Pixel 3/Pixel 3 XL

[slitherjef]

Hi , does anyone know how to move the Google search bar on the Pixel 3?

Probably going to need to install a different launcher to do so... And maybe some adb commands, there is a link regarding the pixel launcher a page or so back I posted you might want to check into to remove the built in gestures...the link might be relevant.

 

[840quadra]

Starting my tests of the 3 devices. Xs Max, pixel 2, and pixel 3. Overall I like the pixel 3, though I like the classic, dated, and low key feel the 2 offers.

Been impressed with the cameras on the 3, though it isn’t a clear win over the XS Max. IMO, as an overall system, it never will be. The video recording on the 3 is as unusable for me as the 2, stutters in recording when panning is something you can’t escape, which is frustrating for a flagship phone.

 

[Tig Bitties]

Swift Black theme on the 3 XL is a God send

Now in all the System and Google apps, you can't even tell there's a notch. Everything has a beautiful silky black look, and you just see the time in upper left and network info in upper right, and no idea there's even a notch in the middle as everything is black which totally hides the notch completely, but it's nice to see that info in the upper corners, makes the screen look like it goes all the way to the edge.

Look it up in the Play Store "Swift Black Substratum Theme"

 

[epicrayban]

Swift Black theme on the 3 XL is a God send

Now in all the System and Google apps, you can't even tell there's a notch. Everything has a beautiful silky black look, and you just see the time in upper left and network info in upper right, and no idea there's even a notch in the middle as everything is black which totally hides the notch completely, but it's nice to see that info in the upper corners, makes the screen look like it goes all the way to the edge.

Look it up in the Play Store "Swift Black Substratum Theme"

Honestly, if the XL had 6gb of RAM, I'd pick it over the smaller one. While I prefer smaller phones, I managed fine with the S9+ so I know I could size up. The Samsung screen would be nice to have and I'd simply use it with the notch disabled.

But they couldn't even give the XL 6gb of RAM.

 

[Tig Bitties]

Honestly, if the XL had 6gb of RAM, I'd pick it over the smaller one. While I prefer smaller phones, I managed fine with the S9+ so I know I could size up. The Samsung screen would be nice to have and I'd simply use it with the notch disabled.

But they couldn't even give the XL 6gb of RAM.

Yeah 6GB woulda been nice.

Heck if I was Google I'd go all out, to show everyone up, and prove they could build a real "flagship killer"

- 8GB RAM
- 4,000mAh battery
- Essential style notch, with speakers like the iPhone X or Note 9
- No bottom chin
- Sell at major carriers

That above running stock Android with direct updates from Google, would be a beast. And realistically not add much to the cost, maybe a bit more but nothing crazy. And then they could confidently justify the cost.

And then I woke up

 

[SapperMike]

Probably going to need to install a different launcher to do so... And maybe some adb commands, there is a link regarding the pixel launcher a page or so back I posted you might want to check into to remove the built in gestures...the link might be relevant.

thanks, also do you know how I might be able to change ringtones? Specifically, setting up a ringtone for different contacts, Etc. I have not use stock Android before but I am liking it, however, there are some things I cannot quite find how to do yet. I would like to change my notification sound for text vs emails.

 

[Tig Bitties]

thanks, also do you know how I might be able to change ringtones? Specifically, setting up a ringtone for different contacts, Etc. I have not use stock Android before but I am liking it, however, there are some things I cannot quite find how to do yet. I would like to change my notification sound for text vs emails.

I think you go into each app, and hit the little menu three dots or whatever they have for settings menu in that specific app. You should see something for Notifications, and then settings in there to change the sound.

For the text app "Messages" - in the app click three dot menu in upper right - Click Settings - Click Notifications - Click Advanced - Click Sound - pick your tune

 

[Lloydbm41]

iOS 11 was a mess because iOS 11 was a mess. Notice how this year they were able to make all of the phones faster? Yeah, it’s not hardware limitations that made iOS 11 suck.

It wasn't just iOS 11. The same thing happened with iOS10, 9, 8 and 7. They all dogged down older phones. Every wonder why so many people were calling Apple out for forcing people to upgrade their phones after 3 years? Because the OS killed older phones and made them a laggy mess. They spent a lot of time with iOS12 ensuring it would work well with older phones. The tradeoff was, we didn't get a new UI though.

 

[Michael Goff]

It wasn't just iOS 11. The same thing happened with iOS10, 9, 8 and 7. They all dogged down older phones. Every wonder why so many people were calling Apple out for forcing people to upgrade their phones after 3 years? Because the OS killed older phones and made them a laggy mess. They spent a lot of time with iOS12 ensuring it would work well with older phones. The tradeoff was, we didn't get a new UI though.

According to the leaked memo, the problem was that they didn’t actually focus on tightening up the system and was more focused on tentpole features. That’s apparently going to change.

 

[Ralfi]

The one thing I appreciate about the Android crowd is that we don't mind pointing out weak points on a product when they exist, hopefully Google is listening and will really knock it out of the park with the Pixel 4.

There is no generalised "we" when referring to Android or Apple crowds.

There are realists on both sides. & there are childish fan bois on both sides.

Stop trying to label everyone who doesn't use your brand of smartphone as inferior...

 

[torana355]

There is no generalised "we" when referring to Android or Apple crowds.

