How is Pixel holding up in 2018? - Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers

I was considering 2 phones: Pixel 2 xl or OP5T
The price tag for Pixel 2 is really giving me pause.
The lack of project treble and supposed poor customer service is making me rethink OP5T.
So judging on value and developer support, the original Pixel might be the way to go.
Is there anything I should know about this device from people who have owned it for a year or more?
I'm especially cautious when it comes to battery degradation. I'm sure I'd still be using my Nexus 6p (happily) if the battery wasn't garbage. Switched to S7 Edge in July and HATE it. Bootloader locked and root only if you use a laggy engineering kernel. I can't wait to ditch it but having a hard time deciding which device to buy.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance guys!

I actually switched from an S7 edge (exynos) to a Pixel XL last year and I can say that I don't regret it.
To resume, the Pixel XL is still a great phone. It still has a solide performance (never had an issue when it comes to that), the camera is still better than most of the cameras of 2018 smartphones and its constantly getting support and updates from Google (until fall 2018).
However, when it comes to battery life I noticed an important degradation. I was getting more than 8h of SOT in about 1d and 1/2 when the phone was new, now I'm having a hard time to reach 6h on stock firmware (you can always fix this with root).
One other downside compared to the S7 edge is the heating. The temperature of my my S7 edge never exceeded 38° C even when playing graphic hungry games in summer, with the Pixel XL it can go much higher than that which causes fast battery drain when gaming.
I hope this can help you

Elixir_ said:
I actually switched from an S7 edge (exynos) to a Pixel XL last year and I can say that I don't regret it.
To resume, the Pixel XL is still a great phone. It still has a solide performance (never had an issue when it comes to that), the camera is still better than most of the cameras of 2018 smartphones and its constantly getting support and updates from Google (until fall 2018).
However, when it comes to battery life I noticed an important degradation. I was getting more than 8h of SOT in about 1d and 1/2 when the phone was new, now I'm having a hard time to reach 6h on stock firmware (you can always fix this with root).
One other downside compared to the S7 edge is the heating. The temperature of my my S7 edge never exceeded 38° C even when playing graphic hungry games in summer, with the Pixel XL it can go much higher than that which causes fast battery drain when gaming.
I hope this can help you
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It does help. Thanks!
As for battery degradation, you can run an app called accubattery. It needs like 24 hrs or so to get a proper reading but will measure your battery's total capacity.
My Nexus 6p was at 50% after only 1 year. I was 2 days out of warranty and Huawei refused to do anything.
This is why Huawei Mate 9 is not on my shortlist of phones to buy.
Thanks again for the info!

If you can't get the Pixel 2 then definitely go for the Pixel 2016. It's holding up very good for me too. Great camera still, fantastic smoothness still, and it will be supported for next six months too. I will be using mine for another year at least.
Just those infamous hardware problems you pray that you never face, like that microphone issue.

I switch phones regularly, and had an S8+, then an iPhone X, and now a Pixel XL (that I picked up in like new condition for less than $300 on eBay...). And while I would prefer the taller, more modern display of the Pixel 2, this was a great bargain. I agree with a prior reply, that it's comforting to receive all of the latest updates. Battery life seems as good as any other Android I've had recently. I also agree that it's still an excellent camera for its age. Live wallpaper was a pleasant surprise. If you're a case fan, there are more brand name cases available for the Pixel 2 XL...

ithehappy said:
If you can't get the Pixel 2 then definitely go for the Pixel 2016. It's holding up very good for me too. Great camera still, fantastic smoothness still, and it will be supported for next six months too. I will be using mine for another year at least.
Just those infamous hardware problems you pray that you never face, like that microphone issue.
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Click to collapse
We should still get security patches til Oct 2019 though still. Hoping they keep major updates rolling too with treble and all would be a waste to only support this device for 2 years. Hopefully with treble though we can still get unofficial updates even if it just aosp for a good while and there's always lineage and other custom ROMs.

I just picked up new Pixel XL for £200 to replace my OP3. It's great. Love it as much as I did my Nexus 6p back then it released.

Related

How do you like the pixel?

