Phones Google Pixel 8/8 Pro

[Tig Bitties]

Just watched most of the Apple event today on the iPhone 15 series. Yawn, zzz... It seems rather cringe and just to much of a big production event, but also seemed cheesy, trying to sell more product when there really isn't a major need.

Yes Apple designs super high-end devices, and great hardware, but it seems so outdated and lame with iOS the way it is. I'd be far more interested if iOS got a major overhaul and big redesign, and not just new phone hardware

Oh well, easy choice for me, the Pixel 8 Pro all the way over the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

 

[Bkdodger]

I do like the fact they went with titanium a great move in my opinion... And it looks to me like the sides are a little more rounded which is a welcome change as I don't like the current edges

 

[Aneres11]

It’s classic Apple - and I do NOT mean that in a good way.
You want a decent telephoto that Android phones have had for 5 years? Yeah, you’ll need to buy the Pro Max as we‘re not going to put that in the normal Pro.
Like, how do they get away with this s***.

Also, the normal 15 colours are the WORST colours I have ever seen! They’re barely even there! They look like someone has dragged the saturation slider right down - absolutely awful.
I have the 14 in yellow that came out in spring and it’s the best colour they’ve done so far. These are a joke in comparison.

I also really don’t like that they’ve removed the silent switch. Nope.

 

[Bkdodger]

It’s classic Apple - and I do NOT mean that in a good way.
You want a decent telephoto that Android phones have had for 5 years? Yeah, you’ll need to buy the Pro Max as we‘re not going to put that in the normal Pro.
Like, how do they get away with this s***.

Also, the normal 15 colours are the WORST colours I have ever seen! They’re barely even there! They look like someone has dragged the saturation slider right down - absolutely awful.
I have the 14 in yellow that came out in spring and it’s the best colour they’ve done so far. These are a joke in comparison.

I also really don’t like that they’ve removed the silent switch. Nope.

Is that action button now the silence?

 

[Aneres11]

Is that action button now the silence?

It can be whatever you want it to be.
But that satisfying snap to silence is gone.

It was iconic.

 

[Bkdodger]

It can be whatever you want it to be.
But that satisfying snap to silence is gone.

It was iconic.

Yup gotcha just saw the functions on this video

 

[Tig Bitties]

Yup gotcha just saw the functions on this video

Pathetic video. So excited over nothing, looks like the last 3 generations of iPhones

It's not worth getting so pumped for. Total first world bullcrap when humans get so excited over a minor upgrade where the previous version does the exact same thing.

 

[Bkdodger]

Pathetic video. So excited over nothing, looks like the last 3 generations of iPhones

It's not worth getting so pumped for. Total first world bullcrap when humans get so excited over a minor upgrade where the previous version does the exact same thing.

Haha ..he was a little excited …I’d welcome less weight compared to current Max but will have to see in person …

 

[tbayrgs]

It’s classic Apple - and I do NOT mean that in a good way.
You want a decent telephoto that Android phones have had for 5 years? Yeah, you’ll need to buy the Pro Max as we‘re not going to put that in the normal Pro.
Like, how do they get away with this s***.

They're doing exactly the same as Samsung did with the Galaxy 23 series but it's only ****** when Apple does it?

Galaxy S23 and S23+ telephoto lenses top out at 3X optical zoom, same as both 14 Pro phones and the 15 Pro. You have to get the S23 Ultra for the 10x telephoto.

 

[tbayrgs]

Pathetic video. So excited over nothing, looks like the last 3 generations of iPhones

It's not worth getting so pumped for. Total first world bullcrap when humans get so excited over a minor upgrade where the previous version does the exact same thing.

I realize the level of excitement for new iPhones in this sub-forum is going to be quite a bit more tempered vs. the rest of MR but where was this same angst in regards to the latest offerings from Google and Samsung that have followed pretty much the same formula?

The Galaxy S23 Ultra was far closer to its predecessor than the recent generations of Pro Max are. The S23U got a new main sensor...that's it. Nearly every other aspect was identical and it put on a few grams of weight. I'm not criticizing as it was already a great phone that but rather just pointing out what was an especially mild update yet I don't recall this level of moaning. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is eveness different to it's prior iteration.

The differences between the Pixel 6 Pro, 7 Pro and upcoming 8 Pro follow the same formula, with very mild internal upgrades and exterior styling that is nearly identical.

