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Previously on Lemmy:

Past Discussions:

Sorry for the delay for the weekly. Server's not that stable right now, maybe we should start the thread on Sundays instead.

I always like to switch things up once in a while because it's fun. So, let's get back to the brand discussion this week for the Google Pixel. We'll do a discussion on repairability next week. Again, ideas are always welcome here.

I've never used a Pixel, but people around here should know that I've been very critical of Google's product decisions over the years, and the Pixel is no exception. In my point of view, discontinuing the Nexus series, buying out the talents from the remains of HTC and starting an official "made by Google" phone is the equivalent of reddit buying out Alien Blue to make the official reddit app. I think it's the event that scared big Android manufacturers like Samsung enough to start making their own ecosystem away from Google, as they are concerned that Google may start locking software features to their own phones instead of improving Android overall (rightfully so, I might add).

It really makes no business sense at all to turn your manufacturing partners into your competitors, but then again, it's Google.

With that being said, the first years of the Pixels has been marred with growing pains. Whereas the Nexus line has always been barebones, no frills development devices, it seemed to me that the people who made Pixels don't even use Android and are insistent on turning Pixel into iPhones, removing the headphone jack on the Pixel 2 despite the antagonistic ad from the original Pixel, Pixel exclusive software features like Google camera that necessitating the need of rom mods, as well as the quality issues that seems to be inherited from the Nexus days just really soured me from considering Pixels, as I think it's against the spirit of openness that made Android great.

But it seems like in recent years, they finally figured out that a large percentage of people who bought Androids not because they can't afford iPhones, but because they like Android, and I see the introduction of the "a" series as progress. The recent Pixel ad campaign also made me think that they finally figuring it out: people want different things, trying to turn Android into worse versions of iPhones was not going to work, so they should be trying to make the best Android for Android users instead.

(It's also the reason I think all the previous reddit clones failed, but Lemmy will be the one that finally succeeds.)

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[-] bizzle@lemmy.world 63 points 11 months ago

I've had Pixels 2, 3, 4, 5a, and 7. I really like them and haven't had a serious problem. Sure do hate Google but goodness sakes can they make a phone, and I run custom ROMs anyway.

[-] MargotRobbie@lemmy.world 14 points 11 months ago

Any particular feature stands out to you?

[-] boredtortoise@lemm.ee 23 points 11 months ago

I like that they're updated fast and long, and the Tensor chip capabilities are used for useful little functionalities

[-] bizzle@lemmy.world 7 points 11 months ago

Google Camera is superior. I don't want it to be so, but it is. Also like the other commenter said, it updates forever and they get the updates first.

[-] like47ninjas@lemmy.world 7 points 11 months ago

The updates has been one of my biggest drivers, they have minimal bloateare, and, the phones are like the sweet spot of value/performance for what i do daily.

[-] Kinglink@lemmy.world 26 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

I really liked the Nexus Line of Google phones and from what I've seen the Pixels are great phones, but the price puts them outside of what I want to pay.

The 3a, and the 6a might be the only ones I considered, but the rest are just "Flagship priced phones" and yeah they may have the hardware to back them up, but paying 600+ dollars for a phone is ridiculous. With them reaching for a thousand dollars is a hard no.

You basically hit on it. They're trying to make them into iPhones... people are on Android specifically because they don't want Apple prices, or that type of enviroment.

[-] nakal@kbin.social 16 points 11 months ago

It's not only the price. I simply don't want to have iOS devices. I like their technology and the iOS implementation, don't misunderstand me. But I won't accept a walled garden in my pocket. I have so much software installed from different sources and I like to write apps by myself, too.

Many people are only happy with unlimited possibilities. If you are restricted and not trusted as a power user, your phone is not worth to be called "smart".

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[-] MargotRobbie@lemmy.world 8 points 11 months ago

I personally like the diversity and freedom of Android. Sometimes I do wish I like iPhones better though.

