That baffles me as well my friend, don't know what they would do that. I think more peeps would buy it if they made them the same.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Pixel 2 Reviews: Iterative Update Lacks 'Wow Factor' But Still 'Best Android Phone You Can Buy'
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Far from a fanboy..maybe you should think before speaking...or in this case typing..
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/201...ns-a-custom-google-soc-the-pixel-visual-core/
There is pretty much no "WOW" with all the phones on the market anymore. Most of the people wouldn't recognize the phone without logo. So many phones looks super similar or almost same especially all those phones from Chinese companies who copy Samsung or Apple. I can't even see any "WOW" with iPhone X. The only "WOW" I see is the f* price for some devices. By the end you do same s* like the guy with his 200$ phone...calls, mails and social media.
(The quality of the camera is actually the only thing on a phone which makes it different but a lot of people don't give a f* about it cuz they do just some pics/small videos for FB/Instagram/Snapchat and even 200$ phones from China are already good enough with pictures and videos. Pro's use anyway most time some high quality cams from Canon/Sony/Nikon etc.)
(The quality of the camera is actually the only thing on a phone which makes it different but a lot of people don't give a f* about it cuz they do just some pics/small videos for FB/Instagram/Snapchat and even 200$ phones from China are already good enough with pictures and videos. Pro's use anyway most time some high quality cams from Canon/Sony/Nikon etc.)
Yeah, the thing that you look at most is bad but somehow it's a great phone? What good is a great camera if the display sucks? The media definitely has a bias and grade Google on a curve because their expectations are usually quite low. They've also been desperately trying to fabricate an iPhone challenger for a few years now because it's in their best interest, even though they're supposed to be looking out for the consumers' best interests. I posted these links before but it's worth posting again...
http://appleinsider.com/articles/17...s-but-is-half-as-fast-lacks-many-key-features
https://gizmodo.com/yes-google-uses-its-power-to-quash-ideas-it-doesn-t-li-1798646437
And the possibility that the DAC and amp is of a higher quality hasn't occurred to you?
I really dont think Google worries about their Pixel line is a niche or not. Its great what Google is doing by offering a very solid product with top tier components at a good price. Also Google's new SOC -- it’s called the Pixel Visual Core, and it is Google’s first custom system-on-a-chip (SOC) for consumer products. You can think of it as a very scaled-down and simplified, purpose-built version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon, Samsung’s Exynos, or Apple’s A series chips. The purpose in this case? Accelerating the HDR+ camera magic that makes Pixel photos so uniquely superior to everything else on the mobile market. Google plans to use the Pixel Visual Core to make image processing on its smartphones much smoother and faster, but not only that, the Mountain View also plans to use it to open up HDR+ to third-party camera apps.
Notes: Credit for Summary of Google's SOC is provided by: https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/17/16487834/google-pixel-visual-core-ipu-custom-processor-chip
Just acquired a used Jet Black a few weeks ago. I ended up with a case on it after a week of trying caseless, though, so ultimately it didn't matter that much that it had more grip, though I do like that I can take the case off on occasion and still have just enough grip to not have it fly out of my hands constantly.
As for the Pixel 2, I heard in a review (The Verge) that the black color has a grippier coating than the white. They said it feels like plastic (I consider that a good thing). Funny how different colors of the same phone have different amounts of grip and different feels. AFAIK neither Apple nor Google advertise these facts.
Dieter Bohn claims portrait mode on the Pixel looks good. That’s some strong Google kool aid. I wonder if these phones were made by anyone but Google would they be getting such rave reviews. Seems to me before one tech reviewer had a review unit in hand they already knew how they were going to score them.
https://twitter.com/backlon/status/920275953355456513
https://twitter.com/backlon/status/920275953355456513
Demand more from Apple! Yah... good luck with that. When is the last time that Apple listened to a customer or cared what they thought. SJ was at least good at telling customers what they wanted. That technique with the current leadership team isn't going so well.
You didn't just compare a smartphone to a stove.
So who are you going to trust? You going to make your own smartphone hardware? As far as I can tell you have one of the big US tech companies, a big Samsung tech company, a big Chinese company, or some startup.
Not sure what you are asking.
Why am I on MR? Because up until about 4 months ago my entire signature line was Apple products, and I have been very active in this community for years.
Why am I in the MR News forum? Because I'm interested in technology news and looking to buy products that serve my needs. While they used to be Apple, the company has gone a different route than what serves me, but they may come back.
Why am I in a discussion about the Pixel? Because I just upgraded my smartphone... it was going to be either iPhone, Galaxy, or Pixel. I am interested to see where my short list goes.
Now why are you here? Nothing in your sig remotely pertains to a Pixel or Smartphone.
