Pixel XL or Essential Phone

[BrettApple]

Hello all, I'm considering going back to Android after my relative displeasure with iOS 11 in particular. I've used Android since 2.1 (HTC Incredible) and my last one was the HTC 10 that I liked before I pre-ordered the iPhone 7 in late 2016 that I've been using since.

I have zero qualms about the hardware in the iPhone 7 but am a little tired of iOS. Looking at resale value I figure my Jet Black 128GB iPhone 7 (GSM/Unlocked) is worth around the $400 range, placing me right in the range for the original Pixel XL and Essential Phone (both used of course) and just can't quite make up my mind.

The Pixel XL has support straight from Google (quick updates), smooth UI, excellent camera but uses the SD821 which isn't much different from the 820 in the HTC 10 I had that got quite warm from time to time. But was happy with it otherwise.

The Essential Phone has a striking design, amazing build materials, still mostly stock Android and the SD835 (big plus). But the camera quality is iffy so I've heard even with the Google Camera app ported to it.

Any opinions or anyone who has owned either or still has a OG Pixel or Pixel XL or the Essential phone?

Thanks!

If all else fails, I'll hold out for a Pixel 2XL or keep my iPhone 7.
[doublepost=1516311361][/doublepost]As far as ecosystems go, I'm mostly independent. Lots of my stuff is already Google based of course, other than iMessage and thousands of iOS/macOS Notes but those can stick on my MacBook for now and I'll probably use Google Keep. So no need to delve into ecosystems much. Just the comparison between a Pixel and Essential phone.

I'd consider Pixel 2 if needed, but the cost difference isn't negligible (esp. 2XL) and I'd like as flat of a trade as possible.

 

[widgeteer]

I'd steer clear of Essential. No matter how low the price goes, a bad phone is a bad phone.

Also, I've recommended this before: don't swap phones due to boredom. You'll find the other OS isn't any more exciting. They all do pretty much the same stuff, they just get there differently. All of these phones are fairly boring now.

 

[noobinator]

Do you want a pretty phone and pretty bad everything else (Essential) or a somewhat boring looking phone and pretty good to amazing everything else (Pixel 2 XL)?

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

Essential is pretty much a failure. It might be decent in some areas, but it sounds like the camera is sub-par, especially when comparing it to Pixel 2. However, even the XL 2 has its issues, like screen quality issues. My favorite Android phone when I used one was the LG G4, so you might look at the G6 or V30. Good cameras (and camera app) and relatively no-nonsense UIs.

 

[BrettApple]

Thanks all, that helps with all the negative feedback on Essential I think my options are

1. Trade my iPhone 7 for the Pixel XL
2. Keep the iPhone 7 and hope iOS 12 is better
3. Keep the iPhone 7 longer and wait for used prices to drop on Pixel 2 XL

I'm leaning a bit towards the first one but it will be a while so I'll keep trucking on with the 7 for the moment.

And that's an excellent point widgeteer, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks!

 

[jamezr]

Thanks all, that helps with all the negative feedback on Essential I think my options are

1. Trade my iPhone 7 for the Pixel XL
2. Keep the iPhone 7 and hope iOS 12 is better
3. Keep the iPhone 7 longer and wait for used prices to drop on Pixel 2 XL

I'm leaning a bit towards the first one but it will be a while so I'll keep trucking on with the 7 for the moment.

And that's an excellent point widgeteer, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks!

I have Note 8 and 8 Plus and Pixel 2 XL. I like my P2XL alot BUT....it took me 4 returns to get on free of defects.
I love how the P2XL works and Oreo works like butter on the phone. So smooth and fast and the camera is to die for. But Google has some serious QC issues...but they are great on returns with a no questions asked policy.

 

[slitherjef]

I think I'd actually get an essential phone but with a couple caveats...

I'm a pretty experienced Android user
I have a pretty good idea where this phone stands
It would NOT be a daily driver for me
Only if I was bored, the device was on sale for even lower then it is now and I had the spare cash.

The pixel would be a good choice for you, yeah it's expensive but you would have way more support. Buy unlocked if you can.