Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

mclld

macrumors 68030
Original poster
Nov 6, 2012
2,659
2,129
I have always used Android and when I shattered my Pixel 3 XL screen I picked up an XS Max to try and I have been using it since July but I am ready to go back. I gave the iPhone plenty of time and I just prefer Android. I am thinking about getting the Pixel 4 XL since it is cheap and I really liked my 3 XL, the 5 is too small and I won't be paying the crazy prices the 6 will be. Is there any other cheap Android I should consider over the Pixel? The camera is my main thing so I doubt it but thought I would ask
 
I still have my white Pixel 4 XL, and even today it's a beautiful timeless design.

Installed Android 12 beta 5 on it, and wow it feels like a brand new current 2021 smartphone. I would highly recommend the 4 XL.

Stock Android is miles better than iOS. I have these current smartphones; Pixel 4 XL, iPhone 12 Pro Max, and Pixel 5a. Both Pixel phones running the latest Android 12 beta, and using them just feels so fresh, and like a futuristic device, compared to my 12 Pro Max, with iOS 15, that feels stuck in 2010, and outdated. Yeah the hardware and build quality on the iPhone is top notch, and very high end, with fantastic hardware, but man iOS blows.

And still no AoD ( Always on Display ) WTF Apple?
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: cubeover
Is the battery better than the 3 XL? That was my only complaint on the 3 XL
 
Is the battery better than the 3 XL? That was my only complaint on the 3 XL

The 4 XL battery life is good, it's not a battery champ, but certainly not terrible either. It has wireless charging which is nice, but the battery life on the 4 XL is better than the 3 XL.

I recall when I had the 3 XL, the battery was pretty poor, and a downgrade from the Pixel 2 XL battery, but the 4 XL upped it better. It's probably a 5.5h - 6h Screen on Time phone, where the 3 XL to me was more like 4.5h - 5h SoT.
 
Plus one for the 4 XL recommendation.
Battery life is the only bad thing, but the fact it supports Android 12, has an amazing camera still and is a lovely design are all massive plus points.
You also get Face Unlock which I know a lot of us tout as the best in a smart phone.

Haptics are good, selfie camera also good. The only thing you'll find lacking Vs iPhone is video recording. It also has the Pixel Neural Core (I think that's what it's called) which helps with the camera in third party apps. Something other Androids can't compete with.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tig Bitties
Personally for me, it's better to be on both platforms. Thus one can take advantage the best of both, and not quite locked into one ecosystem.
Eg. I use Android as my primary device, but I also use iPhone for my banking needs. I have my contacts on GMail, and photos on OneDrive, so I'm not locked into specific services, be it Apple's or Google's.

Nontheless, Android is still the more versatile platform for me (but not stock Android though). Most Android OEMs (except for stock Android) allow dual apps (eg. 2 whatsapp accounts in one phone), which is extremely useful for me. Also, at least Samsung OneUI and Xiaomi MiUI have auto-recording for phone calls (at least in my country). Again, extremely useful for my needs. I don't see Apple adopting these features anytime soon, and Android is my primary productivity choice.
 
It’s unfortunate that best tablets come from Apple, best computers from Microsoft, and best phones from Google.
i guess you have to feed them all… with your money and data
 
Personally for me, it's better to be on both platforms. Thus one can take advantage the best of both, and not quite locked into one ecosystem.
Agreed! Although, I must admit it was a seamless experience carrying around an Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad and Mac... how all the devices was connected within Apple ecosystem. But then again.. I like having an Android, iPad and PC (especially with the new introduction of Windows 11).

So, I get it from sides. But I gravitate toward the Android platform because of how much freedom it allows me to do within it and the iPad is just something that's invaluable to me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: sracer
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.