Phones Google Pixel 8/8 Pro

[jamezr]

Interesting, would you say that Pixel is the best version of Android? With it being stock.

Just my personal observation for stock Android. i don't think the Pixel runs stock Android tbh.
I have been around long enough to have seen stock Android back in the day when people installed custom roms and images on their phones. Stock Android is very vanilla with very little features.
The version of Android the Pixel models run is tweaked and has a ton of cool features added.

 

[zakarhino]

Quick question: When Google say all of the AI magic editor stuff is done via Google Photos does that mean I have to upload all the photos I take to Google's cloud? Or can Google Photos be used in an offline mode just like iOS' Photos app can? I'm not too keen on uploading my photos to Google and I'm hoping to find a way to upload my Pixel photos to iCloud instead.

 

[zakarhino]

Still can't decide between the safe option of black or the fun blue color. I go with a safe black iPhone every year so I'm thinking I should switch it up for my first ever Pixel 🤔

 

[Dave245]

Just my personal observation for stock Android. i don't think the Pixel runs stock Android tbh.
I have been around long enough to have seen stock Android back in the day when people installed custom roms and images on their phones. Stock Android is very vanilla with very little features.
The version of Android the Pixel models run is tweaked and has a ton of cool features added.

Ahh ok, the only Andriod I’ve used is One UI from Samsung. I only know about Pixel because it was recommended by a couple of my Android friends, they said it would be easier for me to get use too as a newbie to Android.

I did like the Samsung OneUI but found it very daunting, being an iPhone user where everything just works. I had the S23 Ultra and sold it after which i went back to my iPhone full time, however i do miss things about Andriod that my iPhone just can’t do. It’s a very peculiar thing, once you’ve looked over the fence into Andriod world and dipped your toe, you can’t see iPhone in the same way.

 

[jamezr]

Ahh ok, the only Andriod I’ve used is One UI from Samsung. I only know about Pixel because it was recommended by a couple of my Android friends, they said it would be easier for me to get use too as a newbie to Android.

I did like the Samsung OneUI but found it very daunting, being an iPhone user where everything just works. I had the S23 Ultra and sold it after which i went back to my iPhone full time, however i do miss things about Andriod that my iPhone just can’t do. It’s a very peculiar thing, once you’ve looked over the fence into Andriod world and dipped your toe, you can’t see iPhone in the same way.

I would agree with your friends. I think the Pixel line accommodates long time iPhone users than other Android phones.
Imho Pixels make the transitional or learning curve little easier.

Just an FYI.... all Android phone makers take stock Android and add their own customizations and features. They call this their "skin" over stock Android. Some skins are very light and some are heavy. Pixels have a very light skin. Samsung has a heavier skin because they have some duplicate apps. There are pros and cons to both imho.

But I am a lot like you...long time Apple guy who peaked over the fence a few years ago and now can't put the monster back in its cage lol

 

[Bkdodger]

Quick question: When Google say all of the AI magic editor stuff is done via Google Photos does that mean I have to upload all the photos I take to Google's cloud? Or can Google Photos be used in an offline mode just like iOS' Photos app can? I'm not too keen on uploading my photos to Google and I'm hoping to find a way to upload my Pixel photos to iCloud instead.

You have the option to not have your photos back up in the settings of the app.. and you will be able to still edit all the cool features... I'm the opposite I back up all my photos from any Android phones to the cloud ..and if I want to use an edit on an iPhone pic taken I upload that particular photo and use the Google edits for it as well

 

[Bkdodger]

Still can't decide between the safe option of black or the fun blue color. I go with a safe black iPhone every year so I'm thinking I should switch it up for my first ever Pixel

Or you can go in between with that porcelain color

 

[Supersonicc]

This year I'm impressed with Google's colour choice for the 8 Pro.

Obsidian black is the dark option, always look great but more so this year in matte. Always looks professional and classy.

