Nexus-N/Pixel XL ( 2016 )

[Tig Bitties]

So I'm not going to tell you what you need and don't need on your phone, but my take:

Water proofing and *especially* wireless charging are the two biggest non-factors I can think of. I can see water proofing as a really nice convenience. No need to worry about rain, spills, etc. Fine, but not a deal breaker. Wireless charging? Completely "neat" but in no way necessary feature. In fact, I fail to see how it's that much of a feature. It's still slower than wired charging (even Sammy's fast wireless version), and you can't use your phone comfortably while it's charging. Whoever comes up with near field charging will have implemented a version of charging your phone that is entirely useful. Wireless is just a reason to overspend on another charging implement.

I totally understand your point, but once you've owned a phone with those features, it is hard to go back. I am no Samsung fan, I HATE Touchwiz, but I did own the Note 5, and my Wife has the S7 Edge. Wireless charging is no gimmick, it truly is a nice feature, and very comfortable to live with. Never actually plugging in your device, just lay it on top of the charger, and then in a hurry you can just pick it up and run. And the newer chargers have the phone standing upright, for you to use it while it's charging. it is pretty cool. Is it a must have feature ? No, but is it nice, you bet ya.

As for waterproofing, or water resistance. That's just a great piece of mind to have, with one less thing to worry about. Not freaking out if it starts to rain, or you caught in a storm. Snowing and your skiing or snowboarding or shoveling the driveway and drop the phone in the snow for a bit. No big deal. Pool time, I live by the neighborhood pool with the kiddies in summertime, bringing a S7 Edge into the pool itself to take pics is great. And just having water splash you while sitting on the lawn chairs, no worries.

So yes, these two are not must have features, but if your phone has them, it is pretty nice and more comforting. And the the top flagship phones of 2016 the iPhone and Galaxy line do have these as stock features, so Google should also have included them, when charging 2016 flagship pricing.

If I could only have of these features, I say the water resistance would be #1 over wireless charging.

 

[AppleRobert]

I still would not buy it, the 6p does not have those features and costs hundreds less. Winner winner, chicken dinner as far as I am concerned because of that smartphone's bang for buck.

Not to go round in circles because of the signature features thread for the pixels but justify the cost of the Pixel PLEASE.

 

[Tig Bitties]

I still would not buy it, the 6p does not have those features and costs hundreds less. Winner winner, chicken dinner as far as I am concerned because of that smartphone's bang for buck.

Not to go round in circles because of the other signature thread features for the pixels but justify the cost of the Pixel PLEASE.

I'm still in love with my Nexus 6P, running PN 7 ROM. This phone just screams. I bought it brand new for $449 when it was on sale back around May, and this is the 64GB version. Where as the Pixel XL for $800, that's just not happening with me, I don't see this phone being that much of a big difference to warrant such a massive price difference year to year.

 

[epicrayban]

I still would not buy it, the 6p does not have those features and costs hundreds less. Winner winner, chicken dinner as far as I am concerned because of that smartphone's bang for buck.

Not to go round in circles because of the signature features thread for the pixels but justify the cost of the Pixel PLEASE.

Any argument for the 6P is valid. It's a great value for the pure Google experience.

And this is part of the reason why the Pixel devices should have those premium features that we're all discussing that both Samsung and Apple are offering now. Way to be one step behind the competition, so to speak. I won't say much more since this is a beaten horse, but as I've said before, I fully understand most of the criticisms of the Pixel.
[doublepost=1476730666][/doublepost]

So I'm not going to tell you what you need and don't need on your phone, but my take:

Water proofing and *especially* wireless charging are the two biggest non-factors I can think of. I can see water proofing as a really nice convenience. No need to worry about rain, spills, etc. Fine, but not a deal breaker. Wireless charging? Completely "neat" but in no way necessary feature. In fact, I fail to see how it's that much of a feature. It's still slower than wired charging (even Sammy's fast wireless version), and you can't use your phone comfortably while it's charging. Whoever comes up with near field charging will have implemented a version of charging your phone that is entirely useful. Wireless is just a reason to overspend on another charging implement.