[-] Unsaved5831@lemm.ee 22 points 11 months ago

Quite happy user of Pixel 6a. The only few annoying things are:

  • Under-the-screen fingerprint sensor works less than half of the time. At night and in bed, it blinds me.
  • Battery, despite adaptive battery, still feels surprisingly draining fast from time to time. The battery merely just hold for the day whereas I don't even have that much screen time or background running apps.
[-] poopsmith@lemmy.world 13 points 11 months ago

Under-the-screen fingerprint sensor works less than half of the time. At night and in bed, it blinds me.

This is my biggest complaint. The "old" style of fingerprint sensor on the back of the phone worked so well, but they replaced it with this shitty one.

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[-] The_Picard_Maneuver@lemmy.world 21 points 11 months ago

I like it because it's quick and doesn't have any bloatware.

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[-] 2ncs@lemmy.world 13 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

I've got a 4a (bought on release) and it has been my favorite phone. Not a huge power user so it's a good small device that has the features I want (fingerprint, 3.5 Jack). My biggest gripe is something I think Google changed sometime before the 4a, and that's their is no HDMI over USB possible with Pixel devices. From what I can tell the only reason they did this was to sell Chromecasts. The main issue is I watch horror movies on a projector with some friends while camping(no Wi-Fi or data so Chromecast doesn't work). The software on the projector has poor support for different codecs so ideally I'd use VLC on my phone and have no issue, but I cant. Pretty niche scenario there but I think it's a sign of how modern phones have slowly been taking away useful features for seemingly no reason. Makes me not want to get a Google phone again.

[-] reddithalation@sopuli.xyz 12 points 11 months ago

I have one with grapheneos for privacy, and it's good.

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[-] migo@lemmy.world 11 points 11 months ago

The only phones that ever made me warm and fuzzy inside were Google made phones (Nexus 5 was brilliant) and it's unlikely I'll try a different phone anytime soon.

iPhones stress me out due to the height of the walled garden and other android phones are usually a cluttered mess.

Anyway, I recommend pixel phones and most of my family have pixel phones these days.

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[-] AnonymousLlama@kbin.social 11 points 11 months ago

After a decade of Samsung and other third party phones, I'm super keen on the Pixel 7 pro. Even with Samsung boosting huge MP counts for their phones, they always come across either blurry or low quality to me (especially selfies where it feels like they've cheaped out)

In comparison the software processing on the Pixel is amazing, things seems to always be in focus and correctly lit.

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[-] Michal@discuss.tchncs.de 11 points 11 months ago

Initially i bought nexus/pixel phones for clean android experience and no bloat.

Staying with pixel mainly for camera quality and free storage on Google Photos.

Its not ideal, but I'm used to it. They never try to do something too gimmicky and it feels like phone made by Google will work best with the os made by google so my experience will be most consistent, but i haven't tried other phones in a while.

[-] jacktherippah@lemdro.id 10 points 11 months ago

I got a Pixel 6 Pro second hand from the US recently for GrapheneOS.

Here's what I like:

  • Fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable
  • Phone is buttery smooth, no weird slowdowns, I've been very satisfied
  • Excellent hardware: beautiful, premium, unqiue. It feels heavy but in a well - balanced, premium way .The curved back, screen and sides makes it so comfortable to hold. And I love the camera bar which because the phone doesn't rock back and forth on the table.
  • No parallel for customization, well maintained custom ROMs (I came from a Xiaomi, I swear Google Pixels are way better in this regard.), GrapheneOS is awesome.

What I don't like:

  • Phone gets hot on cellular, probably an inefficient Exynos modem
  • Battery is just okay. Charging is not an issue, takes about an hour to reach 80%, which is what I usually keep my phone at anyway for better battery health.
  • Screen not quite bright enough on brutal summer days.

So yeah overall I'm a happy camper. When this one loses support for GrapheneOS, I'll be upgrading to another Pixel.

[-] TheHottub@lemmy.world 10 points 11 months ago

Using pixel 6 pro. It's fine. I'm happy not to have all the bloated janky apps that come on other phones.

