Phones Google Pixel 8/8 Pro

[mjschabow]

It’s so freaking weird for a billion-dollar company to be this directionless, especially since the Pixel line is literally almost ten years old (even older if you count their Nexus years). It’s just so weird and unmanaged.

I checked out the 15 Pro Max today, and I love it. I love how light it is especially. I can’t decide between the natural, white, and black titanium. They all look great.

I got the regular titanium. It's not super exciting but it's completely different.

I'm with you. The size and weight are excellent!

 

[tbayrgs]

Yeah I agree with you, I think people are now expecting Google to provide top tier hardware like with the Tensor chip. At least with their own in-house chip, they can work with the AI improvements. Some stuff like the optical fingerprint sensor is things they ought to change up.

However, the hate poured on Google each year frustrates me. Reddit is the worst. Pixel's have always been about the Pixel software experience, not top tier hardware. Their prices are also cheaper than both Samsung and Apple for equivalent specs. The pre-order bundle deals make the Pixel's great value for money. Samsung subsequently followed suit by offering pre-order deals of their own to compete.

If the thermal heat issues are fixed along with better battery life with Tensor G3, the 8 Pro is a big win with the new cameras and Pixel software experience. I'm still massively excited about the launch tomorrow.

It certainly is frustrating but to be fair, Google brings this on themselves. There’s a reason these frustrations keep popping up every year.

The Nexus, then Pixel software experience is certainly a big draw (I’d wager the camera is now the biggest draw). The problem is the Pixel Pro line almost always seems fall short in other areas and when you have other device options that don’t, it creates that frustration. And with Pixel Pro prices within a stones throw of their competition, people are often willing to spend a little more to have what they may perceive as a better overall experience.

Pixel Pros always feel like good to very good phones, never great, IMO. And Google’s level of effort, justified or not, feels equivalent to those results.

 

[Supersonicc]

The Porcelain looks great, I'm not sure if it's the same colour as the Pixel Fold in Porcelain but that was stunning.

I'm undecided on the black, blue or porcelain. The blue could have done with matte all round but I want to see more hands-on. I could easily go with either black or porcelain.

If the 512GB version is only available in black I'll take that and Dbrand skin it. Mine will eventually up in a leather case of sorts anyway.

FYI you only need to watch the first minute of that video if you don't want to listen to that guy bang on!

 

[tbayrgs]

I am kinda amazed at the amount of iPhone users in this Pixel thread. I seem like literally the only guy not using an iPhone or any Apple devices whatsoever. Is it because this is a MacRumors page and most here come from Apple tech to beging with and just dabbled or tried an Android phone secondary over time, but still always being in the Apple camp?

I'm genuinely curious about this. Usually in a Pixel forum you wouldn't see so many iPhone users. I'm just interested in your take on that.

For me my immediate family is 100% all Android, and 60% of my friends and coworkers are also Android users. Plus I own zero Apple products, no iPad, no iWatch, no AirPods, no Mac laptop or desktop.

I think you’ve answered your own question. In fact, I’d tag you as much more of an outlier here. What brings someone with no Apple products or interest in Apple to an overwhelming Apple focused site to discuss non-Apple products?

If I was searching for a place to discuss Apple, or more specifically iPhone and iOS, sites like Android Central or 9 to 5 Google probably wouldn’t be as the top of my list.

 

[Bkdodger]

I think most of us here either carry two phones or switch back and forth and then you have a few people that are intrigued with Android and come over to the forums section of Android to test drive...

 

[tbayrgs]

I got the regular titanium. It's not super exciting but it's completely different.

I'm with you. The size and weight are excellent!

I went with the natural titanium as well—definitely the most unique and really nice looking. That color complements the color of the Watch Ultra nicely.

If I was getting a Pixel Pro, I think I’d go blue for the same reason…very unique and unlike Apple's choice of blue for their regular iPhone 15, actually has some blue in it. 😂

 

[Tig Bitties]

I think you’ve answered your own question. In fact, I’d tag you as much more of an outlier here. What brings someone with no Apple products or interest in Apple to an overwhelming Apple focused site to discuss non-Apple products?

