Nexus-N/Pixel XL ( 2016 )

[Lava Lamp Freak]

No doubt, the Pixel is a great phone, but I don't see it as an iPhone competitor, nor do I see it as superior to Samsung's offerings, nor is it as compelling as prior Nexus devices.

How many people -- who aren't in this forum/thread -- consider both iPhone and Android offerings when phone shopping? I'd argue that most people have already selected a platform and have established brand loyalty. Pixel's direct competition isn't Apple, it is Samsung, and considering that, the Pixel just isn't going to capture anyone who wasn't already a Nexus fan, and those who are Nexus fans are turned off by the price.

Who is the target audience for this thing?

 

[bmac4]

No more BS, I am being totally serious here, please.

Listen, I am not knocking the Pixel XL phone itself,m yeah it's a kick ass piece of hardware for sure. Great processor, great camera, great display, etc... yes that's awesome Google finally did it all right. But the $800 price tag just seems off for a Google phone for some reason. Google used to purposely lower the price of Nexus phones, and still have flagship specs. Yeah maybe the camera sucked or poor display, but everything else was always top notch flagship hardware for it's day, sold at budget price.

The Nexus 4 was round $349 at launch, and it had flagship specs for it's day, same hardware inside as the $700 Note 2 at the time.

The Nexus 5 was $399 at launch, again same hardware inside as the flagship Galaxy S4 at the time selling for $650.

Yeah maybe it didn't have the best cameras as those other flagships, but that's not worth 100% higher double price just for a better camera. Point is Google was purposely selling the Nexus phones at a loss for developers. Now they aren't doing that anymore.

But it's still missing;

- No water resistance
- No wireless charging
- No OIS

I still think the iPhone and Galaxy phones should be tad more premium priced, and the Pixel a notch below, in like the $599 price range IMO.

And the carrier thing, I just hate exclusives. Either put it out on all the major U.S carriers, or don't put it on any them at all. But a Verizon only thing is just stupid IMO. And I don't mean for me to be able to get in T-Mobile, it's just on principle, an exclusive carrier release only for such a important phone launch is idiotic, and makes no sense, like Google isn't serious.

Would Samsung put the S8 out on ATT only, and no other carriers ? Would Apple release the iPhone 7S on Sprint only and no one else ? Of course not, they want to sell as many phones possible, and will put it in every carrier store possible. So if Google is trying to play the same game as the iPhone's and Galaxy's, well then the game is played in carrier stores too, all of them.

This launch just seems strange to me from Google, very confusing. A Verizon exclusive, and $800 pricing. I don't get it. Like they wann play the Apple + Samsung game, but they don't. Which is it ?

Your claims of offering a flagship phone for budget prices is based on the Nexus 4 and beyond. That was not the case in the early days. The G1, Nexus 1, Nexus S, and Galaxy Nexus were all flagship prices. It was not until the Nexus 4 came along that Google lowered the price. The stock android Nexus line are not all about budget pricing. Google just tried that route for several generations to see if that would increase sales. I think they are actually going back to their roots with the Pixel.

I say all this not because I am some fan boy, because I am not getting this phone. I am loving my iPhone 7, but I see this same s*** with Apple. They will never do everything to make everyone happy. Sorry that just isn't going to happen. If the phone isn't for you, don't freaking buy it. There is always something more the phone could have been, or Apple/Google could have done. That will always be the case. I choose to buy the phone I like most even if it's not 100% perfect. No phone will ever fit that bill.

 

[Surf Donkey]

No compromise?LOL

Wireless charging?OIS?Low res display?

LOL... who cares about wireless charging. Did you not see what USB C can do on this thing? OIS, checkout the gyroscope EIS first before you knock. Low res display.... wtf are you talking about? You obviously haven't caught up with anything from today.

 

[Tig Bitties]

Your claims of offering a flagship phone for budget prices is based on the Nexus 4 and beyond. That was not the case in the early days. The G1, Nexus 1, Nexus S, and Galaxy Nexus were all flagship prices. It was not until the Nexus 4 came along that Google lowered the price. The stock android Nexus line are not all about budget pricing. Google just tried that route for several generations to see if that would increase sales. I think they are actually going back to their roots with the Pixel.