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[-] GrimChaos@lemmy.world 9 points 11 months ago

Still on a pixel 2, it's really starting to show it's age. It's been a solid phone. I think I will upgrade to the Pixel 8 this fall... But I will miss the rear finger print scanner.

[-] ThrowawayPermanente@sh.itjust.works 9 points 11 months ago

I use a 5a with GrapheneOS and I'm very happy with it

[-] MajorHavoc@lemmy.world 5 points 11 months ago

Yeah. I can't comment on Pixel running whatever Google puts on it, because I installed GrapheneOS within ten minutes of buying mine.

That said, I think it's a fantastic phone.

[-] BrainisfineIthink@lemmy.one 9 points 11 months ago

7 pro is my favorite phone ove ever owned, finally unseating the v30 which was criminally underrated at the time. I wish there was something better that wasn't made by Google, but I have always been disappointed with my Samsung devices (Galaxy Note OG, Galaxy s7edge, S9). I felt trapped by them and they always had SO MUCH BLOAT. The s7 was the best of the bunch. I've had about as many pixels (2pro, 3pro, 6, 7 pro). They've all gotten better with each iteration, but I saw no reason to even consider a pixel 4 or 5. 6 was a huge step up but had some build quality issues. Overall I liked the design choices. I would still have my six but I was having a battery issue that couldn't be fixed so they let me trade it in and shaved $100 off the 7pro for me in lieu of doing an RMA that late into the life cycle. 7 pro is excellent. I won't be getting a new phone until this one is dead.

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[-] AFKBRBChocolate@lemmy.world 8 points 11 months ago

After a long line of Samsung phones, I decided to try a pixel at my last change, so got the 6. I've been really happy with it. Performance is good, camera and camera software are great, features are nice. The Samsungs were getting pretty bloated in comparison.

[-] Artaca@lemmy.world 8 points 11 months ago

In the process of deGoogling, but the phone is something that I'm saving for another year or three. My 6 Pro is doing just fine.

[-] Sarla@lemmy.world 7 points 11 months ago

You could always install GrapheneOS on it, they only support Pixels.

[-] specseaweed@lemmy.world 8 points 11 months ago

I've been with Pixel since it started, Nexus before that, and a Palm Pre before that.

There is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS some random hardware bug with Pixels that most people seem to not have but if you have it, it absolutely sucks. The speaker buzz. The display gap. The fingerprint sensor. The camera glass shattering for no reason at all. I've had them all and I finally went to Sammy with an S22, which I hate.

I wish Google had never bought HTC and brought hardware in house. I think they would be much better able to strongarm hardware partners if they weren't competing against them with their own hardware.

[-] NightOwl@lemmy.one 8 points 11 months ago

Google Pixels are the absolute best phones for custom roms and ones I feel best about when it comes to software support outlasting the hardware because of that. All the other phones might have better internals, but it's the growing animosity towards unlocking bootloaders and rise in prices of phones hitting laptop prices without the long term software support to match that makes it seem less appealing than pixels to me.

[-] MasterBuilder@lemmy.one 7 points 11 months ago

This is my view, too. I still have my 2XL with fully updated LineageOS with MicroG, and it still feels "fast enough". I got the P6 because the camera stopped working after 4 years and the battery and USB charging port got flakey.

However, after I went with a custom ROM, the USB/battery problems went away. I still use it.

If I can't flash, I won't buy.

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[-] SteWi@sh.itjust.works 8 points 11 months ago

Loved my Pixel 5, but they've gotten too big from there.

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[-] Neato@kbin.social 8 points 11 months ago

Get the a series. Almost half the price for not many features missing. Same camera.

[-] GingeyBook@lemmy.world 8 points 11 months ago

Been using Pixel phones since the Pixel 2XL.

It simply comes down to simplicity and updates.

It always seems like with other manufacturers (especially Samsung) they try to throw everything they can at you to see what people might use. Whether that be 3 different apps for taking notes or 19 camera modes depending on what kind of food I'm taking a picture of.

When it comes to updates, I know manufacturers have definitely stepped up their game, but I'm still burned out on updates from before I had a Pixel. I used Moto phones before then and would often wait a year after a major version release to get the update.

