Phones Google Pixel 8/8 Pro

[840quadra]

It's Pixelmas™ 2023 + others for me today.



Someone setup a call at 4:30 for one of my key customers so in the box they will sit for a while now.

 

[aggie99]

Mine finally showed up about an hour ago. Restored from Pixel Fold backup, now to switch the esim. Gosh I hate esim so much. Impressed with the new display, flat edges, matte finish and overall build. Gonna give it a go but not gonna lie, I'm attached to this dang 15PM. The Pixel Fold might be the odd man out.

 

[Aneres11]

Gonna give it a go but not gonna lie, I'm attached to this dang 15PM.

Won't lie. This is me too...

 

[Sensamic]

What makes you guys attached to the 15PM? Is it the ecosystem? Or the phone hardware?

 

[MaskedCarrot]

Any day 1 OS updates?

 

[edubfromktown]

ARS technica did not even mention S23+/Ultra in their "benchmark bake off" beyond the first two fluffy paragraphs

Pixel 8 Pro review—The best Android phone

7 years of updates, a flat screen, and better face unlock highlight Google's latest.

arstechnica.com

 

[Technerd108]

I don't know what it is about Android but set up is still a PITA.

Set up from a nearby device with a cable, updated all my apps BUT it was installing an update unbeknownst to me.

After about 30 minutes the phone was a toaster and it was stuttering and laggy.

So I went ahead and reset the phone and then installed everything from a cloud backup.

Now I am working.

Took a test run of Geekbench 6 from an apk off the Internet and so far it tests exactly like the P7P so that is probably why we can't download it from the play store yet.

Setting stuff up now. Once I get everything setup and play around awhile I will post some pics and initial overall feelings.

Long story short, don't use the restore feature from your phone. Best to set up as new as much as possible. Might actually save you time in the long run.

 

[Tig Bitties]

Since I use Chrome, what's a no bullcrap solid ad blocker?

Back in the day I used to root and install AdAway, but my rooting days are over. Too much of a hassle due to monthly security updates.

So what does everyone recommend?

 

[edubfromktown]

I don't know what it is about Android but set up is still a PITA.

Set up from a nearby device with a cable, updated all my apps BUT it was installing an update unbeknownst to me.

After about 30 minutes the phone was a toaster and it was stuttering and laggy.

So I went ahead and reset the phone and then installed everything from a cloud backup.

Now I am working.

Took a test run of Geekbench 6 from an apk off the Internet and so far it tests exactly like the P7P so that is probably why we can't download it from the play store yet.

Setting stuff up now. Once I get everything setup and play around awhile I will post some pics and initial overall feelings.

Long story short, don't use the restore feature from your phone. Best to set up as new as much as possible. Might actually save you time in the long run.

Slam dunk for me switching between Android (and ChromeOS) platforms other than effortlessy syncing MFA accounts (with one particular app) between mobile devices.

 

[edubfromktown]

Since I use Chrome, what's a no bullcrap solid ad blocker?

Back in the day I used to root and install AdAway, but my rooting days are over. Too much of a hassle due to monthly security updates.

So what does everyone recommend?

Duckduckgo is my default browser on Android. Haven't had to or opted for implementing ad blockers.

I generally use Firefox on other platforms since they have easy to use profiles (so I can isolate different dev tiered logins on various cloud services).

 

[Heat_Fan89]

Since I use Chrome, what's a no bullcrap solid ad blocker?

So what does everyone recommend?

I don't know if that's possible with Chrome for Android. I checked Chrome's settings and I couldn't find anything nor did a search bring up any results. Google would be killing the golden goose by allowing ad blockers on mobile devices. I personally use Samsung Browser for Android and it not only supports Ad Blockers, it encourages you to install them.

 

[slitherjef]

Ugh not this again... Another pixel phone and another load up the g store, pick then close.... This time? Well was looking at the new color bay pro base model and almost but realized the huge megapixel camera and the double the storage for a little bit more but sitting at a month wait for it...

Other more normal colors seem to have "less time for buyers remorse to set it before it ships" time frame.

If I wait for the color and size I'm thinking about, by the time it's in stock I might change my mind... Perhaps it's why I'm looking at the blue color? 🤨🧐

 

[jamezr]

This camera is soooo good

 

[BellaPink112]

This camera is soooo good

Those shots look amazing!!!

 

[jamezr]

Those shots look amazing!!!

Thank you! All point and shoot no edits

 

[tbayrgs]

Since I use Chrome, what's a no bullcrap solid ad blocker?

Back in the day I used to root and install AdAway, but my rooting days are over. Too much of a hassle due to monthly security updates.

So what does everyone recommend?

Chrome is a no go on Android for me for this very reason…no extensions or ad blockers. Brave, Samsung’s browser or Firefox all allow extensions I believe. I ironically use Samsung‘s browser (not typically a Samsung fan) because it offers so many of the features and functionality that I prefer from Safari on iOS, including ad blockers. You can sync bookmarks from a desktop version of Chrome with a Samsung extension for Chrome on desktop. Otherwise, I’d use Brave.

 

[Vegastouch]

Wife got hers today. Transfer from her Samsung to the Pixel was pretty easy. Did it wirelessly.

The phone is pretty warm though. She did charge it right away but still.
She got the Rose color. Looks better in person and the buds are Coral. She wants me to sell them lol.
Anyone else NOT get a ejection tool to put in the sim card?

 

[840quadra]

finally got some time with it. Not 100% sure on the size yet as the case makes it even larger to behold. It is not like I have small hands or something, just not a huge fan of large phones. THAT SAID, This device provides me the closest reminder of my beloved iPhone Xs Max, one of my favorite feeling iPhones ever built, and my first big phone. The iPhone 11 was a close second, just something about that Xs was just right.














Have not had a chance to play with the camera yet, but am planning some extensive playtime between the Pixel 7a, IPhone 15 pro, and iPhone 13 Pro.

 

[Vegastouch]

Just noticed I got a OS 14 update notification for my P7 but since I'm getting my P8 tomorrow, I'll probably skip it.

 

[Tig Bitties]

 

[Fried_Gold]

Anyone else NOT get a ejection tool to put in the sim card?

It's inside the booklet on a piece of cardboard.

 

[Aneres11]

Since I use Chrome, what's a no bullcrap solid ad blocker?

Back in the day I used to root and install AdAway, but my rooting days are over. Too much of a hassle due to monthly security updates.

So what does everyone recommend?

I googled this earlier and someone said to do this (and it works).
Go to settings.
Network and internet.
Scroll down to Private DNS
Click Private DNS provider hostname.
Type in DNS.adguard.com

Chrome will no longer have ads. Working for me as I am giving it a go as Samsung internet browser is being a bit temperamental on this phone weirdly.

 

[LiE_]

You may have to turn off the DNS sometimes if it breaks a website unintentionally.

 

[LiE_]

Home screens all setup. Well there is a 3rd that has my calendar and tasks but easier not to share that.

 

[Fried_Gold]

Bellroy leather case is at my local DPD depot, hopefully the quality is good enough but at least it's "free" with my Google credit. I've had a Bellroy wallet for years and that's held up really well.