Well I pulled the trigger on a 128gb pixel xl today from google. It is supposed to ship out on May 5th. The battery on my 6p has degraded over time and it's no longer within warranty. So how are you guys enjoying the phone? What kind of battery life are you getting. I am glad to be upgrading to the SD821 from the 810. Is throttling much of an issue?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
znel52 said:
Well I pulled the trigger on a 128gb pixel xl today from google. It is supposed to ship out on May 5th. The battery on my 6p has degraded over time and it's no longer within warranty. So how are you guys enjoying the phone? What kind of battery life are you getting. I am glad to be upgrading to the SD821 from the 810. Is throttling much of an issue?
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Click to collapse
Hello,
I also had an N6P before the XL. I must say it took me some time to get used to the smaller screen, but after a few days, it's ok. I would like a N6P or N6P like Pixel XL 2 though... Camera is awesome. Screen colors could have been better. You can correct it a bit with a custom kernel and a kernel manager app though. I don't listen to music with my phone, but with the arrival of Android O and the new codecs, I guess I'm going to buy some good earbuds soon.
About battery life? I used to get decent battery with the N6P. Note that i am on wifi 90% of the time. I don't use social network apps. Mostly web browsing, SMS/MMS, photos and some YouTube. Check the attached screenshot. Since last charge, I only used my phone for web browsing on wifi. But with mixed usage, lot of apps syncing and 4G/LTE I guess it would be much less.
Phone stays cool where N6P used to get warm... Not using my phone for intensive tasks either but I can feel the difference. I don't play games, so I have never really experienced throttling with N6P either. Just the phone getting hotter than any other phones I already owned...
Hope that helps...
Cheers...
5.1 said:
Hello,
I also had an N6P before the XL. I must say it took me some time to get used to the smaller screen, but after a few days, it's ok. I would like a N6P or N6P like Pixel XL 2 though... [emoji14] Camera is awesome. Screen colors could have been better. You can correct it a bit with a custom kernel and a kernel manager app though. I don't listen to music with my phone, but with the arrival of Android O and the new codecs, I guess I'm going to buy some good earbuds soon.
About battery life? I used to get decent battery with the N6P. Note that i am on wifi 90% of the time. I don't use social network apps. Mostly web browsing, SMS/MMS, photos and some YouTube. Check the attached screenshot. Since last charge, I only used my phone for web browsing on wifi. But with mixed usage, lot of apps syncing and 4G/LTE I guess it would be much less.
Phone stays cool where N6P used to get warm... Not using my phone for intensive tasks either but I can feel the difference. I don't play games, so I have never really experienced throttling with N6P either. Just the phone getting hotter than any other phones I already owned...
Hope that helps...
Cheers...
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Click to collapse
Thank you!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Love the software the only phone I've bought that never lagged or stuttered on me EAS is amazing but price is a bit questionable other than the camera not really getting much for the price would of loved better audio one thing the Pixel is terrible at other than that it's a good phone
liam_davenport said:
Love the software the only phone I've bought that never lagged or stuttered on me EAS is amazing but price is a bit questionable other than the camera not really getting much for the price would of loved better audio one thing the Pixel is terrible at other than that it's a good phone
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Click to collapse
Thanks man!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Best camera, so awesome that even after selling the phone it keeps haunting me or something.
Best software experience. Phone is not as fast as a OP3T or something but I care about consistent performance and smoothness over burst performance.
Incredible call quality.
Very good battery life too.
The only reason I sold the phone was because of the touch screen issue I had on mine and then two other Pixels I tried too. Probably a hardware issue, or software calibration of the display, whatever it is it was annoying enough for me to not be able to use the phone, especially when I play games which require continuous touching.
Came from Nexus 6P (with a stop with iPhone 7+ until I got my Pixel XL) and to me its just an upgraded 6P, I loved my 6P only reason I got rid of it is I am on Verizon and they dont support WiFi calling with it and I built a new house with 9' basement and got no service whatsoever down there. Only thing I would change on the Pixel is cosmetic. Thing isnt the best looking phone but I'll take performance/stable/smooth and solid over how it looks any day. Tried the LG G6 and S8+ briefly and came right back to Pixel because it is still better IMO.
Coming from the 6P and OP3, it's a huge upgrade from the 6P in battery life, build quality, camera and performance, and a moderate upgrade from the OP3. Touch lag is pretty much nonexistent or barely perceptible, software is the best Google has ever released. You'll probably love it.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Gilley said:
