Android doesn't have the experience that mimics the iOS experience. Google is close, but shouldn't compete on price with Apple. They should undercut Apple's pricing. "Here is a similar experience at the fraction of the price" with a $400 Pixel.
Why not compete on price? Psychological pricing is a thing and it looks like they are positioning the Pixels in a certain space. It's a rebrand and reposition. Whether that works out of not is for them to try and consumers to accept or not.
They tried the undercutting strategy with the Nexus line and it didn't really work outside of tech geeks. A change in strategy, invest in branding, marketing at retail (clear presence) with better distribution. Promote/support the thing. Might work, might not. HTC and Samsung (Galaxy) are good contrasting examples of what happens when you do or don't brand build over time.
I am just saying that if I spend top dollar, it better be close to Apple's experience.
My key wants, in terms of getting closer to Apple, is build quality (not visual design as that's subjective and Apple have stood still this year), great camera, great battery, buttery smooth software with timely updates - OS and ongoing patches.
That's probably not too far off a typical flagship consumer although they are probably swayed more by design and appearance. I'd also add in features like iMessage which Google haven't found an answer to yet.
OS choice and freedom vs walled garden is another discussion entirely. Suffice to say, the majority of apps most people use daily are available on both platforms.
Stereo speakers, water proofing are nice extras but only new this year for Apple. Yet they lack fast charging which I personally put ahead of the other two. And what of AMOLED and QHD? VR has potential but not mass market and I don't see Apple going there for a while. Horses for courses. I do also value the headphone jack highly given how look often I listen via headphones - not interested in charging another battery every one or two days or having to look after a dongle.
Apple clearly win on customer service in terms of exchanges. Been there, done that - it's great. This will take Google time (years) and they might not get close. Adding in a dedicated tab in settings is a small step but hints they are looking to change perception and awareness.
I sure as hell prefer a Nexus 5X over the Pixel at a substantially lower price. I am in the middle of getting 7.1.1 on a Nexus 5X to try some of the newer "Pixel Features" like app-shortcuts.
That's fine - your choice and preference. It's cheaper being last year's budget Nexus made of plastic with pretty average specs. I've long left plastic phones behind. It's a definite price focused device with compromises.
It's a decent price for stock experience if that's your main objective. I just couldn't rely on the battery (very poor) or camera (shooting non-static subjects and wait time between shots). Modding build.prop for Assistant and hitting up apks for the dialer and Pixel launcher are only for the minority.
Having come from a 6P I do like the Pixel XL experience as a whole. Buttery smooth, great camera, great battery, great standby time, great screen, fast charging, priority updates all in a premium build. Google customer service is not Apple-level convenience but is very good otherwise.
It's the first time I've been able to make that list and find a phone that has all of them. Works for me, and I'll pay accordingly for not compromising, but won't be for everyone (front speakers, waterproofing, wireless charging, visual design, etc).
Not trying to start a Apple vs war, just feeding back after a week with the XL. I still love my iPP 12.9 - nothing on the market comes close to that.