That's fair.

For me, waterproofing is peace of mind. Just a few examples: I can place my phone down when I'm out at dinner next to glasses of water/beers, etc. without a worry. I can use my phone if I have sticky/dirty hands from eating or cooking without fear because I know I can literally wash my phone later. On a recent trip, it poured (caught the tail end of a typhoon) and I had zero hesitation pulling out my phone to capture photos in the rain. I got soaked but I caught some wonderful photos that I'm glad I didn't miss. All this can simply be called a "nice convenience" but in practice, it feels more than that; it adds to the my claim that the S7 Edge is the most worry-free phone I've owned.

As for wireless charging, it's not only about the convenience of not having to deal with wires (that is nice, too), but it's more about being able to top off my phone while it's sitting idly on my desk. I never worry or even think about battery life anymore because whenever I'm not using my phone, it's on my desk on a wireless charger. It's always being topped off. I often leave work at 100%. Think about that! If I ever do need it to charge faster, I always have the plug option for quick charge, but that's the thing... I'm never caught with so low battery that I need a quick charge to save me from a dying phone because, as I've said, the battery's always being topped off all throughout my day. Instead of placing it on a desk, you place it on a charger on the desk.

As for needing to use it while it's wireless charging, there are docks that stand upright so your device is inclined to face you. Or, better yet, you can literally just pick up your device. Unless you're near 0%, it's just as easy to pick up your device and use free of the wire. And when you're done, simply put it back down on the charger.


I fully understand people who don't care as much about these two features, but once you get used to it, it's hard to go back. And more importantly -- to bring it back to the topic -- commanding such premium prices, one would think these features would exist in the Pixel devices. At least waterproofing. Sadly not the case. =T
[doublepost=1476730865][/doublepost]PS. I feel like I've just talked myself out of the Pixel. lol

We'll see.

 

[lowendlinux]

So Telekom sweetened the deal I could barely refuse on a Pixel w/new contract and I think I'm going to jump since I have my wife's blessing.

Can anyone here give me a good reason to NOT to trade my N6 that is running great for a Pixel that'll cost me 160? The plan will keep my number add a gig of data and cost the same per month as I spend right now.

 

[epicrayban]

So Telekom sweetened the deal I could barely refuse on a Pixel w/new contract and I think I'm going to jump since I have my wife's blessing.

Can anyone here give me a good reason to NOT to trade my N6 that is running great for a Pixel that'll cost me 160? The plan will keep my number add a gig of data and cost the same per month as I spend right now.

Sounds like a darn good upgrade. Can't think of any deal breakers coming from an N6. I guess except for the screen size.

 

[Tig Bitties]

So Telekom sweetened the deal I could barely refuse on a Pixel w/new contract and I think I'm going to jump since I have my wife's blessing.

Can anyone here give me a good reason to NOT to trade my N6 that is running great for a Pixel that'll cost me 160? The plan will keep my number add a gig of data and cost the same per month as I spend right now.

For that kind of deal, it's a no brainer, get the Pixel XL, it truly is the best Android phone of 2016. And not having to fork out the $800+ out of pocket, I'd do that deal in a blink of an eye.

 

[lowendlinux]

For that kind of deal, it's a no brainer, get the Pixel XL, it truly is the best Android phone of 2016. And not having to fork out the $800+ out of pocket, I'd do that deal in a blink of an eye.

It's not an XL just a regular Pixel

 

[MRU]

So Telekom sweetened the deal I could barely refuse on a Pixel w/new contract and I think I'm going to jump since I have my wife's blessing.

Can anyone here give me a good reason to NOT to trade my N6 that is running great for a Pixel that'll cost me 160? The plan will keep my number add a gig of data and cost the same per month as I spend right now.

