I tried Live Voicemail on my iPhone 15 Pro and callers didn't get it at all. For me it was useless. Google's Call Screening is much better and people I want to hear from have stated who they are and why they're calling and I have been able to intercept. Spam callers always hang up as soon as they hear the Call Screen message.
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Phones Google Pixel 8/8 Pro
- Thread starter BMox81
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I don’t recall my post claiming call screening on the Pixels wasn’t great. 🤔
My point was that for the small number of unknown calls I receive, the results I get from Live Voicemail essentially mirrors what I get from Google’s screener—spam calls disconnecting immediately while getting transcriptions (live or saved) from those legitimately trying to reach me. As I mentioned, others will certainly get more from Google’s implementation based on their needs.
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And nowhere did I say you did. You mentioned Google's Call Screening and Apple's Live Voicemail so I added a little to the discussion. I just added to the debate by saying that in the real world people don't get Live Voicemail where they seem to use Call Screening quite happily. Look it up. There's a lot of debate online about the issue. A worthy point - maybe not for you, but for others who might be reading these comments.
I’m not a very techy girl. The software on all the phones are good. Couldn’t really pick a winner. You just get extra features with the Android’s. I will say battery life is better on the S23 ultra, than the Pixel 8 pro.
The iPhone I have now is the regular 15. I haven’t used the camera very much, but the pictures I have taken with the pixel look a little dark. I’m just a point and shoot kinda person.
I am enjoying using the Pixel, just the other day I was at my brother in law’s house, and the grandkids were dancing to YouTube videos. My pixel had the YouTube song on the screen and asked if I wanted to connect to the TV. I was able to control their YouTube, Lol.
Sorry I don’t have much to say, but I am going to compare some S23 ultra pics with the Pixel. See which I like better. May have to put my reading glasses on for that.😂
So, I think the return window slipped for me. However the P8P I'm seriously thinking about nicknaming "Slippery McGee" 
has left the house via my pocket with a sim card in it a couple times the past couple days.
It does seem to run a little warm but could be I'm not used to running caseless or could just be my hands are a little cool at work. Mostly just done some texting with it and not much else, typical use for this line. Phone is probably completely overkill for the line but I suppose I should continue using it.
Camera? Tried taking one shot of the moon a week ago and it was just utter garbage. Haven't really used the camera since.
Haven't made calls so not sure on call quality. Not even sure if I know the difference of "5g" with the thing.
Still waiting for the case I mentioned a few pages back.
Having a hard time getting into the thing, but I'm slowly starting to use it.
has left the house via my pocket with a sim card in it a couple times the past couple days.It does seem to run a little warm but could be I'm not used to running caseless or could just be my hands are a little cool at work. Mostly just done some texting with it and not much else, typical use for this line. Phone is probably completely overkill for the line but I suppose I should continue using it.
Camera? Tried taking one shot of the moon a week ago and it was just utter garbage. Haven't really used the camera since.
Haven't made calls so not sure on call quality. Not even sure if I know the difference of "5g" with the thing.
Still waiting for the case I mentioned a few pages back.
Having a hard time getting into the thing, but I'm slowly starting to use it.
Updated this morning latest monthly unlocked US model
I've been trekking in the Alps so off grid!
As well as my pro video equipment, I've been duelling with both the 8 Pro and 15 Pro Max.
Being honest, I'm keeping both as they're equally top draw in my user experience.
Few early opinions...
Build
I love the way the 8 Pro feels in the hand, perfectly balanced and easy to hold for long periods for video / camera shots or general use. Also Google impressed with their official silicone case. 15 PM is ok but I notice the extra weight and the edges, overall feels less balanced. Titanium edges are nice and premium to make the iPhone lighter than previous but I really don't want to drop it! The new FineWoven case Apple made is truly garbage, the 15 PM demands a much better leather alternative.
Camera
Still shots on the 8 Pro are the best for most scenarios with all lenses. I find them more accurate and true to life with more impressive detail and shadows. The 15 PM photos are still great but Apple still has a tendency to add yellow into general shots with light and needs to correct how the software impacts camera shots. Portrait varies depending on lighting conditions, some looks better on the 15 PM, others on the 8 Pro.
Video
The 8 Pro has vastly improved performance. I would say now nearly on level with the iPhone which is a major achievement. The 15 PM takes the edge for smoothness & ProRes output. This is using both in 4K 30fps & 60fps. The new AI video features Google is conjuring up will be very interesting to see down the line.
