Nexus-N/Pixel XL ( 2016 )

[bmac4]

And a far superior build quality and innovative design.

And, trust me, I'm one of the people who is tired of the current iPhone design.

Is the design and implementation noticeably better than the OnePlus 3? I'm not so sure.

I am with you with the iPhone design. I love my iPhone 7, and don't mind it being the same design.

With the Pixel, sure it's not this mind blowing design, but I still think it's pretty sexy. It's for sure a solidly built phone. I don't think build quality is an issue at all. I don't see how it shouldn't get close to what a Note 7 or iPhone 7+ is yielding

 

[Oohara]

Watch this video, these phones actually look Fugly They look cheap, and weird in a bad way. I find the 6P a much cleaner more polished and higher end looking phone than these Pixel's. And what's the purpose of that strange glass panel on the upper half, seems to serve no purpose, but just look ugly, and the Jay Leno chin ? WTF this is 2016, chins should be gone, and more screen less bezel.

I think they look pretty nice honestly, at least when you see the whole phone compared to the initial still photos. Except for the huge bezels. Those are just sad, especially considering that the fingerprint reader is on the back. Which by the way is a total deal breaker for me.

 

[Tig Bitties]

The thing I don't understand, year after year the Nexus phones always had top of the line hardware, same exact processors and same RAM, and same screen resolution as the current Galaxy S or HTC One M phone from that same year, but those Samsung and HTC phones were selling for $650 to $700 off contract, whereas the Nexus phones sold for $399. Yeah the Nexus phones maybe had a poor camera, and maybe lower end build quality, but is that worth double the price difference ? Nope.

So why is this Pixel now so much more expensive all of a sudden compared to like the $499 Nexus 6P ? Is the better camera, and display costing that much more to shoot it up from $499 to $800 ? No way. You can't count the internal hardware, as that always get upgraded and improved year to year. So even if there was a Nexus 7P, it would also be rocking the SD820 + 4GB RAM.

 

[AustinIllini]

The thing I don't understand, year after year the Nexus phones always had top of the line hardware, same exact processors and same RAM, and same screen resolution as the current Galaxy S or HTC One M phone from that same year, but those Samsung and HTC phones were selling for $650 to $700 off contract, whereas the Nexus phones sold for $399. Yeah the Nexus phones maybe had a poor camera, and maybe lower end build quality, but is that worth double the price difference ? Nope.

So why is this Pixel now so much more expensive all of a sudden compared to like the $499 Nexus 6P ? Is the better camera, and display costing that much more to shoot it up from $499 to $800 ? No way. You can't count the internal hardware, as that always get upgraded and improved year to year. So even if there was a Nexus 7P, it would also be rocking the SD820 + 4GB RAM.

This is a great question...and one I can't answer. With iPhone, you get why it costs $650+ due to the purpose built OS and the materials and chip design, but pulling a bunch of parts off the shelf makes me question the price of the Pixel.

 

[bmac4]

The thing I don't understand, year after year the Nexus phones always had top of the line hardware, same exact processors and same RAM, and same screen resolution as the current Galaxy S or HTC One M phone from that same year, but those Samsung and HTC phones were selling for $650 to $700 off contract, whereas the Nexus phones sold for $399. Yeah the Nexus phones maybe had a poor camera, and maybe lower end build quality, but is that worth double the price difference ? Nope.

So why is this Pixel now so much more expensive all of a sudden compared to like the $499 Nexus 6P ? Is the better camera, and display costing that much more to shoot it up from $499 to $800 ? No way. You can't count the internal hardware, as that always get upgraded and improved year to year. So even if there was a Nexus 7P, it would also be rocking the SD820 + 4GB RAM.

Well let me ask you this. Is the the iPhone worth $650 compared to the S7 with a worse 720p screen, smaller display, smaller battery, and no wireless charging? The experience is part of the phone. The ecosystem plays are part, and the biggest thing that makes an iPhone worth it. The customer service. You can just compare specs to specs when saying if a phone is worth it or not.

That said Google is trying to create an experience like Apple in some regards. It's stock android, which can't be had on a Samsung. That has to be worth something. The 24 hour customer support on the phone is also an added bonus. It's no Apple Store, but it's nice. It goes a bit beyond just the specs. That is all you are seeing right now.

Oh and I thought that your last post about the Pixel was your last?

 

[AustinIllini]

Well let me ask you this. Is the the iPhone worth $650 compared to the S7 with a worse 720p screen, smaller display, smaller battery, and no wireless charging? The experience is part of the phone. The ecosystem plays are part, and the biggest thing that makes an iPhone worth it. The customer service. You can just compare specs to specs when saying if a phone is worth it or not.

