]

I obtained a new Pixel XL 2 this past Friday having been using a Note 8 since it was launched. I decided to pop in my sim and try it out over the weekend. I was wary considering all of the negative press it has received but coming from the original Pixel XL, I really wanted to give it a shot. As good at the Note 8 is, I find that I don't want to go back.

Yes, the screen isn't as vibrant as the Note 8 but I do agree with some that it is more natural looking, even with saturated mode on.

I've not experienced anything negative with the phone as been reported in the tech news.

I really prefer pure Android. Having duplicate Samsung apps and the Samsung app store just feels messy and in a lack of better words, stressful. So nice to have it clean and pure...

The camera is indeed awesome...not much more to say there...

I imagine I'll be using this for quite some time...

I am on the same boat. I had the Note 8 since launch and have used the the OG Pixel as well, I miss the stock Android and speed of it. The Note 8 is impressive and checks all the boxes of features yet it at the end of the day, a good phone has to have a great user experience. Also, the panda version really is a differentiator and looks amazing. I am going to make it my daily driver as well.

 

[PowrDroid]

If I have to say one thing negative is Bluetooth in my Jeep's UConnect is still hit and miss, as it was with the original Pixel XL. Sometimes requires to be disconnected and reconnected. Sometimes doesn't show music track or podcast title and shows unknown. I wish this was fixed by now.

I imagine I'll be using this for quite some time...

What is it with UConnect in Jeeps and Pixel's bluetooth?
My Ram 1500 pickup and 2 XL bluetooth work perfect together.
My wife's Dodge Charger and her 2 XL bluetooth work perfect together.

 

[PowrDroid]

As good at the Note 8 is, I find that I don't want to go back.

I had narrowed my choice down to a Pixel 2 XL and a Note 8. Just liked the Pixel 2 XL better.

If I have to say one thing negative is Bluetooth in my Jeep's UConnect is still hit and miss, as it was with the original Pixel XL. Sometimes requires to be disconnected and reconnected. Sometimes doesn't show music track or podcast title and shows unknown. I wish this was fixed by now.

What is it with UConnect in Jeeps and Pixel's bluetooth?
My Ram 1500 pickup and 2 XL bluetooth work perfect together.
My wife's Dodge Charger and her 2 XL bluetooth work perfect together.

We've both got UConnect 8.4A. Do you have the UConnect with navigation built-in? I think it is the 8.4N version. Maybe that is where the problem lies.

 

[garak0410]

I had narrowed my choice down to a Pixel 2 XL and a Note 8. Just liked the Pixel 2 XL better.




What is it with UConnect in Jeeps and Pixel's bluetooth?
My Ram 1500 pickup and 2 XL bluetooth work perfect together.
My wife's Dodge Charger and her 2 XL bluetooth work perfect together.

We've both got UConnect 8.4A. Do you have the UConnect with navigation built-in? I think it is the 8.4N version. Maybe that is where the problem lies.

I will say the Bluetooth is better in the 2 so far with my Jeep/UConnect...just the aforementioned issues. The original Pixel would sometimes crash my entire UConnect and I'd have to park and stop the Jeep and restart car to get it working again.

I did get a UConnect update over the air several months ago but I'll have to check the version.

I really do love the Note 8 but being back on the Pixel makes me realize how much I feel the Samsung apps are in the way.

 

[pseudoware]

Does the Note 8's FPS suck like the S8? And that offset location right next to the camera lens is ridiculous. I could never get with that.

Although only one reason of many, something I use several times a day, the reliable unlocking and properly centered FPS is a repeated reminder of how glad I am to have replaced Samsung with my 2 XL.

 

[I Can Be Your Hero]

I also recently came from the Note 8 to the Pixel 2 XL. IMO it's not even close - love the Pixel 2 XL far more than I did the Note 8. It does everything well. I can't really point at something about the Pixel 2 XL and say 'yeah that's not good'. I get the screen issues, though the only one I notice is the blue tint and that's only if viewed on an angle. Not a big deal to me.

The camera is nothing short of amazing. It consistently takes great shots and I never have to take multiple shots with the hope that one of them turn out well. The Pixel 2 just takes a great shot first time, every time.