Came from Nexus 6P (with a stop with iPhone 7+ until I got my Pixel XL) and to me its just an upgraded 6P, I loved my 6P only reason I got rid of it is I am on Verizon and they dont support WiFi calling with it and I built a new house with 9' basement and got no service whatsoever down there. Only thing I would change on the Pixel is cosmetic. Thing isnt the best looking phone but I'll take performance/stable/smooth and solid over how it looks any day. Tried the LG G6 and S8+ briefly and came right back to Pixel because it is still better IMO.
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I'm in the same boat currently. Moved into a new house & my Verizon coverage is spotty. Just found out the 6P can't do wifi calling on Verizon so I need another device. Did you buy your XL from Verizon or from the Google store? Trying to see if the unlocked version from Google will do wifi calling on Verizon
untouchablez said:
I'm in the same boat currently. Moved into a new house & my Verizon coverage is spotty. Just found out the 6P can't do wifi calling on Verizon so I need another device. Did you buy your XL from Verizon or from the Google store? Trying to see if the unlocked version from Google will do wifi calling on Verizon
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Yea the Google version will do everything the Verizon version does and has unlocked bootloader if you ever plan on switching out ROMs etc. I have the Verizon version and wished I had the Google version if that helps.
I'm enjoying it a lot.
Gilley said:
Yea the Google version will do everything the Verizon version does and has unlocked bootloader if you ever plan on switching out ROMs etc. I have the Verizon version and wished I had the Google version if that helps.
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Yes Im definitely trying to avoid the Verizon version due to the locked bootloader. Love my 6p but I need wifi calling and the pixel is really the only option sadly.
Performance is amazing, no lag, scrolling smoothness is great, apps load quick. My only real criticism is the small SBR. But hey, I knew that before I bought it.
My iPhone is my daily driver. I am too invested in its software to Let It Go especially for work purposes. Whenever a new Samsung Galaxy phone comes out I always purchase it to test it out and it never lasts more than 2 weeks before I return it because I just hate the software and the lagginess. I have been eyeing the pixel XL for quite some time but I always got discouraged to purchase it given that it was consistently unavailable, and had long shipping wait times. Anyhow, I recently lucked out and was in the situation where I was able to purchase the pixel XL and took the plunge. All I can say is that the pixel XL is the smoothest Android phone I've ever used. This is really a step that Samsung needs to take if it intends to take away any of Apple's business. I personally care for good Hardware but put a premium on a phone's software. That is why I tend to always use the iPhone as my daily driver. But to be honest I've been using the pixel a lot more than my iPhone. I'm loving this phone. If you took this software and put it on the new Galaxy S8, the Galaxy S8 would probably be the phone of the year in my opinion. In the time I have been using the pixel, the phone has not lagged one time. I even overloaded the phone with applications and the phone still performs smoothly.
thdaddy34 said:
My iPhone is my daily driver. I am too invested in its software to Let It Go especially for work purposes. Whenever a new Samsung Galaxy phone comes out I always purchase it to test it out and it never lasts more than 2 weeks before I return it because I just hate the software and the lagginess. I have been eyeing the pixel XL for quite some time but I always got discouraged to purchase it given that it was consistently unavailable, and had long shipping wait times. Anyhow, I recently lucked out and was in the situation where I was able to purchase the pixel XL and took the plunge. All I can say is that the pixel XL is the smoothest Android phone I've ever used. This is really a step that Samsung needs to take if it intends to take away any of Apple's business. I personally care for good Hardware but put a premium on a phone's software. That is why I tend to always use the iPhone as my daily driver. But to be honest I've been using the pixel a lot more than my iPhone. I'm loving this phone. If you took this software and put it on the new Galaxy S8, the Galaxy S8 would probably be the phone of the year in my opinion. In the time I have been using the pixel, the phone has not lagged one time. I even overloaded the phone with applications and the phone still performs smoothly.
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Yea I had an iPhone 7+ between my 6P and Pixel XL and like you said its so smooth and never lags, I use to be a big **** talker to my friends who used apple and after using it I get why people like it, just wasnt for me. I hated looking at 5000 icons and folders etc. If they ever got an app drawer it would be a different story but until then the OCD in me needs android and Pixel is the smoothest one out there. I too try each phone and I last maybe a week or so before I'm back to my Pixel because the new ones just cant keep up and arent worth $600-800 for how it looks.
Today I have a fight with my self about replacing my XL with S8+ , I was afraid of missing the software flexibility and customization and missing the smoothness and lag free software , so I decided to stay with the XL.
S8+ Have a nice screen , but actually using black profile on the kernel editor give me some sense of S8 screen colors .
Any way I couldn't replace the smoothness in XL with the screen colors in S8.