- Fall of 2011 Nexus-S was sold through both T-Mobile + Sprint in stores subsidized, I know I got one on contract with Sprint.
- Galaxy Nexus was first phone available on the Google Play store for $399 in April 2012.
- Fall of 2012 = Nexus 4 @ $399
- Fall of 2013 Nexus 5 @ $399
- Fall of 2014 Nexus 6 is sold in carrier stores subsidized or full retail on Play Store @ $649
- Fall of 2015 = Nexus 6P @ $499

Now we get the first super expensive Nexus or Pixel for $800+

 

[Surf Donkey]

 

[Lava Lamp Freak]

LOL... who cares about wireless charging. Did you not see what USB C can do on this thing? OIS, checkout the gyroscope EIS first before you knock. Low res display.... wtf are you talking about? You obviously haven't caught up with anything from today.

I'm not sure about how many people use wireless charging, but I keep a wireless charger on my desk and next to my TV, and several 2017 model vehicles already come with Qi charging built in, so I'd say it's a standard worth keeping in a mobile device -- especially when the equally-priced competition has it.

 

[Surf Donkey]

I'm not sure about how many people use wireless charging, but I keep a wireless charger on my desk and next to my TV, and several 2017 model vehicles already come with Qi charging built in, so I'd say it's a standard worth keeping in a mobile device -- especially when the equally-priced competition has it.

Current gen phones with wireless charging:
- Samsung
- Lumia

Yep, sounds like a standard.

 

[bmac4]

- Fall of 2011 Nexus-S was sold through both T-Mobile + Sprint in stores subsidized, I know I got one on contract with Sprint.
- Galaxy Nexus was first phone available on the Google Play store for $399 in April 2012.
- Fall of 2012 = Nexus 4 @ $399
- Fall of 2013 Nexus 5 @ $399
- Fall of 2014 Nexus 6 is sold in carrier stores subsidized or full retail on Play Store @ $649
- Fall of 2015 = Nexus 6P @ $499

Now we get the first super expensive Nexus or Pixel for $800+

I am not talking about offering the phone on subsidies. If you want to say that, we have that now with Verizon. I am talking full price.

You are completely wrong about galaxy nexus. It was $699 I believe at launch. http://www.trustedreviews.com/samsung-galaxy-nexus-review
The $399 came in a price drop in April of the next year. Again the nexus 4 started the budget phone nexus'.

 

[Lava Lamp Freak]

Current gen phones with wireless charging:
- Samsung
- Lumia

Yep, sounds like a standard.

Like I said, equally-priced competition. In the current market Samsung = Android. Anyone going to the store to shop for phones is going to come across and be pushed Samsung devices by the store associates.

Most of us on this forum who loved Nexus devices are scorned by the price. I'd have ordered one today for $399 and used it as a second phone. As a primary device I'd have to compromise on too many features I like in my current phone. No one who currently has a Samsung device -- or iPhone -- is going to switch over to the Pixel line.

That's why I don't get who the Pixel is being marketed to. I know they sold at least one, though.

 

[Tig Bitties]

The Galaxy Nexus launch sold directly from Google was a huge deal, and started the budget friendly Nexus pricing.

Why a $399 Galaxy Nexus from Google is a big deal
https://gigaom.com/2012/04/24/why-a-399-galaxy-nexus-from-google-is-a-big-deal/

Google’s Galaxy Nexus: Unlocked and Contract-Free for $399
http://techland.time.com/2012/04/24/googles-galaxy-nexus-unlocked-and-contract-free-for-399/

The Galaxy Nexus by Samsung is one of the best Android phones out right now, and starting today, Google is selling it unlocked and contract-free for $399.

