"Why get it?"

[anon(10092459)]

This thread is actually something that I wonder with users and their devices. @almueit actually posed it in another thread indirectly and I didn't want to hijack the OP's original thread.

Why does anyone buy a Pixel, or any other device for that matter? Some of us have been talking Pixel 3 since July and through all that discussion I've wondered why some consumers are even looking at a Pixel, because it seems so far outside of their user case.

If I was a heavy production/work type mobile user, a Note 9 would be my only choice, for example. On device storage options, for better latency and better mobile data management, Pixel would be a lower consideration for me too. But neither of these things apply to me and, in my user case, the Pixel is as perfect as technology will allow.

I just wonder if as consumers we really think about our use case and match our purchase decisions against those needs.

 

[chezm]

If I were a "power user" I honestly wouldn't look at the Pixel line, like you mentioned probably go with a Note 9 or another device with overkill specs. I went with Pixel because I like the design, want Pure Android (simplicity) and my best past experiences on Android were Nexus line.

 

[digitalbreak]

Depends on how you define a "power user".

If you are a user using your phone to take notes, draft quick docs, edit photos by adding art or even create art and respond to a lot for emails/doc comments etc., - then Note could be the one for you.

If you are user who is heavy with social media, photography, light photo editing, playing light games along with all the day to day activities that comes with a phone - then Pixel line along with many other flagship phones are an option. Pixel goes up as it is from Google. That carries value (or not) for many folks making decisions.

However, these days iPad Pro is so powerful that users in my first category can completely switch to iPad Pro and carry a light phone like Pixel or XR. So, it comes down to preferences.

 

[Rukbat]

I'm a power user who's been through Samsungs until I got tired of them, so I went with a Pixel 2.

Why get a Pixel 3? I couldn't find a single reason other than being able to say "I have the latest phone". I have the P3 camera (it sees things clearly that I can't see at all), so what does the 3 have that my 2 doesn't?

If they come out with something that I absolutely must have, I may get the 4 or 5 or whatever, but so far, the 3 has no advantage over the 2. (The only reason I got the 2 was because the phone I was using didn't have a fingerprint scanner, I needed a biometric login that was secure [facial recognition and iris scanning aren't yet - and someone figured out how to fake the fingerprint scanner the day after I got my Pixel 2], and under-the-screen fingerprint readers don't work with all screen protectors.)

But no reason to get the 3. If I were buying today, I might go with the OnePlus 6T or the Pixel 3. (Although the 6T's fingerprint scanner is under the screen, and Otterbox has no case for it yet - or for the Pixel 3.)

 

[anon(10092459)]

Depends on how you define a "power user".

If you are a user using your phone to take notes, draft quick docs, edit photos by adding art or even create art and respond to a lot for emails/doc comments etc., - then Note could be the one for you.

If you are user who is heavy with social media, photography, light photo editing, playing light games along with all the day to day activities that comes with a phone - then Pixel line along with many other flagship phones are an option. Pixel goes up as it is from Google. That carries value (or not) for many folks making decisions.

However, these days iPad Pro is so powerful that users in my first category can completely switch to iPad Pro and carry a light phone like Pixel or XR. So, it comes down to preferences.

Agree 100% and this is my use case pretty much spot on. IPP 10.5 and Pixel 3 are my daily carries. And you're right, could collapse the two and make things work with a N9, if push came to shove. Most of my day is outside in person meetings, so that mobile set up gives me the most leverage with my work (though may be benching it for a Pixel Slate). Pixel is all about Google services and having search throughout and GA help run my day. Phone calls and moderate texting.

 

[Mike Dee]

If I were a "power user" I honestly wouldn't look at the Pixel line, like you mentioned probably go with a Note 9 or another device with overkill specs. I went with Pixel because I like the design, want Pure Android (simplicity) and my best past experiences on Android were Nexus line.

I think power user is a misconceived term. I believe some people consider themselves power users for reasons that are difficult define based on usage Assuming we could lock down the definition I'm not convinced that a power user needs a specific feature set that would exclude any of top devices. In addition many work related users need to use whatever enterprise solution their company provides.

 

[anon(10274434)]

I bought the P3 XL because I wanted it - it is that simple for me.

 

[anon(10092459)]

I think power user is a misconceived term. I believe some people consider themselves power users for reasons that are difficult define based on usage Assuming we could lock down the definition I'm not convinced that a power user needs a specific feature set that would exclude any of top devices. In addition many work related users need to use whatever enterprise solution their company provides.

I've never been 100% clear on that term either Mike. Is that someone who texts and calls a lot or maybe someone who watches a lot of video vs say a heavy social media user like Instagram or something like that .. I just don't really know who qualifies in that. Though, I will say I define a light user by SOT. If you're only on an hour or so a day, I'll say ..

 

[usedtolovephones]

Re: "Why get it?"