Screen
I prefer the 8 Pro, brilliantly bright and super smooth. Finding it buttery smooth with the Whitestone Dome protector & the protector use feature switched on. New Google Face unlock is now as quick as Apple's FaceID in my experience. Google just need to upgrade the optical fingerprint sensor to ultrasonic.
Audio
For me, both pretty much on par using Airpods Max & 2nd gen Pixel Buds Pro on both devices but I would like Dolby Atmos & Digital on the 8 Pro. Looking forward to the 'serious' audio upgrade Google is promising in the near future.
Battery
The 15 PM battery life is better, the 8 Pro can last me a full day but struggles if pushed. No issues with the iPhone. Slow charging on both vs the competition.
Reception
In equal situations, the 15 PM call strength wins out so I think the modem is stronger in the iPhone. Not a real issue for the 8 Pro but something I noticed in extreme places, like up a mountain!
Software
For me personally, the 8 Pro is far ahead with best user experience, AI and what you can do day to day. I've experienced no software issues or bugs using my 8 Pro. iPhone is still waiting for that leap forward in Apple software development. The only aspect where I preferred the 15 PM was with USB-C data transfer speeds which are fantastic.
Dynamic Island remains a waste of screen space for me and still bugs me that it takes away from an easier viewing experience looking at photos, watching YouTube etc. The hole punch on the 8 Pro is just easier to ignore and forget about.
Overall, two equal flagships in some different ways in my recent experience.
Out of both, I do keep wanting to pick up the 8 Pro more than the 15 PM and discover what else the Pixel can do. I'm more interested in Google than Apple right now. Very interested to see the new AI video features & AI updates released by Google. Hoping Google sticks to its promises it made this year, time will tell.
S23 Ultra is the outside choice in my view this year. Despite absolutely stella battery life and better fingerprint scanner, the camera and video quality is not up to par with Google or Apple, Samsung's software experience is lacking, plus still too much software bloat included out the box. Also, the size is too big with sharp square edges making for uncomfortable, wieldy use. All just in my opinion of course, others will think differently.
As it stands, if I really had to make a choice, the 8 Pro is heading towards my favourite flagship this year but we've still a couple of months to go!
Also, I've noticed friends, colleagues and family take more interest & ask questions about the Pixel. Not once has anyone bothered to say anything whilst using the 15 PM which makes it, again, just another iPhone to the average, non-tech buyer. I really want Apple to do something better with iPhone hardware.
Looking forward to seeing how the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performs in the Xiaomi 14 & One Plus 12 etc.
Currently waiting for the new Android software upgrade for November. My Pixel 8 Pro is UK bought direct from Google but now back in Italy.
As well as my pro video equipment, I've been duelling with both the 8 Pro and 15 Pro Max.
Being honest, I'm keeping both as they're equally top draw in my user experience.
Few early opinions...
Build
I love the way the 8 Pro feels in the hand, perfectly balanced and easy to hold for long periods for video / camera shots or general use. Also Google impressed with their official silicone case. 15 PM is ok but I notice the extra weight and the edges, overall feels less balanced. Titanium edges are nice and premium to make the iPhone lighter than previous but I really don't want to drop it! The new FineWoven case Apple made is truly garbage, the 15 PM demands a much better leather alternative.
Camera
Still shots on the 8 Pro are the best for most scenarios with all lenses. I find them more accurate and true to life with more impressive detail and shadows. The 15 PM photos are still great but Apple still has a tendency to add yellow into general shots with light and needs to correct how the software impacts camera shots. Portrait varies depending on lighting conditions, some looks better on the 15 PM, others on the 8 Pro.
Video
The 8 Pro has vastly improved performance. I would say now nearly on level with the iPhone which is a major achievement. The 15 PM takes the edge for smoothness & ProRes output. This is using both in 4K 30fps & 60fps. The new AI video features Google is conjuring up will be very interesting to see down the line.
Screen
I prefer the 8 Pro, brilliantly bright and super smooth. Finding it buttery smooth with the Whitestone Dome protector & the protector use feature switched on. New Google Face unlock is now as quick as Apple's FaceID in my experience. Google just need to upgrade the optical fingerprint sensor to ultrasonic.
