Nexus-N/Pixel XL ( 2016 )

[Roadstar]

I have wireless charging on my phone but hardly ever use it.

You've got a wireless charger in your car? How does that work?

At least I do. I place the phone in the charger and squeeze the side supports to lock the phone down in its place. All this as a one-handed operation and the phone starts charging. Same in reverse, I just push a button to release the side supports and grab the phone, all with one hand. If I need to connect a charging cable, it's either a two-handed operation or really awkward one-handed acrobatics. As an added bonus with the wireless charger I can tuck in the charger's cable neatly or route it behind the dash while a separate charging cord is all too often hanging there ready to get stuck around the gear stick while driving.

 

[spinedoc77]

I've had wireless charging phones, and have used Sammy's fast wireless upright charger with S7E and Note7 (the Edge was my daily driver for months). It's very cool, but I never once miss it. I'd still rather plug in my phone to top it off.

I do wish Apple would adopt quick charging though. Using an iPad charger is about as close as you can get.

ie: you don't find wireless charging useful, I think I got it the first 30 times you said it.

You mentioned in a previous post that wireless charging was too slow, but when I used it I found it faster than wired charging on my iPhone.

 

[epicrayban]

WSJ review: http://online.wsj.com/articles/goog...roid-iphone-youve-been-waiting-for-1476795541

Google Pixel Review: The Android iPhone You’ve Been Waiting For

 

[spinedoc77]

I have wireless charging on my phone but hardly ever use it.

You've got a wireless charger in your car? How does that work?

I did when I had a Note phone. You can get car wireless chargers with a cradle, you just plop the phone in and it's charging. On my setup I actually added some metal paper inside of my Note and had magnets on a charging pad, so I just stuck it on and it was fast wirelessly charging. VERY convenient. Definitely wireless charging is a feature I miss every day and night.
[doublepost=1476796488][/doublepost]

Apologists downplaying the convenience of wireless charging. On the contrary it's super convenient for situations like in and out of the car without dealing with wires and the need to keep it charged for GPS navigation, music, calls, etc. Wireless charging is more valuable than a lousy secondary f/2.8 camera or ineffective IP67.

Also fumbling around in the dark with a cable in the middle of the night is annoying. I have the little stand that Apple makes for the iPhone and that's a nightmare to get the phone onto in the dark.

 

[epicrayban]

Mashable camera review:

http://mashable.com/2016/10/18/google-pixel-cameras-vs-iphone-galaxy-s7/
[doublepost=1476797330][/doublepost]Engadget review: https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/18/google-pixel-and-pixel-xl-review/

Pixel score: 86

Pros

• Excellent build quality
• Fantastic camera
• Smooth performance

Cons

• Expensive
• Yawn-inducing design
• Less water-resistant than rivals

Summary
After years of experimenting with Nexus devices, Google finally decided it wanted to make a phone of its own. HTC might be assembling the phones, but Google designed and developed the Pixel from end-to-end. In doing so, it crafted a truly great smartphone that sadly looks a little dull. Still, the inclusion of a speedy new Snapdragon 821 chipset and a fantastic camera make the smaller Pixel a device to be reckoned with. Now, if only it were a little cheaper.



Pixel XL: 87


Pros

• Excellent build quality
• Fantastic camera
• Smooth performance
• Respectable battery life
• Beautiful Quad HD screen

Cons

• Expensive
• Drab design
• Less water-resistant than rivals

Summary
The 5-inch Pixel is a great phone, and its big brother, the Pixel XL, is ever so slightly better. You'll get the same top-tier performance as on the smaller model, just with a bigger, crisper display and a more capacious battery to sweeten the deal. What's more, it's a little narrower and shorter than the iPhone 7 Plus, so it's a surprisingly easy to hold. It'll cost you, though: The XL starts at $769 for the 32GB model.



[doublepost=1476797464][/doublepost]The Verge: http://www.theverge.com/2016/10/18/13304090/google-pixel-phone-review-pixel-xl


Google Pixel review: Home run

SCORE: 9

Good Stuff:

• Long battery life

• Fast and powerful

• Google Assistant

Bad Stuff:

• Not waterproof

• Pedestrian design

• Google's take on Android needs more polish


This is Google's first phone, and for a first effort it is remarkably good. By almost every metric I can think of — speed, power, camera, smart assistant, you name it — it matches or exceeds the best phones available on the market today. And though the design is far from groundbreaking, it’s certainly approachable. The whole package is pretty incredible, and if you're not put off by the premium price, you'll be very happy with this premium phone. I prefer the XL, which isn't huge and seems to get notably better battery life.

