Re-thinking Pixel XL

[chanchan05]

This is why I didn't go with the pixel on top of AT&T not offering it as yet....

[url]http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i145/Soldier36/google_pixel_vs_iphone_7_thumb800_zpsbpna9go7.jpg[/URL]

Well to be fair, there's only so much you can do with a white rectangle. But Samsung and LG have been pushing those boundaries.

 

[Law2138]

After trading in my Note 7 (twice), I decided to order the Pixel XL (Very Silver, 128gb). My current phone is the S7 Active, which is going to be my husband's, when I finally decide on a phone. He needs to replace his S6, but it's not urgent, so he suggested when I traded the Note 7, to replace it with something he would want until I decided which phone to get for myself. I've ordered/cancelled the Pixel three times. I really like the idea of Google Assistant and trying out Project Fi, but I'm annoyed at no wireless charging. I also wonder if I'll miss some of Samsung's "bells and whistles." I didn't think I was going to bother with AOD, and I love it. I use Samsung Pay more than Android Pay, but neither of them supports my bank. I have to use my Chase cc. The S7 Edge was my loaner phone while I waited for the replacement Note 7. I liked it...didn't love it as much as my Note, but I'm not sure there was a good reason for that because I don't use the S-Pen a lot.

If I get the S7Edge, I'm going to get an unlocked version. I assume my husband and I can switch around our SIM cards, so the Active would have his SIM, and the Edge would have mine? We have multi-device insurance on our AT&T plan (w/ our son/DIL). Does anyone know if that would also cover the Edge, even though I didn't buy from AT&T?

I'm not a patient person, so part of me wonders if I'm just tired of waiting for the Pixel and want something new NOW. But I've had some reservations about the Pixel all along, because I really have loved most of my Samsung phones.

I had the opportunity play with a Pixel XL yesterday and I walked away extremely impressed. On my way to work, I listened to AC Podcast #312 and Jerry said it best: "It works very very well. - It's an Iphone running Android." That is exactly the thought I had when I held the device in my hand. It may resemble an iPhone with its rounded corners, glass front and metal back, but its build quality is first class. BTW, I own a S7Edge that I bought on Swappa and while the it is a stellar phone, I rarely use the edge features. I still prefer a flat display.

I guess I'm in limbo waiting for Android Pay to work everywhere and not having to rely on Samsung Pay.

As for obtaining device insurance on an unlocked S7Edge, I wouldn't see why you couldn't with AT&T, but then again its a non-branded device. I went to my nearest AT&T retail to inquire about open enrollment, and the manager stated that it's unofficially open year round. Bring your device in for inspection to make sure it works, and sign up in store.

 

[Mdbills484]

See I was opposite... I looked at the pixel xl and I'm wondering what all the hype is about. Didn't like it what so ever. But that's just me.

Agreed, I had one ordered and then went to see it at Verizon. Felt like a cheap toy and the glass on back felt and looked even worse than in pics. Not to mention all the wasted space on front.

 

[Almeuit]

Get what you want and love it . There is nothing wrong with either choice IMO.

 

[trucksmoveamerica#AC]

If you do go with the pixle and like the edge option on the S7 edge, the following app is an option, not the edge but close in features.

https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...bi.conduction.swipepad.android&token=1xprwLth

 

[sulla1965]

With the demise of the Note 7, the s7 edge is now the best smartphone available. Waterproof, sd card. wireless charging, samsung pay, and a camera that despite being 7 months older. Still competes and even outperforms the newer Pixel in several areas. Besides the S7 Edge is still the most unique looking. Those interested in a smaller phone can also get the regular S7.

 

[mellyf]

Agreed, I had one ordered and then went to see it at Verizon. Felt like a cheap toy and the glass on back felt and looked even worse than in pics. Not to mention all the wasted space on front.

I liked the back in pictures more than when I saw it in person. But it wasn't a deal breaker. At this point though, I'm definitely leaning towards the S7Edge. I think there are too many features I'd miss. Maybe the Pixel 2, but then again the Note 8 will be out next year. (So I'll probably be have the same dilemma.)

 

[I800C0LLECT]

I had wireless charging on my droid turbo. Useless feature if you're on the go. I guess it's cool on the nightstand type scenario but even with the s6 ability to wireless charger, the stand never got any use. The wife even preferred plugging in. I don't have hours to wait for it to barely trickle charge.

It isn't a feature I miss at all. Wife didn't understand or care why we couldn't use it anymore either. I always plugged in while driving and used the "turbo charge" feature to top up.

 

[trucksmoveamerica#AC]

Well I think we all can agree wireless charging is a personal choice. I would describe it as a luxury item. You don't need it, some will use it and some won't. I love it for the nightstand. I have the tylt charger so my phone is propped up displaying the AOD and charging via wireless charging.

Wireless charging is not for on the go, but that is changing, I've seen portable power banks that provide wireless , car mounts provide it, and even cases.

 

[mmsean]

I love wireless charging but then again I am not on my phone constantly.

 

[BOSSY TEXAS CHICK]

.....But I've had some reservations about the Pixel all along, because I really have loved most of my Samsung phones.

