Develop Bugs

Should I buy a Pixel XL if I have an S7 Edge?

I currently have the S7 Edge because I had to turn in the Note 7. I'm getting kinda of tired of it and want Android 7.1 and something faster and less lag.
Would it be a good move to go to the Pixel XL?
I'm considering the V20 too but the iffy build quality with the camera lense plus speaker issues being reported and I'm leery on going for it. Also the Pixel is Ip54 rated, V20 is not.

Pixel XL is a great device (if you can obtain one that is). There definitely will be less lag vs Bloat Wiz! If you don't care for all the extra gimmicky features and you're looking for a fast clean experience this phone is it.

It's a trade off basically. With the Pixel you get faster updates and a very smooth experience. With the S7 Edge, you get a lot of fun features that the Pixel doesn't have but you also get less performance/battery life.

As someone that owns the s7 edge, v20 and Pixel xl, the pixel is my favorite. The s7 edge is with daughter now.

No Vulkan support on pixel ATM but s7 has locked BL. If BL not an issue for you then I'd try to wait until s8 drops in a couple months. That phone is expected to be an absolute beast... Minus headphone jack.

I went from the Note 7 unwillingly to the s7e. At that point I had gone through three Samsung phones and wanted a change of pace. I held out on getting the pixel until the reviews hit because I was tired of buying Nexus and getting sub-par battery and camera performance.
That bit of front matter out of the way I will say I miss quite a few features from my s7e/Note 7/Touchwiz in general. I think it's always good to get perspective from people that have been versed in both the realms you are wanting compared. Otherwise you get an echo chamber of perceived issues on phones people have never had.
*I miss how touchwiz handles screen shots. It's awesome to have it immediately give you an option to crop/edit/share without having to pull down the notification tray and open in another app (Photos by default doesnt edit from the screen shot notification).
*I miss being able to copy and paste images from the browser to the sms app. That way I dont need to save the imagines to my phone.
*I love the smart capture function of selecting a portion of the screen to share, send it off and boom youre done and it doesnt save the photo for you if you don't want it.
*The built in camera options are awesome, the position of the home button makes for launching the camera from the off position a little more natural since you are holding the phone how you would to take the photo.
*Being able to select audio outputs from the notification tray. Often I have head phones on at work but when I want to show someone a video, I have to either turn off my headphone or disconnect in the bluetooth settings.
*Being able to use your finger print to restore saved passwords in the browser.
*Also the peace of mind of being water resistant
All that said the battery life on the Pixel XL compared to the snap dragon s7e is clearly in favor of the Pixel. The camera is awesome, I don't know if I would say one is better than the other but it's a beast. The OS is very responsive and aesthetically it is pleasing on the eyes. Would be nice if they had built in themes though. All in all I've never had much of an issue with Samsung and find lots of the features useful but I really am enjoying my Pixel XL.
I'd also like to note the VR experience, I think the Gear VR is designed better than the Day Dream.

I had the Note 7 and landed on the S7 Edge after all of the exchanges. I was only too happy to ditch that phone for the Pixel XL as soon as I could get my hands on it. A lot of people will tell you that the S7 Edge is pretty much the same phone as the Note 7, but it very clearly is not. The Note was smooth and fast, and the Edge feels clunky and is visibly slower. In a perfect world I would have the Pixel XL with the S-Pen and stock Android. But until that particular unicorn shows itself, the Pixel is (IMHO) a better phone. At least, for me.

Galaxy Note 8 or Pixel 2 XL?

I've got the note 8 now, thinking about getting the pixel 2 XL. Wanted to come on here and get your opinions. I've watched tons of videos, I loved the original pixel, but I also love my note. I miss vanilla Android though, so I'm thinking about switching back too the Google phone.

ChrisAC84 said:
I've got the note 8 now, thinking about getting the pixel 2 XL. Wanted to come on here and get your opinions. I've watched tons of videos, I loved the original pixel, but I also love my note. I miss vanilla Android though, so I'm thinking about switching back too the Google phone.
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Who's going to have an opinion on a device that has not been released yet?

For me it came down to durability. I work in construction, so an all-glass body like the Note8 would be less durable and more prone to breakage than the Pixel 2's aluminum body.

Pixel 2 XL just because of better performance becasue of stock Android.
Touchwiz (Samsung Experience) is biggest crap with micro laggs and big laggs after time ..
Never gonna buy samsung in the near future again.

ChrisAC84 said:
I've got the note 8 now, thinking about getting the pixel 2 XL. Wanted to come on here and get your opinions. I've watched tons of videos, I loved the original pixel, but I also love my note. I miss vanilla Android though, so I'm thinking about switching back too the Google phone.
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I don't think you can go wrong with either. It will pretty much come down to vanilla, timely and guaranteed updates or the extras the Note 8 brings to the table. Note 8 is an amazing device and I'm sure the P2XL will be amazing too.