Go for it .... I would ... and I wouldn't look back

 

[Roadstar]

So Telekom sweetened the deal I could barely refuse on a Pixel w/new contract and I think I'm going to jump since I have my wife's blessing.

Can anyone here give me a good reason to NOT to trade my N6 that is running great for a Pixel that'll cost me 160? The plan will keep my number add a gig of data and cost the same per month as I spend right now.

I wouldn't hesitate a second with such a deal. You'll get a better phone and longer upgrade support (for after all, N6 might not get Android O anymore) for relatively small money. It'll be worth it for the software support alone.

 

[mi7chy]

It's not an XL just a regular Pixel

Just imagine the performance bump since it's only pushing 1080p instead of 1440p, the display size reduction to 5" is still usable versus something like 4.7" 750p and you still get OLED, same camera, etc.

 

[JaySoul]

I'm calling nonsense on anything anyone says here about the Pixel camera.

Just... wait... for... the... embargo... to... be... lifted.

We will only know more once reviews come out. Just wait a few days. No point even discussing the camera until then.

 

[MRU]

Just for clarification ...

A OLED 1080P display has 2,073,600 Pixels

OLED has 2,073,600 Green SubPixels, 1,036,800 Red Subpixels, 1,036,800 Blue Subpixels.

There are 4,147200 Lighting Elements on a 1080P OLED Screen

IPS LCD has 3 subpixels per pixel

Which means the iPhone 6/6S/7 has just over 3,024,000 lighting elements.

(1344x750 = 1,008,000 x 3 sub pixels)

Then you factor in 4.7 - 5" differences to the concentration of those same lighting elements and the pentile 1080p OLED at 5" doesn't offer as a massive difference over 750p LCD as raw PPI data would first suggest.

(Around 20% increase only).

But we really shouldn't let science and fact get in the way of another dig at apple from our usual forum sources ......

 

[Lava Lamp Freak]

I went to Verizon and looked at some Pixel cases to get a feel for the size of each. I was really surprised how the smaller Pixel case is larger than my S7 is with a case.

I'll have to see one in person, and read reviews, to make a decision. The associate said they'll have the devices in stores on Thursday.

 

[KillaMac]

I'm calling nonsense on anything anyone says here about the Pixel camera.

Just... wait... for... the... embargo... to... be... lifted.

We will only know more once reviews come out. Just wait a few days. No point even discussing the camera until then.

Umm, reviews are already out on Youtube and websites by actual people who got preproductions of the phones to review.

 

[Lava Lamp Freak]

Umm, reviews are already out on Youtube and websites by actual people who got preproductions of the phones to review.

Can you link to some of the reviews? I've checked YouTube and Google and don't see anything other than hands-on videos at the Google events. There's an NDA that hasn't lifted yet so that's what a lot of us are waiting on so we can see real reviews before making a decision.

There are some people on Reddit who received the phones early, but those don't really count as reviews.

 

[KillaMac]

Can you link to some of the reviews? I've checked YouTube and Google and don't see anything other than hands-on videos at the Google events. There's an NDA that hasn't lifted yet so that's what a lot of us are waiting on so we can see real reviews before making a decision.

There are some people on Reddit who received the phones early, but those don't really count as reviews.

I apologize, I was thinking the LG V20. The pixel, yeah, seems no one has it in their hands yet.

 

[AppleRobert]

I went to Verizon and looked at some Pixel cases to get a feel for the size of each. I was really surprised how the smaller Pixel case is larger than my S7 is with a case.

I'll have to see one in person, and read reviews, to make a decision. The associate said they'll have the devices in stores on Thursday.

On Thursday Verizon is the first place I will check then I will head over to Best Buy which is in the same mall, kinda like one stop shopping.

I will check on xda tomorrow, maybe someone there will get it early.

 

[Fernandez21]

Just for clarification ...

A OLED 1080P display has 2,073,600 Pixels

OLED has 2,073,600 Green SubPixels, 1,036,800 Red Subpixels, 1,036,800 Blue Subpixels.