Compared to a Samsung device, Google offerings are like the Anti-Christ minus the holy water....I would NOT be able to use any phone for longer than a week without "jonesing" for Sammy. Their beautiful screens, wireless charging, sleek form factor, heck, i even love their UI...and now that i am a Samsung Pay addict, you couldn't pry my S6 Edge+ out of my hand if you put a gun to my head...lol Last years phone but with its 4GB Ram, is STILL blazing fast and looks NEW a whole year later, and never had a screen protector OR case on it!

BTC

 

[T48]

This is why I didn't go with the pixel on top of AT&T not offering it as yet....

[url]http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i145/Soldier36/google_pixel_vs_iphone_7_thumb800_zpsbpna9go7.jpg[/URL]

Kind of wonder if this wasn't Google's way of tip toeing around the other OEM's? Had they tried an alternate mfg to go head to head with Samsung, LG etc in hardware specs. What would that say to them? Where as with this they can say they were targeting iPhone customers to bring them over to Android? They price matched iphone, so it is not like they are trying to undercut Apple nor current Android mfg price structures. Though not sure how they go forward with the Pixel line next year w/o catching up or matching 2017 hardware while trying to toe the same line?

 

[BOSSY TEXAS CHICK]

.....If I get the S7Edge, I'm going to get an unlocked version.

Hi MellyF! Just a heads up if you do get the Int'l version, it WON"T come pre-installed with Samsung Pay but its easy 3 steps to side load it....I used APK Extractor on my T-Mobile version, checked unknown sources on my Int'l version, installed it easy peasy, works perfectly : )

BTC

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

This is why I didn't go with the pixel on top of AT&T not offering it as yet....

[url]http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i145/Soldier36/google_pixel_vs_iphone_7_thumb800_zpsbpna9go7.jpg[/URL]

I live the way the Pixel looks. Just like I love the way the iPhone looks. Google's design choices were very good with the Pixel. And their software is equally good. I've never had a more fluid experience with an Android device. And the pictures it takes, extraordinary. Loved the AMOLED screen too.

 

[Blues Fan]

Hi MellyF! Just a heads up if you do get the Int'l version, it WON"T come pre-installed with Samsung Pay but its easy 3 steps to side load it....I used APK Extractor on my T-Mobile version, checked unknown sources on my Int'l version, installed it easy peasy, works perfectly : )

BTC

View attachment 244645

The international unlocked version won't work with Wifi calling though. The North America unlocked edition works with wifi calling with Tmobile.

 

[Nakrohtap]

If Google Pixel wants to compete with the iPhone, it needs to be available on all carriers with subsidized pricing and payment plans. Otherwise, you're looking at a niche market. Maybe this was a test run to see how well it would be received.
I don't like the look of it for one. So, that's plays a factor in my decision. Camera is top notch, which is one of my highest priorities for a smartphone. I'm on T-mobile JOD, so that makes it a no go as well.
Improve the front display design and offer it on T-mobile JOD and I'm in. Although the next galaxy will probably up the camera ante and surpass the pixel and offer an even better display.

 

[mellyf]

I ended up going with the S7 Edge, rather than the Pixel. I guess I just didn't want to take the chance that I'd really miss some of those features that i have now with Samsung. I bought an unlocked S7 Edge from Best Buy, and it ended up being about $250 cheaper than the Pixel XL 128 gb phone that I'd preordered (after tax on both of them). Part of that was because I had $45 in rewards, but that price difference made me feel much better about going with the Samsung. So far I'm happy about my decision.

 

[popkurn611]

I ended up going with the S7 Edge, rather than the Pixel. I guess I just didn't want to take the chance that I'd really miss some of those features that i have now with Samsung. I bought an unlocked S7 Edge from Best Buy, and it ended up being about $250 cheaper than the Pixel XL 128 gb phone that I'd preordered (after tax on both of them). Part of that was because I had $45 in rewards, but that price difference made me feel much better about going with the Samsung. So far I'm happy about my decision.

I think you made a very wise decision as I have an s7 edge as well, used the pixel XL for two days and returned it. I had major buyers remorse and although the software is buttery smooth, that didn't make me happy enough to lose all the premium features that my s7 edge has.

Also the main issue I switched back was the form factor of the s7 edge that no other phone with a 5.5" display can even compare to. I can use the S7E one handed without issues and the XL was very difficult and uncomfortable to hold one handed. It is much more bulky and flatter than the S7E.

I'm happy I tried the pixel, bc it made me appreciate my Samsung that much more!

 

[soldier45]

I have decided after turning in my Note 7 last week and moving to a S7 Edge that I would miss wireless charging too much to change to a V20 or Pixel XL which isn't available on AT&T anyway. Seeing what the S8 Edge brings to the table in March.

 

[Blues Fan]

I just can't see why anyone would spend that kind of cash for a Pixel. No SD card slot, no removable memory, not IP67 or 68.

Flossy did a review of it a few days ago and he is not impressed at all basically for the same reasons. The S7 Edge far outclasses the Pixel. I would say the V20 is almost a tie because it has the IR Blaster and removable battery which the Edge doesn't but the Edge edges the V20 out due to better screen and IP68.