Pixel 3/Pixel 3 XL

[majkom]

Hm, camera is so important to me, but I am scared of losing imessge,find my friend, airdrop and adblockers and live photo - how did you cope with this (pm me if it is too offtopic)

 

[michael9891]

Hm, camera is so important to me, but I am scared of losing imessge,find my friend, airdrop and adblockers and live photo - how did you cope with this (pm me if it is too offtopic)

Yeah, iMessage is great and my preferred use of messaging on an iPhone, but (in my opinion) a stupid reason to stick with a particular phone. Ad blockers are available on Android and live photo is on the Pixel (and I'm sure other Android phones). "Being tied to the ecosystem" always makes me laugh.

 

[mjschabow]

Hm, camera is so important to me, but I am scared of losing imessge,find my friend, airdrop and adblockers and live photo - how did you cope with this (pm me if it is too offtopic)

I think you’ll end up back on Apple. Personally, the ecosystem and OS outweighs the privilege of having the very best camera when other flagships still have really good cameras. What phone are you using right now?

 

[mjschabow]

Yeah, iMessage is great and my preferred use of messaging on an iPhone, but (in my opinion) a stupid reason to stick with a particular phone. Ad blockers are available on Android and live photo is on the Pixel (and I'm sure other Android phones). "Being tied to the ecosystem" always makes me laugh.

I will say this though. iMessage is by far the best messaging app on any platform, and think about how many texts you send/receive every day. And then if literally all your friends and coworkers use iPhones, it can definitely decrease your messaging experience by a lot, especially if you’re accustomed to sending a lot of photos and videos. That can outweigh the gains in camera performance. I’d personally say that the difference in messaging experience has a greater gap then camera performance if you’re using alone if the latest iPhones.

 

[majkom]

I think you’ll end up back on Apple. Personally, the ecosystem and OS outweighs the privilege of having the very best camera when other flagships still have really good cameras. What phone are you using right now?

Using ip7, and somehow I found myself not comfortable paying premium for ip xs (while not being fan of face id), so here I am, looking for great camera and ios and no faceid... impossible, i know

 

[Cnasty]

Personally, the ecosystem and OS outweighs the privilege of having the very best camera when other flagships still have really good cameras.

I agree to an extent with this.

I find the Google ecosystem just as good and probably even better as its more flexible then the iOS one as you can get Google apps on any phone.

Is it difficult at first? Maybe a tad but I think its overblown by a lot of people that may be afraid to finally take that plunge. I was one of them.

I cherished iMessage but then jumped and the google options and air message on the web is just as good for MY needs but totally understand for others it may not.

Doesn't mean the iOS ecosystem isnt great, doesn't mean I will never own another iPhone but having had my eyes closed for quite sometime, I am very impressed at the options out there.

That said, camera is probably 1 or 1a in needs for me and I am very flexible to go between devices if needed as I have macs, iPads, and still iPhones laying around.
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Using ip7, and somehow I found myself not comfortable paying premium for ip xs (while not being fan of face id), so here I am, looking for great camera and ios and no faceid... impossible, i know

You sound like me and a perfect Pixel adopter until we see what iPhone does in the future. But we already know that answer. $1200 and marginal improvements to their phones.

I am ecstatic to see what Pixel 4 has to offer with a rumored improved camera which I cant fathom with how good the current one is.

 

[mclld]

I would say anytime someone can break free of a closed ecosystem then great. You can move from different devices. Maybe use an iPad for iMessage and get an Android phone

 

[mjschabow]

I agree to an extent with this.

I find the Google ecosystem just as good and probably even better as its more flexible then the iOS one as you can get Google apps on any phone.

Is it difficult at first? Maybe a tad but I think its overblown by a lot of people that may be afraid to finally take that plunge. I was one of them.

I cherished iMessage but then jumped and the google options and air message on the web is just as good for MY needs but totally understand for others it may not.

Doesn't mean the iOS ecosystem isnt great, doesn't mean I will never own another iPhone but having had my eyes closed for quite sometime, I am very impressed at the options out there.

That said, camera is probably 1 or 1a in needs for me and I am very flexible to go between devices if needed as I have macs, iPads, and still iPhones laying around.
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You sound like me and a perfect Pixel adopter until we see what iPhone does in the future. But we already know that answer. $1200 and marginal improvements to their phones.

I am ecstatic to see what Pixel 4 has to offer with a rumored improved camera which I cant fathom with how good the current one is.

All great points that are really hard to argue with. I wish I could combine my favorite Pixel, Galaxy, and iPhone features. Or...iMessage coming to Android.