The software experience just blows the Note 8 out of the water IMO. I keep hearing reviewers saying Samsung's software has gotten better and it's tolerable/quite good now, and sure, if your point of reference is Samsung phones, I'm sure the Note 8 has a good user interface. But compared to the Pixel 2? I don't want to even see the Note 8's UI thanks. IMO the Pixel 2 runs circles around it and it's not close.

I feel like now that I have gotten used to the Pixel's UI with it's clean and smooth user experience, I just can't move to another phone that can't match that. It's as if I've been brain washed or something. As pretty as the Note 8 is, and as pretty as the Galaxy S9 will be, they don't even interest me, because I know when it comes down to it, the experience on the Pixel is something that won't be matched by other phones.

In addition to that, you're saying I get fastest platform updates, monthly security updates, unlimited photo and video storage at original quality? Yeah, I'll sign up for that thanks.

I hope I haven't been too harsh. The Note 8 is a great phone and the millions of people who bought it will love it, but for me, it's not even close.

Does the Note 8's FPS suck like the S8? And that offset location right next to the camera lens is ridiculous. I could never get with that.

Although only one reason of many, something I use several times a day, the reliable unlocking and properly centered FPS is a repeated reminder of how glad I am to have replaced Samsung with my 2 XL.

The Note 8 fingerprint scanner doesn't suck, it works fine, it's just positioned in a non-optimal spot. the Pixel 2's fp scanner is much better positioned and because of that, it's also faster. I don't have to 'search' around for the fp scanner on the Pixel 2.

 

[garak0410]

I've never had a problem with the Fingerprint Sensor on the Note 8 but I do agree it is in a awkward spot. I generally do hit it correctly each time. That said, it is much better on the Pixel XL 2.

I'm going to continue with the Pixel XL 2 for now rather than going back to my Note 8. As I said, I loved the Note 8 but the Pixel just feels neater.

 

[mcostajr]

I'm currently using a Note 8 and Pixel 2XL. I've had the Note for several months and the Pixel for 2 weeks. I love the Note but am really struggling with whether to keep the Pixel and ditch the Note or vice versa. For me, there are quite a few advantages to the Pixel. The first is that it accommodates apt-x Bluetooth codec. If they're getting rid of the headphone jack, then offer the best Bluetooth experience possible. The Note 8 doesn't have this and it is noticable on my Sennheiser Momentums. The front firing speakers are a must. On the Note I am constantly covering the speaker and the mic with my finger when I need to hear or be heard. It is terrible. No such problems with the Pixel. Finally, although I love the design of the Note 8, I actually prefer the slightly larger side bezels on the Pixel. I'm tired of all the false touches on the Note. Seems I've talked myself into keeping the Pixel.

 

[Morty2264]

So glad you are enjoying your Pixel 2 XL sans issues! Hopefully the Bluetooth issue gets resolved! What colour 2 XL did you get? If I do indeed go the Pixel 2 route, I'm opting for the smaller one - but the Stormtrooper look on the 2 XL is my favourite of them all.

 

[Jeremiah Bonds]

I obtained a new Pixel XL 2 this past Friday having been using a Note 8 since it was launched. I decided to pop in my sim and try it out over the weekend. I was wary considering all of the negative press it has received but coming from the original Pixel XL, I really wanted to give it a shot. As good at the Note 8 is, I find that I don't want to go back.

Yes, the screen isn't as vibrant as the Note 8 but I do agree with some that it is more natural looking, even with saturated mode on.

I've not experienced anything negative with the phone as been reported in the tech news.

I really prefer pure Android. Having duplicate Samsung apps and the Samsung app store just feels messy and in a lack of better words, stressful. So nice to have it clean and pure...

The camera is indeed awesome...not much more to say there...

If I have to say one thing negative is Bluetooth in my Jeep's UConnect is still hit and miss, as it was with the original Pixel XL. Sometimes requires to be disconnected and reconnected. Sometimes doesn't show music track or podcast title and shows unknown. I wish this was fixed by now.

I imagine I'll be using this for quite some time...

Have you tried to chance the display to "saturated"?

 

[mcostajr]

I have the black one. I've had no Bluetooth issues at all, even with UConnect on my Dodge Durango. I actually think the Pixel Bluetooth sound is also better in my car than my Note. I know others are having Bluetooth trouble, but from my experience I think Google nailed it.