I know people who do. It will probably become more common as phones are reaching $1000 and carrier subsidies are dying. Not to mention phones from 3 years ago still perform well enough to get the job done for many people. iPhone 6S here. I may have gone with an older version, but the 6S was the first to implement Band 12 on T-Mobile, which was critical for me.
was more tongue in cheek than anything - just saw you have basically 0 apple products right now.
Best Android you can buy my @$$. Not buying a headphone-jackless phone from anyone.
Note8 FTW in my opinion, and voted with my (company's) wallet.
Note8 FTW in my opinion, and voted with my (company's) wallet.
I surely did; and I think it is an apt comparison -- particularly for people in first world countries.
Most of us no longer think of smartphones as something that would be "nice to have". They are a necessity. For many people, smartphones are their only communication device. Similarly, basic kitchen appliances such as a stove and a refrigerator are not optional for most people in the first world.
Pixel 2 XL all the way.
Better looking
Panda color exclusive
Dual lens
Quad HD and its size will fit with Daydream VR. My 5" Pixel couldn't cover up the entire VR goggles.
Four years ago, I would have said HTC is my favorite Android OEM. Now LG has slowly become my favorite. Fourth time LG has manufactured a Google product and they clearly outdid HTC in this round. They have been thinning bezels since the G2.
LG isn't perfect by any means. None of them are. I am aware of the G4/V10 bootloops. My G5/V20 has ghosting issues which made me use Lines icons back and a plain black wallpaper since gray will show it easier. LG is still questionable with quality control. But look at the recent V30 in Moroccan blue. Woweee!
Nexus 4, 5, 5X, and Pixel 2 XL while HTC made the T-Mobile G1, Nexus One, Nexus 9, Pixel/Pixel XL, and Pixel 2. HTC (ODM & OEM) was the pioneer of touchscreen smartphone and Android/Nexus phones though. Still rooting for Google to help out HTC but LG is my new favorite OEM in Android. LG has come a long way since their Chocolate days.
2006-2012
HTC > LG
2013-2015
HTC = LG
2016-Present
HTC < LG
I feel the smaller Pixel is where HTC was stuck with shells made from 3-4 years ago. BoomSound-less fronts. Generic-looking iPhone 6 front without the home button. Shame how fast HTC has fallen from being one of the best in design to one of the worst.
And 3-4 years ago, Samsung was arguably one of the worst and is currently the best. Still prefer LG over Samsung but LG definitely sold out this year with sealed batteries and removing IR blaster that I use every single day.
Wishlist rankings
LG V30 (Moroccan blue)
Google Pixel 2 XL (Panda)
Apple iPhone X (Silver)
Samsung Galaxy Note8 might shoot up #1 thanks to that 6gb RAM and how screaming fast and fluid it really is. The first Samsung to be as fluid as stock Android. What the Note7 should've been.
Favorite brands
LG
Nokia (pre-Microsoft/HMD)
Motorola (pre-Lenovo)
HTC
Sony
Apple (yes, that Apple)
I LOVE some of Apple's products but HATE some of the things they do. That sums up my opinion of them perfectly. Love & Hate.
With all these new phones reviews annually being thrown to our faces, what I'm really waiting for is Galaxy X and the successor to iPhone X with more RAM and a firmware much better than iOS11. And with foldable displays, it can be protected if closed and won't use that hideous glass rears like every slab uses these days.
Damn to the iPhone 4 for being so influential in smartphone design for this decade!
Better looking
Panda color exclusive
Dual lens
Quad HD and its size will fit with Daydream VR. My 5" Pixel couldn't cover up the entire VR goggles.
Four years ago, I would have said HTC is my favorite Android OEM. Now LG has slowly become my favorite. Fourth time LG has manufactured a Google product and they clearly outdid HTC in this round. They have been thinning bezels since the G2.
LG isn't perfect by any means. None of them are. I am aware of the G4/V10 bootloops. My G5/V20 has ghosting issues which made me use Lines icons back and a plain black wallpaper since gray will show it easier. LG is still questionable with quality control. But look at the recent V30 in Moroccan blue. Woweee!
Nexus 4, 5, 5X, and Pixel 2 XL while HTC made the T-Mobile G1, Nexus One, Nexus 9, Pixel/Pixel XL, and Pixel 2. HTC (ODM & OEM) was the pioneer of touchscreen smartphone and Android/Nexus phones though. Still rooting for Google to help out HTC but LG is my new favorite OEM in Android. LG has come a long way since their Chocolate days.
2006-2012
HTC > LG
2013-2015
HTC = LG
2016-Present
HTC < LG
I feel the smaller Pixel is where HTC was stuck with shells made from 3-4 years ago. BoomSound-less fronts. Generic-looking iPhone 6 front without the home button. Shame how fast HTC has fallen from being one of the best in design to one of the worst.