Well, the decision was easy for me. I don't like TouchWiz and I demand prompt, regular updates. Samsung is getting better about their updates, but they are nowhere near Google. My vote goes to the Pixel 2 XL.

Pixel. Any day of the year
Skickat från min SM-N950F via Tapatalk

The New 8 is a beast, but I'm into Google devices like this badboy Pixel XL 2!

I had and returned a Note8. The phone is ridiculously fast and I have always liked the Samsung skin. However I greatly disliked the curved screen because I found things near the edges harder to see. Also the phone is crazy fragile with the curved glass front and the glass back. Dropping it once would probably destroy my $1,000+ phone. In the end I sent it back.

I had the s7e, pixel xl, s8+, and now currently have note 8, I've grown to like Samsung skin quite a bit as it does have a lot of useful features, but my short time with the pixel I really enjoyed it also but missed VoLTE was I was with att at the time. But now I'm with tmo and preordered the pixel 2 xl, but only time will tell if I'll end up canceling it as I really do love my note 8 but it's frigging heavy! But I don't think the poled screen will compare to samsungs super amoled, and I would really really miss the micro sad card

I've been using note since it came out and I've loved every second of it. I'm curious if pixel XL 2 that I have ordered can bump it out of the daily slot
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

ChrisAC84 said:
I've got the note 8 now, thinking about getting the pixel 2 XL. Wanted to come on here and get your opinions. I've watched tons of videos, I loved the original pixel, but I also love my note. I miss vanilla Android though, so I'm thinking about switching back too the Google phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me the pixel wins over the note 8 in pretty much every category except for the storage, not offering a 256gb version in 2017 is ridiculous..get with the times google.
sent from my Note FE

I pre ordered my N8 and I like it as a daily driver. We just got root for it.
That said, my trading in my Pixel XL for a Pixel XL 2.

Not sure what everyone's fascination is with manufacturer's bloatware and in contrast labeling the purest android phones to ever be made as vanilla.
The whole idea behind android is that you can do more with it, google simply (finally) made an android phone how it was meant to be made. Hardware and software that work flawlessly together but yet offer so much more that iOS does.
People still want phones that the true android experience such as , quickness, flawlessness gets mutilated by so many manufacturer's getting their greedy little hands on them and pretty much ruin what android is supposed to be. And don't get me started on the carriers crapware.
I have had a note 2, note 3, s6, s7 edge, HTC evo, mottoX.........all of which get glitchy and turn to crap slowly after each new android/manufacturer/carrier update. BUT NO MORE I TELL YOU!
Go buy a Pixel 2 XL and see how flawless everything works for you, very similar to iPhones. With the major difference is still being able to do soooo much more than iPhones.
There is no comparison between google phones and other android using phones and iPhone anymore. Hell google won hands down lol.
Mine will arrive on Oct 24th at my door step. I will post about the experience I have with the phone later.

force70 said:
For me the pixel wins over the note 8 in pretty much every category except for the storage, not offering a 256gb version in 2017 is ridiculous..get with the times google.
sent from my Note FE
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Every category except water/dust resistance, display size, features, screen quality and wireless charging. ?

I have an s8+ which I really like, but I cant deal with having to debloat the device, deal with bixby and all the other branded garbage, so I'm willing to take a slightly more ugly phone (imho) and screen in order to get more timely updates. I honestly would stick with the s8+ if they had a non touchwiz edition. The general public does not care, and I think pixel will remain niche because of it. I'll miss samsung pay, which is really nice being able to use old machines and not wondering if they have NFC or not.

spinkick said:
I have an s8+ which I really like, but I cant deal with having to debloat the device, deal with bixby and all the other branded garbage, so I'm willing to take a slightly more ugly phone (imho) and screen in order to get more timely updates. I honestly would stick with the s8+ if they had a non touchwiz edition. The general public does not care, and I think pixel will remain niche because of it. I'll miss samsung pay, which is really nice being able to use old machines and not wondering if they have NFC or not.
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I have an unlocked S8 plus on Verizon. Last year I had the pixel and switched back to Samsung for the water proofing. I missed the pixel. The camera on it was great and even my wife loved it, she is all about social media and photos.
I ordered a Pixel 2 XL this year because I'm used to the larger screen. I feel that if the Pixel 2 XL is the same as the Pixel it will be a good phone. For me greatness will be a better camera from last year and battery life on par with the S8 plus. I guess by the end of the month we will be either singing it's praise or complaining.
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

dhaugru said:
Every category except water/dust resistance, display size, features, screen quality and wireless charging. ?
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Click to collapse
Well luckily for me i dont care about the IP rating or wireless charging.
The extra screen real estate granted would be nice for sure but id rather have a slightly smalller screen with front firing speakers.
Screen quality on any flagship these days will be great...sure if you want to not pick the note 8 is better but Im sure the pixel will be just fine to look at.
sent from my Note FE

force70 said:
Well luckily for me i dont care about the IP rating or wireless charging.
The extra screen real estate granted would be nice for sure but id rather have a slightly smalller screen with front firing speakers.
Screen quality on any flagship these days will be great...sure if you want to not pick the note 8 is better but Im sure the pixel will be just fine to look at.
sent from my Note FE
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The Pixel 2 is water and dust resistant no different then the Note 8. IP67/68 is for all intent purposes the same, the only difference is IP68 can go to 1.5m instead of 1m. Unless you go swimming all the time with your phone I do not see an issue. Wireless charging and an SD card slot would have been nice, but after dealing with all the bloat and problems with other MFGs, I am ready for a pure Android experience and timely updates.

