Google Pixel smartphone
Discussion
I'm struggling to figure out what makes this device stand out .... totally failing. It doesn't have any genuine standout features.
Also nice to see that Google have joined the ranks of companies who have paid DXO to give a glowing review. To a certain extent the DXO rating of the Sony Z5C helped sway me towards the device, and the camera performance isn't anything like as good as the review claimed. Heck, I really doubt that any of them can properly rival my rather old but still working Nokia 808 for stills - it really was so far ahead of the game that it still can't be bettered (and nothing on the market at the moment gets close to it for audio recording either).
Also nice to see that Google have joined the ranks of companies who have paid DXO to give a glowing review. To a certain extent the DXO rating of the Sony Z5C helped sway me towards the device, and the camera performance isn't anything like as good as the review claimed. Heck, I really doubt that any of them can properly rival my rather old but still working Nokia 808 for stills - it really was so far ahead of the game that it still can't be bettered (and nothing on the market at the moment gets close to it for audio recording either).
The price is high, but as said, many very good alternatives (that people will probably go for).
For now, no one did a real premium alternative that actually competes with the iPhone on the high price. Everyone undercuts it even if it is by the smallest margin.
In other words, this isn't the competition for the bang for buck phones the Nexus were. This is the phone to show people that you can spend a lot of money on a phone, and there's plenty of people wanting to do that as well.
If you're complaining at the price, the phone isn't aimed at you and there's plenty of very good Android devices that'll probably offer the same experience.
For now, no one did a real premium alternative that actually competes with the iPhone on the high price. Everyone undercuts it even if it is by the smallest margin.
In other words, this isn't the competition for the bang for buck phones the Nexus were. This is the phone to show people that you can spend a lot of money on a phone, and there's plenty of people wanting to do that as well.
If you're complaining at the price, the phone isn't aimed at you and there's plenty of very good Android devices that'll probably offer the same experience.
Edited by ZesPak on Wednesday 5th October 09:22
My upgrade is due end of this month, in the past I've had iOS, Windows and Android, currently on Android and was all set for a Galaxy S7 Edge to replace my disappointing LG-G3, but since the iPhone 7 was launched I've been drawn to getting a 7+, the camera intrigues me and I did really like my 3GS, only replacing it with a woeful HTC Desire HD due to cost, whereas cost isn't an issue for me now.
However when I found out that the Pixel was being launched I was open to seeing how that stacked up; too expensive I'm afraid and I'm dubious as to the camera; just because a few numbers resulting from a test that I am not familiar with state that it is the best camera available on a smart phone, doesn't mean it actually is, an iPhone 7+ is similar money and will have a decent value in two years time.
Still tossing between the iPhone and Galaxy though.
However when I found out that the Pixel was being launched I was open to seeing how that stacked up; too expensive I'm afraid and I'm dubious as to the camera; just because a few numbers resulting from a test that I am not familiar with state that it is the best camera available on a smart phone, doesn't mean it actually is, an iPhone 7+ is similar money and will have a decent value in two years time.
Still tossing between the iPhone and Galaxy though.
According to this comparison:
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Google-Pixel-vs-Sam...
It seem completely run of the mill to me, its even beaten in a few areas by the HTC and Samsung. some of the unique features like the "Google assistant" will surely come to other phones via updates soon.
The Nexus devices have always seemed good as they brought current tech at a low price point.
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Google-Pixel-vs-Sam...
It seem completely run of the mill to me, its even beaten in a few areas by the HTC and Samsung. some of the unique features like the "Google assistant" will surely come to other phones via updates soon.
The Nexus devices have always seemed good as they brought current tech at a low price point.
HTP99 said:
My upgrade is due end of this month, in the past I've had iOS, Windows and Android, currently on Android and was all set for a Galaxy S7 Edge to replace my disappointing LG-G3, but since the iPhone 7 was launched I've been drawn to getting a 7+, the camera intrigues me and I did really like my 3GS, only replacing it with a woeful HTC Desire HD due to cost, whereas cost isn't an issue for me now.
However when I found out that the Pixel was being launched I was open to seeing how that stacked up; too expensive I'm afraid and I'm dubious as to the camera; just because a few numbers resulting from a test that I am not familiar with state that it is the best camera available on a smart phone, doesn't mean it actually is, an iPhone 7+ is similar money and will have a decent value in two years time.
Still tossing between the iPhone and Galaxy though.
This intrigues me.However when I found out that the Pixel was being launched I was open to seeing how that stacked up; too expensive I'm afraid and I'm dubious as to the camera; just because a few numbers resulting from a test that I am not familiar with state that it is the best camera available on a smart phone, doesn't mean it actually is, an iPhone 7+ is similar money and will have a decent value in two years time.