And 3-4 years ago, Samsung was arguably one of the worst and is currently the best. Still prefer LG over Samsung but LG definitely sold out this year with sealed batteries and removing IR blaster that I use every single day.
Wishlist rankings
LG V30 (Moroccan blue)
Google Pixel 2 XL (Panda)
Apple iPhone X (Silver)
Samsung Galaxy Note8 might shoot up #1 thanks to that 6gb RAM and how screaming fast and fluid it really is. The first Samsung to be as fluid as stock Android. What the Note7 should've been.
Favorite brands
LG
Nokia (pre-Microsoft/HMD)
Motorola (pre-Lenovo)
HTC
Sony
Apple (yes, that Apple)
I LOVE some of Apple's products but HATE some of the things they do. That sums up my opinion of them perfectly. Love & Hate.
With all these new phones reviews annually being thrown to our faces, what I'm really waiting for is Galaxy X and the successor to iPhone X with more RAM and a firmware much better than iOS11. And with foldable displays, it can be protected if closed and won't use that hideous glass rears like every slab uses these days.
Damn to the iPhone 4 for being so influential in smartphone design for this decade!
Agreed, lets just use companies like Equifax, Verizon, ATT and...
At the end of the day, we have all of our data on the web in some way, shape or form. Google knowing that I like Adidas sneakers is the least of my concerns.
i am on the side line iphone x or pixel xl2
my last iphone was the 3G...and have been android ever since..
have had a play with several iphones incl the 6s+ and 7+ but had always returned them as i found the nexus 6p and then the OG pixel took better pics...
also am used to the notifications on android..they are miles ahead of Apple's implementation...androids notification are useful apples are just there but are not smart enough (ie you need to manually clear them even though the notification has been actioned on the device)
So yes...am more inclining with sticking with the pixel xl2...have to say thouth that iphone X design i really dig is so different but is this a case of design over function again?
another thing here is that here in Australia apple pay is no where to be seen, android pay and bank apps on android allow you to do the tap and pay on any android but no iphone...and ive been cough on many occasions not carrying my wallet.
My wife bought a note 8, she had an iphone 6s ...she is becoming used to the android way of thinking.
in the end it doesnt really matter how nice a phone looks like if in the real world with small kids you need to cover it up with a case..
my last iphone was the 3G...and have been android ever since..
have had a play with several iphones incl the 6s+ and 7+ but had always returned them as i found the nexus 6p and then the OG pixel took better pics...
also am used to the notifications on android..they are miles ahead of Apple's implementation...androids notification are useful apples are just there but are not smart enough (ie you need to manually clear them even though the notification has been actioned on the device)
So yes...am more inclining with sticking with the pixel xl2...have to say thouth that iphone X design i really dig is so different but is this a case of design over function again?
another thing here is that here in Australia apple pay is no where to be seen, android pay and bank apps on android allow you to do the tap and pay on any android but no iphone...and ive been cough on many occasions not carrying my wallet.
My wife bought a note 8, she had an iphone 6s ...she is becoming used to the android way of thinking.
in the end it doesnt really matter how nice a phone looks like if in the real world with small kids you need to cover it up with a case..
Probably because this is their second gen device and while not up to snuff in the eyes of some from a hardware perspective compared to other android oems, Apple has shipped the same phone 4 years straight. All of this from a company that is considered a hardware company first and foremost.
[doublepost=1508284434][/doublepost]
They've been updating their phones for three years +, just not officially. Probably just state 2 years to cover their own behinds.
They are so desperate to find an iPhone killer but Samsung (the company) just isn’t one the tech press wants to get behind. So Google it is. The hypocrisy is annoying though. Nothing innovative in the design/look if these phones yet they don’t get nearly the criticism the iPhone 8 got. And if iPhone 8 displays were like this? We would have #displaygate, guaranteed.
[doublepost=1508285635][/doublepost]
How so? Just because it has wider bezels to acommodate the home button? Seriously?
Stop thinking of them as "Phones".
They aren't phones. They are the modern PC of our time.
Just over 10 years ago you had how many devices?
- Laptop and/or Desktop
- Mobile Phone (which was only good for phone calls)
- MP3 player
- Digital Camera
and perhaps even
- GPS device or Sat Nav for car etc
What was the combined cost of all these?
Now today you have one device, that we still call a "phone" and you think it's over priced.
I disagree...
Same could be said about a car, they only used to have a motor and something to sit on. Now they have self driving, security and safety systems, entertainment systems and are way faster. They should be like $1,000,000 a piece right?