 

[tbayrgs]

WSJ review: http://online.wsj.com/articles/goog...roid-iphone-youve-been-waiting-for-1476795541

Google Pixel Review: The Android iPhone You’ve Been Waiting For

Mashable camera review:

http://mashable.com/2016/10/18/google-pixel-cameras-vs-iphone-galaxy-s7/
[doublepost=1476797330][/doublepost]Engadget review: https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/18/google-pixel-and-pixel-xl-review/

Pixel score: 86

Pros

• Excellent build quality
• Fantastic camera
• Smooth performance

Cons

• Expensive
• Yawn-inducing design
• Less water-resistant than rivals

Summary
After years of experimenting with Nexus devices, Google finally decided it wanted to make a phone of its own. HTC might be assembling the phones, but Google designed and developed the Pixel from end-to-end. In doing so, it crafted a truly great smartphone that sadly looks a little dull. Still, the inclusion of a speedy new Snapdragon 821 chipset and a fantastic camera make the smaller Pixel a device to be reckoned with. Now, if only it were a little cheaper.



Pixel XL: 87


Pros

• Excellent build quality
• Fantastic camera
• Smooth performance
• Respectable battery life
• Beautiful Quad HD screen

Cons

• Expensive
• Drab design
• Less water-resistant than rivals

Summary
The 5-inch Pixel is a great phone, and its big brother, the Pixel XL, is ever so slightly better. You'll get the same top-tier performance as on the smaller model, just with a bigger, crisper display and a more capacious battery to sweeten the deal. What's more, it's a little narrower and shorter than the iPhone 7 Plus, so it's a surprisingly easy to hold. It'll cost you, though: The XL starts at $769 for the 32GB model.
[doublepost=1476797464][/doublepost]the verge: http://www.theverge.com/2016/10/18/13304090/google-pixel-phone-review-pixel-xl


Google Pixel review: Home run

Good Stuff:

• Long battery life

• Fast and powerful

• Google Assistant

Bad Stuff:

• Not waterproof

• Pedestrian design

• Google's take on Android needs more polish

Promising starts--making me even more antsy to get my hands on the XL. Still at least a week according to my preorder from Google.

Update: Just watched the Verge's video review...."The best Android that's ever been made."

 

[mclld]

I would say not without water resistance, that is a huge knock Imo when the s7 has it

 

[Wildo6882]

I think it's probably pretty safe to say from the reviews I've seen so far (Android Central and Droid Life) that the camera fears were over-exaggerated. Looks like a winner when it comes to the camera. Man I can't wait to get my pre-order in. The only thing I didn't like to hear was that the back glass was scratch prone. I do have a DBrand skin on order, but haven't got confirmation of shipping yet.

Here's also a quote from 9to5google.com in their review. For all of those "WHAT?!?! NO OIS?!?! NO BUY!!!" people...

"The lack of OIS was one of the biggest “really, Google?” moments for me at the October 4th announcement event, but I have been proven so wrong."

 

[tbayrgs]

I would say not without water resistance, that is a huge knock Imo when the s7 has it

So water resistance is the absolute benchmark for greatness? (j/k)

Of course, we are all going to have different preferences. The Verge (and most tech publications/blogs) all tend to prefer the near stock software experience and shy away from manufacturer skins---it's pretty clear that's a huge factor in their review.

 

[epicrayban]

Promising starts--making me even more antsy to get my hands on the XL. Still at least a week according to my preorder from Google.

Update: Just watched the Verge's video review...."The best Android that's ever been made."

Very promising stuff. Relieved about the camera. Reviews I'm reading are generally saying they're up there with iPhone 7 and the S7 -- phew.

As for the knocks against it, there's not much new we haven't all discussed: lack of waterproofing and drab design seems to be the two biggest issues.

Everything else sounds terrific, and in many cases, sound better than the competition. I think the Pixel/Nougat combo looks dynamite, especially when compared to iOS 10 and TouchWiz (I'm really excited about the touch latency finally matching the iPhone!).

Google Assistant sounds better than Siri, too, and that is something Apple should be very worried about if AI really is the future. Google Assistant -- like Google Maps when compared to iOS Maps -- is only going to get increasingly better. People will have their opinions about "data mining" but for AI purposes, it's an advantage. I wonder what Apple will do to challenge this model moving forward...

Looking forward to you and other's real world feedback. I may actually pre-order one myself now... I'm ready for a Google phone.

 

[tbayrgs]

I think it's probably pretty safe to say from the reviews I've seen so far (Android Central and Droid Life) that the camera fears were over-exaggerated. Looks like a winner when it comes to the camera. Man I can't wait to get my pre-order in. The only thing I didn't like to hear was that the back glass was scratch prone. I do have a DBrand skin on order, but haven't got confirmation of shipping yet.

