Pixel & Pixel XL Pricing Rumors

[speedlever]

re: Pixel & Pixel XL Pricing Rumors

I'm of the opinion that Google can price their phones however they want.

I'm also of the opinion that Android OEMs would get pissed if Google went ahead and undercut them just because they can.

And now that you bring up security and support, you can get way more out of an iPhone. Technically, I can be "current" with OS and security on an iPhone 5 from 4 years ago.

You may well be right about the OEMs not liking Google pricing.

And yes, my wife just updated her iP5 from 9.3.5 to 10.0.1 a few days ago. That has not gone unnoticed as I look at my new phone choices at this point in time.

OTOH, I also updated my iPad mini2 from 9.3.5 to 10.0.1 and now I have some stutter and lag when playing a game like CSR2. Timing is critical in that game and stutter can kill it. So perhaps I'm putting too much emphasis on the OS update cycle. Being forced to upgrade every year or two to stay current doesn't represent value to me.

I'm not sure I like my choices.

 

[Law2138]

re: Pixel & Pixel XL Pricing Rumors

So is Google planning to appeal to the masses with the Pixel? Or is this going to be a developer oriented device like the Nexus was?

If they're going with premium pricing, I'm kind of expecting a bit more than the Pixel launcher and a few UI changes. SD card support would be greatly appreciated as the major Android flagships have them. Also, what's the point of adoptable storage in the OS if the hardware isn't going to support it?
Maybe a 32GB base model w/ expandable storage is the way to go. Fast and wireless charging, USB type C, 3300+mah battery, fingerprint scanner and expandable storage are becoming the norm on 5.5"+ phones. To have anything less without some type of ace up its sleeve would just add a Google device to the bunch.

I'm expecting huge news on the 4th that will not only make enthusiasts happy, but something that will truly set these phones apart from the rest.

 

[I Can Be Your Hero]

re: Pixel & Pixel XL Pricing Rumors

According to Android Police, the Pixel 32gb will be priced at $650 US: http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/0...xel-phone-start-649-financing-will-available/

This means that the Pixel XL will be higher and if you want more storage, even higher still.

That is firmly in iPhone territory. Which is surprising seeing as Google have little to no presence in the marketplace. What about the phone will make customers put their money down for the Pixel over the iPhone or Galaxy S7? I'd imagine if I were a typical customer just looking to get a new phone, I'd walk into a store and see the latest iPhone and latest Galaxy phone, why would I want to drop money on this 'Google Pixel' thing?

Guess we'll find out on October 4th.

So is Google planning to appeal to the masses with the Pixel? Or is this going to be a developer oriented device like the Nexus was?

I have a feeling that these new Pixel phones might teeter over into just consumer products completely rather than trying to appeal to developers as well?

If they're going with premium pricing, I'm kind of expecting a bit more than the Pixel launcher and a few UI changes.

Agreed. It has to be more than that. The hardware isn't special enough that it differentiates itself from the competition. Samsung at least have the 'edge' displays on their phone which aesthetically look great and is something no big player on the market does.

SD card support would be greatly appreciated as the major Android flagships have them. Also, what's the point of adoptable storage in the OS if the hardware isn't going to support it?
Maybe a 32GB base model w/ expandable storage is the way to go. Fast and wireless charging, USB type C, 3300+mah battery, fingerprint scanner and expandable storage are becoming the norm on 5.5"+ phones. To have anything less without some type of ace up its sleeve would just add a Google device to the bunch.

I'm expecting huge news on the 4th that will not only make enthusiasts happy, but something that will truly set these phones apart from the rest.

I don't think SD card support will happen. I think that ship sailed a long while back. The point for adoptable storage was for other phone OEM's. Remember that Android is an open source platform with the intention that many phone manufacturers can use the platform to build phones on, not just Google.

But at the end of it all, I'm just not seeing anything from these Pixel phones that will warrant that sort of pricing. Granted they haven't been revealed yet, so it's too early to make a call on it, but Apple have well and truly built up their reputation for high quality phones with fantastic cameras. Samsung has also built up their reputation as the biggest competitor to the iPhone with great designs and cameras.....where does the Pixel fit in this? "Designed by Google" doesn't have much cachet.

 

[speedlever]

re: Pixel & Pixel XL Pricing Rumors

If that pricing turns out to be true, my initial impression is that Google is pricing the phone out of the market. Especially if I can buy an iPhone7 Plus/128 GB for $870.

I cannot imagine what the Pixel will bring to the table to command such a high price. I'll be watching with a high level of interest, but ready to change platforms if necessary.

 

[Ry]

re: Pixel & Pixel XL Pricing Rumors

According to Android Police, the Pixel 32gb will be priced at $650 US: Pricing for the smaller Google Pixel phone could start at $649, but financing will be available

This means that the Pixel XL will be higher and if you want more storage, even higher still.