Still tossing between the iPhone and Galaxy though.
Either cost is an issue or it isn't? Apparently it is. You're right that the iPhone probably keeps it's value better though.
As for the camera, indeed might be dubious but I doubt it's not an extremely good camera. Funny how a "best in class" notation would actually be a downside? Has the iP7 camera bested the S7 camera?
The bezel ruins the point of the smaller screen for me, I know that they planned on putting the fingerprint sensor there but if you move the sensor why keep the bezel other than to save money?
The XL's dimensions vs. the S7 Edge: 154.70 x 75.70 x 8.50 vs. 150.90 x 72.60 x 7.70. Its noticeably bigger than the S7 Edge but has a smaller screen and for most people isn't going to feel any faster or take better photos than the S7 Edge. Plus you can fit a micro SD card to the S7 or use it as a dual SIM if you buy an import, considerably cheaper/more useful.
The Pixel is also missing dual forward facing speakers and the wireless charging, both are things I really like on my Nexus 6. The LG V20 comes the closest to what I want out of a phone but it still doesn't have these features.
Premium phones haven't really moved far enough on for me to make them worth the extra. Mid range Android phones offer far better value for most people than a few years ago.
The XL's dimensions vs. the S7 Edge: 154.70 x 75.70 x 8.50 vs. 150.90 x 72.60 x 7.70. Its noticeably bigger than the S7 Edge but has a smaller screen and for most people isn't going to feel any faster or take better photos than the S7 Edge. Plus you can fit a micro SD card to the S7 or use it as a dual SIM if you buy an import, considerably cheaper/more useful.
The Pixel is also missing dual forward facing speakers and the wireless charging, both are things I really like on my Nexus 6. The LG V20 comes the closest to what I want out of a phone but it still doesn't have these features.
Premium phones haven't really moved far enough on for me to make them worth the extra. Mid range Android phones offer far better value for most people than a few years ago.
Zoon said:
Nice new iPhone clone.
No camera bump, fingerprint sensor on the back, no home button and a different design, how is it a clone? Come on, it's a phone and so will always be a small box with a screen on the front and a camera on the back, that doesn't make it an iPhone copy. sjg said:
...Apple apparently spent ages deliberating over sizes (design team having prototypes in dozens of sizes in small increments) before introducing the 6 and settled on that as it's a good compromise of screen and usability.
Yeah, but they also said that about the 3... and the 4... and the 5 
I'm ready for a new phone and have had my eye on the LG G5 but decided to wait and see what Google were up to.
And it's not very impressive really. It's priced around or above the Samsung Galaxy S7 which objectively seems to be the best phone on the market at the moment, but doesn't offer anything particularly exciting to justify it.
I think I'm leaning back to the G5. The wife has one and if you ignore the largely pointless modular thing, it seems unbeatable for the price.
One thing that struck me about this presentation is how it seems Google are building some walls around their garden. The main reason I avoid Apple kit is because I like being able to choose my own router/speaker/laptop/desktop/tablet/phone, rather than being guided to get it all from one manufacturer. Google seem to be heading towards a similar kind of ecosystem that may be open now but could easily be closed once you're stuck inside it.
leglessAlex said:
Seems expensive to me. Part of the appeal of Android (for me) has always been either that they're cheaper to begin with or that you can get them cheaper by shopping around, with no loss in the functionality you get compared to iOS, indeed you often have more.
Those phones still exist, and that sector of the market is becoming crowded. What advantage is there to choosing a Nexus over Oneplus/Moto/Whatever?I can see why it makes sense for Google to launch a flagship. It tries to change the perspective from "Cheaper than an iPhone" to "Better than an iPhone". It doesn't even need to be a massive sales success to achieve that, as long as enough people are aware of it.
durbster said:
...It's priced around or above the Samsung Galaxy S7 which objectively seems to be the best phone on the market at the moment...
I've got an S7 and I don't rate it. Judged on spec sheet it's fantastic but the reality is a little bit "meh". If it were a car, it's an Audi A4 TDI. Nothing wrong with it. Looks nice enough. Goes well enough. I just find it impossible to actually like.It's also the first phone in years that I've managed to scratch the screen on, and the first I've ever broken the screen on. Treated no different to any of the previous ones.
By contrast I've had several Nexus phones and tablets. All have been great. I'm even using my old Nexus 4 at the moment while the Samsung is with the repairers. I got it in 2012 and it still runs flawlessly and feels modern enough. Even the battery still lasts. Only big thing missing is 4G.
I'll be very interest in having a play with the Pixel before making up my mind.
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