Yeah, I've only watched/read a couple review buts impressions of the camera performance seem to range from very good (same ballpark as Galaxy S7 and iPhone 7 was one statement I believe) to glowing. MKBHD is a huge camera buff and he stated his early impressions are quite favorable as well. Looks like the lack of OIS is turning into a non-factor, which is good to hear.

 

[Lava Lamp Freak]

Apologists downplaying the convenience of wireless charging. On the contrary it's super convenient for situations like in and out of the car without dealing with wires and the need to keep it charged for GPS navigation, music, calls, etc. Wireless charging is more valuable than a lousy secondary f/2.8 camera or ineffective IP67.

I've had my S7 since launch and have never plugged it in to charge -- not a single time. Any time I'm at my desk it's sitting on the wireless charging stand. I plugged it into my computer to transfer some wallpapers and ringtones when I got it, but that is the only time I plugged a cable into it. I'd miss it if I didn't have wireless charging.

 

[epicrayban]

I love this about the Pixel phones and the way Google updates:

I should note that the Pixel will get software updates before any other Android phone — and they'll install quietly in the background on a custom partition and seamlessly switch you over when they're ready.


If this really happens as seamlessly as Google is promising, this embarasses iOS' method, which requires you being on WiFi.



[doublepost=1476800300][/doublepost]

I've had my S7 since launch and have never plugged it in to charge -- not a single time. Any time I'm at my desk it's sitting on the wireless charging stand. I plugged it into my computer to transfer some wallpapers and ringtones when I got it, but that is the only time I plugged a cable into it. I'd miss it if I didn't have wireless charging.

The only time I plugged in my S7 Edge was on my trip. I can't remember the last time I used a plug prior to that. This is something I will greatly miss. I'll have to save my wireless chargers for the Pixel 2.

 

[MRU]

The regular sized pixel in either black or the funky white and blue will be my next android phone ....

When I can get one ....

 

[JaySoul]

Oh for goodness sake, I've got loads of work to do this afternoon!! Will have to check all these Pixel reviews tonight. Damn.

 

[epicrayban]

The regular sized pixel in either black or the funky white and blue will be my next android phone ....

When I can get one ....

Did you just name all three color options? Lol.
[doublepost=1476800935][/doublepost]Considering reviews (and even early impressions) are saying Google Assistant reliably picks up voice commands even in loud crowded places, I can maybe forgive Google for the large bezels, which supposedly was required to house such a powerful microphone. And reviews are saying the single firing speaker is very loud and good, too, thanks to the space afforded by the bezels.

So, fine.

Google Now already picks up my speech so much better than Siri. I can only imagine how well Google Assistant works.

 

[JaySoul]

Someone just ban me from this thread. Change my password. Cut the power out.

PLEASE!!

 

[spinedoc77]

What's more, it's a little narrower and shorter than the iPhone 7 Plus, so it's a surprisingly easy to hold.

My god, is any phone out there taller/wider than the freakin iPhone? Even the pixel beat it out in that dept.

 

[AppleRobert]

Someone just ban me from this thread. Change my password. Cut the power out.

PLEASE!!

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE.
[doublepost=1476804962][/doublepost]

My god, is any phone out there taller/wider than the freakin iPhone? Even the pixel beat it out in that dept.

Nexus 6?

 

[MRU]

Did you just name all three color options? Lol.

No only two The blue & white is one colour combination, and the other black. Don't want the silver/white back one.

 

[epicrayban]

My god, is any phone out there taller/wider than the freakin iPhone? Even the pixel beat it out in that dept.

Apple has long been beat in terms of ergonomics and form factor (and design) by Samsung.

Google did well to keep the XL smaller than the iPhone Plus, and as I said before, if the large bezels are needed to house the impressively reviewed microphone and speaker for Google Assistant, I guess I can forgive them. Hopefully in 2017, both Apple and Google design and engineer better looking and more ergonomic phones.

 

[bmac4]

Well it sure seems after watching some reviews, this phone is a lot better then a lot of people thought. Most reviews I saw or read have said the phone is totally worth the price, and that it's the best Android phone you can get. Some even said best phone. Now I don't think that would be case if the Note 7 was still available, but I think it could still give it a run for it's money.

I think this is the phone us tech guys have been asking for from Google since the Nexus line was introduced. It's a no compromises flagship that can complete with Apple's flagships and with all the best android phones. Of course it's a smartphone so it's. It perfect lacking waterproofness (which I for one could careless about), an SD card, or removable battery. I think all of those are just fine, and none of them take away from the phone. It's good to see Google in the game with flagships, and right now is as good as any with Samsung being down. Should be interesting.

 

[epicrayban]

The more I read about the Pixel software, the more impressed I am with it.

