Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 5 XL

[MarkX]

Going cheaper with the Pixel 5 may be Google's best chance at finally selling phones

Pixels have never been about chasing specs. But by being pragmatic with internals in the Pixel 5, Google may actually be able to compete on price — and that's what really matters.

www.androidcentral.com

What does everyone think of Google going to mid-range for the Pixel 5? I think it's an excellent move. It will all come down to pricing though. My prediction is they come in around OnePlus pricing and do Pixel 5 for $599 and 5 XL for $699. They can add some bells and whistles that the A series is lacking and just have a lesser processor etc. With the camera and google software experience these would sell like hot cakes at those prices. Then if they have usual sales like they do now you could regularly get in for 500 or less.

I think it’s a great move. Samsung has had tremendous success with their A series, I think its the way to go.

These days midrange phones are more than capable of doing what the average joe needs, add in the best camera on a smartphone and boom, its a home run. The pricing needs to be right though.

£500 and £600 would be a great price point for the Regular and XL respectively. Any more and you move up out of midrange.

 

[mjschabow]

The value makes a ton of sense. I'm currently sitting here with a Pixel 4XL and a Pixelbook Go and combine, I paid less the the S20 Ultra and about the same as an iPhone 11 Pro Max without feeling like I sacrificed a whole heck of a lot (and have a better camera).

The only must have for me is wireless charging, which the 3a didn't have. It's just a part of my routine that I'm not willing to give up. And give me a 128gb base model.

 

[Awesomesince86]

I'm all for the next Pixel being more like a Nexus and focus on software without the best available specs and lower pricing. But it doesn't make sense if they do that and keep the "a" models. They would be stepping on their own toes.

 

[noobinator]

I'm all for the next Pixel being more like a Nexus and focus on software without the best available specs and lower pricing. But it doesn't make sense if they do that and keep the "a" models. They would be stepping on their own toes.

I would keep the A and make it an ultra budget device like $299 and have one aversion. Then starts the others at 499/599.

 

[jamezr]

I'm all for the next Pixel being more like a Nexus and focus on software without the best available specs and lower pricing. But it doesn't make sense if they do that and keep the "a" models. They would be stepping on their own toes.

I wonder what features they would leave out? I would not mind a hard plastic back either if that brings the cost down.
I would also love to see a little bit larger XL model to be honest.

I mean imho they should not leave out the below

wireless charging
Soli chip
Face Unlock

 

[BMox81]

I currently use a XS but am looking to make a move back to Android and more specifically, to the Pixel line. Mainly because I know that the 12 prices are going to be astronomical and I've reached the end of paying OTT prices (£300 for a keyboard? Having a laugh.).

I can't lie, while people are correct in that you don't really look at the back that often, I'm hoping that the design that's been leaked is only that and the final design is similar to the 4/4XL. If that does end up being the one they go for then I could go for a cheaper 4XL (by the time the 5 comes out).

I doubt anything they have in the 4/XL will be left out of the 5 - if anything, if the rumours that they will be using the 765 processor are to be true, then they could in essence stick a larger battery in there and we'll be laughing.

Either way, I'm actually quite looking forward to my move back - use Google services all the time and have Nest Hubs/Mini's around the house so makes sense at this time.

 

[Fried_Gold]

I'm very happy with my Pixel 4, probably wont bother upgrading until the Pixel 6. I'd like it if they go back to the Nexus 5 sort of device but like others have said, I can't give up wireless charging, I love using my pixel stand at my work desk so i don't have to charge over night.

 

[Fernandez21]

I wonder what features they would leave out? I would not mind a hard plastic back either if that brings the cost down.
I would also love to see a little bit larger XL model to be honest.

I mean imho they should not leave out the below

wireless charging
Soli chip
Face Unlock

I want128/256gb UFS 3.0 storage, SD865, 8gb RAM, wireless charging, stereo speakers, face unlock, and at least an iPhone level notch (bonus points if it's smaller) with smaller top and bottomed bezels.

Outside of those features, I don't really care. But its starting to look like the Fold 2 might be my next Android phone, I'll have to compare prices to the Note 20.

It's kind of a shame though, the Pixel 4 has turned out to be a great phone IMO, been using it over my S20. There is just something about how polished Android (and apps) feel on the Pixel over everything else.

 

[jamezr]

I want128/256gb UFS 3.0 storage, SD865, 8gb RAM, wireless charging, stereo speakers, face unlock, and at least an iPhone level notch (bonus points if it's smaller) with smaller top and bottomed bezels.