I thought I'd put my thoughts on this as well.
I had the Note 8 for 4 months or so, and have recently switched over to the Pixel Xl 2.
As choices go, it was one of the hardest when it comes to choosing between phones. In the end, the Pixel XL 2 won me over on points, some of which were personal, some of which were facts.
Battery - (It's better on the Pixel XL 2, than the Note 8. It's a fact)
I am a heavy user (Spotify, chatting, a lot of syncing apps + a garmin vivosmartHr+). Unplugged at 7 AM, the Pixel's battery is at about 20% at around 23:30 (11:30 PM). To me, this is spectacular. Leaving work at 6 PM, it's almost always at 50-55%, and that is with me using it for streaming music as I work, chatting with my partner between job tasks, and using it on my lunch break. The Note 8 never gave me this sort of longevity. I almost always had to charge at around...2-3 PM, when the battery was at about 30% or such. The Note 8 never filled me with confidence that it could easily last me a day. Same thing with standby mode. The pixel simply does not leak batter in standby. My note 8 always did, even after factory resets, even after using it on a factory reset with no apps used (as a test)
Camera - (The image processing is better on the Pixel Xl 2, than the Note 8 (opinion). However the Note 8 offers a dual lens setup, which is more convenient for people interested in zoom photography. (Fact))
The Note 8 does have the better camera setup - two cameras are better than one, hardware wise. When it comes to the images that come out of the phones though there is no comparison. The Pixel's image processing is out of this world. My cat was my test subject, and I took pictures of my cat in normal-lit environments with both phones. Samsung's processing made his fur look muddy on zoom. The Pixel had preserved 90% of the texture, as well as realistic colors. Portrait mode is also better with the pixel. Given how I almost never use the telezoom lens, I decided to stay with the Pixel (personal preference), but the fact is that picture quality from the Pixel is better.
Updates/Software version - (The Pixel blows anything else out of the water. Fact)
I care for such things, and once more there is no comparison. the Pixel gets updated far more frequently.
Things that the Note 8 just does better:
- Screen (Note 8 wins, hands down. Fact)
Here is where the note 8 obliterates the pixel. The pixel does suffer from rainbow effect (my unit not to an extreme), it does have a bit of banding tough nowhere near as bad as the V30 or previous generation OLED panels. The black smearing/smudging (whatever you call it, the fact that blacks smudge when you scroll), is there. First I saw it on the Pixel I was like - is this for real? I got used to it by now, but for people who do care about such things - stay away. In comparison, the Note 8 screen is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Bright, colorful, my unit had absolutely ZERO banding. There was a light red tint around the edges (Which I am guessing is due to the curved display), but nowhere near enough to be distracting. The Note 8 wins here, hands down.
- Build quality (Note 8 feels better int he hand - This is my opinion)
Both phones are well built, but the Note 8 is a class of its own. I prefer heavier phones (the Pixel feels a bit too light for me). Holding the note felt like you were holding onto a ton of technology in the most compact of packages. IT was a pleasure to hold. Personally, I don't feel the same for the Pixel but yet again - this comes down to personal preference.
- Tech/Pen (Note 8 packs far more tech. Fact)
I never much used the pen, so I can't comment on that. I won't deny though that the ability to keep notes on the fly is amazing. The Note 8 gives you that out of the box, and is a much better working tool than the Pixel or any phone. Useful in meetings, presentations, etc. Iris scanner was also useful, but I found myself using the fingerprint reader more in the end.
So why did I choose the Pixel XL 2? Well, the bits that the Pixel XL 2 does better were more important to me as a user, that's all. Mainly battery life, software version and camera (remember - I almost never used telezoom lenses in my photography life, but I always loved bokeh photography as well as street photography).
You can't go wrong with either phone. What you can do is tailor the choice on what fits -you- best personally.

Is the Note 8 the best phone ever or are you tempted by competition?