I've always thought iOS was behind Android. And obviously, there are exceptions (e.g., Allo/Duo is a pathetic attempt at getting serious about messaging/video chatting, in my opinion), but I feel like the gap is widening. I find it harder and harder to use iOS as the years go by. Conversely, I find Android getting easier and easier. I won't go over everything Google does better since that's a beaten horse, but here are a few examples of new things coming from Pixel:


-Software updates are automatic with the Pixel phones. Meaning they update seamlessly in the background. Automatic versus requiring to turn on WiFi and committing time to the update on iOS. Which one sounds like "it just works"?

-App shortcuts can be achieved with long press, proving 3D Touch isn't necessary. Force touching requires an added layer of interaction. Again, which sounds simpler?

-Ditto text editing. Gesturing on the spacebar or backspace buttons is easier and simpler than force touching across the keyboard on iOS. (Not to mention, iOS still doesn't have gesture to type on the native keyboard).

-App switching. A quick double tap of the app switcher button performs an "alt-tab" to the previous app in Nougat. iOS, once again, requires force touching, and then swiping.

-I can swipe down from the back-facing finger print scanner to pull down the notification shade. Whereas with iOS, Reachability is a joke. It's slow and cumbersome and requires a double tap of the home button. As for reaching apps, Android has always allowed you to customize your home screen anyway and anywhere you want, versus iOS forcing all apps to take place on a grid starting with the top row. Not only does that leave zero room for customization, it makes things hard to reach. And because the Pixel now features a dock, you have an extra space for an app instead of it being taken by the app drawer icon.

-Google Assistant vs Siri. In my experience, Siri is fine, but Google Now has always been more reliable at speech detection and getting my words correct. Google Assistant sounds like it's going to further that gap and finally nail a few things GNow still doesn't get right. And if the future is indeed in AI, I really worry for Apple. How will they compete with Google's model if they refuse to "data-mine"? I feel this will be a big point of discussion in 2017 as we see Google Home and Apple's version of it start becoming mainstays. I don't have experience with Google Assistant yet, of course, but the reviews sound very promising. To the point where I feel I can forgive (sort of) Google for designing large bezels to accommodate the microphone/speaker.

-Touch latency -- a sore point for those who count micro-seconds -- seems to finally be on par with iOS according to reviews. Google doesn't have Apple beat on this one, so this isn't the perfect example, but still worth mentioning.


I'm probably forgetting a few other examples. And as I said, I don't have a Pixel yet so in practice things might be different, but the reviews and previews of these new features look incredibly promising. Nougat has been a joy to use on a 5X so the Pixel additions should combo on top of it very well. In the meantime, iOS continues to look and feel outdated. For the record, I think Apple will knock people's socks off with the 2017 10th anniversary iPhone. But will iOS improve enough to take me away from Android? Not at its current pace.

We always knew the Pixel software experience would be pretty buttoned up, and now reviews are out confirming as such. That's a big deal.

 

[mi7chy]

Design isn't as sexy as Galaxy but Pixel isn't any worse than iPhone. The back is a non-issue with one of Google's art or live cases and it might turn out to have better reception than the problematic iPhone 7.

As for the camera, from what I've seen so far EIS seems very effective with minor shake but anything more seem to introduce sharp sudden panning, it does better than other phones recording 4K with horizontally moving objects across the camera like cars with less jitter and it seems to be void of the wobbly jello effect.

 

[5105973]

I think I'm a little sorry I didn't order the XL. I wanted something that would fit well into my pocket when I work, and my S7 Edge is already my big screen phone... but I also want to enjoy the VR and the XL will make that a better experience, so I am torn. It's a trade off I guess. I did always end up taking the Plus over the regular IPhone and ended up kicking myself a few months later. So I don't know. In this case the size difference doesn't quite match up to the size difference between the IPhone 6/7 and the Pluses. So perhaps going for the bigger Pixel wouldn't have been a hardship on my mom jeans pockets? I don't know. Honey...does this Pixel make my butt look big?

Anyway it's a moot point because the XL is sold out. And I'm pleased that it is and hope there are few returns. I hope this venture is very successful for Google and makes the smart phone market a better place for all of us. (Jeez, the prices, though Thank you Samsung for all the BOGO and freebies!)

I read a scathing review of the Pixel on the New York Times that was so pro IPhone I lol'd. Overall the reviews I have read so far are about what I expected: it's solid but won't knock your socks off. The thing is, it's going to be a work in progress all year and we will keep getting updates. I'm pleased with my decision to go Pixel.

I'm going to order a custom cover for mine using either my own artwork or a photo and that will be fun.

Thank you all for posting links to reviews and summaries. I missed a few in my own search. Alas, lunch is over and I must get back to my work so I'll save those for later.