That is firmly in iPhone territory. Which is surprising seeing as Google have little to no presence in the marketplace. What about the phone will make customers put their money down for the Pixel over the iPhone or Galaxy S7? I'd imagine if I were a typical customer just looking to get a new phone, I'd walk into a store and see the latest iPhone and latest Galaxy phone, why would I want to drop money on this 'Google Pixel' thing?

Guess we'll find out on October 4th.

Based on comments on forums like this one, Google/Nexus is everything and that matters to general public (right, right?).

I have a feeling that these new Pixel phones might teeter over into just consumer products completely rather than trying to appeal to developers as well?

Been a comsumer product since the Nexus S, IMO.

And we had the Nexus 6 available from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, and Verizon Wireless.

Agreed. It has to be more than that. The hardware isn't special enough that it differentiates itself from the competition. Samsung at least have the 'edge' displays on their phone which aesthetically look great and is something no big player on the market does.

We've got to think about what matters to people that don't post on forums like this.

The camera needs to be great. Maybe a step below the iPhones 7/7 Plus and Galaxy S7.

The battery needs to last a day.

etc. etc.

I don't think you can sell regular folks on "Pixel Launcher", or Allo/Duo, or Google Assistant.

I don't think SD card support will happen. I think that ship sailed a long while back. The point for adoptable storage was for other phone OEM's. Remember that Android is an open source platform with the intention that many phone manufacturers can use the platform to build phones on, not just Google.

But at the end of it all, I'm just not seeing anything from these Pixel phones that will warrant that sort of pricing. Granted they haven't been revealed yet, so it's too early to make a call on it, but Apple have well and truly built up their reputation for high quality phones with fantastic cameras. Samsung has also built up their reputation as the biggest competitor to the iPhone with great designs and cameras.....where does the Pixel fit in this? "Designed by Google" doesn't have much cachet.

Good luck, Google!

 

[MDMcAtee]

Oops my bad..

 

[I Can Be Your Hero]

Re: Pixel & Pixel XL Pricing Rumors

Based on comments on forums like this one, Google/Nexus is everything and that matters to general public (right, right?).

Haha, yeah Google wishes. Nexus was never popular in the public space, and now Google are wiping the slate clean with these Pixel phones. It's going to be hard to build up a reputation these days with two giants already in the market making truly great devices.

Been a comsumer product since the Nexus S, IMO.

I totally agree with you. I think maybe at the very early stages it was intended for developers, but very quickly the decided to make it a consumer product. Releasing it on carriers is evidence enough that this is more than just some dev phone.

Plus all the adverts and stuff Google make for Nexus phones is about the camera, capturing moments with the family etc. Not very developer-focused things.

We've got to think about what matters to people that don't post on forums like this.

The camera needs to be great. Maybe a step below the iPhones 7/7 Plus and Galaxy S7.

The battery needs to last a day.

etc. etc.

I don't think you can sell regular folks on "Pixel Launcher", or Allo/Duo, or Google Assistant.

Again, I completely agree. However if they're wanting to sell a $650 phone as the baseline price, I think they can't just be a step below the iPhone 7/Galaxy S7 on the camera. I think it legitimately has to be as good a those, and honestly, even better. Google here are trying to make a splash in the market, you can't do that by making a 'close enough' phone for the same price. You have to give reason as to why someone would want to buy the Pixel over the iPhone 7 or Galaxy S7.

I think that's why the HTC 10 falls flat. Great device on paper, great device to use, but what about it is intrinsicly better than an iPhone or Galaxy phone to a consumer? It's honestly nothing, and I own a HTC 10.

Good luck, Google!

Indeed. Maybe they have something great planned that will shut me up, but with these new live shots of the phone showing the design (http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/09/19/non-blurry-photos-google-pixel-pixel-xl-leak/), I don't think they have a good design. The iPhone is an attractive phone, Samsung's phones are now attractive phones. I'm just not seeing it with this.

As you said, good luck, Google....

 

[Aquila]

Based on comments on forums like this one, Google/Nexus is everything and that matters to general public (right, right?).

Outside of AC's readership? Pretty sure that's a tiny number. Heck, even among AC's readership, by far most are still Samsung fans.

 

[speedlever]

I'm expecting huge news on the 4th that will not only make enthusiasts happy, but something that will truly set these phones apart from the rest.

I really hope you are right!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuWsa8IJblw

 

[AllenRulz]

The Pixel being $650 I'm really worried how much the Pixel XL will be. I want that phone so bad but I don't necessarily agree with this pricing. I miss Google's cheaper pricing for Nexus devices.

 

[TheDonJ77]

October 4th, I will have my popcorn ready, this is gonna be a show.......Will determine if I pull out the Amex or hold on to my 6P for another year

 

[benjamminh]

It should be interesting. If the pricing is correct, the camera and other elements better be spectacular. My Z Force for $520 on payment plan with a free speaker mod is looking better and better.