I have the pixel 2 xl and don't plan on upgrading to the 3 anytime soon.

I just wanted to answer this question which to me seemed really interesting.

I judge a phone not by using it everyday but rather seeing how it performs on the most stressful ones. You know? Everybody has those days when nothing is going right and you're lost and you're panicking and your fingers are shaking and you're just all over the place and your phone with the internet is the only friend you have. Luckily, I have those days on a regular.

I've used Android phones and iOS extensively.

With that out of the way, I think, out of all the Android phones Google has been the most reliable at those times. The Pixel HAS in some instances let me down with for example navigating in maps, Bluetooth connectivity, built quality or battery life in general. But it has been the 'most reliable' out of all the Samsungs and Onepluses and HTCs and Sonys I've used. Plus, I'm big on camera so for simple point and shoot, Google has been the best. But I have to say that Samsung cameras are the most fun to use out of the bunch as well as their battery saving features are really under-rated.

Having said all that, iPhones have performed the best out of all my phones in those stressful situations. Not going to go in detail with this because I think Google OS is better suited to my use and I don't think I'll be hopping over anytime soon.

So yes. Why get this phone? Because it's the most reliable on the days when I need it to be the most.

 

[anon(10092459)]

Re: "Why get it?"

I judge a phone not by using it everyday but rather seeing how it performs on the most stressful ones.

So for you, as a Pixel owner, it's about confidence in the define to be there and functioning at the most stressful of times. I actually somewhat relate with the line of thought, though through a different lens.

I don't like too much getting between me and what I want to desired result. If there's a lot of distraction to that, the UX starts to feel cumbersome and not worth the headache to me. iOS has that element to it, but for me it's a bit too "motherly" in it's approach at times.

 

[usedtolovephones]

Re: "Why get it?"

Yes, I agree with you a 100%!

You don't want your phone to come between you and what you want to do. And yes, again, the iPhone does it best. But Google is creeping up there and I hope it gets to that standard soon.

For me, in those times:
Samsung has never been responsive enough. Although, I think I've spent most of my Android time with Samsung. I still have a soft spot for them in my heart.
OnePlus has been a close second actually. But the camera has always let me down.
Sony, well, what can I say. I used to be the biggest Sony fan but I guess they themselves aren't Sony fans in the first place.
HTC has been great but I've had so many software issues with the U11+ that I couldn't spend more than a couple of weeks with it.

Google has let me down with location accuracy and Bluetooth connectivity mostly. Plus there's no real battery saving mode for crunch time.

But, again, it has the most complete package out of all the ones I've used. And it's the last major flagship with metal on the back. I like metal.

So for you, as a Pixel owner, it's about confidence in the define to be there and functioning at the most stressful of times. I actually somewhat relate with the line of thought, though through a different lens.

I don't like too much getting between me and what I want to desired result. If there's a lot of distraction to that, the UX starts to feel cumbersome and not worth the headache to me. iOS has that element to it, but for me it's a bit too "motherly" in it's approach at times.

 

[chezm]

I've never been 100% clear on that term either Mike. Is that someone who texts and calls a lot or maybe someone who watches a lot of video vs say a heavy social media user like Instagram or something like that .. I just don't really know who qualifies in that. Though, I will say I define a light user by SOT. If you're only on an hour or so a day, I'll say ..

I don't really know what a power user is but I am sure it ain't me. I work with people and have friends who get 5 -6 hours SoT a day and to ME that's a power user, along with someone I guess who plays intense power hungry games.

 

[anon(10092459)]

I don't really know what a power user is but I am sure it ain't me. I work with people and have friends who get 5 -6 hours SoT a day and to ME that's a power user, along with someone I guess who plays intense power hungry games.

i'm with you.. So staying with SOT as an idicator, I would say that I'm moderate. usually falling between 3-4 SOT a day.

 

[ptkelly]

This thread is actually something that I wonder with users and their devices. @almueit actually posed it in another thread indirectly and I didn't want to hijack the OP's original thread.

Why does anyone buy a Pixel, or any other device for that matter? Some of us have been talking Pixel 3 since July and through all that discussion I've wondered why some consumers are even looking at a Pixel, because it seems so far outside of their user case.

If I was a heavy production/work type mobile user, a Note 9 would be my only choice, for example. On device storage options, for better latency and better mobile data management, Pixel would be a lower consideration for me too. But neither of these things apply to me and, in my user case, the Pixel is as perfect as technology will allow.

I just wonder if as consumers we really think about our use case and match our purchase decisions against those needs.

I'm amazed at people who obsess on case color, bezels, chins, and other characteristics that have nothing to do with using the phone. I am waiting for mt Pixel 3. Since they don't ship to Mexico I have to wait for my sister to bring it in January but my Pixel 2 is my camera as well as my cellphone.
'
I don't play games on the phone, I don't do "social media". Since I'm mostly deaf I don't talk on the phone.