That said Google is trying to create an experience like Apple in some regards. It's stock android, which can't be had on a Samsung. That has to be worth something. The 24 hour customer support on the phone is also an added bonus. It's no Apple Store, but it's nice. It goes a bit beyond just the specs. That is all you are seeing right now.

Oh and I thought that your last post about the Pixel was your last?

Yes, iPhone 7 is worth $650 comopared to the S7. iPhone runs purpose-built iOS; S7 runs a bastardized version of Android without timely updates.

You nailed it: Experience is everything. You just drew all the wrong conclusions.

 

[Tig Bitties]

Ok I'll get over the price, just like 99.99% of smartphone buyers will too, and this Pixel phone will be a bust, most likely the lowest selling Nexus type device ever.

 

[kasakka]

Yes, iPhone 7 is worth $650 comopared to the S7. iPhone runs purpose-built iOS; S7 runs a bastardized version of Android without timely updates.

You nailed it: Experience is everything. You just drew all the wrong conclusions.

The iPhone is hugely overpriced too, but it's the only option if you want iOS. That's how Apple is able to push the pricing they have. They have the brand to stand as a status icon too. The rest of the flagships just follow Apple because people are willing to pay that much for a phone.

I think it's a valid point that the hardware cost for the Pixel certainly didn't go up so much to warrant a big price increase. They are trying to sell a device as premium despite it not being any more premium than phones like Honor 8 or Oneplus 3.

 

[bmac4]

This is a great question...and one I can't answer. With iPhone, you get why it costs $650+ due to the purpose built OS and the materials and chip design, but pulling a bunch of parts off the shelf makes me question the price of the Pixel.

I don't think the iPhone cost has anything to do with the specs. Not the chip design or anything like that. It's about the experience. You can't find customer service or an over experience like Apple. That is worth a ton. More then any of the specs.

 

[bmac4]

Yes, iPhone 7 is worth $650 comopared to the S7. iPhone runs purpose-built iOS; S7 runs a bastardized version of Android without timely updates.

You nailed it: Experience is everything. You just drew all the wrong conclusions.

What makes you think the Pixel was not built for android 7.1? I really don't know because I have not played with the phone, but stock android is much better then skinned.

Google is now selling an experience along with the phone. It's more then just the phone. It's going to be the Pixel/Google ecosystem. I think this will make a lot more sense once they make more hardware.

 

[Ds6778]

When do these things come out anyway?

 

[throwthedice]

I have been reading about the support feature within the phone and I was wondering what would be the use of this support mode when the phone itself is hung for whatever reason?

In that case is the restart/power button the only alternative?

 

[bmac4]

Ok I'll get over the price, just like 99.99% of smartphone buyers will too, and this Pixel phone will be a bust, most likely the lowest selling Nexus type device ever.

I don't think that will be true. The G1 and Nexus One did not see great sales at all. They were priced at flagship prices in a time when not many people knew what android was. You can't just count the budget Nexus phones. You have to take all the Nexus phones into account. Google has come a long way since the Nexus one, and a lot more popular. I think they will sell a lot more phones then you think.

I just don't understand what you are trying to do. You keep hating on the price over and over and say you are done, but here you are again. Does this just keep making you mad over and over again?

 

[AustinIllini]

What makes you think the Pixel was not built for android 7.1? I really don't know because I have not played with the phone, but stock android is much better then skinned.

Google is now selling an experience along with the phone. It's more then just the phone. It's going to be the Pixel/Google ecosystem. I think this will make a lot more sense once they make more hardware.

So, the skin on Android in the Pixel is specifically designed for that phone, but the OS underneath is still built to work with all kinds of devices.

 

[bmac4]

So, the skin on Android in the Pixel is specifically designed for that phone, but the OS underneath is still built to work with all kinds of devices.

I think that android is made to run best on their phone. The skin on top of that just adds to that.

 

[mi7chy]

Verizon has a decent deal going. If you're upgrade eligible on contract plan you can get up to $300 service credit spread over 24 months if trading in a qualifying phone (Apple iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy S6 Edge+, Galaxy S6 Edge, HTC M9, LG V10 and LG V4) when purchasing the Pixel on a payment plan. Good opportunity to trade in that old HTC M9 or LG V4. Plus, if you pre-order the Pixel you get the Daydream View VR goggle.

https://www.verizonwireless.com/wireless-devices/smartphones/google/

 

[mi7chy]

Good video showing the Pixel up close with demonstration of UI. I like that it expands on long touch (4:08 in video) instead of the gimmicky battery draining 3D touch that's not one-handed friendly. Actually interested in deemphasis of physically interacting with the device and using more hands-free AI voice interaction.

