Pixel 3/Pixel 3 XL

[Blaze4G]

• OnePlus is too sketchy to me. They had the bootloader exposed with the 6 when I tried it out. Screen wasn't bad, but it didn't look too great in night mode to me. Camera performance is alright at best.
• Google has the QC issues, RAM limitations, and generic design.
• Samsung has the crappy curved edges, bloatware, inconsistent update schedule.
• HTC lost its luster and charges crazy rates for their phones.
• LG doesn't support its products well enough.
• Sony is overpriced even though they have good products.
• TCL/Blackberry make some interesting products, but again, expensive for what they're offering including the Key2 LE.
• Xiaomi doesn't have the LTE bands for T-Mobile, if not their phones would be a slamdunk choice.
• Huawei is treating its customers worse now with the bootloader locking issues. Not too thrilled with the Chinese OEMs much to begin with.
• Motorola is great, but their products are Verizon friendly primarily. I would definitely consider a Z3 if it were more readily available. But Moto G6 is definitely a top choice for me at the budget line.
• Nokia has made a strong resurgence. However, their models are not readily available. If you gave me something like the 6.1 Plus, I would go with that in all likelihood.
• Android doesn't offer something that is guaranteed updates beyond 3 years w/ strong customer service and reliability.

Hence, why I am really looking at iOS/Apple for the 3 year window of owning a smartphone. The A12 processor is rumored to even have a 10% advantage over the A11, which is miles ahead of Qualcomm. FaceID hasn't been matched as well as I was hopping from Android either.

Basically, with the 6.1" LCD iPhone, I think I am getting this: a decent camera w/ OIS, sufficient RAM to last me 3 years, FaceID biometrics, a new form factor that Apple will embrace for years to come.

My head is saying to go with the 6.1" LCD model due to economics. However, it makes more sense to get the iPhone XS because it is more future proof w/ 4gb RAM, dual cameras, OLED tech, and what not.

Agreed with most of your points of the draw backs of each Android manufacturer.

I couldn't switch to Apple. Main reason is price, notch and just my preference to android. I forgot to mention I just can't have a notch on my phone so that reduces my options. I could possibly go with a phone that has software to eliminate the notch but I would rather not.

Qualcomm did say there new processor for 2019 on 7nm architecture will be on par with Apples A12, so I am tempted to hold out for 2019 cause that would be a huge leap from the 845 if true.

 

[JaySoul]

What does a dodgy week entail?

It just got super laggy, no idea why. This was a couple of weeks after that MKBHD video.

I restarted it, uninstalled a few old apps.... And it's back to normal.

 

[nviz22]

That just further illustrates that Google is falling painfully behind on many different hardware fronts.

Man, are they being cheap.

If I go bleeding edge, it would have to be OnePlus 6T tbh. But I won't touch a OnePlus product as of now. Planning to go iPhone.
[doublepost=1535728736][/doublepost]

Agreed with most of your points of the draw backs of each Android manufacturer.

I couldn't switch to Apple. Main reason is price, notch and just my preference to android. I forgot to mention I just can't have a notch on my phone so that reduces my options. I could possibly go with a phone that has software to eliminate the notch but I would rather not.

Qualcomm did say there new processor for 2019 on 7nm architecture will be on par with Apples A12, so I am tempted to hold out for 2019 cause that would be a huge leap from the 845 if true.

Seems like Samsung is probably the best non-notch hardware option around. I prefer Android over iOS as well in terms of form and function. iOS just has better core functionality, yet it has horrendous form. I am hoping Siri Shortcuts can make it smarter and more intuitive.
[doublepost=1535728811][/doublepost]

It just got super laggy, no idea why. This was a couple of weeks after that MKBHD video.

I restarted it, uninstalled a few old apps.... And it's back to normal.

Seems like Google has software compatibility issues with older apps, which is probably on the developer to update their apps to get the latest software capability?

 

[epicrayban]

If I go bleeding edge, it would have to be OnePlus 6T tbh. But I won't touch a OnePlus product as of now. Planning to go iPhone.

iOS still keeps me away from the iPhone. When iOS is ready to adapt to me, I'll be ready to switch back.

The notch design doesn't help either. It may be one of the best notch designs of all notches (though the OnePlus 6 gives it a run for its money, and the 6T could be even cooler with the teardrop notch), but it's still a notch. And it's not just bad design, it also means no Touch ID or any type of fingerprint reader. Face ID is a bit too slow for me. Maybe the second generation Face ID will be faster.

Sounds like the iPhone is a good fit for you. The LCD iPhone this year that you're interested is rumored to maintain the first-gen Face ID, where the OLED iPhones will have second-gen Face ID. Another reason to go for the XS models maybe...

 

[nviz22]

iOS still keeps me away from the iPhone. When iOS is ready to adapt to me, I'll be ready to switch back.