I like Android 9 and am looking forward to my Pixel 3.

 

[Reg Robinson]

My reasons for getting a Pixel are clear. I am already a user of many Google apps & services. I want a streamlined experience without unwanted non-removable apps. An iPhone would have Apple apps that I would never use, making Apple a no-go for me. The Pixel's immediate direct software updates, rich front facing stereo speakers, elegant water-resistant & pocket friendly design, phenomenal camera, and (finally) wireless charging made the Pixel 3 a slam dunk decision for me. After two weeks, it has exceeded my expectations with battery life and adaptive software touches throughout.

 

[MrDoh]

Don't know if I'd bother if I had a Pixel 2 XL, but I didn't . So I looked at the Pixel 3 screen, the barebones Android, speed, and regular security updates and figured that this is the Pixel (and only Android phone) for me. Also has Band 71 (not supported by the Pixel 2), if you're with T-Mobile you may know what that is. Haven't run into any drawbacks yet, the battery usage is also just fine for me.

Slam dunk .

 

[klau25]

For me is all about having the latest version from Google. Been a Nexus user since Nexus S. I had used other phones in between, Note 4, OnePlus... Etc, but always came back to Google.

I used to envy the iPhone because of the camera and design of the hardware. That is no longer the case. Google been beating them in the camera category and I personally like Google hardware more now especially with the Pixel 3(non xl).

Lastly I enjoy the Google ecosystem. I am a heavy Google user in both hardware and their software. Google home, Google TV, pixelbook, Nest thermostat, you name it and I probably have it. Yes Google probably knows more about myself than me with all the data they have on me. I understand that is the price it comes with for the convenience and service Google provide me.

 

[chanchan05]

You get the phones based on if it fits your needs and you are willing to deal with whatever compromise you fill wind with that phone. Let's face it, all phones will have some sort of compromise, even the Pixel. Like not having expandable storage or multiple cameras, whatever rocks your boat.
My biggest factor in NOT getting a Pixel is that there is no official support or sales in my country. What will I do if I need an RMA or whatever for warranty? That said, Samsung and Huawei, and to quite a lesser extent LG, Nokia, Sony, and Moto/Lenovo have walk-in Care Centers in all major shopping centers here in my country, so by default, lack of that kind of hardware and aftersales support is a deal breaker for me.
If it had support here, I might consider it, but I always felt like it's not for me. Sure I am fascinated by the fact that they say it performs so much better and all that. But then I look at my own phones and realize that I don't like the Google apps. I disable Google Play Music as soon as I can, since the service isn't available in my country and other players have better UI to even consider it for offline music. Google Keep is too basic for my needs. Heck the only reason I am using Google Messages is that my carrier supports RCS for it already (since Samsung's across the board RCS implemented SMS app built on the Google Messages framework is supposed to come with Android 9 and Samsung's still in beta for it). So I realized that if I went to Pixels, I'll just load it up with non-Google apps anyway, and the lack of expandable storage might hit me in the long run as apps tend to grow bigger and bigger in size.
Pixels are nice phones, but it's not for me. I tend to follow them though. They're still interesting. I have no opposition to carry one around as a second phone, but it won't be my daily driver. The only thing that's still preventing me from that is lack of support. Although Google has already opened an office here and has started an employment drive, so it might not be too far away.

 

[anon(10092459)]

So I realized that if I went to Pixels, I'll just load it up with non-Google apps anyway, and the lack of expandable storage might hit me in the long run as apps tend to grow bigger and bigger in size.

This is kind of what I'm getting at. One of the reasons I buy Pixels is because of Google's services and apps. So for me, it's really about what hardware supports those services at the highest point. But if I weren't attached to Google's services, I don't know that a Pixel would be top of my list.

We discuss Android devices here and sometimes you'll see a thread opened by someone seeking advice on which phone to buy or a "vs" comparison thread or something like that. I have always found those threads the most difficult to respond to because the OP rarely talks about their needs. Some of these devices, including Pixels, are bad matches for the people that buy them and they end up frustrated or disappointed with their experience later on.

I mean, you wouldn't buy a sports car if that was going to be your sole transportation and you've got a spouse and four kids. That would be a horrible match up that would end in frustration and disappointment because it doesn't match your needs.

 

[Itsa_Me_Mario]

Simple. 1) Google is the only OEM on Android that is taking user privacy and security seriously. No one else is serious about it, even BlackBerry, though their the next most logical choice for Android OEMs. 2) Best software experience available on mobile. 3) Only major OEM on Android that even tries to keep their phones up to date. 4) Among the best hardware in the business (except for those people who think RAM is the only stat that matters, which is universally the case because they don't understand how RAM works on Android) 5) "Smartest" smartphones on the market.