I traded in my Note 5, which I loved for the Note 8 and the Note 8 is clearly the best phone I've ever used. That said, 2017 has finally brought compelling competition worth considering.
What I love about the Note 8:
-Hands down the highest quality screen of any phone
-6 GB RAM makes multitasking great
-The camera takes awesome pictures
-The battery life is incredible
-The theme engine allows dark theme without root
-Call quality is outstanding
-The phone is blazing fast 98% of the time
-Headphone Jack
What I don't love about the Note 8:
-The height and weight of the phone. I have large hands and could always manage the Note 5 one handed, but the height of the Note 8 with added weight make it awkward to use in certain situations. I think if the phone were wider, it might balance the weight distribution. Using a Pixel 2 XL and V30, both are much manageable in the hands.
-The forced white navbar is a nuisance for dark themes. Couldn't Samsung offer grays or faded navbar icons to minimize burn in? I use a 3rd party app to mostly mitigate the problem, but not all apps work properly with it.
-The Bixby button. Again, I've used a 3rd party app to mitigate the problem, but it doesn't seem like a polished solution. Samsung just needs to give us options to remap it.
-The curved screen. Yes, it looks great, but the shadows and light refraction make it annoying at times.
Obviously, the pros of the phone greatly outweigh the cons but every time I see someone using a Pixel 2 XL, I am jealous of the more manageable size, the fast and fluid UI that gets updated faster, and the even bigger battery. I am well aware that both the Pixel 2 XL and V30 have far more problems than the Note 8, namely their screens and bluetooth. Being on Verizon, the OnePlus 5T isn't an option, though I love the thought of a phone that has 8 GB RAM and custom ROM capabilities. Maybe I'm just dreaming of a Note 8 running stock Android, and with a flat 18:9 screen ratio instead of 18.5:9 (which seems to account for the length and narrowness). I'm not actually considering switching phones, but I've been tempted to get another flagship to replace my Nexus 6 as a business line. Thoughts?

I got a note 8 and my wife broke the screen of her s7 edge so of course she wanted fixed or a new phone. Gave her my note 8 and got myself an LG V30 thinking that my note 8 was still too big. After 4 hrs I decided I wanted the note 8 back. The note 8 is a superior phone in all ways except for the audio. I traded the v30 for a new blue note 8 in Bestbuy with 300 dollars off. If I have spare money for another phone I would probably get a pixel 2 xl. I watch a lot of videos and YouTube and the 2 speakers in the front appeal to me. For a daily driver I would get bored right away of the pixel. The note 8 could be customized in so many ways that I haven't even installed Nova launcher yet which has been a most in all my previous phones. If you have a note 8 you have the best Android phone currently and period.

Ha, what competition. Note 8 plays in it's own world. It's a beast.
Also with Oreo update it's only better

I had an ASUS Zenfone AR that I got in September. Nothing but problems - which probably explains why VZW pulled it in less than 6 months. After going through 3 Zenfones, I finally convinced VZW to buy it back and got the Note 8 last week.
Size is very good
Wireless charging FTW
Agreed with above points on speed, screen resolution, etc.
First thing I did was install Nova Plus
I played with the advanced Audio settings - including the hearing test and my LG BT Headset sounds amazing!
Theme engine???????
Disabling Bixby and downloading Google Assistant, finding an obscure setting that I can't find again that selects GA as the default and now it works perfect, but it took me a week to get it to work right.
The one thing I DON'T like about the curved screen is that in 2 weeks, I've had 2 tempered glass screen protectors crack and I have to think this is because of the curve. This second one is just a minor hairline at the bottom but the first one was worse.
The other was being reminded that you can't just connect a Samsung to your computer and transfer files >: Still looking for the best way to do that or break down and pay for Wondershare Mobile Go - which may be worth it since you can browse system files

I've only had it a few days.....had to root and debloat and amend some things (adblocker, viperFX...) It's sure is a beautifully designed thing. It's also like having a Mercedes made out of glass. First thing I did when I ordered it was to order a case and screen protector. No way I would go without it, even walking around a carpeted house. But the key reason I got it was that it was rootable and a high end phone. I was coming from a quirky but great V10 and a Note 3 before that. I will simply not have a phone that I can't root.

I like it a lot incredible battery life using a disable of course most crashes are caused by wonky apps..not blazing fast but not real important. I still prefer it over my iphone 6s plus.. not sure which phone is faster, but for a phone, I choose android.. previous phone was LG10,Note4,galaxys4....way better than those
I'm just looking for a upgraded spen device then I'll be content with the note 8