There are 4,147200 Lighting Elements on a 1080P OLED Screen

IPS LCD has 3 subpixels per pixel

Which means the iPhone 6/6S/7 has just over 3,024,000 lighting elements.

(1344x750 = 1,008,000 x 3 sub pixels)

Then you factor in 4.7 - 5" differences to the concentration of those same lighting elements and the pentile 1080p OLED at 5" doesn't offer as a massive difference over 750p LCD as raw PPI data would first suggest.

(Around 20% increase only).

But we really shouldn't let science and fact get in the way of another dig at apple from our usual forum sources ......

I need to bookmark this post, the difference in screen sharpness is barely noticeable yet in these forums people always make it out like the iPhone is using a green and black gameboy like screen.

 

[tbayrgs]

I went to Verizon and looked at some Pixel cases to get a feel for the size of each. I was really surprised how the smaller Pixel case is larger than my S7 is with a case.

I'll have to see one in person, and read reviews, to make a decision. The associate said they'll have the devices in stores on Thursday.

I received my first case for my XL last week. It's noticeably smaller than the 6P and slightly smaller than my 6s+. So while it has some serious bezels, they are still less than those on the iPhone.

 

[KillaMac]

Can you link to some of the reviews? I've checked YouTube and Google and don't see anything other than hands-on videos at the Google events. There's an NDA that hasn't lifted yet so that's what a lot of us are waiting on so we can see real reviews before making a decision.

There are some people on Reddit who received the phones early, but those don't really count as reviews.

One just got posted.

 

[mi7chy]

OLED looks good and the white is white and not blue or iPhone 7 yellow. Supersaf does good unbiased reviews so I'll be looking forward to followups.

 

[widgeteer]

I totally understand your point, but once you've owned a phone with those features, it is hard to go back. I am no Samsung fan, I HATE Touchwiz, but I did own the Note 5, and my Wife has the S7 Edge. Wireless charging is no gimmick, it truly is a nice feature, and very comfortable to live with. Never actually plugging in your device, just lay it on top of the charger, and then in a hurry you can just pick it up and run. And the newer chargers have the phone standing upright, for you to use it while it's charging. it is pretty cool. Is it a must have feature ? No, but is it nice, you bet ya.

As for waterproofing, or water resistance. That's just a great piece of mind to have, with one less thing to worry about. Not freaking out if it starts to rain, or you caught in a storm. Snowing and your skiing or snowboarding or shoveling the driveway and drop the phone in the snow for a bit. No big deal. Pool time, I live by the neighborhood pool with the kiddies in summertime, bringing a S7 Edge into the pool itself to take pics is great. And just having water splash you while sitting on the lawn chairs, no worries.

So yes, these two are not must have features, but if your phone has them, it is pretty nice and more comforting. And the the top flagship phones of 2016 the iPhone and Galaxy line do have these as stock features, so Google should also have included them, when charging 2016 flagship pricing.

If I could only have of these features, I say the water resistance would be #1 over wireless charging.

I've had wireless charging phones, and have used Sammy's fast wireless upright charger with S7E and Note7 (the Edge was my daily driver for months). It's very cool, but I never once miss it. I'd still rather plug in my phone to top it off.

I do wish Apple would adopt quick charging though. Using an iPad charger is about as close as you can get.

 

[mi7chy]

Apologists downplaying the convenience of wireless charging. On the contrary it's super convenient for situations like in and out of the car without dealing with wires and the need to keep it charged for GPS navigation, music, calls, etc. Wireless charging is more valuable than a lousy secondary f/2.8 camera or ineffective IP67.

 

[JaySoul]

Apologists downplaying the convenience of wireless charging. On the contrary it's super convenient for situations like in and out of the car without dealing with wires and the need to keep it charged for GPS navigation, music, calls, etc. Wireless charging is more valuable than a lousy secondary f/2.8 camera or ineffective IP67.

I have wireless charging on my phone but hardly ever use it.

You've got a wireless charger in your car? How does that work?