If I was searching for a place to discuss Apple, or more specifically iPhone and iOS, sites like Android Central or 9 to 5 Google probably wouldn’t be as the top of my list.

Not sure how I stumbled across this website originally years ago? Certainly wasn't for iPhone stuff. There must have been some Android thing linked to the specific subform alternative section and I really like it here. It's typically a good discussion about everything non-Apple. I never go to other subforms on this site, the specific iPhone section, I've never gone there no reason to. I only stick to this Android section on MacRumors.

I also wonder if it's because if your major first smartphone was an iPhone compared to me where it was a Blackberry then Android and I never got sucked into the iPhone wave. My first iPhone was the 3GS, and that was after owning 2 or 3 Android phones already previously first, so when I tried the iPhone then it felt alien and wrong like it just operated strangely and weird. And I went back to Android with a Nexus-S and didn't get another iPhone again until the iPhone 7 Plus.

So I think a lot of it depends on which platform you started off with first. If it was an iPhone then yes you're comfortable and like iOS and Android to you would feel kind of odd and not right.

Or like me, if I started off mainly on Android first then that's what I'm comfortable with and the way it works just feels right to me.

Anyways. Let's hope the Pixel 8 Pro is as good as we all first hyped it. I just want better battery efficiency. A much brighter screen. No thermal or heating issues. And a fast fluid smooth UI.

 

[Bkdodger]

Not sure how I stumbled across this website originally years ago? Certainly wasn't for iPhone stuff. There must have been some Android thing linked to the specific subform alternative section and I really like it here. It's typically a good discussion about everything non-Apple. I never go to other subforms on this site, the specific iPhone section, I've never gone there no reason to. I only stick to this Android section on MacRumors.

I also wonder if it's because if your major first smartphone was an iPhone compared to me where it was a Blackberry then Android and I never got sucked into the iPhone wave. My first iPhone was the 3GS, and that was after owning 2 or 3 Android phones already previously first, so when I tried the iPhone then it felt alien and wrong like it just operated strangely and weird. And I went back to Android with a Nexus-S and didn't get another iPhone again until the iPhone 7 Plus.

So I think a lot of it depends on which platform you started off with first. If it was an iPhone then yes you're comfortable and like iOS and Android to you would feel kind of odd and not right.

Or like me, if I started off mainly on Android first then that's what I'm comfortable with and the way it works just feels right to me.

Anyways. Let's hope the Pixel 8 Pro is as good as we all first hyped it. I just want better battery efficiency. A much brighter screen. No thermal or heating issues. And a fast fluid smooth UI.

I started with the iPhone I think from the iPhone 6.. I've been with the blackberry phones and also had the palm treo... And I started with Android with the droid x... It's been a fun ride and continues to be a good one..

 

[Bkdodger]

I went with the natural titanium as well—definitely the most unique and really nice looking. That color complements the color of the Watch Ultra nicely.

If I was getting a Pixel Pro, I think I’d go blue for the same reason…very unique and unlike Apple's choice of blue for their regular iPhone 15, actually has some blue in it.

Haha I'm in good company this is the phone color that I bought..

 

[edubfromktown]

I started with the iPhone I think from the iPhone 6.. I've been with the blackberry phones and also had the palm treo... And I started with Android with the droid x... It's been a fun ride and continues to be a good one..

Nice.

I had BB 2-line e-mail only way back in the flip phone ages haha.

Then a few of BB phones. Did a Palm Treo for a bit somewhere along the way and then iPhones from 3 - 8 Plus.

Tried Android (Nexus) here and there but never took to it until Pixel 4a.

 

[unclejamaal]

I’ve definitely succumbed to the fear. 😥

Maybe I’m just destined to love Pixel phones from afar.

Try not to read too much about what’s posted on forums like this and you’ll be fine

 

[unclejamaal]

Totally agree, why would anyone think, yeah I'm not getting the Pixel 8 Pro now, but instead will get the Apple 15 Pro instead. What?

I'll admit I'm a bit disappointed in these leaks on the Pixel the last few days, but I'm 99% still going to buy the 8 Pro, and there's zero chance in hell I'd change my decision the iPhone 15 PM, no way!!! If I didn't buy the Pixel 8 Pro, I'll instead get the S23 Ultra.