OnePlus 6?

Anyone here going for the OnePlus 6?
If it supported Verizon...I would no doubt. But, no such luck this time around either.
No! Going to keep my badboy Pixel XL 2!!
Hell no! I've got enough data mining in my life already! ?
Battery 3300 is very bad for a 6.28 inch screen.
Knowing the release of op 6, I bought pixel 2 xl very recently (slightly higher price paid than avengers edition of op6). OP camera software often so bad that we end up waiting and using gcam mods.
Camera, Battery life and display are better in pixel 2 xl.
Oneplus forum is a war zone no courtesy shown by many. Ofcourse we could use xda for it though.
srikanth.k39 said:
Battery 3300 is very bad for a 6.28 inch screen.
Knowing the release of op 6, I bought pixel 2 xl very recently (slightly higher price paid than avengers edition of op6). OP camera software often so bad that we end up waiting and using gcam mods.
Camera, Battery life and display are better in pixel 2 xl.
Oneplus forum is a war zone no courtesy shown by many. Ofcourse we could use xda for it though.
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3300 is fine and will actually yield great battery life because
1. The screen is still 1080p
2. SD 845 will be more efficient
I'm most likely getting one, but definitely keeping my 2 XL. The camera, as well as my current setup (Stock+Root+Flash Kernel+Xposed w/ GravityBox) is absolutely perfect for me.
Not to mention the amazing camera on the 2 XL! I'm sure the 6's camera will be great, but I doubt it will beat the 2 XL.
So all-in-all, I'll have both! If the camera performs at least close to the 2 XL, and when development picks up, then I'd probably consider selling my 2 XL down the road and using the 6 as my daily driver - at least until the Pixel 3 comes out lol
NO!
No. OnePlus is an awful company.
No, im not going back to oneplus .
From my personal experience: anyone coming from a OP to a Pixel will not buy another OP.
Yes, it has great specs, but try to profile the GPU and trace the dropped frames on every single screen and then compare to a Pixel. Having the latest SOC and a 20MP+16MP camera. 8GB of Ram... all that means little when their software is an absolute mess and has basically 0 polish.
This might be an odd sentence but here's the bottom line:
You're paying 550€ for a phone that has the specs of a 850€ phone but getting the performance of a 550€ phone. That's why it doesn't cost 850€: you're not getting the same experience you get on a Pixel and it's not even remotely close.
Question is why would i?
Sent from my Google Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs
rickysidhu_ said:
3300 is fine and will actually yield great battery life because
1. The screen is still 1080p
2. SD 845 will be more efficient
I'm most likely getting one, but definitely keeping my 2 XL. The camera, as well as my current setup (Stock+Root+Flash Kernel+Xposed w/ GravityBox) is absolutely perfect for me.
Not to mention the amazing camera on the 2 XL! I'm sure the 6's camera will be great, but I doubt it will beat the 2 XL.
So all-in-all, I'll have both! If the camera performs at least close to the 2 XL, and when development picks up, then I'd probably consider selling my 2 XL down the road and using the 6 as my daily driver - at least until the Pixel 3 comes out lol
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Nice.
I was the owner of OP 5T before as daily driver.
I was very less options left at that time coming from iphone to android. I have more restrictions, I needed phone with work profile (so rooting has to be given up). I badly needed a dual aim for daily driver. S8+ fingerprint placement I hated. So chose OP5T. Camera software was very bad the default one. Tired of exploring multiple gcam modes etc... The famous oil painting effect on pics has not been resolved for months on 5T when I owned.
My current set up is S9+ as daily driver (work phone) just because of dual sim support. Keeping pixel 2 XL as secondary one (most of my personal use occasional work email check) Neither Pixel nor iphone can become my primary until dual sim versions released though with my restrictions.
srikanth.k39 said:
Nice.
I was the owner of OP 5T before as daily driver.
I was very less options left at that time coming from iphone to android. I have more restrictions, I needed phone with work profile (so rooting has to be given up). I badly needed a dual aim for daily driver. S8+ fingerprint placement I hated. So chose OP5T. Camera software was very bad the default one. Tired of exploring multiple gcam modes etc... The famous oil painting effect on pics has not been resolved for months on 5T when I owned.
My current set up is S9+ as daily driver (work phone) just because of dual sim support. Keeping pixel 2 XL as secondary one (most of my personal use occasional work email check) Neither Pixel nor iphone can become my primary until dual sim versions released though with my restrictions.
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Yeah I didn't like my 5T when I had it. Sold it very quickly. My 5 on the other hand was strangely better, even though it came before the 5T.
I also was not happy about the camera issues like you mentioned + the vibration motor felt very cheap.
I like how much custom development is available for those devices, which is a big reason why I'm most likely going to buy it and just switch between my 2 XL and that whenever I feel like it.
I've never had Samsungs though but if it's treating you well, why not continue using it
FrankBullitt said:
Yes, it has great specs, but try to profile the GPU and trace the dropped frames on every single screen and then compare to a Pixel. Having the latest SOC and a 20MP+16MP camera. 8GB of Ram... all that means little when their software is an absolute mess and has basically 0 polish.
You're paying 550€ for a phone that has the specs of a 850€ phone but getting the performance of a 550€ phone. That's why it doesn't cost 850€: you're not getting the same experience you get on a Pixel and it's not even remotely close.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I said this on a portal discussion regarding the release of the 5T, and it bears repeating here. For a company with "Never Settle" as its slogan, OnePlus does an awful lot of "settling", i.e. compromising, on the most important part [the display] of a smartphone. The display was why the OP5T never factored into my buying choices. The OP6 isn't any better, as it's still not quad HD like on flagship devices. So for yet another year OnePlus will simply be a pretender to the throne.
If OnePlus really wants to play with the big boys, they need to stop compromising and go all out. Make a product that will truly knock people's socks off.
rickysidhu_ said:
Yeah I didn't like my 5T when I had it. Sold it very quickly. My 5 on the other hand was strangely better, even though it came before the 5T.
I also was not happy about the camera issues like you mentioned + the vibration motor felt very cheap.
I like how much custom development is available for those devices, which is a big reason why I'm most likely going to buy it and just switch between my 2 XL and that whenever I feel like it.
I've never had Samsungs though but if it's treating you well, why not continue using it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Due to no dual sim support, I had to live with samsung. S9+ has better camera, beauty and display though battery life is worse compare to pixel 2 xl even with full hd+ we all know it is due to bloatware services/apps.