I'd possibly go to a Pixel 2 XL

I've been a Samsung user for years. My current , Note 5, is paid and was thinking about a Pixel 2 XL. First off, I'm not a big picture taker because I'm into performance over everything. Plus, like many, are sick of the Samsung bloatware. But The S8+ is a great phone and it has maintained a feature I like.
The feature is pressing a button to answer the phone. The menu button on my 5 does that now. Does the Pixel 2 have such a choice? I hate to swipe to answer. Call me spoiled but it's so much safer while drive to hit a button instead of a swipe. The S8 series has moved the feature to the volume up.
So if there are any Samsung converts out there I'd be happy to hear what you like or even dislike about the Pixel 2 series.
I've done the side sides on my Note 5 vs. s8+ and Pixel 2 xl but I want to hear from real users.
Thanks

pbman1953 said:
I've been a Samsung user for years. My current , Note 5, is paid and was thinking about a Pixel 2 XL. First off, I'm not a big picture taker because I'm into performance over everything. Plus, like many, are sick of the Samsung bloatware. But The S8+ is a great phone and it has maintained a feature I like.
The feature is pressing a button to answer the phone. The menu button on my 5 does that now. Does the Pixel 2 have such a choice? I hate to swipe to answer. Call me spoiled but it's so much safer while drive to hit a button instead of a swipe. The S8 series has moved the feature to the volume up.
So if there are any Samsung converts out there I'd be happy to hear what you like or even dislike about the Pixel 2 series.
I've done the side sides on my Note 5 vs. s8+ and Pixel 2 xl but I want to hear from real users.
Thanks
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Ive been using Samsung for years. Started with the s3 then note3 then note5 and now pixel2xl.
So far pixel2xl has been great. The colors were a bit dull before the update giving us saturated colors, which fixed it for me. But other than that performance wise its a dream. My personal experience i have yet to experience studder or lag. Performance is the best ive ever experienced with any previous phone and the battery life is second to none. I average 8hr sot with watching YouTube, games, calls, internet.
The note3 and note5 were bought through Verizon so i haven't been able to flash roms or anything since my s3 and currently enjoying trying different mods and whatnot.
Overall this phone is amazing. Im not sure about the button to answer, as of right how it's swipe but could be a way to change that. If you get a chance to get this phone you won't be disappointed.

I have Pixel 2 XL and performance is great but I'm leaning towards Oneplus 5t since I can buy 2 of it and performance is par to Pixel.

The pixel 2 XL was good enough to replace my note 8. And that's says a LOT! ?
Sent from my Google Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs

daviddem said:
I have Pixel 2 XL and performance is great but I'm leaning towards Oneplus 5t since I can buy 2 of it and performance is par to Pixel.
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That's not actually true. The pixel is actually smoother. I've had both. The pixel does have a smoother feel. Might be because of Oreo. And where I am the OnePlus is £499. And the pixel 2 XL is £699 with a free speaker. Do you couldn't even get 1 and a half OnePlus for the same price...saying you can get 2 for the same price is far fetched. I also wouldn't recommend switching. The OnePlus is a good phone for the price but it is a down grade and you will notice a few areas are not as good

Love my Pixel XL 2 better than my S8+

Reuben_skelz92 said:
That's not actually true. The pixel is actually smoother. I've had both. The pixel does have a smoother feel. Might be because of Oreo. And where I am the OnePlus is £499. And the pixel 2 XL is £699 with a free speaker. Do you couldn't even get 1 and a half OnePlus for the same price...saying you can get 2 for the same price is far fetched. I also wouldn't recommend switching. The OnePlus is a good phone for the price but it is a down grade and you will notice a few areas are not as good
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Thats not true for USA. The pixel 2 XL 128GB cost $1000+ with tax and Oneplus 5t 128GB $550. At the moment I have both side by side and performance there is no difference.

I've been a Samsung fanboy since my Samsung Galaxy vibrant with T-Mobile. I've had every Samsung Galaxy S phone up to the Galaxy s8+. I don't miss it one bit. I was on the fence for several weeks. I ordered it, cancelled multiple times because of all the bad press. I eventually pulled the trigger and bought the 64gb in black, but I forgot to get the premium coverage. So I returned it and got a 128gb. I don't regret purchasing this phone outright at all. To be honest. I don't think I'll go back. Not until Samsung comes out with something unbelievable. The way that I look at it. Samsung is like a Lamborghini or Ferrari of Android. But they can throw all the best parts, displays, whatever bells and whistles they want. But what good is a Lamborghini or Ferrari with a bad tune? Although the pixel 2 XL may not be the best looking device. It's tuned specifically for this phone and you can tell. Also, I sort of prefer the "natural" colors of this display. If you're going to look for issues, your going to find them in any device. But as for the phone calls. When somebody calls and your display is off. It will pop up a a screen with a circle. You can swipe up to answer the call, or down to ignore it. If your screen is on. A small box will pop up with the contact calling and you can take answer or ignore. I'll try to send some screen shots.

Some reason I couldn't update my previous post. But the attachments are what the call screen looks like from both perspectives.