I am kinda amazed at the amount of iPhone users in this Pixel thread. I seem like literally the only guy not using an iPhone or any Apple devices whatsoever. Is it because this is a MacRumors page and most here come from Apple tech to beging with and just dabbled or tried an Android phone secondary over time, but still always being in the Apple camp?

I'm genuinely curious about this. Usually in a Pixel forum you wouldn't see so many iPhone users. I'm just interested in your take on that.

For me my immediate family is 100% all Android, and 60% of my friends and coworkers are also Android users. Plus I own zero Apple products, no iPad, no iWatch, no AirPods, no Mac laptop or desktop.

My opinion there's only 2 top smartphones to pick from this year;

-Pixel 8 Pro
-Galaxy S23 Ultra

Nothing else.

Most people on this forum seem to have an iPhone for daily use and a ‘spare’ like a pixel for the google fix

I must admit I don’t see the point in this. Use one phone and one only for personal use.

I have a basic TCL android as my work phone but rarely use it and it stays in the drawer most of the time except the nights when I’m on call.

Have you used the s23 ultra? I got it over the summer on a brilliant deal in the UK, but I was really disappointed by it. Pics with moving subjects come out all blurry and the face unlock is totally useless. Very rarely worked for me. I’d expect better on a premium phone

My next phone will either be a Pixel (7/8 pro) or iPhone 14/15 PM)

 

[BMox81]

Try not to read too much about what’s posted on forums like this and you’ll be fine

I blame @Tig Bitties. lol 😉

 

[jamezr]

However, the hate poured on Google each year frustrates me. Reddit is the worst. Pixel's have always been about the Pixel software experience, not top tier hardware. Their prices are also cheaper than both Samsung and Apple for equivalent specs.

I would argue that Google is charging top tier prices though? I think once you get into the $900 range you can no longer scrimp on hardware specs and expect the software to compensate for it. Isn't the Pixel 8 pro expected to be $999 or $899 this year? At that price you can no longer have mid range hardware and expect the software to make up for it.
I can pick up my P7P and the software experience is top notch. But then the display is less bright than my S23U and 15PM. It is not as bright outdoors as the others. The FPS works well but you have to hold your finger on it a little longer to get a good read. Then the sound is not on par as the other 2 as well. The battery is not on the same level as the other 2 as well.
I love the Pixel models because the software experience is always so great. But I don't think we should let Google off the hook anymore for mid-range hardware.

 

[mjschabow]

I would argue that Google is charging top tier prices though? I think once you get into the $900 range you can no longer scrimp on hardware specs and expect the software to compensate for it. Isn't the Pixel 8 pro expected to be $999 or $899 this year? At that price you can no longer have mid range hardware and expect the software to make up for it.
I can pick up my P7P and the software experience is top notch. But then the display is less bright than my S23U and 15PM. It is not as bright outdoors as the others. The FPS works well but you have to hold your finger on it a little longer to get a good read. Then the sound is not on par as the other 2 as well. The battery is not on the same level as the other 2 as well.
I love the Pixel models because the software experience is always so great. But I don't think we should let Google off the hook anymore for mid-range hardware.

This is 100% why I made the decision I did. I am really interested in Google software but there are just too many little sacrifices you have to make with their hardware.

 

[jdlindsey7]

I love the Pixel models because the software experience is always so great. But I don't think we should let Google off the hook anymore for mid-range hardware.

I miss the Google Play Edition phones. I would LOVE a S23 Ultra with the full Pixel software experience and Googles monthly feature drops.

Google has always been about value and yet to truly go all-in on a phone that has all of the top end hardware (you could maybe argue the Pixel Fold is the closest though).

 

[MarkX]

This is 100% why I made the decision I did. I am really interested in Google software but there are just too many little sacrifices you have to make with their hardware.

Agreed. Software will only take you so far. Samsung or Apple if you prefer, you get both!

I do enjoy Pixels but at the top end I’m spending my money elsewhere. Picking up a Pixel second hand down the line is a better buy imo.