 

[Cnasty]

All great points that are really hard to argue with. I wish I could combine my favorite Pixel, Galaxy, and iPhone features. Or...iMessage coming to Android.

Amen to that one!

Speaking of OS, is there a way to actually turn the pixel screen on when a notification comes through? Not the AOD notification style where it's in black and white but turn the screen on? I find the AOD notification screen turn on rather dark.

 

[airbusking]

Google store has $200 off Pixel 3 XL. Was looking at the Galaxy S10+ but now this made me rethink that. Your thoughts, comments are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[nospleen]

Amen to that one!

Speaking of OS, is there a way to actually turn the pixel screen on when a notification comes through? Not the AOD notification style where it's in black and white but turn the screen on? I find the AOD notification screen turn on rather dark.

Not sure if this does it, I haven't tried yet.

 

[slitherjef]

Google store has $200 off Pixel 3 XL. Was looking at the Galaxy S10+ but now this made me rethink that. Your thoughts, comments are appreciated. Thanks.

Dooooo iiittttttt!

But we're pretty biased in here

Will note that if you're into loud audio, I find headphones lacking in the loudness area but that's personal preference.

 

[mjschabow]

Google store has $200 off Pixel 3 XL. Was looking at the Galaxy S10+ but now this made me rethink that. Your thoughts, comments are appreciated. Thanks.

Go Pixel. Or buy my Galaxy S10+ for even cheaper.

 

[Cnasty]

Not sure if this does it, I haven't tried yet.

Yea that's on. No dice. Thanks for looking though.

 

[5105973]

So you folks think the 3XL beats the S10+??!!

I do think the 3XL display is the best I’ve ever seen for most purposes (except movie watching).

I can get amazing photos out of either one of them. It takes more work on the S10+ but I’ve been practicing on it. I definitely get the best audio recordings out of Samsung phones since S7Edge, S9+ and S10+. (S8 was a lemon).

I’m okay with either’s version of Android.

I haven’t decided between the two of them myself, not entirely. I just was curious what the opinions were here.

It seems to me people burn out on Samsung a lot in this forum. It starts out with mad love and then I see people saying they sold theirs. I find that interesting.

 

[mjschabow]

Dooooo iiittttttt!

But we're pretty biased in here

Will note that if you're into loud audio, I find headphones lacking in the loudness area but that's personal preference.

Are you talking about the stock headphones or any headphones because I never noticed it with Bluetooth headphones.

 

[mjschabow]

So you folks think the 3XL beats the S10+??!!

I do think the 3XL display is the best I’ve ever seen for most purposes (except movie watching).

I can get amazing photos out of either one of them. It takes more work on the S10+ but I’ve been practicing on it. I definitely get the best audio recordings out of Samsung phones since S7Edge, S9+ and S10+. (S8 was a lemon).

I’m okay with either’s version of Android.

I haven’t decided between the two of them myself, not entirely. I just was curious what the opinions were here.

It seems to me people burn out on Samsung a lot in this forum. It starts out with mad love and then I see people saying they sold theirs. I find that interesting.

Yes. Pixel will be my Android phone of choice from now on. The Stock Google experience and call screening is an incredible feature.

 

[slitherjef]

Are you talking about the stock headphones or any headphones because I never noticed it with Bluetooth headphones.

Any headphones any pixel / Nexus I've used Bluetooth or wired no matter how high dbz earbuds I can find. But I like loud and I'm a bit hard of hearing

 

[slitherjef]

Really thinking about yanking the at&t spam card err sim card from this phone since all I get is spam calls on the line and even text messages. No one has this number and I can't see paying for the line or having an active sim in it when I barely use the line for data anyway.

I was thinking since it's mostly for data, I'll grab one of those mobile hotspots or jet packs or whatever they are called now tether to it as needed.

Ugh, inside at&t is garbage service wise (aside from those spam calls ) and about the only reason I have it is data is a bit better when I'm out and about. CDMA has better service in doors.

Maybe I should try Verizon again.

Just some half asleep out loud bumbling here I guess

 

[mjschabow]

Here is my mini review and a large wall of text for the Pixel 3XL (if anyone cares )
History: Lifetime Apple/ios user. Dabbled in Android but only for a month or 2 back in the day.
Recent device history: XS Max>OP7 Pro>Pixel 3XL

Pros:

• Camera, camera, camera!!! No surprise to anyone but this phone begs me to take more pictures of random scenery, my kids even more then before, or inanimate objects. Hands down the best camera i've used on any single phone
• OS is so clean, smooth, and love all the quirks it offers in Call Screen, Top shot, and Always listening music playlist thingy
• AOD I never knew i needed this in my life. It is fantastic! I find myself touching my phone less then before when at work which is a great thing and less distractions as a quick glance tells me if needed to unlock
• Google Assistant I never thought I would use this as much as i do but in the car is where it shines!
• Wireless charging/Water resistant-in Texas lots of pool, splash pad, and just wet moments of trying to cool off. Feels good knowing I have this again in a device. Wireless charging is something I tried to make work but I have these things everywhere including my car. Love tossing the Pixel on them again and missing that from the OP7
• Google apps- very Apple like but better since its on any single device and wow it is so easy to use and share pics and albums with family members which i was worried about losing iMessage
• Notifications- this isn't a Pixel 3 specific thing but coming from iOS, Android notifications have changed my life with how good they are! Love the layouts, AOD, and quick ways you can interact and manage
• Naked build quality- this device feels fantastic in the hand and not as heavy as the XS Max or big as the OP7 Pro...too bad I am too afraid to take the case off all the time

Cons:

• Battery life-weak to rather weak. I am a heavy user and this screen is just ok in comparison to my previous devices and i feel it needs 100% brightness all the time, especially outside. I am not getting good battery life at all. I watch the percentage drip away. Luckily wireless charging from the pro list is in play
• Screen quality-its just ok. Maybe not fair to the Pixel after coming from the best screen in the world in the 90hz, vibrant, insanely large and seamless OP7. Also that notch is horrendous and I hope overtime I get more used to it which I probably will but again, the OP7 might have spoiled me in the short term
• Gestures....hate them. So excited for the next version of Android. I miss Oxygen OS and their little quirks of left corner to go back, seamless app drawer call up, and dark mode!!
• Fingerprint sensor-not a fan at all of placement and everyday use. I loved the OP7 in screen option as it was fast and could easily interact if laying on a desk. This feels dated and not convenient with location and functionality

Yes its been about 2 days and yes there will be more added to both I am sure but overall, I am absolutely loving this phone and blends the things I loved about the OP7 and iOS with the OS and the camera alone will keep me having a Pixel in my life moving forward even if in a drawer to pull out for trips/events.

Thanks to everyone here who has given me feedback and I've read this entire thread with tips and things to look for.

Chiming in late but great review dude. I must have missed it. But you share my same exact thoughts on the phone.

If the Pixel 4 shores up Battery Life and adds a little better brightness to the screen, it'll pretty much be the perfect phone.

 

[jamezr]

I am loving AOD...seriously don't know how I have used a phone without it.....
I used my Xs Max for a day...kept looking at it for the time and notifications.....all I got was a blank stare....

 

[mjschabow]

I am loving AOD...seriously don't know how I have used a phone without it.....
I used my Xs Max for a day...kept looking at it for the time and notifications.....all I got was a blank stare....

Haha I literally LOL'd. It's even worse when making your own call screening instead of the one baked in the Pixel.

 

[Cnasty]

Chiming in late but great review dude. I must have missed it. But you share my same exact thoughts on the phone.

If the Pixel 4 shores up Battery Life and adds a little better brightness to the screen, it'll pretty much be the perfect phone.

Thanks man. I just wanted to jot down some thoughts for any others considering as you all were so helpful in my choice.

You nailed it. Better battery, brighter screen, same or even better camera and that's perfect.

Oh yeah, no notch or smaller iPhone like

 

[Roadstar]

So you folks think the 3XL beats the S10+??!!

I do think the 3XL display is the best I’ve ever seen for most purposes (except movie watching).

I can get amazing photos out of either one of them. It takes more work on the S10+ but I’ve been practicing on it. I definitely get the best audio recordings out of Samsung phones since S7Edge, S9+ and S10+. (S8 was a lemon).

I’m okay with either’s version of Android.

I haven’t decided between the two of them myself, not entirely. I just was curious what the opinions were here.

It seems to me people burn out on Samsung a lot in this forum. It starts out with mad love and then I see people saying they sold theirs. I find that interesting.

Well I just sold my Pixel 3 as I'm using my S10+ and have an iPhone 8 as a backup and for managing my son's 6s. The Pixel is awesome in many respects, but Bluetooth is still somewhat flaky and with the S10+ I get proper dual-SIM, double the RAM and goodies such as Linux on DeX (still in beta, though).

I thought about keeping the Pixel around just in case, but it felt wrong to keep it mostly in a drawer. A Pixel wants and needs to be used

 

[mackie8]

I am loving AOD...seriously don't know how I have used a phone without it.....
I used my Xs Max for a day...kept looking at it for the time and notifications.....all I got was a blank stare....

Haha same here.. when i used my s7 for more than a month i appreciate AOD more..

Im with pixel 3a now ... Im really amaze with this budget pixel..got it with $100 off so i think good deal....