Ive had my Pixel 2 XL for a week now and I have never had any lag/stutter even when syncing in the background. Battery is superb, 5-6hrs screen on time is easily achieved. Speakers are loud and clean. What can I say more about the camera? Camera is beast!
I used Samsung from S2 to S6 and there is always this delay/lag when opening apps. I guess its just the animation. I find Samsung chargers easy to have problems (slow charge). I am not sure with the S8 now. AMOLED is nice, but hurts my eyes. These are the reasons I went away from AMOLED to IPS LCD (pre-Pixel2XL). I was hesitant at first getting the Pixel 2 XL with all these display issues around it. But personally, the Boosted display settings is just right. I do not like the Saturated settings because it reminds me of Samsung. Too vivid for my liking. The Boosted colors are not washed out, people are just used to/spoiled seeing punchy AMOLED displays, looked unnatural.
As for your concern, a little adjustment when taking the call would be the best move.
So, if youre looking for a phone with the best performance, updates, camera, go get the Pixel 2 XL.
Display is subjective. For the missing headphone jack, im ok with it, they provide a c-3.5mm converter. Thats about it! Hopefully I have contributed something to your decision.

daviddem said:
Thats not true for USA. The pixel 2 XL 128GB cost $1000+ with tax and Oneplus 5t 128GB $550. At the moment I have both side by side and performance there is no difference.
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That doesn't seem to be true based on many reviews of OP5t performance vs the Pixel 2, even the very thorough review of the OP5t here at xda. Long story short: P2 offers a much more fluid experience than the OP5t and may even be a little snappier. The OP5t utilizes animation tricks to make the phone seem and feel snappier than it is and it's smoothness is nowhere near the level of the Pixel 2. Throw in the sub par camera, poor support and outdated firmware and it's no wonder they sell em for so cheap. Plus, it's $874 vs $550, hardly double.

I've had a LOT of phones over the years, usually switching every 6 months selling off whatever I had to get the absolute latest, but slowed down once I got my OnePlus 3T... It's an AMAZING phone for the price. I was done with Samsung after the 6 series. That said, I went to the Google Pixel 2 XL instead of the 5T because of the dual front facing speakers as well as a few other Pixel only features and I do not regret it at all. The blue-shift isn't too bad once you adjust the colors a bit on the screen (I'm rooted and using EX Kernel / KCal).
My girlfriend has the Samsung S7 Edge and a few friends have the S8s and all want the Pixel 2 XL now after checking it out. It's hard to match the software experience you get on a Pixel device, that's for sure. You can't beat having dual-speakers on a phone, makes for daily use, hearing calls, music, watching videos all the better. I do recommend the 5T for those not worried about camera or dual-speakers as it's got a nicer out-of-the-box looking screen and is much less expensive to purchase, it's no slouch overall. In the end, the Pixel 2 XL was worth every extra penny for my use... make a list of things you need from a phone and see which works best for you as you're all that matters with your phone purchase. Our opinions aren't here to sway you away from what's best for you.

Is is worth rooting since it comes so clean without bloatware compared to Samsung?

pbman1953 said:
Is is worth rooting since it comes so clean without bloatware compared to Samsung?
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Depends on what you want. For me 100% it is. Adaway, themes, terminal em, titanium backup, root browser.

Besides the themes, can you explain what the others are for

I've used Titanium when I had the note 4. I don't know how a root browser would be different

mlin said:
That doesn't seem to be true based on many reviews of OP5t performance vs the Pixel 2, even the very thorough review of the OP5t here at xda. Long story short: P2 offers a much more fluid experience than the OP5t and may even be a little snappier. The OP5t utilizes animation tricks to make the phone seem and feel snappier than it is and it's smoothness is nowhere near the level of the Pixel 2. Throw in the sub par camera, poor support and outdated firmware and it's no wonder they sell em for so cheap. Plus, it's $874 vs $550, hardly double.
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I agree. Saying it's double the price is an exaggerated. And I was surprised. When I was using the oneplus 5t my wife's pixel 2 did seem even more fluid and smooth
All the little things for me have been working better on the pixel 2 as well. I get better mobile signal...and sometimes the oneplus would refuse to turn on my mobile data so I had to restart it
The vibration motor is much nicer on the pixel
Screen is on par if not better in some areas on the pixel
Dual speakers. Amazing camera
Don't get me wrong the oneplus 5t is a great phone for the price but when you switch to the pixel you do feel the price difference in pretty much every area
..even in the small things

At this point I can't imagine going back to a non-Google phone. My first smartphone was a Nexus One and I loved it. I then went to a Galaxy S2 which was a piece of ****. Since then I have yet to see much improvement from Samsung software and the software from other phone makers isn't much better. I'm pretty much on an every other year cycle of whatever Google puts out because even if it isn't perfect it's still better than the alternative.

pbman1953 said:
I've been a Samsung user for years. My current , Note 5, is paid and was thinking about a Pixel 2 XL. First off, I'm not a big picture taker because I'm into performance over everything. Plus, like many, are sick of the Samsung bloatware. But The S8+ is a great phone and it has maintained a feature I like.
The feature is pressing a button to answer the phone. The menu button on my 5 does that now. Does the Pixel 2 have such a choice? I hate to swipe to answer. Call me spoiled but it's so much safer while drive to hit a button instead of a swipe. The S8 series has moved the feature to the volume up.
So if there are any Samsung converts out there I'd be happy to hear what you like or even dislike about the Pixel 2 series.
I've done the side sides on my Note 5 vs. s8+ and Pixel 2 xl but I want to hear from real users.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I add that the ambient display with time and date is soooo fine?
When notifications arrive, they're below the always on time and date.
Plus there's "what's playing now", showing artist and song name for whatever
you're listening to. These capabilities make this phone perfect for me.
Battery life does not seem to take a hit for this luxury.