 

[jamezr]

I miss the Google Play Edition phones. I would LOVE a S23 Ultra with the full Pixel software experience and Googles monthly feature drops.

Google has always been about value and yet to truly go all-in on a phone that has all of the top end hardware (you could maybe argue the Pixel Fold is the closest though).

I would buy that GPE model every year! I think Google nailed it with the Pixel Fold. I hope that extends to rest of the Pixel models too!

 

[Bkdodger]

Nice.

I had BB 2-line e-mail only way back in the flip phone ages haha.

Then a few of BB phones. Did a Palm Treo for a bit somewhere along the way and then iPhones from 3 - 8 Plus.

Tried Android (Nexus) here and there but never took to it until Pixel 4a.

Awesome ...yup definitely had my share from Nexus and rooting days across to Pixel ...had OnePlus 1 hehe ...too many Samsung phones to count ...a few LGs... seriously bad or good addiction whichever way you want to paint it ...

 

[Heat_Fan89]

I would argue that Google is charging top tier prices though? I think once you get into the $900 range you can no longer scrimp on hardware specs and expect the software to compensate for it.

That right there is the crux of the problem with the Pixel phones. You can skimp when you are selling a phone like the Pixel A-Series for $499 but when it starts to approach flagship prices then the hardware and software needs to justify the price. My coworker owns a several year old Samsung Galaxy mid-range phone and there are certain work apps we use where his phone runs them just fine but my Pixel 6 and 7 Pro struggles and they are choppy while his is just really smooth.

This has pushed me to just buy a Pro Max. Like I said, if the trade-in for my 7 Pro is greater than $400 then i'll buy the 8 Pro because I can stack my $200 store credit. If not I intend to trade-in my Pixel 6 for a Pro Max with Xfinity Mobile.

 

[Bkdodger]

Most people on this forum seem to have an iPhone for daily use and a ‘spare’ like a pixel for the google fix

I must admit I don’t see the point in this. Use one phone and one only for personal use.

I have a basic TCL android as my work phone but rarely use it and it stays in the drawer most of the time except the nights when I’m on call.

Have you used the s23 ultra? I got it over the summer on a brilliant deal in the UK, but I was really disappointed by it. Pics with moving subjects come out all blurry and the face unlock is totally useless. Very rarely worked for me. I’d expect better on a premium phone

My next phone will either be a Pixel (7/8 pro) or iPhone 14/15 PM)

Two phone carrying is the way to go ... If I'm not happy with the reception my pixel is getting I have my iPhone right next to me... In my case do I carry one phone for $50 a month mobile plan or do I carry two for $70? Kind of easy decision for me minus of course I keep flipping phones on the Android side every 6 months..smh

 

[Aneres11]

I would argue that Google is charging top tier prices though? I think once you get into the $900 range you can no longer scrimp on hardware specs and expect the software to compensate for it. Isn't the Pixel 8 pro expected to be $999 or $899 this year? At that price you can no longer have mid range hardware and expect the software to make up for it.
I can pick up my P7P and the software experience is top notch. But then the display is less bright than my S23U and 15PM. It is not as bright outdoors as the others. The FPS works well but you have to hold your finger on it a little longer to get a good read. Then the sound is not on par as the other 2 as well. The battery is not on the same level as the other 2 as well.
I love the Pixel models because the software experience is always so great. But I don't think we should let Google off the hook anymore for mid-range hardware.

I think it’s unfair to class it as midrange personally. This is not a midrange phone IMO.
It’s just not top tier flagship but then it isn’t top tier flagship prices either.
Appreciate the price looks set to increase but it’s still nowhere near the £1200 of the 15 PM or the S23 U.

I think we need to see what changes have been made with day to day use first as hopefully there is improvement to battery life and thermals but if not then it’s all fair criticism.

 

[Harthag]

Totally agree, why would anyone think, yeah I'm not getting the Pixel 8 Pro now, but instead will get the Apple 15 Pro instead. What?

I'll admit I'm a bit disappointed in these leaks on the Pixel the last few days, but I'm 99% still going to buy the 8 Pro, and there's zero chance in hell I'd change my decision the iPhone 15 PM, no way!!! If I didn't buy the Pixel 8 Pro, I'll instead get the S23 Ultra.

