Google Pixel 2 event excerpt

[typicaluser]

I heard my heart singing when they are announcing 'feel free to choose whichever pixel you prefer because you will get the same great experience on both. We don't set aside better features for the larger device'. That's something I wanted for iPhones without 'plus' in their name or iPhone SE for years yet that has long been forgone by Apple. The reason behind google's strategy to me is clear - people with smaller hands want smaller phones but not ones with less features.

 

[nordique]

Google's gotta make their sales pitch. Can't blame them, if you were in their shoes you'd say similar things to get your product sold

I disagree with that statement, solely because I view bezel size as a "feature" ... might be hard to argue that one though, but for me it distinguishes the two devices.

 

[LoveToMacRumors]

I heard my heart singing when they are announcing 'feel free to choose whichever pixel you prefer because you will get the same great experience on both. We don't set aside better features for the larger device'. That's something I wanted for iPhones without 'plus' in their name or iPhone SE for years yet that has long been forgone by Apple. The reason behind google's strategy to me is clear - people with smaller hands want smaller phones but not ones with less features.

Wrong, did you see those huge bezels on the Pixel 2? That's like the iPhone 8 for them. Their Pixel 2 XL is like the iPhone X with minimum bezels, better screen.

 

[Juan007]

That sounds great, but at some point package size becomes a limiter. If you can’t fit 5 cameras or whatever on a 4in x 3in phone, should your other models suffer?

 

[akash.nu]

I heard my heart singing when they are announcing 'feel free to choose whichever pixel you prefer because you will get the same great experience on both. We don't set aside better features for the larger device'. That's something I wanted for iPhones without 'plus' in their name or iPhone SE for years yet that has long been forgone by Apple. The reason behind google's strategy to me is clear - people with smaller hands want smaller phones but not ones with less features.

Completely agree. I’ve been waiting for the dual camera setup on the 4.7” model since the 6 days but it never happened, so I gave up and this year chose the plus size just for that & also battery life.

That sounds great, but at some point package size becomes a limiter. If you can’t fit 5 cameras or whatever on a 4in x 3in phone, should your other models suffer?

Although I’d generally agree with that but fitting the dual camera system within the 4.7” model wouldn’t be a problem I think. It’s simple Apple strategy to differentiate the plus from the normal size.

 

[JaySoul]

Interestingly, even the MacWorld podcast (diehard Apple) agreed last night.

All of the speakers on it think Apple is extremely shady for separating the camera features based on size (but really price).

Also to people saying "bezels are a feature" on the Pixel 2 (I've seen this around the internet) you're wrong, it's clearly not a feature. Look at the teardowns of these things.

 

[tbayrgs]

Interestingly, even the MacWorld podcast (diehard Apple) agreed last night.

All of the speakers on it think Apple is extremely shady for separating the camera features based on size (but really price).

Also to people saying "bezels are a feature" on the Pixel 2 (I've seen this around the internet) you're wrong, it's clearly not a feature. Look at the teardowns of these things.

To play devil’s advocate for a moment....

Yes, Apple limits certain features, most significantly the cameras, to its higher end models. While this can certainly be viewed as Apple trying to drive customers to a higher price point, I could argue that they are at least providing some value for the higher price you’re paying, more than just a bigger size display. The Plus models are $100 more than the regular models but at least for that extra expense you are seeing additional functionality.

What’s the value in moving from the Pixel 2 to the Pixel 2 XL? I would be spending $200 more simply for a larger display. Why isn’t Google catching hell for charging so much more with literally no added features or functions?

And again, before I get flamed to death, I’m purely posting this point of view for discussion purposes...doesn’t necessarily reflect my personal opinion. 😉

 

[torana355]

To play devil’s advocate for a moment....

Yes, Apple limits certain features, most significantly the cameras, to its higher end models. While this can certainly be viewed as Apple trying to drive customers to a higher price point, I could argue that they are at least providing some value for the higher price you’re paying, more than just a bigger size display. The Plus models are $100 more than the regular models but at least for that extra expense you are seeing additional functionality.

What’s the value in moving from the Pixel 2 to the Pixel 2 XL? I would be spending $200 more simply for a larger display. Why isn’t Google catching hell for charging so much more with literally no added features or functions?