The active Edge (squeezing it) allows me to turn on the torch with screen off, which is awesome. Like when getting my keys out at night. The phone is spectacular and I've had an s8+. It's my fav. You prob could map the squeeze to answer phone. But I know you could answer with push of a button. Just remap the fourth hidden nav button maybe.

Pixel 3 or 3 XL?

I just came across a offer on the Pixel 3 and 3 XL 128GB, but I can't decide between the 3 or 3 XL.
How is the screen quality on the 3 compared to XL? Is it brighter, and is it easy to hide the notch on the XL?
Is the battery life noticeably better on the XL?

The XL has a nicer Samsung screen. The 3's screen is an LG.

Quasar83 said:
I just came across a offer on the Pixel 3 and 3 XL 128GB, but I can't decide between the 3 or 3 XL.
How is the screen quality on the 3 compared to XL? Is it brighter, and is it easy to hide the notch on the XL?
Is the battery life noticeably better on the XL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the Pixel 3 XL, when I saw the Pixel 3 it looked too small for me, though for some people that can be a good matter. I think both screens are at an equal fighting ground For more context the the larger one uses a Samsung OLED panel, while the smaller one uses and LG OLED panel. The colors appear to maybe pop a little more on smaller one, however the larger one has a more true to life panel. I like the screen screen on my Pixel 3 XL it does look a little warmer than cooler. Hiding the notch is so easy and I think Google did it the best way because the top partially virtual bezel looks equivalent to the bottom. Nearly all apps mostly work with that, very rarely the UI looks weird these days. I get 5 hours screen on time with around 20ish left on a average day. Battery life should improve over time, I must warn you the bloody ide drain is ridiculous and to correct I only found by using scripts.

Thank you for responding. Maybe it's best to buy the XL and just hide the notch.

Quasar83 said:
Thank you for responding. Maybe it's best to buy the XL and just hide the notch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for the Xl. Better battery and nicer overall. I think it's also had more development as far as ROMs.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

RagedElimanator said:
I must warn you the bloody ide drain is ridiculous and to correct I only found by using scripts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any chance you'd be interested in PMing me those scripts. I'm coming from an LG V20 and it was a pretty mediocre phone but it's idle drain was phenomenal. Lowest I've been able to get my 3XL is 1.7% so far.
I concur on the XL over the regular version. Unless you specifically want a phone that is smaller and like to use it 1 handed then the battery life alone is worth the XL. The screen is better on the XL but it's not night and day difference and is not that noticeable

KUSOsan said:
Any chance you'd be interested in PMing me those scripts. I'm coming from an LG V20 and it was a pretty mediocre phone but it's idle drain was phenomenal. Lowest I've been able to get my 3XL is 1.7% so far.
I concur on the XL over the regular version. Unless you specifically want a phone that is smaller and like to use it 1 handed then the battery life alone is worth the XL. The screen is better on the XL but it's not night and day difference and is not that noticeable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the forums for Blackened Mod, and to further elaborate I just mean that with these scripts, I drain 2%-3% over night I have not calculated per hour metrics.

Still 3 XL in 2020?
Came across a very good offer for Pixel 3XL and don't know what to do...
I had 2 XL and enjoyed it tremendously. Gave it to my wife, since her Gemini Pro died.
Bought used Note 9, but I couldn't get used to it - somehow....
Why the hell I couldn't synchronise S Notes data, with my computer, why Samsung ditched support for nearby places in dialer, why the hell Galaxy Watch needs so many permissions, why Galaxy watch plugin draining the battery - on Samsung device (!), bad BT range on Note 9, etc...
I ended up with the project to replace all stock apps with Google ones and had double of most of them. I found out that when you integrate most of the Google services, than the battery is not that good anymore. I ended up selling it.
Since I am used to Google services and I use them also on my computer, the Pixel line is the only good choice, I think - but I might be wrong...
I need:
Exceptional Camera, Google Photos backup in original resolution, wide phablet, not so tall, decent speed (I don't play games), good battery (Blackened Mod ???), reasonable amount of storage (128 GB?), front stereo speakers, monthly security updates and: I know that I can expect system updates to Android 11 and 12....
More demanding stuff will be only Office, Acad and that sort of app...
I am not planning to spent 1000 EUR on 4XL, 2XL costed me that much back then....
.... Maybe Oneplus 7T (it has an average camera...don't like it + an issue of not saving videos in appropriate format to use them elsewhere)??
What do you guys think?