 

[Vegastouch]

This phone will be a monumental sales fail. Absolutely no way they gonna sells millions of these, with the starting price of $769.00 for the base model, LOL, not gonna happen.

And then just put it out on one carrier only, and probably the worst evil carrier out there in Verizon. Plus you know it will just sit in some back dark corner in the Verizon store, with none of the sales staff pushing it over the iPhone 7 or Galaxy 7's.

Even Best Buy never actually carries the Nexus phone at those little kiosk displays, you still need to order it online only through bestbuy.com. And I don't see Best Buy truly promoting this phone, and actually having it in stock to pick up and hold and purchase right there on the spot ? Nope.

I'll be shocked if the Pixel XL sells more units than the Motorola Nexus 6, which was a pretty big sales flop itself.

I am no iPhone guy, but this new Pixel phone launch is pissing me off, and I'm sad to see the Nexus line disappear. I may just go with a 7 Plus on JoD @ T-Mobile, and try out iOS 10. At least Apple supports their phone properly.

Google won't come close to selling a million if these just like they didn't with the Nexus phones. As for price, Sure the price is high but I dont see it any different than some of you guys buying multiple phones spending hundreds of dollars every few months.
My biggest deal with this pixel phone is no physical home button but seems the fingerprint reader in the back turns the screen on fast.... But I've got no plans to get one. I'm good with my GS7 and don't need another phone anytime soon.

 

[Oohara]

Good video showing the Pixel up close with demonstration of UI. I like that it expands on long touch (4:08 in video) instead of the gimmicky battery draining 3D touch that's not one-handed friendly. Actually interested in deemphasis of physically interacting with the device and using more hands-free AI voice interaction.

I actually agree with you on this. 3D touch always seemed like a weird direction for Apple to take with their UI development. I just can't come up with any reason why pressing harder on the display would be better than simply long pressing. I guess the idea is that the hard finger press combined with a haptic response is supposed to create a sense of physical depth in the UI, but for me it just feels like I'm forced to make an unnecessary effort which sometimes makes the phone feel totally unbalanced in the hand. Nice to see that Google is using the same kind of functionality with a simple long press.

Hm. After watching some more videos, I have to say I'm starting to warm to this phone (XL). Or maybe it's just Nougat... The one point that bugs me though is how small and wedged in the onscreen home button looks. Why not add an at least optional hardware touch button on that giant chin? And maybe a back and multitasking button too while they're at it...

 

[Hanzu Lao]

I actually agree with you on this. 3D touch always seemed like a weird direction for Apple to take with their UI development. I just can't come up with any reason why pressing harder on the display would be better than simply long pressing. I guess the idea is that the hard finger press combined with a haptic response is supposed to create a sense of physical depth in the UI, but for me it just feels like I'm forced to make an unnecessary effort which sometimes makes the phone feel totally unbalanced in the hand. Nice to see that Google is using the same kind of functionality with a simple long press.

Hm. After watching some more videos, I have to say I'm starting to warm to this phone (XL). Or maybe it's just Nougat... The one point that bugs me though is how small and wedged in the onscreen home button looks. Why not add an at least optional hardware touch button on that giant chin? And maybe a back and multitasking button too while they're at it...

If people still can't understand what is the difference between a hardware feature that is 3D touch that enables all kinds of interactions and a simple software tap an hold then what kind of discussion can be had here? At all?

 

[Oohara]

If people still can't understand what is the difference between a hardware feature that is 3D touch that enables all kinds of interactions and a simple software tap an hold then what kind of discussion can be had here? At all?

Worthwhile discussion is always available, but this is based on offering constructive responses instead of going drama queen or being condescending.

So if a quality discussion is what you're really after, then how about you re-write that post in a constructive manner? For example, you could offer at least one practical example of a situation where 3D touch is clearly better than a long press or other UI solution that doesn't require a hard press on the screen.

The one 3D touch function that I do enjoy is the hard press to move the cursor and then select text while typing. But that one I wouldn't miss much on Android given how much more versatile in general the keyboards available there are. Like Swiftkey, which besides incredibly good swipe typing gives me super smooth copy/paste/cut functionality with a simple swipe, as well as customisation to truly optimise the keyboard according to my needs.

The hard press on home page icons functionality seem to be possible to replace with long press without exception, as seen in the video above.

Peek & pop seems to be in pretty much all cases directly replaceable with long press + slide.

Bottom line, I'm happy to see that Google is making an effort with deepening UI functionality using solutions that don't require a hard press on the screen.