Heard rumours that Apple is also considering dual sim versions for next iPhone, hope google do consider dual sim versions.
By the way I did try huawei honor v10 and 20 pro. Unfortunately work profile issues and bad support made me avoid them completely.
tekkitan said:
No. OnePlus is an awful company.
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Click to collapse
and liars. I got OP5 and returned, because camera was terrible, but they talked about "clearer photos". They lied in performance test.....for me they bad reputation company
FrankBullitt said:
From my personal experience: anyone coming from a OP to a Pixel will not buy another OP.
Yes, it has great specs, but try to profile the GPU and trace the dropped frames on every single screen and then compare to a Pixel. Having the latest SOC and a 20MP+16MP camera. 8GB of Ram... all that means little when their software is an absolute mess and has basically 0 polish.
This might be an odd sentence but here's the bottom line:
You're paying 550€ for a phone that has the specs of a 850€ phone but getting the performance of a 550€ phone. That's why it doesn't cost 850€: you're not getting the same experience you get on a Pixel and it's not even remotely close.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
I said this on a portal discussion regarding the release of the 5T, and it bears repeating here. For a company with "Never Settle" as its slogan, OnePlus does an awful lot of "settling", i.e. compromising, on the most important part [the display] of a smartphone. The display was why the OP5T never factored into my buying choices. The OP6 isn't any better, as it's still not quad HD like on flagship devices. So for yet another year OnePlus will simply be a pretender to the throne.
If OnePlus really wants to play with the big boys, they need to stop compromising and go all out. Make a product that will truly knock people's socks off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Frank: The OnePlus 5T was the fastest phone on the market until the S9+ came out and gave it a run for its money. Then the 6 came out and it is now the fastest/best performing device on the market. And OxygenOS is amazing, clean, and adds useful features (like face unlock that's actually good). Plus OnePlus added in over 200 optimizations to make it even better. Look it up. There are tons of videos to prove it's faster and smoother. Your comment has no grounds.
Strephon: How can you say anything about the display of a phone when defending the Pixel 2 XL? It literally had a huge scandal, and still isn't fixed. The normal resolution gives it an edge in battery life, and overall performance. The 27" monitor I'm typing this on is 1080p and at 2 feet away is no issue. You're telling me a 6 inch phone with that resolution is a problem? Plus the Amoled OnePlus uses is much better quality compared to the Pixel's lackluster LG panel. I guess I shouldn't expect anything less from the Pixel forum, but come on, lose the blinders, people.
Had 3 devices from OP so far (OPO, OP5 and OP5T) and still use them but not going to get another one anymore. Why? Because Pixel devices is what suits me the best... top hardware with top software.
Bliznade said:
Strephon: How can you say anything about the display of a phone when defending the Pixel 2 XL? It literally had a huge scandal, and still isn't fixed. The normal resolution gives it an edge in battery life, and overall performance. The 27" monitor I'm typing this on is 1080p and at 2 feet away is no issue. You're telling me a 6 inch phone with that resolution is a problem? Plus the Amoled OnePlus uses is much better quality compared to the Pixel's lackluster LG panel. I guess I shouldn't expect anything less from the Pixel forum, but come on, lose the blinders, people.
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Click to collapse
The quoted post above is sponsored by OnePlus, where "Never Settle" is an oxymoron.
You mentioned us P2XL owners having blinders on when nothing could be further from the truth. While we may have unwanted press over non-issues such as blue shifting and color profiles, at least our devices were assembled with the screens pointed in the right direction, unlike the OP5T.
Ignoring the fact that people rarely view their devices at the extreme angles required for the blue shift to be noticeable, the phenomenon is inherent in ALL AMOLED displays. My Galaxy S4 has it. My Nexus 6 has it. My P2XL has it. Of the three the S4, having an early AMOLED screen, has blue shift to a greater degree than either my Nexus 6 or my P2XL.
The only reason blue shift and the color profile were even mentioned is to drive page views. As for the color profile non-issue, I use the original color profile and not the boosted or saturated modes. No problems here, and in fact I enjoy the color accuracy.
OnePlus having a FHD screen is not a problem if you're not used to anything else. But a flagship device has a QHD display, period. What OnePlus has done here is what they have always done: compromise. When they stop, perhaps then we'll take notice.
Bliznade said:
Frank: The OnePlus 5T was the fastest phone on the market until the S9+ came out and gave it a run for its money. Then the 6 came out and it is now the fastest/best performing device on the market. And OxygenOS is amazing, clean, and adds useful features (like face unlock that's actually good). Plus OnePlus added in over 200 optimizations to make it even better. Look it up. There are tons of videos to prove it's faster and smoother. Your comment has no grounds.
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Click to collapse
Yes, my comments have no ground.
https://www.reddit.com/r/oneplus/co...soon_discontinuing_development_i_wont/dyi9wh0
It's not just the camera; everything on the Pixel 2 is way, way more polished than anything that OnePlus (and I on my own) could ever make.
As much as I hate to admit it, my custom ROMs can't touch the stock ROM on the Pixel 2 in terms of polish and performance. Lately I've been doing more scientific performance assessments on Android (for the sake of research with a professor at my university), instead of just using the phone and thinking, "Seems good to me!," and the results I pulled off the Pixel 2 absolutely crush the results I pulled from stock LineageOS 15.1 on the 3T. It is very difficult to get frame drops while playing with the Pixel 2, whereas I instantly recorded frame drops galore on the 3T. This has been a bit of a wakeup call to me in that I need to reevaluate my ideology and follow a more scientific strategy in optimizing Android on a phone (i.e., using the dozens of test suites Google has built for Android). The bugs that bother users the most are the ones that tend to happen a small percentage of the time (like random reboots), and the Pixel 2 has clearly been optimized to the point where most of those rare bugs are nonexistent (e.g., frames are rarely dropped).
When I ran one of Google's UI performance test apps on the Pixel 2 against my LineageOS 14.1 ROM on the 3T, my ROM dropped frames nonstop (according to this tool) while the Pixel 2 dropped zero frames...
Deep down, I'm a kernel developer and that's where I excel. I'd rather stick to what I know (and enjoy) with kernel hacking and leave the pain of polishing userspace to Google's army of engineers.
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You were saying something about oneplus, weren't you?
I owned oneplus phones, I owned Nexus, I own a Pixel2XL. Tell me about daily performance again, please.