The notch design doesn't help either. It may be one of the best notch designs of all notches (though the OnePlus 6 gives it a run for its money, and the 6T could be even cooler with the teardrop notch), but it's still a notch. And it's not just bad design, it also means no Touch ID or any type of fingerprint reader. Face ID is a bit too slow for me. Maybe the second generation Face ID will be faster.

Sounds like the iPhone is a good fit for you. The LCD iPhone this year that you're interested is rumored to maintain the first-gen Face ID, where the OLED iPhones will have second-gen Face ID. Another reason to go for the XS models maybe...

Yep, I came to the realization that I really favor cleaner software and longevity more over than switching from phone to phone as a hobby. It's highly difficult economically speaking. I prefer Android for features, but the core functions work slightly better for me on iOS. It also helps that apps work better, especially snapchat.

I was thinking about the XS models as well. However, I have to think about bills and rent if I want to just get something to work for me down the road. If T-Mobile is generous with its trade in offers, I might swing for the XS. I am anticipating about $300-$400 for the 8+ via trade in at launch. That would make the LCD model $300-$400 for me. It's a nice stinger there. Though, I would gladly trade in my 8+ in for the 2017 X free on contract if that were an option.

 

[epicrayban]

I really hope the regular 3 isn't wider than the Pixel 2.

Say what you will about Samsung's curved edge designs but they make one handed use much easier cause the width of the device is smaller. That's really the main victory with their curved panels, ergonomics.

 

[Michael Goff]

Imagine if the Pixel 3 had amazing haptics. I want haptics as good as the iPhone.

 

[Cryates]

No Pixel watch for anyone who had hope.

https://m.androidcentral.com/no-goo...tw_card&utm_content=69302&utm_campaign=social

 

[nviz22]

No Pixel watch for anyone who had hope.

https://m.androidcentral.com/no-goo...tw_card&utm_content=69302&utm_campaign=social

I like how my gamble to go with the Apple Watch worked out in my favor. Seems like no 3D facial recognition either in the Pixel this year.

Google blundered its hardware positioning a bit this year.

 

[epicrayban]

I was wrong. Pixel Watch won't be the focus. That really makes the Pixel 3 updates feel even weaker.

Google doesn't have much to show...

 

[Ralfi]

What a letdown - even the smaller Pixel 3 has all that unsightly bezel on top/bottom. Makes it look very dated next to just about every other Android phone.

Really wanted Google to be the front runner for Android this year...

 

[Macalicious2011]

What a letdown - even the smaller Pixel 3 has all that unsightly bezel on top/bottom. Makes it look very dated next to just about every other Android phone.

Really wanted Google to be the front runner for Android this year...

It’s unfortunate isn’t it? From a hardware point of view I haven’t read anything impressive about the new pixels.

The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL don’t exactly pull you in my their design and look a bit behind. As you said, many of new Android phones utterly embarrass the P3 and XL.

4K video at 60fps would be a very sweet upgrade.

Basically, with the 6.1" LCD iPhone, I think I am getting this: a decent camera w/ OIS, sufficient RAM to last me 3 years, FaceID biometrics, a new form factor that Apple will embrace for years to come.

The biggest compromise of the 6.1” iPhone will be the camera.

It will likely have the same optics as the iPhone 8 which just acceptable. It’s fine if you don’t take many photos but for me the phone is my main camera so the iPhone 8 camera quality wouldn’t satisfy me in 2018 let alone in 2021.

 

[Cryates]

Tbh most folks buying a Pixel are doing it for the software experience and support, not for bleeding edge design. That doesn't give Google a pass for the 3 XL design, but plenty of users will be happy with the smaller Pixel 3 design.

 

[nviz22]

It’s unfortunate isn’t it? From a hardware point of view I haven’t read anything impressive about the new pixels.

The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL don’t exactly pull you in my their design and look a bit behind. As you said, many of new Android phones utterly embarrass the P3 and XL.

4K video at 60fps would be a very sweet upgrade.



The biggest compromise of the 6.1” iPhone will be the camera.

It will likely have the same optics as the iPhone 8 which just acceptable. It’s fine if you don’t take many photos but for me the phone is my main camera so the iPhone 8 camera quality wouldn’t satisfy me in 2018 let alone in 2021.

Definitely expecting the camera to be very slightly above average. Though, you can make the argument I can get a Huawei phone with a better camera than the 8?

I might just spring a bit more $ towards the XS to futureproof myself further. When I was on vacation, my family preferred to use my 8+ for photos rather than other devices. Having a good camera is important to me, which is why the Pixel 3 was in the running for my next phone.

 

[Macalicious2011]

Definitely expecting the camera to be very slightly above average. Though, you can make the argument I can get a Huawei phone with a better camera than the 8?

The 6.1 LCD will be Apples mid-range phone and they won't let it cannibalise the flagship phones. It will use iPhone 8 internals but have a cheaper manufacturing process while negating the need to produce two phone sizes.