And again, before I get flamed to death, I’m purely posting this point of view for discussion purposes...doesn’t necessarily reflect my personal opinion. 😉

Conversely why are Apple putting less features on the smaller phone when its at the same price point as the smaller Google pixel that has all the features of the top model. The larger OLED screen in the XL probably increases cost a fair bit so they need to charge extra for it. Besides as a consumer who in their right mind would want less features on the smaller phone!! Apple are greedy, you only have to look at the price they charge for extra RAM in their computers to see that.

 

[epicrayban]

To play devil’s advocate for a moment....

Yes, Apple limits certain features, most significantly the cameras, to its higher end models. While this can certainly be viewed as Apple trying to drive customers to a higher price point, I could argue that they are at least providing some value for the higher price you’re paying, more than just a bigger size display. The Plus models are $100 more than the regular models but at least for that extra expense you are seeing additional functionality.

What’s the value in moving from the Pixel 2 to the Pixel 2 XL? I would be spending $200 more simply for a larger display. Why isn’t Google catching hell for charging so much more with literally no added features or functions?

And again, before I get flamed to death, I’m purely posting this point of view for discussion purposes...doesn’t necessarily reflect my personal opinion. 😉

No flaming, but what OLED bezel-less design isn't in the $850+ range currently? That's where the 2XL stacks up. It's more in the family of the iPhone X, LG V30, and the Samsung S8/Note 8 than it is to the iPhone 8 Plus. When compared to those, it's priced relatively in the correct range. I'm not disagreeing that the 2XL is a stark mark up from the smaller Pixel 2, but that's because the technology that it is stepping up to is expensive and apparently in short supply. It wouldn't be realistic to only increase the price by $100 just because the Pixel 2 starts at $650, but still include screen tech that is being priced much higher by the competition (S8 discounts aside). And it's not just a more edge-to-edge design, the screen is actually better.

Whereas with the camera, it clearly isn't a shortage factor or a pricing factor that is preventing Apple from including it in the iPhone 8 -- look how many devices launched this year with dual-cameras, even from more obscure OEMs. What you describe is exactly what Apple is hoping people will feel when deciding between the two. Saving the camera features is exactly encouraging customers to go to the higher price point. At least this time the 8 got OIS.

The camera is an important experience of the smartphone. Value-wise, you're getting the same camera in either model you choose in the Pixel 2's (and S8's). The iPhone 8 specifically, because of its single camera, doesn't have Portrait mode in anyway. Whereas the regular Pixel 2 has it in both back and front-facing cameras.

Everyone understands screen size and battery size as differentiators. At least in the Pixel 2, you're not compromising the camera experience.

I understand it's not necessarily your personal opinion so you might already appreciate some of these points. It's an interesting discussion indeed. Believe me, I have a lot to criticize the Pixel 2's about, but when compared to the 8's, I think they are better choices and better values in either size you choose to compare. And I understand the mark up more because the 2XL tech puts it more in the family of other bezel-less smartphones.



[doublepost=1507328718][/doublepost]

Conversely why are Apple putting less features on the smaller phone when its at the same price point as the smaller Google pixel that has all the features of the top model. The larger OLED screen in the XL probably increases cost a fair bit so they need to charge extra for it. Besides as a consumer who in their right mind would want less features on the smaller phone!! Apple are greedy, you only have to look at the price they charge for extra RAM in their computers to see that.

Also in the fact that Apple doesn't ship a charging cable that enables fast charging out of the box. For either size model. That's just lousy.

 

[JaySoul]

To play devil’s advocate for a moment....

Yes, Apple limits certain features, most significantly the cameras, to its higher end models. While this can certainly be viewed as Apple trying to drive customers to a higher price point, I could argue that they are at least providing some value for the higher price you’re paying, more than just a bigger size display. The Plus models are $100 more than the regular models but at least for that extra expense you are seeing additional functionality.

What’s the value in moving from the Pixel 2 to the Pixel 2 XL? I would be spending $200 more simply for a larger display. Why isn’t Google catching hell for charging so much more with literally no added features or functions?

And again, before I get flamed to death, I’m purely posting this point of view for discussion purposes...doesn’t necessarily reflect my personal opinion. 😉

The principal differences between the two are:

5" screen vs 6" screen
Bigger bezels vs smaller bezels/Screen to bezel ratio
Type of screen tech used
Screen quality (ppi)
Battery size

I'd agree that these put together do not equate to a $200 price difference, it's a bit harsh from Google.

The XL is clearly a bigger, better screen and battery life should be longer too. But that's it. Although we don't know price of components etc. Maybe they are just matching Apple for prices!