worth it 2019?

Had the pixel 2 XL last year and loved it , ended up jumping on the Chinese bandwagon and got an mi8
Don't get me wrong cracking bit of hardware but there is no dev support going on.
Gpay has been broken for months
And my main feature I look for is the camera.
I was looking at the 3a XL but spec for spec the 2xl looks the better buy still
Im still using the Pixel 2xl, since 04.2018. IT have a one year. I've used S10e and S10 and I wouldn't want them. Pixel 2 xl still rocks hard. I don't feel that it is almost a 2yr phone.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Personally, if you can find one, and your looking for great value, and pretty good Dev support, the P2XL is a solid choice. Mine will be 2 years old in October, and I still get excellent battery life, monthly updates, and run stock rooted without any major bugs at all. Yeah, it doesn't have the best of screens, or sound volume, but everything is is pretty darn solid IMHO. The P3 series isn't much of an update, and see several problems with those as well on the forums. So there's by 2 pennies worth :laugh:
Thanks guys gonna sell my mi8 and get a refurbished one online
sutty86 said:
Thanks guys gonna sell my mi8 and get a refurbished one online
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You can get a used one on swappa for $248 right now.
Still pretty worth it. IMO the only reason to buy the 2XL is for the UFS since the 3aXL has eMMC so it has much slower performance in opening apps.
Overall, Pixel 3a is a great buy, especially if you have an old iPhone lying around. Google is offering $250+ for iphones as old as the SE. That brings the price down to $230 for a new phone. No telling how long it will last though. The SD 670 will be outdated fairly quickly compared to the 835.
If you're not shy for doing battery replacement on the P2XL, it will be a great phone for many years to come.
If you are shy to doing battery replacement, buy the 3a. The pixel 2 batteries are going to start going bad within a year and the performance impact of a bad battery is far greater than the performance impact of eMMC and the SD 670.
Also people are reporting up to 12 hours of SoT for the 3a. You will never get that from a pixel 2 XL no matter how many battery hacks you install.
Just managed a trade for my mi8 ,I'm pretty useless with battery replacements I knackered my old 6p
Got a p2xl today what's first thing I should do , just root or any preferred kernal and rom

Is the 3XL still worth it?

I'm in the process of getting a new phone in the coming days. To keep it simple here, i'm debating 3XL or S10(e). I'm not going to wait long enough for the Pixel 4 to come out. OnePlus 7 Pro is sadly not available through my carrier.
So, is the 3XL still a good deal when Price is identical to the S10(e)? I've had Samsung in the past and Nexus's before that. I now the Samsung OS and am fine with it. I live in Europe, so getting AOSP for the S10 should be an option. Camera is important but not priority one. An overall fluid/fast system is more important to me. I also don't care to much for specs. Solid Batterylife is on my list too. I'm not a poweruser, so 3-4 hours SOT should be enough for a day or two. Oh, and i don't have a Problem with either notch or holepunch.
With that, would you get the 3XL for guaranteed Android Q and faster Updates, or the S10 for better specs/Display and being overall newer?
I had the chance of one plus, Samsung S10, Huawei p30pro. Chose the pixel for the updates and camera. No regrets whatsoever. Camera stunning, updates each month, 5-6 hours screen time, great build, wireless charging and IP rating, smooth as performance and a very underrated screen. Coming from the LG G7, which I loved, this phone is a level up in everyway.
@domsch1988 Why not the 3a XL? Much better value especially if you're not a power user. Only thing it's not waterproof and has no wireless charging, slightly lower processor but a great phone.
go for the OnePlus. I've played with it (friend bought it) and its solid. I have a 3XL but if I can do it over, i'd either stick with the 2XL or upgrade to the OnePlus.
I still think the Pixel 3 XL is the Android phone to get, until the 4 XL in Oct. Best camera, smooth OS, timely updates every month, no bloatware.
What other phone is out there? Galaxy S10? LOL I'll pass. LG G8 or V50 ? No thanks. OnePlus, yeah they are are good, but, not the best camera, and some features missing
I would choose Oneplus. I'm so disappointed with the Pixel 3 XL. The fingerprint sensor sucks. I had the 1+ 5T and it was far better than this. It's my last Pixel.
I'll change my 3 XL for a 5 XL, that's how much I love it.
for me pixel 3 xl is the phone to buy because its a nice design lovely to hold timely updates. The only thing am not happy about is the ram and how its managed i would have liked to see an extra 2 gigs here.
Traded my S10 Plus for the Pixel 3 XL.
Great decision in my view. Running Android Q beta 4, no need to carry DSLR with me (S10 camera was awful).
Only downside is the RAM and it's management. Would choose it over again in a heartbeat
bobby janow said:
@domsch1988 Why not the 3a XL? Much better value especially if you're not a power user. Only thing it's not waterproof and has no wireless charging, slightly lower processor but a great phone.