Considering that most wireless carriers charge upwards of $650 for contract-free phones, the unlocked Galaxy Nexus is a good deal if you plan to switch carriers at will, swap SIM cards when traveling overseas or upgrade to a new phone in less than two years.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So to recap, the budget friendly Nexus phones, sold off contract, not with carrier subsidies, were;

- Galaxy Nexus @ $399
- Nexus 4 @ $349
- Nexus 5 @ $399
- Nexus 6P @ $499

The other Nexus phones were sold full flagship retail;

- Nexus-One @ $599
- Nexus-S @ $579
- Nexus 6 @ $649
- Pixel XL $800

 

[mi7chy]

Bad news if Google is adopting Apple's feature fragmentation and keeping Google Assistant exclusive to Pixel.

http://phandroid.com/2016/10/04/nexus-not-getting-google-assistant/

 

[Tig Bitties]

Check this poll, from a major Nexus nerd site, and majority are saying no way on the new Pixel purchase, and this website is typically super pumped up on new Nexus phone releases. Google really screwed this up bad, I predict a massive sales flop, they never expected. Or maybe do now after everyone's sad reactions.

Tuesday Poll: Are You Buying the Pixel or Pixel XL? | Droid Life

Are you buying the Pixel or Pixel XL?

• Not buying (62%, 3,936 Votes)
• Pixel XL (26%, 1,687 Votes)
• Pixel (12%, 753 Votes)

Total Voters: 6,376

 

[AustinIllini]

Check this poll, from a major Nexus nerd site, and majority are saying no way on the new Pixel purchase, and this website is typically super pumped up on new Nexus phone releases.. LOL Google really F'd this up bad, I predict a massive sales flop of truly epic proportions.

Tuesday Poll: Are You Buying the Pixel or Pixel XL? | Droid Life

Are you buying the Pixel or Pixel XL?

• Not buying (62%, 3,936 Votes)
• Pixel XL (26%, 1,687 Votes)
• Pixel (12%, 753 Votes)

Total Voters: 6,376

The voters in these polls don't really matter, as the Pixel wants to reach the mainstream buyer. However, for a guy like me who has owned two Nexus phones, I want to pour one out for the Nexus line.

 

[Technarchy]

Check this poll, from a major Nexus nerd site, and majority are saying no way on the new Pixel purchase, and this website is typically super pumped up on new Nexus phone releases. Google really screwed this up bad, I predict a massive sales flop, they never expected. Or maybe do now after everyone's sad reactions.

Tuesday Poll: Are You Buying the Pixel or Pixel XL? | Droid Life

Are you buying the Pixel or Pixel XL?

• Not buying (62%, 3,936 Votes)
• Pixel XL (26%, 1,687 Votes)
• Pixel (12%, 753 Votes)

Total Voters: 6,376

The Nexus was a niche product that wasn't exactly overflowing with sales volume. I've seen maybe two in the wild.

The Pixel will have to earn its place, which is very difficult in the face of Samsung, but I think the Pixel is a solid entry.

Also this poll is far from scientific so don't take it too seriously.

 

[Tig Bitties]

Who dominates the U.S. / European smartphone market ? I would guess sales wise it's the iPhone + Samsung Galaxy line. I bet those two make up a huge part of the market.

Now some new named 'Pixel' comes out, you really think iPhone buyers will jump to the Pixel ? Nope not a chance. Samsung fans ? Nope.

I'm talking the everyday Joe Blow average dude, non techie crowd here, you know, the 99% of smartphone buyers. They know Apple and iPhone, and they know Samsung and Galaxy.

Google isn't going to attract that crowd selling only at Verizon, and selling it online for $800. Not. Going. To. Happen.

 

[AustinIllini]

Who dominates the U.S. / European smartphone market ? I would guess sales wise it's the iPhone + Samsung Galaxy line. I bet those two make up a huge part of the market.

Now some new named 'Pixel' comes out, you really think iPhone buyers will jump to the Pixel ? Nope not a chance. Samsung fans ? Nope.

I'm talking the everyday Joe Blow average dude, non techie crowd here, you know, the 99% of smartphone buyers. They know Apple and iPhone, and they know Samsung and Galaxy.

Google isn't going to attract that crowd selling only at Verizon, and selling it online for $800. Not. Going. To. Happen.

True, but if you're an LG G4 owner due for an upgrade or an HTC owner looking for an upgrade, this is a compelling option. Let's be real, though, it will take multiple releases for the Pixel to be truly competitive.

 

[Tig Bitties]

True, but if you're an LG G4 owner due for an upgrade or an HTC owner looking for an upgrade, this is a compelling option. Let's be real, though, it will take multiple releases for the Pixel to be truly competitive.