Audio
For me, both pretty much on par using Airpods Max & 2nd gen Pixel Buds Pro on both devices but I would like Dolby Atmos & Digital on the 8 Pro. Looking forward to the 'serious' audio upgrade Google is promising in the near future.
Battery
The 15 PM battery life is better, the 8 Pro can last me a full day but struggles if pushed. No issues with the iPhone. Slow charging on both vs the competition.
Reception
In equal situations, the 15 PM call strength wins out so I think the modem is stronger in the iPhone. Not a real issue for the 8 Pro but something I noticed in extreme places, like up a mountain!
Software
For me personally, the 8 Pro is far ahead with best user experience, AI and what you can do day to day. I've experienced no software issues or bugs using my 8 Pro. iPhone is still waiting for that leap forward in Apple software development. The only aspect where I preferred the 15 PM was with USB-C data transfer speeds which are fantastic.
Dynamic Island remains a waste of screen space for me and still bugs me that it takes away from an easier viewing experience looking at photos, watching YouTube etc. The hole punch on the 8 Pro is just easier to ignore and forget about.
Overall, two equal flagships in some different ways in my recent experience.
Out of both, I do keep wanting to pick up the 8 Pro more than the 15 PM and discover what else the Pixel can do. I'm more interested in Google than Apple right now. Very interested to see the new AI video features & AI updates released by Google. Hoping Google sticks to its promises it made this year, time will tell.
S23 Ultra is the outside choice in my view this year. Despite absolutely stella battery life and better fingerprint scanner, the camera and video quality is not up to par with Google or Apple, Samsung's software experience is lacking, plus still too much software bloat included out the box. Also, the size is too big with sharp square edges making for uncomfortable, wieldy use. All just in my opinion of course, others will think differently.
As it stands, if I really had to make a choice, the 8 Pro is heading towards my favourite flagship this year but we've still a couple of months to go!
Also, I've noticed friends, colleagues and family take more interest & ask questions about the Pixel. Not once has anyone bothered to say anything whilst using the 15 PM which makes it, again, just another iPhone to the average, non-tech buyer. I really want Apple to do something better with iPhone hardware.
Looking forward to seeing how the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performs in the Xiaomi 14 & One Plus 12 etc.
Currently waiting for the new Android software upgrade for November. My Pixel 8 Pro is UK bought direct from Google but now back in Italy.
Is phone withdrawal an actual thing?
Asking for a friend.
🫣
Asking for a friend.
🫣
Nice, honest review. It is good to see an opinion by someone who owns the phones they are talking about. It helps give real world user experiences on both sides.
I don't have an iPhone this year so I can't give an honest comparison of the 15 PM but I can compare it to the s23 ultra and I agree with your assessment.
The s23 ultra on paper is certainly the best phone. I actually like the rectangle brick shape because it maximizes the usable screen space. But it is heavy and bulky and I really don't like curved displays.
But the s23u is faster, has better battery life and reception, has a bigger screen, has the s pen and higher zoom, probably slightly better speakers. So why do I like you tend to prefer the Pixel 8 Pro?
The OnePlus 12 sure looks like a nice phone. I know the hardware will be great but I just can't do Oppo software. OnePlus used to be great but now I just can't do it. If I prefer Pixel software to OneUI even with the bloat I prefer OneUI to Oxygen OS. Something I never thought I would say....
Yes, it is. The best thing to do is delve into what you have. Buy a new case.......
Or just buy back what you sold...
Really, a picture of the moon is how you judge a smartphone camera? Even with Samsung 100x zoom the camera uses AI to get a decent shot. Pixel has Max 30x zoom? Don't know what you expected? Maybe try photos of people, places, etc.So, I think the return window slipped for me. However the P8P I'm seriously thinking about nicknaming "Slippery McGee"
It does seem to run a little warm but could be I'm not used to running caseless or could just be my hands are a little cool at work. Mostly just done some texting with it and not much else, typical use for this line. Phone is probably completely overkill for the line but I suppose I should continue using it.
Camera? Tried taking one shot of the moon a week ago and it was just utter garbage. Haven't really used the camera since.
Haven't made calls so not sure on call quality. Not even sure if I know the difference of "5g" with the thing.
Still waiting for the case I mentioned a few pages back.
Having a hard time getting into the thing, but I'm slowly starting to use it.
You haven't made calls and your last phone didn't have 5g so you don't notice a difference? 5g is a data protocol and you will only notice a difference in data speeds if you have a cellular network that supports 5g. Then if it does and you go online you should notice faster speeds depending on your signal strength and network traffic.