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Since i'm getting it on Contract, they are equal in price (basically 1€ without any change in what the plan will cost me). The 3a will be getting guaranteed Updates for 6 Months longer. Other than that, i feel the 3XL is far better.
If i'd pay for it up front, i agree 100%. I'm currently rocking a Redmin Note 5 Pro. So i'm confident, that the Hardware in the 3aXL would be well enough. I just don't have the value benefit when both phones cost the same in my case.
To everyone else: I really appreciate the input. Seems the Pixel is still the Phone to get. Will be my first time getting a phone for the camera. But with my wife and me expecting a child, i'm sure that's a great decision
Despite what I have read of other's experiences with this phone, in my case it is the absolute best phone I have ever had. Coming from a long line of Samsung Note phones and Galaxy phones, it just can't compare. I highly recommend it. Updates are timely and without delay on the first Monday of every month. It is very responsive and the camera is the best in the industry. I have learned with this phone that specs mean nothing if the software is not optimized. Samsung phone shave great specs but software (IMO) is not optimized. I got tired of Samsung's locked bootloader, no root on phones and batteries that after 6 months did not last more than a few hours. For me, this is the ONLY phone worth the money today.
Easy. Get the 3xl or even 3aXL and save some money. Either will be fantastic.
Other than Google not being able to fix the sound (changes from clear to bassy/muffled and back randomly) this phone is awesome.
yaron316 said:
Traded my S10 Plus for the Pixel 3 XL.
Great decision in my view. Running Android Q beta 4, no need to carry DSLR with me (S10 camera was awful).
Only downside is the RAM and it's management. Would choose it over again in a heartbeat
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This. I tried the S9+ then the S10+. Couldn't wait to get back to the Pixel.
nyydynasty said:
go for the OnePlus. I've played with it (friend bought it) and its solid. I have a 3XL but if I can do it over, i'd either stick with the 2XL or upgrade to the OnePlus.
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The OnePlus is no upgrade IMO. I just spent a week testing both the OnePlus 7 Pro and the P3 XL and the bottom line is that the two phones are a perfect example of specs not telling the whole story. The OnePlus is nice but in the end it went back and I kept the P3 XL. Main issues with the OnePlus was the distortion caused by the curved edges (why did they do that? Loss of functionality for nothing in return... if i wanted a fashion statement I'd buy an iPhone.) I don't get why everyone gets hysterical over a notch that hardly ever really intrudes on the P3 XL while ignoring the distortion of the O7P that is annoying 100% of the time. Also in spite of all the reviews gushing over the 90 fps display it really was a big... meh. If you look closely it is somewhat smoother than the 60 fps flagships but these are already so good that the slight improvement is just not that big a deal and I think I'd probably have ended up just leaving the 90 fps option off to get the 10% or so battery life back. But the OP7 display was brighter than the P3 XL, I'll give it that.
The other problem on the OP7P was the camera. It's come a long way and is certainly competitive with the big boys but I found the P3's image to be superior most of the time. If you aren't picky about the camera then the P7 should be fine. Last is the general feel of the phone and the pure Google Pixel OS (and all the little nonessential but nice goodies) made the P3 just feel more comfortable and day-to-day usable to me. Also FWIW the P3 supports Verizon WiFi calling and the OP7 does not (or at least I couldn't find any setting that would make it work.) Something that won't matter for some but will for others so just mentioning it. Also if you think you may ever want to use Google Fi (for the international coverage if nothing else) then the Pixel is the better choice, also a factor that may or may not matter depending on the user.
I'm not hating on the OnePlus, it's a great phone and would probably be my phone if it weren't for the P3 XL. But an 'upgrade'? Nah.
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At this point in the year I would honestly wait things out to see what happens with the Pixel 4. I love the Pixel 3xl and wouldn't buy anything else at this point. The first phone that I enjoy using and the camera is awesome! With the Pixel 4 it can only get better, even if the numbers are still not up with the S10 it wouldn't matter to me. Fast, no bloatware and the ability to take it anywhere and use it anywhere is what I enjoy.
S10e would be a downgrade in my opinion.
I actually ordered the Snapdragon S10e and quickly realised I miss that higher quality screen of the Pixel 3 XL. As this was the Snapdragon S10e I had gcam installed but it was very buggy and just nothing like the original.
The pixel 3 XL has a wider screen too, makes viewing content a lot better, the Samsung phones are narrow so it almost seems like you lose out on content, for me it was noticeably enough to keep this phone!