Getting day 1 updates and being able to participate in betas is a big plus for me

[-] HalcyonReverb@midwest.social 7 points 11 months ago

I love Pixels, they're easily my favorite option. I'm currently on a Pixel Fold (yes I'm an idiot, but that's beside the point), and I also enjoy my Pixel Watch and Buds Pro and A series.

I carried an iPhone for work for 3 years and just don't care for iOS in a personal daily carry capacity. It's fine for a work phone though, but I also enjoy the way that Android handles work profiles. I do own an iPad though, and that's fine. I would consider replacing it with a Pixel tablet someday when it's time though, especially if there's a 120hz display option by then.

I'm not a big fan of Samsung's design choices or bloatware tendencies. The kitchen sink approach isn't for me when the majority of it is stuff that I won't use, and it feels sloppy to me switching between apps and one uses Samsung's design language, and then the other uses Material You. I like the consistency you get on a Pixel.

I use my camera a ton, so Pixel is an obvious choice there. Software features like call screening are indispensable for me too. I have been seeing daily spam calls again recently, and watching my phone silently discard them is always enjoyable. I also enjoy getting updates as soon as they are released, which is something that always bothered me with other manufacturers. I have made quite a few people happy by recommending the A-series to them. Wonderful budget-midrange value options.

Where would I go if Pixel went away? Tough question. The Nothing phone seems alright, I could see that working. The Zenphone 10 looks nice as well. I think I would explore one of those options before considering Samsung or Apple again.

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[-] SpamCamel@lemm.ee 7 points 11 months ago

I've been using a Pixel 3 for about 5 years and I love it. I actually got a pixel 7 for work earlier this year and honestly prefer the pixel 3 lol. I've had some charging issues because lint gets stuck in the charge port, but I've been able to mostly solve those by cleaning out the port with a toothpick.

[-] zeekaran@sopuli.xyz 7 points 11 months ago

I'm on my first non Google phone, starting with the Nexus 5. I currently have the Z Fold 3, bought used for about half MSRP. It has so many good things that Google failed to do, while also missing a lot of things I loved about the Google phones. The Pixel folder may bring me back if it gets cheap enough.

[-] richteratmosphere@lemmy.sdf.org 7 points 11 months ago

I currently use a Pixel 6. Before that, I had the 4XL, 3, and 1XL.

I like:

The camera and camera software, having the option of using Beta versions of Android before they are fully released, being able to unlock the bootloader, and relatively quick security and OS updates.

I don't like:

How the camera section of the back of the phone protrudes. Makes holding the phone unpleasant ergonomically. I also don't like how Google isn't including Android version updates and only security patch updates near the end of life of the phone. They should do both.

[-] jaykstah@waveform.social 7 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

I've had a Pixel 5a and currently have a Pixel 7. Have enjoyed them greatly. The 5a was a bit mediocre overall, camera performance wasn't that great & it got a bit slow over time. That being said, the clean OS experience and integration was always nice and it was perfectly suitable for my needs at a good price.

Now that I'm using my Pixel 7 as a daily, the Pixel 5a is holding up pretty well with GrapheneOS as a backup phone / media player.

Pixel 7 has been really nice to me. Interface is smooth, camera is nice, everything just works essentially. And getting the latest Android pretty quickly is a nice feeling. My only gripe is that Google's SoC is still a bit lacking and battery life isn't the best, but I hear the current Android beta has some promising battery life improvements.

Overall I've been having a good time with them. Still kinda miss my Nexus 5x tho, that thing was sweet...

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[-] n3mo@lemmy.world 7 points 11 months ago

I have a pixel 7 running CalyxOS, which has been great. Custom ROMs have come so far since I was first getting interested in them in 2017. Installing Calyx on the pixel 7 was totally seamless, compared to multiple days of frustration installing LineageOS back in the day

[-] 7upCoconut@lemmy.world 6 points 11 months ago

I'm on my 3rd Pixel (2,3A XL, 6). They're good phones. Updates are pretty regular and support is fairly long lived. The cameras are fantastic. The software and interface is barebones. No bloat.