If you are having a hard time getting into the thing it seems maybe you were expecting too much of a new phone.
I hope you can enjoy your new phone. But hey, if you think it is just "meh" you can always sell it or trade it in for a new device that gives you that "Wow" feeling that you seem to be expecting.
Maybe an s23 ultra is more your speed or maybe Titanium on the new iPhone pros will tickle your fancy. You just have to try different things until you find what you are looking for.
Personally if I were you, and felt like you, I would go to a retail store where I could hold and see all of the phones that interest me and find the one that stands out. You will take a financial hit but better to lose a little money than suffer for a year or more of "Meh".
No phone or any type of electronics really "Wow" me anymore yet I can still get excited just like a little kid over very small things.
Hope you find something that satisfies you in what you already have or find what you are looking for in something else! Good luck either way.
Not trashing the phone nor the camera, just my inability to get into the thing right now because other happenings behind the scenes and besides, people have jumped back to other devices pretty quickly. That's okay also. Can't expect too much of from a device I had little expectations of in the first place seeing as every single one of these phones are a complete iterative rehash of the previous version and others that bring little to the table in terms of functionality... all devices are "meh" for what they do at the base level and I think this has been one of the major reasons my upgrade cycle has been so long.
Yeah I treat these things as basically pocket computers, mostly for the data capabilities.
I can't really stand Samsung with their over zealous bloatware and locked bootloader's, though they do have some nice looking devices
This post will probably once again come out wrong, but I don't know.
My Spigen case did come in today and seems like a good improvement over the very slippery phone. I'm slowly getting into the device, it's definitely very different than previous ones since it's been a large gap between upgrades. It also feels very smooth and fluid in use.
I am not trying to change your opinion or criticize your opinion. Just so you know. I didn't see your post trashing anything.Not trashing the phone nor the camera, just my inability to get into the thing right now because other happenings behind the scenes and besides, people have jumped back to other devices pretty quickly. That's okay also. Can't expect too much of from a device I had little expectations of in the first place seeing as every single one of these phones are a complete iterative rehash of the previous version and others that bring little to the table in terms of functionality... all devices are "meh" for what they do at the base level and I think this has been one of the major reasons my upgrade cycle has been so long.
Yeah I treat these things as basically pocket computers, mostly for the data capabilities.
I can't really stand Samsung with their over zealous bloatware and locked bootloader's, though they do have some nice looking devices
This post will probably once again come out wrong, but I don't know.
My Spigen case did come in today and seems like a good improvement over the very slippery phone. I'm slowly getting into the device, it's definitely very different than previous ones since it's been a large gap between upgrades. It also feels very smooth and fluid in use.
I just had an issue with some of the points you brought up.
If you feel "meh" about any new phone, then I think that is a general industry issue not really something specific to the P8P.
So I just don't think it is 100% accurate to just complain about the P8P but rather say that all phones seem the same lately and nothing impresses you including the P8P and the reasons why. But that is just my opinion.
As you just said the improvements on the P8P are pretty significant even year over year but specially if it has been several years. What else can you really expect but incremental improvement?
I get what you are saying in general and agree that smartphones have hit a plateau but I do appreciate the incremental improvements a lot. But everyone is different and you have every right to say whatever you want about the device you own.
You know I hated TouchWiz with a passion. Every iteration of OneUI since then has gotten better BUT has also still retained things that I hate. Preinstalled 3rd party applications shouldn't exist on a flagship phone-period. Duplicate apps made by Samsung should be optional upon setup and let you choose if you want it. Or at least let you uninstall and choose your default app like photos vs gallery for example. Samsung messages is installed, can't be disabled and is not even setup by Samsung as default so why is it there???
But I digress. OneUI has despite its nagging bloat improved to a point where I actually enjoy using it. I still prefer Pixel UI. But I don't hate OneUI any more.
Spigen makes some great cases. Glad you like it.
Nice to see about the Google Bud Pros. I've never had any til now but haven't even opened the box. I am going to sell my Wife's but haven't decided what to do with mine. I have 4 sets of JBLs and they are good but never knew how good Googles buds were.
I'd really like to try them but I wouldn't be able to sell them if I did.
I mean, i would never buy used earbuds...just yuk.