Yeah, the 15 Pro phones aren't huge changes but let's be honest, there's very little value upgrading yearly for the vast majority of folks. They upgrade every 2, 3, or 4 years and coming from an 11 or 12 Pro offers some quite substantial changes. We have very different desires and have a 'special' level of tech addiction. I upgrade every year because we have 5 smartphones in my family and one of my kids gets last years flagship when I get the new shiney. I don't recommend year over year upgrades to any regular person because for how they use their phone, the cost just isn't worth it.

This year's changes aren't huge (I'd kill for some actual color in the Pro versions instead of 3 shades of gray and blue) but I personally am very excited for the new titanium body and accompanying light weight, noticable camera improvements and of course, finally getting usb-c.

 

[nfl46]

Pathetic video. So excited over nothing, looks like the last 3 generations of iPhones

It's not worth getting so pumped for. Total first world bullcrap when humans get so excited over a minor upgrade where the previous version does the exact same thing.

I mean...let's be fair here. Lol. Hi Google and Samsung.

 

[Fernandez21]

I realize the level of excitement for new iPhones in this sub-forum is going to be quite a bit more tempered vs. the rest of MR but where was this same angst in regards to the latest offerings from Google and Samsung that have followed pretty much the same formula?

The Galaxy S23 Ultra was far closer to its predecessor than the recent generations of Pro Max are. The S23U got a new main sensor...that's it. Nearly every other aspect was identical and it put on a few grams of weight. I'm not criticizing as it was already a great phone that but rather just pointing out what was an especially mild update yet I don't recall this level of moaning. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is eveness different to it's prior iteration.

The differences between the Pixel 6 Pro, 7 Pro and upcoming 8 Pro follow the same formula, with very mild internal upgrades and exterior styling that is nearly identical.

Yeah, the 15 Pro phones aren't huge changes but let's be honest, there's very little value upgrading yearly for the vast majority of folks. They upgrade every 2, 3, or 4 years and coming from an 11 or 12 Pro offers some quite substantial changes. We have very different desires and have a 'special' level of tech addiction. I upgrade every year because we have 5 smartphones in my family and one of my kids gets last years flagship when I get the new shiney. I don't recommend year over year upgrades to any regular person because for how they use their phone, the cost just isn't worth it.

This year's changes aren't huge (I'd kill for some actual color in the Pro versions instead of 3 shades of gray and blue) but I personally am very excited for the new titanium body and accompanying light weight, noticable camera improvements and of course, finally getting usb-c.

I actually think this year's iPhones are the biggest improvement since iPhone 12. Sure, nothing ground breaking, but I'll be upgrading from my 13 pro and am kinda excited to see the camera improvements, especially low light video.

 

[Aneres11]

They're doing exactly the same as Samsung did with the Galaxy 23 series but it's only ****** when Apple does it?

Galaxy S23 and S23+ telephoto lenses top out at 3X optical zoom, same as both 14 Pro phones and the 15 Pro. You have to get the S23 Ultra for the 10x telephoto.

I never once mentioned Samsung? And that’s not even close to being the same and you know it. Don’t make out like I’m some sort of Samsung apologist when I’m the last person to be defending Samsung when I don’t even like the majority of their devices.
The Ultra is a totally separate device all on its own, so of course it’s going to have better specs than the models in the tier below.

Apple have 2 ‘Pro’ phones and one of them has a much better camera vs the other. That’s a poor move given how much better it looks, but typical Apple.

 

[tbayrgs]

I never once mentioned Samsung? And that’s not even close to being the same and you know it. Don’t make out like I’m some sort of Samsung apologist when I’m the last person to be defending Samsung when I don’t even like the majority of their devices.
The Ultra is a totally separate device all on its own, so of course it’s going to have better specs than the models in the tier below.

Apple have 2 ‘Pro’ phones and one of them has a much better camera vs the other. That’s a poor move given how much better it looks, but typical Apple.

How’s the Ultra a ‘totally separate’ phone? Samsung has a regular, a +, and an Ultra. Apple actually has 4 different models, with the Pro Max being the largest and most expensive, just as the Ultra is in the S23 line. They’re the exact same situation. Go to Samsung’s product page, hit the Compare link and guess what 3 phones Samsung put’s up on the page?

And yeah, you didn’t mention Samsung—that’s the point of my calling out your criticism. They are the clear counterpart to Apple in the Android space, they did the exact same thing with their product differentiation, yet only Apple gets your wrath for this behavior. Point me to your earlier post when the Galaxy S23 line was announced and you called them out for—what was your quote, “Like, how do they get away with this s***.”, and I’ll gladly retract my critique.