The only downside I would put out there is that they sometimes run hot. Like hotter than any other phone I've ever had. Suddenly and uncomfortably hot in your pocket.

I have zero interest in a foldable screen and it's going to be years before I'd ever trust one.

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[-] dystop@lemmy.world 6 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

I sold my Pixel 6 pro to get a Samsung S23. Unfortunately the main issues I had with the pixel were hardware-related and recurring, and while samsung isn't ideal, most of their issues could be solved with a one-time fix.

Main issues I had with the Pixel:

  • Fingerprint sensor doesn't work with privacy screens. Period. It's not a question of buying cheap privacy screens, the Pixel fingerprint reader is optical and is just not compatible with privacy screens. Samsung uses an ultrasonic reader which is compatible with privacy screens.
  • The 6 Pro was unwieldy and ridiculously large, the smaller 6 doesn't have the triple camera setup. Samsung is one of the few that doesn't sacrifice phototaking ability in a smaller form factor.
  • That godawful new quick toggles UI is horrible. The quick toggles are ridiculously large, and who decided it would be a good idea to merge the wifi and internet toggles?! I managed to use adb commands to split the toggles in 12, but that broke with 13.

Issues I had with the Samsung:

  • Bloat - this was mainly in the form of some preinstalled software, but unlike in the early days of Samsung, I could uninstall most of the bloat easily without resorting to root, adb, etc. No bloat (pixel) is still better than bloat that can be uninstalled (samsung), but this problem was permanently solved after about 10 minutes.
  • Some Samsung native apps have horrible permission settings - eg Samsung Pay requires access to your contacts, and if you deny it any one permission, the app just force closes. I got around this by uninstalling the offending apps and using alternatives (e.g. google pay) - again, a one-time issue. fuck the intrusive permissions.
[-] alansuspect@aussie.zone 6 points 11 months ago

I've got the 6 Pro. I cracked the screen which sucked, but for the price they should probably come with a cover.

The fingerprint scanner on the screen works less than half the time. The only thing I've really been impressed with is the camera, other than that I'd go any other phone.

I used to have a Xiaomi Rednote 9 Pro and loved it. Not sure how secure Xiaomi stuff is but was very happy with it, plus the fingerprint scanner was on the side and worked much better.

[-] Saturdaycat@kbin.social 6 points 11 months ago

I have a 6a and have been emulating games with it and playing remote play with my backbone. Super enjoying it

[-] denton@lemm.ee 6 points 11 months ago

I used the 2 and currently use the 4a (coming up to 3 years this Oct) but I think that's the end of the line for me on pixels cause they're just getting too big for someone with really small hands.

My three wants (in order or priority) for phones are: 1) reasonably small enough (pixel 4a just about fits into this criteria); 2) fingerprint scanner; 3) headphone jack

I've got a tiny jelly star from unihertz coming and if that doesn't work out I'll probably have to go zenphone cause they're just about the size of the 4a.

Pity as I do like the pixel line

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[-] HobbitFoot@thelemmy.club 6 points 11 months ago

Since LG left making phones, I'm buying Pixels since I really don't like what Samsung is doing and I don't trust my Google account to the different Chinese companies.

I've got a Pixel 7 Pro and it is ok, but battery issues are worse than other phones and I've had issues with overheating that I've never had with other phones.

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[-] peetabix@lemmy.world 6 points 11 months ago

I recently bought a pixel 6 pro (went from an LG G7). Its a nice upgrade. I'm slowly replacing (and deactivating) the google apps with open source ones. I may install a custom ROM at some point.

[-] applejacks@lemmy.world 6 points 11 months ago

Good but overhyped.

[-] nightynight@monyet.cc 6 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

Had a Pixel 3 where the screen died exactly two days after the warranty ends.

Loved the picture it took (even compared to my S23 now) and the fluidity.

Hate the Google quality control. Seeing pixel 6 modem issues and pixel 7 camera glasses, it never improves.

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this post was submitted on 07 Aug 2023
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