Question Will You Upgrade to Pixel 7 / Pro?

I was just interested to see who here plans on upgrading to the Pixel 7 / Pro come October? I'm on the fence but leaning towards sticking with my 6 Pro for another year. From what I've seen, spec-wise, I do not see it as a significant upgrade. And Android 13 is Android 13 on either phone. I tend to upgrade most years and am typically disappointed with the result (since my Pixel 4 XL, which I really did like). I mean, it's exciting to get a new phone but certainly not necessary unless you have a good reason (damage or whatever).
What say you all?
If the battery life, camera flaring issues and cellular connectivity is better, I might upgrade at the end of the year. I really like my 6 Pro, but its just those few things that been a bit of a pain. My OnePlus 8 Pro on Android 12 have had less issues overall compared to this phone, and being on 5G doesn't murder the battery life as much as it does on my 6 Pro.
I've read that Google's trade-in policies can be sketchy at times. I had thought about trading in the 6 Pro for the 7 Pro, but I've been on the fence with that.
tonyfiore75 said:
I was just interested to see who here plans on upgrading to the Pixel 7 / Pro come October? I'm on the fence but leaning towards sticking with my 6 Pro for another year. From what I've seen, spec-wise, I do not see it as a significant upgrade. And Android 13 is Android 13 on either phone. I tend to upgrade most years and am typically disappointed with the result (since my Pixel 4 XL, which I really did like). I mean, it's exciting to get a new phone but certainly not necessary unless you have a good reason (damage or whatever).
What say you all?
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Think I'll wait for the 8. The 7 sounds like a minor update so far, hardware wise. Some have speculated that the 8 may be produced on Samsung's 3nm Process, although others have said that it may not because it will be too expensive. I've got the 2XL, 4XL and 6 Pro, so just may stick with the 2 yr updates.
Yes, though I'm considering trying the next Samsung flagship for fun too
Come to think of it, excpet for the OG Pixel XL (I always use XL phones excpet for the Pixel 3, which I don't like) ), I have not liked the 3 and 5 series AT.ALL. *for obvious reasons) and still have my 2XL and 4XL as cherished backsups and am totally in love with my P6P.
So it looks like the odd-numbered series I don't like and the even I do, at least so far, so will probably not upgrade.
FoneWatcher said:
Come to think of it, excpet for the OG Pixel XL (I always use XL phones excpet for the Pixel 3, which I don't like) ), I have not liked the 3 and 5 series AT.ALL. *for obvious reasons) and still have my 2XL and 4XL as cherished backsups and am totally in love with my P6P.
So it looks like the odd-numbered series I don't like and the even I do, at least so far, so will probably not upgrade.
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I love the superstition, haha.
I remember the days where upgrading your phone was a BIIIIIIG deal. This goes back to my days of having a Samsung Captivate. I mean, each new phone was a totally new experience. Now, not so much. I'd probably still be happy with my Pixel 4 XL. But I always trade my phones in to get a discount. At this point, though, I really see no reason to upgrade to the 7. Maybe when the prices drop later in the year or in 2023 it would make more sense but I am USUALLY The guy that buys the new Pixel on day 1. Definitely not this year.
Nope. Next phone is going to be either a Pixel Fold, Galaxy Z Fold 5, or the Pixel 8 Pro.
Nope. Same Modem I read. And No 50MP shots really left a terrible taste in my mouth. 12MP is 12MP I don't care if it's BINNED or not. My 3aXL took better pictures and that really burnt me.
Lughnasadh said:
Think I'll wait for the 8. The 7 sounds like a minor update so far, hardware wise. Some have speculated that the 8 may be produced on Samsung's 3nm Process. I've got the 2XL, 4XL and 6 Pro, so just may stick with the 2 yr updates.
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Same here, I only got the even numbers Pixels.
Still using my 4 XL, I'm having a hard time parting with it
But I'm probably gonna use my 6 Pro very soon now that Android 13 has finally ironed out the bugs of 12.
I'm still slightly worried about the battery life and cell reception though.
Ghisy said:
I'm still slightly worried about the battery life though.
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I know the September update did address the battery life specifically, if that eases your mind at all.
My wife and I will likely either be waiting for the Pixel 8 Pro / XL / SuperMondo, or potentially until sometime after all security updates stop for the Pixel 6 Pro, so sometime late 2026 or early 2027.
Edit: We did similar for the Pixel 1/XL - didn't update until after it stopped receiving monthly updates.
I've been testing MVK that is under volted and it has cleaned up a lotttt of the heat this phone use to give me. And he's UV the modem as we speak. We playing with . Android 13 and MVK have honestly solved 96% of my problems I had with this Raven.
Gytole said:
it has cleaned up a lotttt of the heat this phone
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Yeah, I've found the heating issue to be problematic myself. In fact, I think it's led to quite a few unplanned reboots of my phone. It happens a lot ON the Pixel Stand, as a matter of fact.
tonyfiore75 said:
Yeah, I've found the heating issue to be problematic myself. In fact, I think it's led to quite a few unplanned reboots of my phone. It happens a lot ON the Pixel Stand, as a matter of fact.
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That's why I don't like wireless charging. Nothing but heat. And where there's a magnetic field, there's an electrical current, and where there's a electrical current, there's a magnetic field. Understanding this physical principal teaches us that although it is "cool" visually, it's not "cool" physically. But yeah this phone has terrible thermals. Since google gave me the middle finger I am tempted to tear the phone apart and see if I can place A. Thermal paste, and B. Thermal pads in the phone in places to allow the phone to act more as a heat sink. But as of now my phone rarely goes above 120f anymore and the battery is consistently below 100f. It use to COOK on A12.1
tonyfiore75 said:
I know the September update did address the battery life specifically, if that eases your mind at all.
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Click to collapse
Uh huh, I noticed that in the changelog. Well, let's hope so!
Gytole said:
But as of now my phone rarely goes above 120f anymore and the battery is consistently below 100f
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And what did you do to achieve this besides not using wireless charging? I couldn't quite understand what you meant in your earlier post.
tonyfiore75 said:
And what did you do to achieve this besides not using wireless charging? I couldn't quite understand what you meant in your earlier post.
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I'm on a test Kernel of MVK that is under volted. Less heat.
What I need is; faster charging, an improved 4G/5G modem and better wifi connectivity.
What I want is; a much faster processor (not gonna happen), a flat screen (never gonna happen).
Unless they give me a sweet trade in price like Apple, what's the point for a slightly better camera, probably free pixel buds, and the same screen?
If you want all the 4G/5G bands across all carriers in the US, and the ability to root the device that you own and paid for , your stuck with this 2018 era Samsung processor, and low nit screen.
I would probably spring for a Pixel Fold, just to have something new.
Amd4life said:
I would probably spring for a Pixel Fold, just to have something new.
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I actually think I would as well.
Lughnasadh said:
Think I'll wait for the 8. The 7 sounds like a minor update so far, hardware wise. Some have speculated that the 8 may be produced on Samsung's 3nm Process, although others have said that it may not because it will be too expensive. I've got the 2XL, 4XL and 6 Pro, so just may stick with the 2 yr updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same opinion as you, probably going to wait for the 8.

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