Gregzi said:
Still 3 XL in 2020?
Came across a very good offer for Pixel 3XL and don't know what to do...
I had 2 XL and enjoyed it tremendously. Gave it to my wife, since her Gemini Pro died.
Bought used Note 9, but I couldn't get used to it - somehow....
Why the hell I couldn't synchronise S Notes data, with my computer, why Samsung ditched support for nearby places in dialer, why the hell Galaxy Watch needs so many permissions, why Galaxy watch plugin draining the battery - on Samsung device (!), bad BT range on Note 9, etc...
I ended up with the project to replace all stock apps with Google ones and had double of most of them. I found out that when you integrate most of the Google services, than the battery is not that good anymore. I ended up selling it.
Since I am used to Google services and I use them also on my computer, the Pixel line is the only good choice, I think - but I might be wrong...
I need:
Exceptional Camera, Google Photos backup in original resolution, wide phablet, not so tall, decent speed (I don't play games), good battery (Blackened Mod ???), reasonable amount of storage (128 GB?), front stereo speakers, monthly security updates and: I know that I can expect system updates to Android 11 and 12....
More demanding stuff will be only Office, Acad and that sort of app...
I am not planning to spent 1000 EUR on 4XL, 2XL costed me that much back then....
.... Maybe Oneplus 7T (it has an average camera...don't like it + an issue of not saving videos in appropriate format to use them elsewhere)??
What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Pixel 3 XL can be defined as fitting those requirements. The screen reminds me of a refined Nexus 6P, more phablet rather than tall. Blackenmod will better the idle time, there are other ways to increase battery like greenify. Original photo quality backups still exists for it and the camera is still exceptional today due to the nature and refined sensor. CAD software and Microsoft Office should run fine, I have used both not too long ago on it. The OnePlus 7T has more ram/storage if you really need it, and the battery is larger. I would say chose one based on what you value more/more updated hardware or a more optimized experience, both devices are great options though I personally would still chose a Pixel.

Go with the XL
Pixel 3 has better in hand feel, built a little sleeker and is a great phone. The battery was the deal-breaker for me. My 3 XL gave me drastically better battery life, so much better that I'm ignoring the hideous notch. They say you get over it but I never really did. I do like the edge to edge display though. The difference in battery makes me strongly recommend the XL.
Quasar83 said:
I just came across a offer on the Pixel 3 and 3 XL 128GB, but I can't decide between the 3 or 3 XL.
How is the screen quality on the 3 compared to XL? Is it brighter, and is it easy to hide the notch on the XL?
Is the battery life noticeably better on the XL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

RagedElimanator said:
The Pixel 3 XL can be defined as fitting those requirements. The screen reminds me of a refined Nexus 6P, more phablet rather than tall. Blackenmod will better the idle time, there are other ways to increase battery like greenify. Original photo quality backups still exists for it and the camera is still exceptional today due to the nature and refined sensor. CAD software and Microsoft Office should run fine, I have used both not too long ago on it. The OnePlus 7T has more ram/storage if you really need it, and the battery is larger. I would say chose one based on what you value more/more updated hardware or a more optimized experience, both devices are great options though I personally would still chose a Pixel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was even thinking about the 7 Pro, all sorts of things were crossing my mind...
But after reading This, I think that 3XL will better suit my needs.
Oneplus are great devices but as that guy said: Pixel line has "a little magic" over everything else...
The 3XL is on its way here, managed to get it for less than 400 EUR - open box and tested only....Will see if I made a mistake when it arrives...

RagedElimanator said:
The Pixel 3 XL can be defined as fitting those requirements. The screen reminds me of a refined Nexus 6P, more phablet rather than tall. Blackenmod will better the idle time, there are other ways to increase battery like greenify. Original photo quality backups still exists for it and the camera is still exceptional today due to the nature and refined sensor. CAD software and Microsoft Office should run fine, I have used both not too long ago on it. The OnePlus 7T has more ram/storage if you really need it, and the battery is larger. I would say chose one based on what you value more/more updated hardware or a more optimized experience, both devices are great options though I personally would still chose a Pixel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently you missed the exceptional camera part lol

OK I got the 3XL 64GB .for 370 EUR (someone tested it and returned it back to the Shop) practically new, hadn't found a single micro scratch
First impressions vey positive, no issues whatsoever, battery health OK (98%).:good:
I think that his phone is still a good buy in the middle of 2020, especially since it is the last Pixel with unlimited photo storage for original photo resolution until 2022
I am easily getting 6 hours of SOT, AOD included, full stock, unrooted.

Bought used 3XL. Great device for the money that it cost at the moment. Even with a notch

I can get the 64gig version brand new from sprint for $300 plus tax to buy it outright.
I'm sure this would be a huge upgrade from my LG G6,
Is it still worth it for this price??????
I considered the 4xl when it was on sale for 600, but I really like the fingerprint sensor over face unlock