And agree. I'm stunned Apple hasn't redesigned their earpods. I prefer them to go in the ear instead of stems hanging down the ear. They just don't look good with the stem hanging down imo. The stem is old style.
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Listening to music and looking at a screen with 60 or 120 hertz is hardly the same thing...at all.
Also you are missing out big time if you never tried the call screen. It's one of the best features imo. Sounds like the camera is most important to you anyways but still. And yes.......spam calls all the freaking time! I don't know if you are in the USA because.....you should know that if you are lol.
Not like the Pixel camera is a slouch. It's pretty darn good.
It was an analogy. I wasn’t comparing them as being like for like. Think you’ve missed the point 🙄.
And I’m not missing out by not using call screen because I’ve never had to use call screen. My phone never rings unless it’s someone who actually wants me. Quite frankly I’d rather not have bothersome calls to have to use it so I’m good.
Also never said the pixel camera was a slouch. 👍🏻
Notification history is not exclusive to Pixels, it's available on Android. I used the feature on my Z Fold 4 & S23 Ultra as well as my 8 Pro.
My 8 Pro updated this morning with the November release.
Currently updating all my apps.
This update doesn't appear to be a major release yet for the camera etc.
Software version:
Pixel 8 Pro: UD1A.231105.004
From Google...
What’s included
The November 2023 update includes bug fixes and improvements for Pixel users – see below for details.
Display & Graphics
Fix for issue occasionally causing a green flash when the display is turning off in certain conditions *[1]
NFC
Fix for issue occasionally causing NFC and related services to have instability in certain conditions
System
Fix for issue occasionally causing system instability when apps request an app that is no longer installed
Fix for issue occasionally causing devices with multiple users enabled to show out of space or be in a reboot loop *[3]
User Interface
Fix for issue occasionally causing desktop icons to disappear after unlocking device
Fix for issue occasionally causing the wallpaper to be misaligned for devices with a notch or hole punch camera
Touch
Fix for issue occasionally causing screen jerkiness when touch registration becomes imprecise *[2]
---------------------------------------------------------------
Device Applicability
Fixes are available for all supported Pixel devices unless otherwise indicated below.
*[1] Pixel 7 Pro
*[2] Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8
*[3] Pixel 6, Pixel 6a, 6 Pro, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Tablet, Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro
Currently updating all my apps.
This update doesn't appear to be a major release yet for the camera etc.
Software version:
Pixel 8 Pro: UD1A.231105.004
From Google...
What’s included
The November 2023 update includes bug fixes and improvements for Pixel users – see below for details.
Display & Graphics
Fix for issue occasionally causing a green flash when the display is turning off in certain conditions *[1]
NFC
Fix for issue occasionally causing NFC and related services to have instability in certain conditions
System
Fix for issue occasionally causing system instability when apps request an app that is no longer installed
Fix for issue occasionally causing devices with multiple users enabled to show out of space or be in a reboot loop *[3]
User Interface
Fix for issue occasionally causing desktop icons to disappear after unlocking device
Fix for issue occasionally causing the wallpaper to be misaligned for devices with a notch or hole punch camera
Touch
Fix for issue occasionally causing screen jerkiness when touch registration becomes imprecise *[2]
---------------------------------------------------------------
Device Applicability
Fixes are available for all supported Pixel devices unless otherwise indicated below.
*[1] Pixel 7 Pro
*[2] Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8
*[3] Pixel 6, Pixel 6a, 6 Pro, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Tablet, Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro
Come back to Pixel world, you know it's more interesting than the iOS garden of Apple! 😊
So my sony earbuds charging case is dead, £95 for a new case (don't trust second hand ones for some reason), and pixel buds BF deal with my £30 of store credit means they cost the same as the charging case.
THe bay ones were on back order so can;t match my phone, but should have some charcoal ones arriving soon
THe bay ones were on back order so can;t match my phone, but should have some charcoal ones arriving soon
Can confirm. Swapped esim back to 15PM last night. Already wanting to switch it back to the P8P. This esim crap really pisses me off at Apple. Other than Verizon, the US carriers' process to swap esim is really poorly implemented. Even though at&t has the best coverage and spectrum position across Texas this really has me considering giving Verizon a chance.
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Verizon doesn't swap devices any better. I talked to 3 different reps yesterday to get sim card activated on my main line for my S23U from my 15PM. this whole esim things is a royal pain in the arse for all of us that change devices frequently.