 

[Soreloser]

With pricing rumors like this the OnePlus 3 is looking more attractive to me. $399 for a reasonably higher end phone that can be flashed with a different ROM if the stock one is satisfactory.

 

[vzwuser76]

I get what everyone is saying about how Nexus devices don't have a strong presence in the mobile sphere, but the thing is these aren't going to be Nexus devices, and I don't really think the Pixel name is the big reason why they think they can price them this high. I saw the commercial tonight during Gotham (others saw it during MNF and TBBT) and the one thing that stuck out was the G logo. Rather than market these devices as Nexus or pure Android, they're planning to market them as Google phones. They've even set up a website alluding to Made By Google. So while Apple and Samsung have brand recognition that the Nexus most likely would never have, literally everyone has heard of Google.

And the fact that they're already starting an ad blitz on highly watched shows weeks before they're unveiled points to Google getting serious about competing. Just the other day, people were talking about how Google needed to get serious about advertising. Most of them didn't realize that last year's Nexus devices had TV ads. Shortly after they launched, there were solo ads for the 5x on TV, and then about 2 weeks to a month later solo ads for the 6p showed up along with ads showing both the 5x and 6p together. Since most people didn't see them, it wasn't very effective advertising. And it didn't start until after they were already out. Now they're starting ahead of their announcement.

You may not agree with that reasoning for why they're pricing it so high, but I think that's why the price is where it is. Google is going to leverage their name recognition this time around, and go after the regular user more so than the tech inclined crowd. We already know about their devices, I think Google's wants to go after the ones who don't, and would be looking at an iPhone or Galaxy due to their name recognition.

 

[Scott Shrewsberry]

The Pixel being $650 I'm really worried how much the Pixel XL will be. I want that phone so bad but I don't necessarily agree with this pricing. I miss Google's cheaper pricing for Nexus devices.

I'm in the same boat. I tell ya, I want the Pixel XL so bad, but if these rumors hold true on the pricing I'm not sure I'm going to be able to swing it. I never dreamed it would be that much just for the "base" model. Geez. I've always wanted to try the Nexus line of phones but may not be able to this year. Oh well, first world problems I guess.

 

[AllenRulz]

I'm in the same boat. I tell ya, I want the Pixel XL so bad, but if these rumors hold true on the pricing I'm not sure I'm going to be able to swing it. I never dreamed it would be that much just for the "base" model. Geez. I've always wanted to try the Nexus line of phones but may not be able to this year. Oh well, first world problems I guess.

Yeah for real. I've been with Google for a very long time and it's hard seeing myself switch up but I've been trying to find a backup phone I would love if I can't get the Pixel XL. So far one phone is just Verizon and the other is I believe only releasing in China (WTF) lol

 

[Scott Shrewsberry]

Yeah for real. I've been with Google for a very long time and it's hard seeing myself switch up but I've been trying to find a backup phone I would love if I can't get the Pixel XL. So far one phone is just Verizon and the other is I believe only releasing in China (WTF) lol

I have no idea what my backup would be. I've only been dreaming about the Pixel. I guess I better start looking.

 

[AllenRulz]

Did major research and finally found my backup. The Moto Z play. It's releasing unlocked next month also. I viewed tons of reviews of it because it's already released for Verizon and holy battery batman. The phone lasts so f'n long. Plus a skinny battery mod to go on back if needed. The phone doesnt lag what so ever and so smooth because of the screen and snapdragon 625 which is just as good as the 820. Has a huge 3510mAh battery too. I'm so impressed and I know how amazing Moto's are. So this is Definitely my phone I'm buying if the Pixel XL is just way to overpriced.

 

[speedlever]

I noticed the GSM unlocked versions of the Moto Z and Z Play are up for pre-order now.

OS/security updates seems to be a boondoggle for Moto. I don't know how much the VZW aspect of this came into play here.
http://www.droid-life.com/2016/04/27/motorola-verizon-droid-turbo-dont-buy/

If that has changed, I'd like to know because one of the reasons I discounted Moto is because of their spotty and broken promise update history.

http://www.droid-life.com/2016/07/21/moto-z-droid-review/ didn't seem to think much of the camera on the Z.

The Z Play allegedly runs hot after a few minutes of use. (comment section of GSMarena
Motorola Moto Z Play - User opinions and reviews

Otherwise, I am favorably impressed with the Lenovomoto/Lenovorola phones. But those shortcomings tend to kill my interest in Moto phones.

Still waiting on the Pixel phones to come out. At that point, I'll know my options a bit better.

 

[Zendroid1]

If Google wants to price this near iPhone/Galaxy then they are going to have to pull out all the stops to even have a chance at gaining a minimal market share. They'd need top of the line hardware, maxed out specs, wireless charging, large storage, possibly micro sd card support, camera in line with s7 and iphone 7, best non-bloated software imaginable, and they would also need a nice marketing campaign.

I just don't see too many people (outside of these forums) lining up for a $700+ Pixel Phone unless it's earth shattering.