I am kinda amazed at the amount of iPhone users in this Pixel thread. I seem like literally the only guy not using an iPhone or any Apple devices whatsoever. Is it because this is a MacRumors page and most here come from Apple tech to beging with and just dabbled or tried an Android phone secondary over time, but still always being in the Apple camp?

I'm genuinely curious about this. Usually in a Pixel forum you wouldn't see so many iPhone users. I'm just interested in your take on that.

For me my immediate family is 100% all Android, and 60% of my friends and coworkers are also Android users. Plus I own zero Apple products, no iPad, no iWatch, no AirPods, no Mac laptop or desktop.

My opinion there's only 2 top smartphones to pick from this year;

-Pixel 8 Pro
-Galaxy S23 Ultra

Nothing else.

The iOS / iPhone forum has some very entertaining and ridiculous threads, haha.

I used to be two phones McGee until about 6 months ago and love phone tech so I browse both iPhone and non-iOS forums. Every year for as long as I can remember I used an iPhone and Android (either a Pixel or Galaxy) at the same time. The S23+ was the best Android phone I've owned. I traded in my Pixel 7 for it this past January. Like everyone else I want the Pixel to just make that leap into high-tier hardware but it never happens. I can't believe they haven't upgraded the fingerprint sensor. That's just inexcusable to me. The only thing worse is Apple using a 60hz display on the regular 15 phones. The Pixel 4 was my favorite Pixel, they nailed it, imo. Ever since then I've been disappointed.

I used Blue Bubbles / AirMessage with my Pixel and S23+ and it worked well for the most part, but it was a road hazard as they didn't (at the time) work with Android Auto. It also turned into a real chore running a virtual MacOS on my PC and as the iMessages added up things started to lag.

I sold my S23+ about 5 months ago and stuck with my 14PM, now have the 15PM and it is an incredible phone. I paid the $99 for a developer account so I can sideload apps. I now have a modded YouTube app and Kodi w/ Seren + real debrid on my iPhone, which I never thought I'd see. Those two apps were a big reason why I used Android.

The Pixel 8 sadly is a hard pass for me, for now. Perhaps the S24 series will wow me, but as of now I too am sticking with iPhone only.

 

[danb1979]

Most people on this forum seem to have an iPhone for daily use and a ‘spare’ like a pixel for the google fix

I must admit I don’t see the point in this. Use one phone and one only for personal use.

I have a basic TCL android as my work phone but rarely use it and it stays in the drawer most of the time except the nights when I’m on call.

Have you used the s23 ultra? I got it over the summer on a brilliant deal in the UK, but I was really disappointed by it. Pics with moving subjects come out all blurry and the face unlock is totally useless. Very rarely worked for me. I’d expect better on a premium phone

My next phone will either be a Pixel (7/8 pro) or iPhone 14/15 PM)

TBH I've always got one of each; ones my dedicated business phone and the other my personal phone; in this case my IP14PM is my personal every day phone and currently I'm using my Pixel 4XL as my business phone as I'm sick of how crap/laggy/unreliable the Samsung A535G I've got is (that I'm sending back to my boss tomorrow so she can pan it out to one of my colleagues in Dublin)... Poor sod 😂

When I ran my own business I had 2 phones; tried the single phone with 2 lines (ie dual SIM) but I could never get away from work (bad habit of not switching the business line off in the evenings/weekends etc); but when it's your own business, that's just what you do!

It's good now as my business mobile rarely leaves my desk, never mind my home!

 

[Tig Bitties]

Time to ditch this forum, this is a super strange site, where everyone's an iPhone user still, and then maybe also an Android user second. Guess not wow.

I thought this subforum was mostly [H]ardcore Android users, that ditched the walled garden of Apple, and don't use iPhone's anymore.

Oh well...was fun while it lasted. LOL I'm joking I'll stick around, if the iSheep and Apple apologists will still have me, a non Apple fan.

I don't want to leave this forum. Most of you guys and girls are pretty cool and have good conversations and I like your viewpoints. Some of you not so much but thank God for the ignore button for the douchebags.