Porcelain is the light option, I would think is the same as the Pixel Fold Porcelain. This looks expensive and, again, classy. Reminds me of my Z Fold 4 in beige / gold colour, except with silver edges.

Bay or Sky Blue is looking like Google's halo colour for this season. Definitely a really outstanding shade of blue and more impressive in matte. Stands out, especially against all of Apple's muted Pro colours this year. I'm going for this one, I live by the beach so makes sense lol.

Mint colour was an earlier rumour for the 8 Pro but didn't materialise.

Hopefully Google release the 512GB version in the Blue too instead of just black default.

Google, Happy 25th Birthday!

 

[Supersonicc]

Looks like Google is bundling the Pixel Buds Pro in free with pre-orders of the standard Pixel 8. That's a decent deal.

Yet another leak reveals Google's sweet pre-order gift for the non-Pro Pixel 8

While the Pixel 8 Pro is expected to come bundled with a complimentary Pixel Watch 2 at launch, Google will apparently throw in a free pair of Pixel Buds Pro with pre-orders of the non-Pro Pixel 8 soon.

www.phonearena.com

 

[The Game 161]

Looks like Google is bundling the Pixel Buds Pro in free with pre-orders of the standard Pixel 8. That's a decent deal.

Yet another leak reveals Google's sweet pre-order gift for the non-Pro Pixel 8

While the Pixel 8 Pro is expected to come bundled with a complimentary Pixel Watch 2 at launch, Google will apparently throw in a free pair of Pixel Buds Pro with pre-orders of the non-Pro Pixel 8 soon.

www.phonearena.com

Thats good.

think they gave buds A last year for regular pixel.

 

[mjschabow]

The Pixel is so tempting, this is my biggest worry though. Quality Control. Seems like there's always some kind of issue...though I will admit, the Pixel Fold doesn't seem to have any major issues that I've heard of. The second worry is that every time in the past that I've given the Pixel a try, the shine wore off really fast and I got bored quickly. Don't know why but that always seems to happen.

 

[jamezr]

I am intrigued by the P8 Pro now that it has a flat display! I love the notifications on Pixels and how it displays them.
But for me right now I have the amazing 15PM and workhorse S23U all setup just the way I like them. I am not sure I want to add another device at the moment. But I will be watching the new Pixels closely and waiting to see them in person after the release date.

 

[Bkdodger]

I'm most likely picking up the 15PM to replace my current iPhone so I will be happy to enjoy everyone here with your new phones ...going to stay on the foldable side for now with Google ...

 

[Supersonicc]

The Pixel is so tempting, this is my biggest worry though. Quality Control. Seems like there's always some kind of issue...though I will admit, the Pixel Fold doesn't seem to have any major issues that I've heard of. The second worry is that every time in the past that I've given the Pixel a try, the shine wore off really fast and I got bored quickly. Don't know why but that always seems to happen.

Yeah, Google quality control has always been my biggest gripe with Pixel's. I'm hoping now with the solidarity of decent hardware & software that Google provided with the Pixel Fold has, this will now be a new dawn for Pixel's. Hopefully they've sorted out the main issues of Tensor G2 with the G3 too.

From the old Nexus days and before, I've always been interested in what Google does. The Pixel range I find more innovative & fun than both Samsung & Apple. I'm more into video than still photos so my 15 Pro Max excels in video but I do prefer the day & night shots of the Pixel vs iPhone. Really want Google to step up to Apple's level with video quality.

Loved my Z Fold 4 but I'm waiting for the Fold 2 before I go with Google's fold. I didn't trust Google enough with a Gen 1 product! Overall though, their Fold is superb. I skipped the P7 Pro but tried the S23 Ultra; it's a powerhouse but found it a bit too unwieldy to use day to day. Also I'm not the biggest fan of using Samsung's OneUI.

So I am definitely pre-ordering the P8 Pro and intend to use it alongside my 15 Pro Max.