 

[Hanzu Lao]

Worthwhile discussion is always available, but this is based on offering constructive responses instead of going drama queen or being condescending.

So if a quality discussion is what you're really after, then how about you re-write that post in a constructive manner? For example, you could offer at least one practical example of a situation where 3D touch is clearly better than a long press or other UI solution that doesn't require a hard press on the screen.

The one 3D touch function that I do enjoy is the hard press to move the cursor and then select text while typing. But that one I wouldn't miss much on Android given how much more versatile in general the keyboards available there are. Like Swiftkey, which besides incredibly good swipe typing gives me super smooth copy/paste/cut functionality with a simple swipe, as well as customisation to truly optimise the keyboard according to my needs.

The hard press on home page icons functionality seem to be possible to replace with long press without exception, as seen in the video above.

Peek & pop seems to be in pretty much all cases directly replaceable with long press + slide.

Bottom line, I'm happy to see that Google is making an effort with deepening UI functionality using solutions that don't require a hard press on the screen.

If i start thinking like you i will justify anything.

 

[Kjung7]

Worthwhile discussion is always available, but this is based on offering constructive responses instead of going drama queen or being condescending.

So if a quality discussion is what you're really after, then how about you re-write that post in a constructive manner? For example, you could offer at least one practical example of a situation where 3D touch is clearly better than a long press or other UI solution that doesn't require a hard press on the screen.

The one 3D touch function that I do enjoy is the hard press to move the cursor and then select text while typing. But that one I wouldn't miss much on Android given how much more versatile in general the keyboards available there are. Like Swiftkey, which besides incredibly good swipe typing gives me super smooth copy/paste/cut functionality with a simple swipe, as well as customisation to truly optimise the keyboard according to my needs.

The hard press on home page icons functionality seem to be possible to replace with long press without exception, as seen in the video above.

Peek & pop seems to be in pretty much all cases directly replaceable with long press + slide.

Bottom line, I'm happy to see that Google is making an effort with deepening UI functionality using solutions that don't require a hard press on the screen.

I don't think 3D Touch and long presses are necessarily being used in the same manner for Apple. Currently there are overlapping functions since as the moving of the cursor when typing, but 3D Touch offers some intuitive ways to interact with the UI. For example, in iMessages you can simply 3D Touch in a link to preview it before popping into it. Can you do this with a long press? No not really. You do mention you can long press and slide, but in my opinion it's much easier to just press on the screen a little harder for the same function. 3D Touch is still being developed and I believe with iOS 10 Apple is heading in the right direction with it.

 

[MasterRyu2011]

The thing I don't understand, year after year the Nexus phones always had top of the line hardware, same exact processors and same RAM, and same screen resolution as the current Galaxy S or HTC One M phone from that same year, but those Samsung and HTC phones were selling for $650 to $700 off contract, whereas the Nexus phones sold for $399. Yeah the Nexus phones maybe had a poor camera, and maybe lower end build quality, but is that worth double the price difference ? Nope.

So why is this Pixel now so much more expensive all of a sudden compared to like the $499 Nexus 6P ? Is the better camera, and display costing that much more to shoot it up from $499 to $800 ? No way. You can't count the internal hardware, as that always get upgraded and improved year to year. So even if there was a Nexus 7P, it would also be rocking the SD820 + 4GB RAM.

Don't forget that the Nexus hasn't been cheap (sub $400) for a couple of years. The Nexus 6 retailed at $650 and the 6P came out at $500.

I suspect that Google was losing money for years selling the Nexus phones as they were sell at very little or negative margin. I see the Nexus line as being just a showcase for their newest OS. They weren't serious with making money with it. Now they are with this new product direction with Pixel. This has become less of a showcase and more of a real product brand. (You have the Chromebook Pixel as well, which is not exactly cheap).

 

[Tig Bitties]

Sad days ahead for Android

- No more affordable Nexus phones, only the crazy expensive $800+ Pixel, and not even supplied on all carriers on contract.
- Samsung phones are super locked down, the good old days of the Note 2 which had dozens and dozens of amazing custom ROM's are gone. My Rooted and ROM'd Note 2 back in the day, goes down as one of my fav Android devices, had great development support. Too bad those days are gone.
- LG has gone locked down, and if not, there's very limited development on LG phones.
- HTC is the only one left, but even those are Sense based ROM's don't even see Cyanogen CM ROM's really anymore on new HTC phones.

- OnePlus is pretty much the last phone, and has taken the spot for the affordable Nexus type phone, with great development. I still have my OnePlus One as a backup, running a CM13 ROM, and for an old phone, that OPO is really good still.