 

[Aneres11]

How’s the Ultra a ‘totally separate’ phone? Samsung has a regular, a +, and an Ultra. Apple actually has 4 different models, with the Pro Max being the largest and most expensive, just as the Ultra is in the S23 line. They’re the exact same situation. Go to Samsung’s product page, hit the Compare link and guess what 3 phones Samsung put’s up on the page?

And yeah, you didn’t mention Samsung—that’s the point of my calling out your criticism. They are the clear counterpart to Apple in the Android space, they did the exact same thing with their product differentiation, yet only Apple gets your wrath for this behavior. Point me to your earlier post when the Galaxy S23 line was announced and you called them out for—what was your quote, “Like, how do they get away with this s***.”, and I’ll gladly retract my critique.

Literally the worst argument I’ve ever heard.
I think when you grasp that the Ultra model is a separate phone all on its own - away from the mid tier models of the S23 and Plus, then come back to me.
But trying to use that to justify Apple doing what they’re doing is absolutely hilarious. 😂

Oh and to answer your question with how it’s the Ultra a totally separate phone. The clue is in the name pal.
I’ll make it clear.
S23, S23 Plus (no differences other than size)
S23 Ultra. (Totally different, “ultra specs”)

Still confused?

 

[tbayrgs]

Literally the worst argument I’ve ever heard.
I think when you grasp that the Ultra model is a separate phone all on its own - away from the mid tier models of the S23 and Plus, then come back to me.
But trying to use that to justify Apple doing what they’re doing is absolutely hilarious. 😂

Oh and to answer your question with how it’s the Ultra a totally separate phone. The clue is in the name pal.
I’ll make it clear.
S23, S23 Plus (no differences other than size)
S23 Ultra. (Totally different, “ultra specs”)

Still confused?

Except they’re not totally different. The Ultra has a bigger screen, one different camera and the S Pen. The Pro Max has a bigger screen, one different camera, admittedly no S-Pen. Both product lines use high res OLED, the same processor, same build materials. If you want the high zoom telephoto lens in a Galaxy, you only have one choice, same as Apple’s product line.

My only point was in response to you stating can only get the higher zoom telephoto in the larger Pro Max. Same situation in the Samsung world. I can’t get a smaller size phone with that camera option in Samsung either. And the price premium to get that zoom is an awful lot more than the difference between the Pro and Pro Max.

 

[Aneres11]

Except they’re not totally different. The Ultra has a bigger screen, one different camera and the S Pen. The Pro Max has a bigger screen, one different camera, admittedly no S-Pen. Both product lines use high res OLED, the same processor, same build materials. If you want the high zoom telephoto lens in a Galaxy, you only have one choice, same as Apple’s product line.

My only point was in response to you stating can only get the higher zoom telephoto in the larger Pro Max. Same situation in the Samsung world. I can’t get a smaller size phone with that camera option in Samsung either. And the price premium to get that zoom is an awful light more than the difference between the Pro and Pro Max.

I think we will agree to disagree. For me, they’re hugely different phones. They’re branded differently, with different components and materials and abilities. And naming convention.

The pro iPhones are not.
Case in point. My sister watched the key note, she never does as not techy but was obviously bored. She does upgrade every year though.
She text me to say can’t wait for that zoom and I said oh are you going pro max as she is always regular sized pro. She was like what are you taking about?

She missed the point that the much better zoom capability is Pro Max only. So now she’s gutted as she won’t entertain a bigger phone and isn’t going to bother upgrading at all as not enough difference for her from 14 to 15.

It’s the nature of how they separate their 2 devices that are named the same when from how they brand it up, it looks like it’s just a size choice but it’s more than that.

 

[Tig Bitties]

Pixel 8 will run cooler and be more efficient;

https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/google-tensor-g3-rumored-improvements

https://9to5google.com/2023/09/12/google-tensor-g3-pixel-8-heat-rumor/

https://tech.hindustantimes.com/mob...big-improvements-expected-71694428634133.html

 

[Tig Bitties]

I will say this, on the recent flagship releases, S23U, 15PM and 8P, they all look the same but internal [H]ardware has seen nice improvements / upgrades.

S23 Ultra from the S22 Ultra saw a big deal change going to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, yeah the two phones look almsot identical, but the S23U gets much better battery life, and runs cooler, and is a faster performer, smoother feeling UI all thanks to the new hardware.