 

[Aneres11]

I am intrigued by the P8 Pro now that it has a flat display! I love the notifications on Pixels and how it displays them.
But for me right now I have the amazing 15PM and workhorse S23U all setup just the way I like them. I am not sure I want to add another device at the moment. But I will be watching the new Pixels closely and waiting to see them in person after the release date.

The denial is strong with this one.
😜😂

 

[Aneres11]

I'm most likely picking up the 15PM to replace my current iPhone so I will be happy to enjoy everyone here with your new phones ...going to stay on the foldable side for now with Google ...

Edit. And this one too. 😜😂

 

[Bkdodger]

Edit. And this one too.

We both left hints in our posts ..

 

[Aneres11]

We both left hints in our posts ..

lol the denial was strong with my post about going all in with Apple too. So I’m just as guilty 😁.
Doesn’t help my iPhone is delayed two weeks so of course my wandering eye will stray 👁️… 🤭

 

[JuicyGoomba]

FWIW there are very little differences between iOS and Pixel's Android skin. Each have their own pros and cons but as with everything Android, it's just a little more accessible when it comes to doing what you want with your device.

Samsung have always been trash and it still holds true with the current iteration of OneUI. Who loves duplicate apps and apps stores?

Many enthusiast websites are now of the opinion that Nothing OS 2.0 is the cream of the crop as far as Android skins go, even bettering the Pixel. I'd probably agree, as it's basically even smoother than the Pixel UI, but with way more customisability.

Like Apple, Google are also very stubborn when it comes to design and usability issues. They flat out refuse to implement a custom icon pack feature into the Pixel launcher as they believe the longer they hold out the more likely developers will accept their ways and design their icons with the new colour system in mind. We're onto the 14th revision of Android now, 14 years should be long enough for Google to take the hint that developers don't give a crap about supporting whatever yearly "fad" they shove into Android before dumping it into the river the year after.

From what I can tell, the Nothing Phone 2 is basically peak OnePlus before they sold out, only they aren't just a sub division of Oppo and can actually design their own hardware. Biggest issues are camera and updates... just like peak OnePlus.

Now iPhone has USB C and will be forced to open up the device to Chromium, 3rd Party Apps stores, and more later in the year or early next year, I might finally go back. Apple hardware quality without the hand holding software? Sounds good.

 

[Tig Bitties]

FWIW there are very little differences between iOS and Pixel's Android skin. Each have their own pros and cons but as with everything Android, it's just a little more accessible when it comes to doing what you want with your device.

Samsung have always been trash and it still holds true with the current iteration of OneUI. Who loves duplicate apps and apps stores?

Many enthusiast websites are now of the opinion that Nothing OS 2.0 is the cream of the crop as far as Android skins go, even bettering the Pixel. I'd probably agree, as it's basically even smoother than the Pixel UI, but with way more customisability.

Like Apple, Google are also very stubborn when it comes to design and usability issues. They flat out refuse to implement a custom icon pack feature into the Pixel launcher as they believe the longer they hold out the more likely developers will accept their ways and design their icons with the new colour system in mind. We're onto the 14th revision of Android now, 14 years should be long enough for Google to take the hint that developers don't give a crap about supporting whatever yearly "fad" they shove into Android before dumping it into the river the year after.

From what I can tell, the Nothing Phone 2 is basically peak OnePlus before they sold out, only they aren't just a sub division of Oppo and can actually design their own hardware. Biggest issues are camera and updates... just like peak OnePlus.

Now iPhone has USB C and will be forced to open up the device to Chromium, 3rd Party Apps stores, and more later in the year or early next year, I might finally go back. Apple hardware quality without the hand holding software? Sounds good.

I do agree on Nothing OS 2.0, it's like the awesome CyanogenMod back in the day, which was vanilla Android but with tweaks and way more customizable, then it became Lineage OS, and then Oxygen OS, and now it sucks and is corporate bullcrap Oppo OS.

I love stock Android and the Pixel line, but Pixel UI is way too basic, and way too minimal, I wish it was more like CyanogenMod.