Outside of those features, I don't really care. But its starting to look like the Fold 2 might be my next Android phone, I'll have to compare prices to the Note 20.

It's kind of a shame though, the Pixel 4 has turned out to be a great phone IMO, been using it over my S20. There is just something about how polished Android (and apps) feel on the Pixel over everything else.

The P4XL is great phone with a great user experience. I got me eye on the Fold 2 later this year as well. If the front display is as big as the rumors say...that will be the phone of the year for me.

 

[tbayrgs]

The P4XL is great phone with a great user experience. I got me eye on the Fold 2 later this year as well. If the front display is as big as the rumors say...that will be the phone of the year for me.

Believe it or not, add me to this list. I’ve been pretty impressed with the Pixel 4 XL—performance is terrific, like the build quality and feel in hand and I personally will take the full top bezel for my Face ID sensors as it means more room for notifications along the top. It’s not my primary daily driver so I don’t push the battery as hard as most and consequently, don’t feel any serious battery performance issues.

That being said, if the renders of the rumored Fold 2 are true, I’ll take a serious look at getting that. I couldn’t care less about an S-Pen but a larger front display and more durable inner screen would go a long ways towards making this a viable, everyday phone vs. an interesting first attempt.

 

[Awesomesince86]

I just bought a Pixel 4 XL (again) to pair with my S20 plus and maybe replace it. I just find myself missing the Pixel experience.

I feel like Google have finally done what they set out to do which is make the Pixel experience feel premium even if all the specs are not premium (ala the Apple method). And I've realized that I'm fine with that because the Pixel software experience is so good. However, I'm not ok with it at the price they go for. However, when the Pixel line drops to $300 off its a perfect phone at that price point. It lacks some of the latest and greatest hardware but the overall experience is flagship quality.

For the Pixel 5, I would be more than happy with the same form factor but with the following improvements...8GB of ram, 128GB base storage with 256 option, and a bigger battery. Add those things and drop the price $200-300. I dont need 4-5 lenses, I dont need 30W ultra fast wireless charging, I dont need 5G (right now). If you have to make the phone plastic, Im fine with that as well if it gets the price down $300. With Oneplus leaping into the flagship price range, there is a big gap in the mid-range from $500-700 where this phone could make a killing. Just price is correctly from the start.

 

[tbayrgs]

I just bought a Pixel 4 XL (again) to pair with my S20 plus and maybe replace it. I just find myself missing the Pixel experience.

I feel like Google have finally done what they set out to do which is make the Pixel experience feel premium even if all the specs are not premium (ala the Apple method). And I've realized that I'm fine with that because the Pixel software experience is so good. However, I'm not ok with it at the price they go for. However, when the Pixel line drops to $300 off its a perfect phone at that price point. It lacks some of the latest and greatest hardware but the overall experience is flagship quality.

For the Pixel 5, I would be more than happy with the same form factor but with the following improvements...8GB of ram, 128GB base storage with 256 option, and a bigger battery. Add those things and drop the price $200-300. I dont need 4-5 lenses, I dont need 30W ultra fast wireless charging, I dont need 5G (right now). If you have to make the phone plastic, Im fine with that as well if it gets the price down $300. With Oneplus leaping into the flagship price range, there is a big gap in the mid-range from $500-700 where this phone could make a killing. Just price is correctly from the start.

Yes, yes, and yes (regarding more RAM, storage and battery). One problem they have though is if they want to use the latest CPU, in this case the Snapdragon 865 (and which will be later in its life cycle by then), they cannot get it without 5G as Qualcomm has integrated it in the 865...there is no 5G option. That means more cost for Google which subsequently also means more cost for us.

Add a wide-angle lens and about 25-30% more battery to the Pixel 4 XL, at the current reduced price points, And it would be my ideal Android phone.

 

[Awesomesince86]

Yes, yes, and yes (regarding more RAM, storage and battery). One problem they have though is if they want to use the latest CPU, in this case the Snapdragon 865 (and which will be later in its life cycle by then), they cannot get it without 5G as Qualcomm has integrated it in the 865...there is no 5G option. That means more cost for Google which subsequently also means more cost for us.

Add a wide-angle lens and about 25-30% more battery to the Pixel 4 XL, at the current reduced price points, And it would be my ideal Android phone.

Which is why I am fine with rumors that the Pixel 5 will use the 700 series chipset instead of the 865. Helps them cut a lot of cost and space because they dont have to use the additional 5G modem.