Same with the 15 Pro Max, big time battery efficiency and longer battery life, and the A17 is supposed to be a beast, but yeah it looks the same as last years iPhone.

Pixel 8 Pro is rumored to see similar improvements as noted above, but still look like a recent Pixel.

 

[Bkdodger]

Yes I think most phones are doing a few upgrades nothing too crazy and why most people don't really need to upgrade from year to year... We are the exceptions... I've still not decided if I'm going to pull the trigger on the iPhone 15 Pro Max but I know one thing I will not go to 15 Pro from 12 Pro .. I don't think going from 3x to 5x is the deal breaker at least for me but at this point I would just go with a larger phone just to go with a larger phone...

 

[Ludatyk]

Except they’re not totally different. The Ultra has a bigger screen, one different camera and the S Pen. The Pro Max has a bigger screen, one different camera, admittedly no S-Pen. Both product lines use high res OLED, the same processor, same build materials. If you want the high zoom telephoto lens in a Galaxy, you only have one choice, same as Apple’s product line.

My only point was in response to you stating can only get the higher zoom telephoto in the larger Pro Max. Same situation in the Samsung world. I can’t get a smaller size phone with that camera option in Samsung either. And the price premium to get that zoom is an awful lot more than the difference between the Pro and Pro Max.

I have to agree with @Aneres11 on this. Simply for the single fact.. last year both Pro/Max models shared the same camera technology.

Samsung always had different camera technology between the Plus and Ultra models, but Apple decided to give Pro Max telephoto along with removing the 128GB model that way consumers have to pay an additional 100$ to go toward the Pro Max.

Its a smart business move by Apple.

 

[Bkdodger]

Pixel 8 will run cooler and be more efficient;

https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/google-tensor-g3-rumored-improvements

https://9to5google.com/2023/09/12/google-tensor-g3-pixel-8-heat-rumor/

https://tech.hindustantimes.com/mob...big-improvements-expected-71694428634133.html

Hopefully they take care of the heating that people are complaining about on these previous ones...

 

[Aneres11]

Pixel 8 will run cooler and be more efficient;

https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/google-tensor-g3-rumored-improvements

https://9to5google.com/2023/09/12/google-tensor-g3-pixel-8-heat-rumor/

https://tech.hindustantimes.com/mob...big-improvements-expected-71694428634133.html

That’s the one thing that needs to get better. Well, along with battery life. 🙄.
Hopefully new tensor improves both. 🤞🏻

 

[tbayrgs]

I think we will agree to disagree. For me, they’re hugely different phones. They’re branded differently, with different components and materials and abilities. And naming convention.

The pro iPhones are not.
Case in point. My sister watched the key note, she never does as not techy but was obviously bored. She does upgrade every year though.
She text me to say can’t wait for that zoom and I said oh are you going pro max as she is always regular sized pro. She was like what are you taking about?

She missed the point that the much better zoom capability is Pro Max only. So now she’s gutted as she won’t entertain a bigger phone and isn’t going to bother upgrading at all as not enough difference for her from 14 to 15.

It’s the nature of how they separate their 2 devices that are named the same when from how they brand it up, it looks like it’s just a size choice but it’s more than that.

Ok, regardless of the status of the Ultra as it’s own product line, the situation is still mirrored at Samsung, specifically in regards to the camera. If your sister wanted the upgraded camera experience on a Samsung, her only option would be the biggest phone.

I won’t disagree about the naming implying only a size difference. I would’ve like to have seen the rumors of the top model being called the ‘Ultra’ instead of Max come true to provide better differentiation.

I won’t belabor the point any longer as I think we’ve both made our opinions clear. On to the next new release—almost time for some new Pixels.

 

[jamezr]

Except they’re not totally different. The Ultra has a bigger screen, one different camera and the S Pen. The Pro Max has a bigger screen, one different camera, admittedly no S-Pen. Both product lines use high res OLED, the same processor, same build materials. If you want the high zoom telephoto lens in a Galaxy, you only have one choice, same as Apple’s product line.

My only point was in response to you stating can only get the higher zoom telephoto in the larger Pro Max. Same situation in the Samsung world. I can’t get a smaller size phone with that camera option in Samsung either. And the price premium to get that zoom is an awful lot more than the difference between the Pro and Pro Max.

i have to agree with @Aneres11 on this as well. As the S23 models go the Ultra is total different than the S23 and S23+. there is no mistaking the Ultra from the other models