And totally agree on Scamdung's I mean Samesuck's, sorry Samsung's Lagwizz UI, I know it's called One UI, and I haven't owned a Galaxy phone since the Note 9, but it was always laggy with hicups and microstutters, but the word is Samsung has finally made it smooth with One UI 5.1 But read Reddit and like 25% still say there's minor lag here and there and it's still not as smooth as a Pixel or OnePlus phone. Is that true?

crApple and the iClone suck, mostly because of the terrible iOS, which is the worst. Will iOS ever be good? it's slowly getting there, iOS 13 and 14 saw some nice improvements, but to me, it won't be as good as Android until Tim Cook is gone and a new person in charge, but maybe iOS 20 will be good.

I think next years Nothing Phone 3 will be near flagship level, and probably the best enthusiast Android phone of 2024.

iSheep here, keep your pants on, I'm talking half jokingly here, not being totally serious, so chill on this reply LOL

 

[Supersonicc]

Not sure if this has been mentioned but looks like the new Pixel camera pro controls are reserved for the 8 Pro only.

 

[Hustler1337]

I seem to remember free watch with the 7 Pro, or a big discount or something along those lines.

Thanks, if there is a new Pixel Watch also launching and it is included as a freebie with the Pixel 8, then I might give it a go.

 

[Supersonicc]

I do agree on Nothing OS 2.0, it's like the awesome CyanogenMod back in the day, which was vanilla Android but with tweaks and way more customizable, then it became Lineage OS, and then Oxygen OS, and now it sucks and is corporate bullcrap Oppo OS.

I love stock Android and the Pixel line, but Pixel UI is way too basic, and way too minimal, I wish it was more like CyanogenMod.

And totally agree on Scamdung's I mean Samesuck's, sorry Samsung's Lagwizz UI, I know it's called One UI, and I haven't owned a Galaxy phone since the Note 9, but it was always laggy with hicups and microstutters, but the word is Samsung has finally made it smooth with One UI 5.1 But read Reddit and like 25% still say there's minor lag here and there and it's still not as smooth as a Pixel or OnePlus phone. Is that true?

Apple and the iClone suck, mostly because of the terrible iOS, which is the worst. Will iOS ever be good? it's slowly getting there, iOS 13 and 14 saw some nice improvements, but to me, it won't be as good as Android until Tim Cook is gone and a new person in charge, but maybe iOS 20 will be good.

I think next years Nothing Phone 3 will be near flagship level, and probably the best enthusiast Android phone of 2024.

iSheep here, keep your pants on, I'm talking half jokingly here, not being totally serious, so chill on this reply LOL

I was going to mention CyanogenMod! Your right, the Nothing OS 2.0 phone software is very similar to way back at that time.

Down the line, I reckon Nothing could actually be a serious contender for the masses with iPhones who want to try Android and / or something different. That could happen if Nothing can gain more consumer traction and enough extra finances behind to them to push the hardware into the top tier league, particularly with cameras. A Nothing 3.0 or 4.0 full-on flagship would be a real beast! As it stands I think Nothing have an amazing & unique mid-range phone with the Nothing 2.0. The customisable software is super cool, glyphs are unlike any other phone plus its mega smooth.

As for Samsung, my Z Fold 4 was pretty smooth but Samsung duplicates too many apps with OneUI so still feels bloated. It's not the easiest or friendly OS to work with, this takes away the fun, customisable and innovative features that both Pixel & Nothing have.

 

[Hustler1337]

Agree with the comments about Nothing OS 2.0. I like their hardware designs too but the camera quality is a deal-breaker for me. Apple, Samsung and Google are leagues ahead in that department.

 

[Cole Slaw]

Thanks, if there is a new Pixel Watch also launching and it is included as a freebie with the Pixel 8, then I might give it a go.

The rumour is that the freebies this year with the Pixels will be Pixel Buds Pro with the Pixel 8 and the Pixel Watch with the Pixel 8 Pro (2:39 in video).
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