Some customers might not care whether a phone has OLED or LCD but camera performance is the tangible area which Apple will use to ensure that customers don't think they can get the nearly-best iPhone by paying $650 instead of $900-1000. Apple will still want to maintain a high average sell price.

When the XS launch, the X will still be available for sale so you could buy that one.

 

[nviz22]

Sadly the iPhone line is so fragmented that there are compromising devices at the lower tier price points and there isn't enough to warranty spending ludicrous sums of $.

Ideally, I would like an OLED iPhone XS w/4gb RAM, A12 processor, dual cameras (same rear unit as the XS+ and safe exact features), Band 71 LTE, faster quick charge and wireless charging. Anything else would be icing on the cake, right?

Though, the biggest thing that would put me in a bind is a Band 71 LTE frequency with the iPhone 6.1 LCD over the iPhone X.

If all is equal in price, I would buy the X over the LCD model since the OLED screen and cameras are better than the LCD model in all likelihood.

My goal is to spend $300 or less after trading in my iPhone 8+.

 

[Lava Lamp Freak]

What a letdown - even the smaller Pixel 3 has all that unsightly bezel on top/bottom. Makes it look very dated next to just about every other Android phone.

Really wanted Google to be the front runner for Android this year...

While it's not as thin as Samsung bezels, it doesn't look bad to me. It looks the same to me as the new Sony Xperia XZ3, which is a nice looking device.

 

[Macalicious2011]

My goal is to spend $300 or less after trading in my iPhone 8+.

Hopefully the Pixel 3 will have photo and video capabilities good enough for us to overlook the design. The back in white remind me of front of the 3rd generation iPod.

 

[nviz22]

Hopefully the Pixel 3 will have photo and video capabilities good enough for us to overlook the design. The back in white remind me of front of the 3rd generation iPod.

Front design looks fine to me. Rear won't bother me too much given I put cases on phones.

 

[tonybarnaby]

Not gonna read all 32 pages, but is there an estimate on prices for these phones? 6T has me ready to get back into android, but that depends on pixel pricing.

 

[nviz22]

Not gonna read all 32 pages, but is there an estimate on prices for these phones? 6T has me ready to get back into android, but that depends on pixel pricing.

I read somewhere $649-$699 is the expected Pixel 3 price point. OnePlus 6T could be north of $530 considering it's better than the 6 and T-Mobile will be the one offering it as a carrier exclusive in the US. So you're going to possibly get a better deal with the 6T, especially under a T-Mobile deal.

 

[tonybarnaby]

I read somewhere $649-$699 is the expected Pixel 3 price point. OnePlus 6T could be north of $530 considering it's better than the 6 and T-Mobile will be the one offering it as a carrier exclusive in the US. So you're going to possibly get a better deal with the 6T, especially under a T-Mobile deal.

Regardless, I would only buy it unlocked from oneplus. I also have seen V30 new going for under $400, and that quad dac is life changing!

 

[nviz22]

Regardless, I would only buy it unlocked from oneplus. I also have seen V30 new going for under $400, and that quad dac is life changing!

V30 for about $400 is too much imo. The V35 is on sale on Swappa around $450 sometimes. I would pay $250-$300 brand new for the V30 considering its almost a year old.

Idk if OnePlus will sell the 6T factory unlocked in the US online since T-Mobile has an exclusivity agreement.

 

[widgeteer]

Sadly the iPhone line is so fragmented that there are compromising devices at the lower tier price points and there isn't enough to warranty spending ludicrous sums of $.

Ideally, I would like an OLED iPhone XS w/4gb RAM, A12 processor, dual cameras (same rear unit as the XS+ and safe exact features), Band 71 LTE, faster quick charge and wireless charging. Anything else would be icing on the cake, right?

Though, the biggest thing that would put me in a bind is a Band 71 LTE frequency with the iPhone 6.1 LCD over the iPhone X.

If all is equal in price, I would buy the X over the LCD model since the OLED screen and cameras are better than the LCD model in all likelihood.

My goal is to spend $300 or less after trading in my iPhone 8+.

Increasingly my biggest problem with iPhone is charging. It's just too friggin slow. I even bought the "upgraded" charging package and it's faster than an iPad charger but not by much. Whereas if you've used a Sammy or any modern Android flagship, it's ridiculous how much faster they charge. This is an area where Apple has zero excuses.

 

[nviz22]

Increasingly my biggest problem with iPhone is charging. It's just too friggin slow. I even bought the "upgraded" charging package and it's faster than an iPad charger but not by much. Whereas if you've used a Sammy or any modern Android flagship, it's ridiculous how much faster they charge. This is an area where Apple has zero excuses.

I am using a 29W charger with USB C to Lightning. It's a tad bit slower, but not by much. Then again, I only charge my phone at night or when I have crazy days of usage. OLED could help with a 6.5" display and beefier battery.

I also want faster charging too. Apple has to step it up, no doubt about it.