 

[garak0410]

I'm currently using a Note 8 and Pixel 2XL. I've had the Note for several months and the Pixel for 2 weeks. I love the Note but am really struggling with whether to keep the Pixel and ditch the Note or vice versa. For me, there are quite a few advantages to the Pixel. The first is that it accommodates apt-x Bluetooth codec. If they're getting rid of the headphone jack, then offer the best Bluetooth experience possible. The Note 8 doesn't have this and it is noticable on my Sennheiser Momentums. The front firing speakers are a must. On the Note I am constantly covering the speaker and the mic with my finger when I need to hear or be heard. It is terrible. No such problems with the Pixel. Finally, although I love the design of the Note 8, I actually prefer the slightly larger side bezels on the Pixel. I'm tired of all the false touches on the Note. Seems I've talked myself into keeping the Pixel.

Sounds like you have. I may miss the screen and yes, the edge panels (I used them on the Note 8) but I don't know if I can go back to the "Samsung Bloat"...I'd rather use Google's apps and don't really need Bixby even if I don't have a problem with it.

 

[garak0410]

So glad you are enjoying your Pixel 2 XL sans issues! Hopefully the Bluetooth issue gets resolved! What colour 2 XL did you get? If I do indeed go the Pixel 2 route, I'm opting for the smaller one - but the Stormtrooper look on the 2 XL is my favourite of them all.

I went with the black. If I sell my wife's Note 8, she wants the Black and White.

 

[garak0410]

Have you tried to chance the display to "saturated"?

Yes, I've turned it on...nice...

 

[Morty2264]

I went with the black. If I sell my wife's Note 8, she wants the Black and White.

Good choices!

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

Does the Note 8's FPS suck like the S8? And that offset location right next to the camera lens is ridiculous. I could never get with that.

Although only one reason of many, something I use several times a day, the reliable unlocking and properly centered FPS is a repeated reminder of how glad I am to have replaced Samsung with my 2 XL.

It doesn't suck but it isn't fast.

It's one of the slower ones I've used. It's always-on, which is nice but especially compared to Huawei, it's not instant.

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

Honestly, since the 2 XL's display stuff seems to be resolved in the newer batches, I think I'm confident in recommending it.

I personally called it the spiritual successor to the Nexus 6, mainly because the front fascia reminds me so much of it and it was actually my favorite Nexus device.

 

[PowrDroid]

I have the black one. I've had no Bluetooth issues at all, even with UConnect on my Dodge Durango. I actually think the Pixel Bluetooth sound is also better in my car than my Note. I know others are having Bluetooth trouble, but from my experience I think Google nailed it.

This is interesting because I have over 1,000 songs on a SD-Card (mostly FLAC converted to 320 kbps mp3) in my Ram 1500 with UConnect. A couple days ago I decided to test out the Pixel 2 XL bluetooth audio quality, run it in conjunction with Google Maps turn-by-turn direction, etc. Just see how it worked. It worked flawlessly.

One thing that jumped out at me was the sound quality of the mp3 files played by Pixel 2 over bluetooth. They seemed to sound better than the SD card. Better dynamic range, better bass. I always notice how mp3's butcher high tones in songs like the sound of a sustained cymbal, and how the songs generally sound kind of flat, but dang if the bluetooth sounded better. I ended up playing the same song on my phone and then via the SD card and I thought the bluetooth sounded better.

The song was the same file from the same source, just loaded onto my phone and my SD card from the same saved file on my computer. Am I drinking the Kool Aid too much? This seemed real to me.

 

[paradroid]

I don't have car play, but Bluetooth range is way better than my Note 5. I put my phone on top of a tall machine at the health club and can walk anywhere in the club with no drops. With the Note it would start stuttering if I got around a corner or just a bid too far.

One think I notice is the auto-connect does not work the first time every time. It will connect, but the media is still playing via phone speakers. I found if I click the settings gear for the Bluetooth connection to my head set and turn off media and turn it back on it works.

I did not have an Galaxy 8 but the one thing I really miss is Samsung Pay and it's ability to work on any card reader. I asked Santa for a Gear 3 to solve this problem, and IMHO I have been very good all year so my hopes are high.