An LG G4 owner with AT&T won't even know the Pixel phone exists. Same with an HTC owner on Sprint, the Pixel phone is a ghost. Those people will then just decide between iPhone or Galaxy.

Only way Pixel gains traction is in all carrier stores, and with MAJOR advertising

This phone needs to appeal to Joe Blow, Mr. Average to sell. Not to us tech geeks. And selling it online for $800 will keep it a niche product and .05% sales wise in the smartphone ocean.

 

[AustinIllini]

An LG G4 owner with AT&T won't even know the Pixel phone exists. Same with an HTC owner on Sprint, the Pixel phone is a ghost. Those people will then just decide between iPhone or Galaxy.

Only way Pixel gains traction is in all carrier stores, and with MAJOR advertising

This phone needs to appeal to Joe Blow, Mr. Average to sell. Not to us tech geeks. And selling it online for $800 will keep it a niche product and .05% sales wise in the smartphone ocean.

I understand that, but they went with the US's largest carrier. There are a LOT of opportunities for this device to gain ground on Verizon.

No, it's not going to be awesome, but Google clearly wants to push the envelope on this.

 

[Radon87000]

I understand that, but they went with the US's largest carrier. There are a LOT of opportunities for this device to gain ground on Verizon.

No, it's not going to be awesome, but Google clearly wants to push the envelope on this.

You do realise that Samsung will absolutely destroy this release with the S8 which is on a early release right?Considering its barely keeping up with S7 Edge

 

[TechZeke]

I must be missing something. This is an iPhone clone with the iPhone price, but not an iPhone. I can't see why I'd recommend this over an actual iPhone. I'm not hating on Android, this product just makes little sense. If I'm going to pay same price and want the iPhone experience, I might as get the real iPhone experience.

 

[Surf Donkey]

I must be missing something. This is an iPhone clone with the iPhone price, but not an iPhone. I can't see why I'd recommend this over an actual iPhone. I'm not hating on Android, this product just makes little sense. If I'm going to pay same price and want the iPhone experience, I might as get the real iPhone experience.

That is a really strange way to look at things. That is like asking why have any variety in life?

 

[TechZeke]

That is a really strange way to look at things. That is like asking why have any variety in life?

You are missing my point.

You go for Nexus device to get stock on Android on premium for competitive price.

However, Google seems to seeking the iPhone experience. In other words, you are paying the same price for an iPhone clone, without the actual strengths of the iPhone.

If I was in the market for a premium Android device, I can't see why I would go for the Pixel phone over other an HTC, LG, or Samsung who offer traditional Android experiences. Everything Android fans complain about the iPhone, is pretty much present the Pixel phone. At the same time, if I was an a person looking for an iPhone experience, why would I pay the same $650 for what is essentially an Android clone? Again, this product makes little sense.

 

[Surf Donkey]

You are missing my point.

You go for Nexus device to get stock on Android on premium for competitive price.

However, Google seems to seeking the iPhone experience. In other words, you are paying the same price for an iPhone clone, without the actual strengths of the iPhone.

If I was in the market for a premium Android device, I can't see why I would go for the Pixel phone over other an HTC, LG, or Samsung. Everything Android fans complain about the iPhone, is pretty much present the Pixel phone. Again, this product makes little sense.

This is a completely different experience than HTC LG or Samsung. That was clear at the keynote. This is Google diverging from the shared Android experience exactly. Pixel is about making it their own. Android was hardly even mentioned today.

What things do you mean everything Android fans complain about the iPhone is present in this phone?

Where does the iPhone have more strengths than this phone. We haven't seen much yet but many checklist items are already seen to be comparable or better.
[doublepost=1475643183][/doublepost]Maybe this will help you understand what Google is doing:
https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/04/google-finally-takes-control-of-its-phones-thanks-to-pixel/

 

[AustinIllini]

You do realise that Samsung will absolutely destroy this release with the S8 which is on a early release right?Considering its barely keeping up with S7 Edge

Samsung seems content to destroy its good will with quality issues. This isn't a short term play for Google, it's a long term plan.

 

[Ds6778]

I have a hunch that the prices will drop very soon...