Verizon Pixel XL In Hand

[tk-093]

haha, I would always have new phones delivered to the house and pick them up at lunch, I hated when they were lost in the mail at the office

I just got it!! Unfortunately I forgot to back up my SMS/MMS messages to my Google Drive so now I'm waiting for my Note 5 to finish uploading before i pop the sim out.. the horror!!!

 

[anon(847090)]

not sure if u used google now launcher before but does the pixel launcher restore the google Now launchers icon placements?

 

[Davidoo]

Congrats!
Is it possible for you to comment on something that's been somewhat overlooked? What is the signal strength and call quality like?

Remember? We used to use phone for talking.

Yes, I would like to hear about signal quality too, and if you were able to set up the basic Verizon visual voicemail.

 

[briischamp]

not sure if u used google now launcher before but does the pixel launcher restore the google Now launchers icon placements?

I did use the now launcher and the icon placement DID remain in tact when using Settings>Google>Set up nearby device

 

[briischamp]

Yes, I would like to hear about signal quality too, and if you were able to set up the basic Verizon visual voicemail.

Signal strength isn't a metric I typically look at as Verizon is very good in my area (Indianapolis) and it's never really a concern. But, after a few calls I have zero complaints. And I have had no issues with people I'm talking to echoing like I had with my 6P (granted that was probably software related). Signal strength at this moment is -108 dBM 34 asu, not that I know what that means exactly.

Regarding visual voicemail, I didn't set up the Verizon vvm, I use the Google Voice via Hangouts vvm which is working as it was on my 6P and all devices before that. Didn't even have to set that up again via Hangouts, those settings carried over.

 

[jephanie]

How is the screen brightness in sunlight? I have been reading that it's either very good or not so great, depending on the reviewer. Can you crank the brightness up and go outside and make your assessment?

 

[briischamp]

How is the screen brightness in sunlight? I have been reading that it's either very good or not so great, depending on the reviewer. Can you crank the brightness up and go outside and make your assessment?

Cranked up brightness and scrolled through some of my Google Photos so that I had apples to apples comparison with my 6P in one hand and the Pixel in the other. They are pretty comparable, but the Pixel edges the 6P out. I would definitely say "not so great" is an exaggeration, but again, this is just vs a 6P and anecdotal.

 

[briischamp]

Does the HOTSPOT work without checking for the certificate?

Yes it worked with no issues.

 

[Nubwy]

How would you rate the pixel launcher versus the Google now launcher on a Samsung or any other device. Is it noticeably different? Does the G at the top left get in the way or is it fine?

 

[dedduck0121]

What case do you have on it if any? Does it feel like it can survive a minor fall? Is the glass on top a fingerprint magnet?

 

[briischamp]

How would you rate the pixel launcher versus the Google now launcher on a Samsung or any other device. Is it noticeably different? Does the G at the top left get in the way or is it fine?

No, it's not noticeably different and the G isn't in the way. I actually like having the fifth app icon space on the bottom center (as opposed to the app launcher) since you swipe up now to show all apps. Otherwise everything else functions the same.

 

[briischamp]

What case do you have on it if any? Does it feel like it can survive a minor fall? Is the glass on top a fingerprint magnet?

None and I'm scared as hell to drop it! It feels sturdier than my 6P, I think it would survive a several foot fall intact (but I'm sure there would be visible scratches on this black finish). The rear glass will show fingerprints depending on the lighting. But it's not terrible and I'm anal about that kind of thing. I will definitely put a case on it, possibly a slim clear one.

 

[Davidoo]

Signal strength isn't a metric I typically look at as Verizon is very good in my area (Indianapolis) and it's never really a concern. But, after a few calls I have zero complaints. And I have had no issues with people I'm talking to echoing like I had with my 6P (granted that was probably software related). Signal strength at this moment is -108 dBM 34 asu, not that I know what that means exactly.

Regarding visual voicemail, I didn't set up the Verizon vvm, I use the Google Voice via Hangouts vvm which is working as it was on my 6P and all devices before that. Didn't even have to set that up again via Hangouts, those settings carried over.

Are you using the Advanced Calling option and tested voice and data at the same time? Thanks!

 

[Carraser23]

Can't wait to get mine tomorrow! It's sitting in a UPS facility 10 minutes from my house and they say i can't pick it up until tomorrow

 

[T48]

Signal strength at this moment is -108 dBM 34 asu, not that I know what that means exactly.

Around -110 to -113 you will definitely start dropping calls. Generally from what I have read -75 to -88 is considered very good.

I have ATT & have to use their micro cell at home to get a signal, which is currently showing -59.
Without it, the signal would bounce between that -108 to -112 range. Would have to stand near a certain window if using the phone in the house previously.

Thanks for all the info otherwise.

 

[briischamp]

Are you using the Advanced Calling option and tested voice and data at the same time? Thanks!

By advanced calling, do you mean HD voice? If so yes, that was turned on with data at the same time. Ranging from 104 - 107 dBm. Which again, I have no clue if that's good or not.

 

[briischamp]

Around -110 to -113 you will definitely start dropping calls. Generally from what I have read -75 to -88 is considered very good.

I have ATT & have to use their micro cell at home to get a signal, which is currently showing -59.
Without it, the signal would bounce between that -108 to -112 range. Would have to stand near a certain window if using the phone in the house previously.

Thanks for all the info otherwise.

So the higher it is the worse? I would think my 104 - 107 isn't so great, but I have absolutely zero reception problems for what it's worth. No problem for the info, hope it helps!

 

[dlaluan]

Such a gorgeous phone!

 

[dlaluan]

Ordered on 10/7 via Verizon with next day delivery. Received this morning at 8:30 EST.

Lots of hands on reviews already out there obviously, but I can vouch for the fact that it feels like a very sturdy, solid, well made device. I'm coming from a 6P and the build quality feels comparable. Which in my opinion is a good thing. I wasn't sure how I would feel about the slightly smaller screen size, but it's really not as noticeable as I expected. The screen is beautiful, bright and crisp and the device feels really good in hand.

Very fast and snappy response time. Assistant is great, but really no different than Allo other than the fact that it's fully integrated so I'm sure it will get more use. A lot more stock wallpapers than the 6P out of the box. Really liking the "Live earth" dynamic wallpapers.

Took 10 seconds to uninstall Verizon apps. Removed 2/3, kept My Verizon.

How are the speakers in comparison to the 6P's dual fronts? That is one of the reasons why I'm on the fence with getting a Pixel.

 

[mookiekillsit]

I wish I had some better picture test subjects (I saw the Colombia vacation pics in that other thread, I can't compete with that...) but this is out my front door. HDR+ definitely processes faster than my 6P.

View attachment 242795

Still a quality shot. THanks! Maybe w/ some night shots later if you have time? Thanks again