Here is my mini review and a large wall of text for the Pixel 3XL (if anyone cares
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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.