But part of me still thinks it would be the most Google thing ever to use a lower chipset and still keep the price at $1k. They'll try to justify it by adding some software features.

 

[GreenPea]

The Pixel 5 needs to have really good battery life. I don't care what the "number" of size of the battery, just make it last much longer than it does now. And please go back to the white with brushed aluminum trim instead of the Oreo looking white Pixel 4 with BLACK trim. Also I know they will not do this, but I miss the Touch ID on the back of the phone, see Pixel 1, 2, 3. Sometimes you need to leave good enough alone. Change ISN'T always good. Google is a victim of their own success. They have way too much money have been playing around with the Pixel. Now it's time to get serious and put out a great phone that sells. Keep it simple stupid. Thanks

 

[michael9891]

Instead of going back to a fps, they just need to get a lot more support for Face Unlock.

 

[Awesomesince86]

The Pixel 5 needs to have really good battery life. I don't care what the "number" of size of the battery, just make it last much longer than it does now. And please go back to the white with brushed aluminum trim instead of the Oreo looking white Pixel 4 with BLACK trim. Also I know they will not do this, but I miss the Touch ID on the back of the phone, see Pixel 1, 2, 3. Sometimes you need to leave good enough alone. Change ISN'T always good. Google is a victim of their own success. They have way too much money have been playing around with the Pixel. Now it's time to get serious and put out a great phone that sells. Keep it simple stupid. Thanks

I prefer the Pixel 4 white colorway by a mile. What they need to do is stuck with the frosted backs on all models. The glossy black Pixel 4 made no sense.

 

[Michael Scrip]

This ain't good...

Pixel Sales Have Fallen Off a Cliff - Thurrott.com

A new report claims that Google sold only 2 million Pixel 4 handsets, leading to the departure of two key executives.

www.thurrott.com

 

[Awesomesince86]

Tbf, I wouldn't be shocked if Google scrapped the Pixel line in a few years if they don't start improving sales. They're a software and data mining company. The Pixel line is just a way for them to test drive software.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

This ain't good...

Pixel Sales Have Fallen Off a Cliff - Thurrott.com

A new report claims that Google sold only 2 million Pixel 4 handsets, leading to the departure of two key executives.

www.thurrott.com

Yeah, don't like that at all, especially losing the head camera guy. Maybe this will kick them in gear, but who knows with goggle.

 

[Fernandez21]

This ain't good...

Pixel Sales Have Fallen Off a Cliff - Thurrott.com

A new report claims that Google sold only 2 million Pixel 4 handsets, leading to the departure of two key executives.

www.thurrott.com

Maybe Apple will hire him and make the camera in the iPhone even better? That's the camera I care about more anyway, it's what I use to take pictures and videos of my kids.

I wish Google had kept Motorola.

 

[Awesomesince86]

Maybe Apple will hire him and make the camera in the iPhone even better? That's the camera I care about more anyway, it's what I use to take pictures and videos of my kids.

I wish Google had kept Motorola.

I hope he goes to Samsung. It's the one piece they are missing.

 

[Puddled]

Tbf, I wouldn't be shocked if Google scrapped the Pixel line in a few years if they don't start improving sales. They're a software and data mining company. The Pixel line is just a way for them to test drive software.

They are anything but a software company.
The services are ok but the apps are awful.

 

[Awesomesince86]

They are anything but a software company.
The services are ok but the apps are awful.

Their software is built around their central goal which is data mining. I disagree that their apps are awful. Gmail, YouTube, and a bunch of others are great and probably the best in their respective categories. They've definitely had some flops but to say they are all awful is wrong.

 

[michael9891]

I'm sure Google are at a point with their camera software that they have plenty of talented people to carry on their great work, no matter who leaves.

But that will be irrelevant if their dreadful sales continue year after year and they finally decide to sack it. But even for a company like Google who are known to drop projects out of the blue, I can't see them giving up on what many consider the best camera on a smartphone.

 

[Awesomesince86]

I'm sure Google are at a point with their camera software that they have plenty of talented people to carry on their great work, no matter who leaves.

But that will be irrelevant if their dreadful sales continue year after year and they finally decide to sack it. But even for a company like Google who are known to drop projects out of the blue, I can't see them giving up on what many consider the best camera on a smartphone.

The funny thing is that their issues are really, really easy to fix. All they would have to do is quit cutting corners on hardware and they would have the best Android phone. Software is the hard part and they've nailed that. If they wanted to improve their current line just do what we've all talked about...bigger battery, more ram, wide angle lens. Boom, the best Android phone.