There are realists on both sides. & there are childish fan bois on both sides.

Stop trying to label everyone who doesn't use your brand of smartphone as inferior...

I beg to differ... It's incredibly rare to see someone who owns one being critical of any iPhone product. I really do feel like the Android crowd is more critical in general, no need to get so offended.

 

[raqball]

As a side note:

I am a huge fan of the Seidio Spring Clip Holsters for naked devices and I usually hunt high and low to find something similar that will fit when they don't specifically make one for the phone I have..

The hunt was on to find one for my Pixel 3 non XL and bingo on the 1st attempt!

Ordered this from Amazon (Encased clip holster for the OG Pixel)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...cUvbUpU6375477

Came yesterday and jackpot! It fits almost perfectly........

Happy camper as it was only $10...

 

[slitherjef]

Zach "clearing a few things up"...

I haven't watched the video yet but already this would be tempting to do if the insides look nice

 

[co.ag.2005]

Zach "clearing a few things up"...

I haven't watched the video yet but already this would be tempting to do if the insides look nice

pretty cool! I would like it to be more translucent though... kind of like that U12+ translucent back.

 

[Tsepz]

The RAM issue just keeps coming up for the Pixel 3 XL, it kept none of the apps open in this test to I hope Google sort this out ASAP.

 

[Awesomesince86]

There won’t be any sorting out. They’ll add some code so background apps that are currently running media will stay in memory but that’s it. Anything else will kill battery life and cause lag which they won’t let happen.

 

[Ralfi]

I beg to differ... It's incredibly rare to see someone who owns one being critical of any iPhone product. I really do feel like the Android crowd is more critical in general, no need to get so offended.

Well said, supreme being. Oh how I wish to evolve, as you have, into someone who's derogatory toward others, simply due to the smartphone they use.

Oh & look who's encouraging you, with their liking of your post.

 

[epicrayban]

I really hope the November patch addresses the RAM management issue.

So not only is 4GB RAM not enough, it appears Google's optimization is buggy. Double-whammy.

 

[Aneres11]

Zach "clearing a few things up"...

I haven't watched the video yet but already this would be tempting to do if the insides look nice

Ha, I just came to post that!
His vids are so satisfying to watch.

But if I attempted it, there'd be blood everywhere! Definitely be slicing through my finger(s)!

 

[slitherjef]

Ha, I just came to post that!
His vids are so satisfying to watch.

But if I attempted it, there'd be blood everywhere! Definitely be slicing through my finger(s)!

After watching the video, 1 The phone was definitely one of the better looking ones depainted and 2 I was a little bummed it took a lot of work to scrape the paint off unlike the heat gun approach some devices have.

A bit off topic: anyone remember pagers? You could get all kinds of shells for them, especially clear.

 

[Tig Bitties]

X-Level just came out with their Pixel 3 XL case. This was hands down the #1 case I had for my 2 XL, and had a ton of different cases. This X-Level case is super grippy almost sticky feeling in a good way, it's not slippery at all. It's very thin, but still protects the camera, and just barely has a top lip to go above the screen and protect it if laid flat down. I highly recommend.

https://www.amazon.com/X-Level-Comp...l+pixel+3+xl&qid=1540251018&sr=8-3&ref=sr_1_3

 

[epicrayban]

My Pixel 3 holds 5-6 apps opened. Nothing massively intensive. Same as my Pixel 2. What's everyone else getting?


I wonder what is going on with all these RAM stories. Even if this is all software, this is so bad for Google's image given the backlash of going with 4gb of RAM. It's kind of ironic. And it kind of serves them right.

Just like having to get out of the shadow of bad Pixel 2 XL displays during last year's launch, they now have this.

How embarrassing for Google. And for Android.

There's no denying 6gb of RAM would have at least made this less of an issue. And it would have made it immediately clear that this was on the software side.

Once again, we have to blame Google's hardware decisions here.

Can't wait to see what Google's response is to all this...

 

[840quadra]

One odd thing that has been a bit of a hidden feature, is using the front wide angle camera to take normal non selfie photos. I have been taking reasonably good pictures of establishments, applying a bit of 'pop' and posting them to maps.

My shots have taken over as 'profile pictires' at a few establishments using this method. While it lacks the quality of the front camera, it offers a good enough shot for maps.



Front facing camera at low light. 50% pop


Hand feel on the pixel 2 is slightly better than my favorite felling iPhone ever, the matte black iPhone 7. The pixel has nice balance, bigger screen, multi tasking , better camera, and is a bit faster than that older phone.

The 3 feels more premium without a case as compared to the 2, though I still enjoy the hand feel of the 2 as well.

 

[epicrayban]

The Pixel 3 feels super comfortable in the hand. I love it's form factor.
[doublepost=1540266392][/doublepost]The latest:

Android Kernel developer Nathan Chancellor (of Flash Kernel fame), thinks he might have an idea about the potential cause of these multitasking woes, and it isn't lack of memory. Apparently, Google switched up how it handled low-memory states by using something called lmkd, and it could be a bit too aggressive at killing apps. There's also a potential kernel memory leak that could be a contributing factor.

 

[Awesomesince86]

I have one more day in my 14 day return window for my XS Plus. I’m tempted to return it and try the Pixel just to see how bad the issues being mentioned really are. Nah, I’ll probably just return it and wait for the OnePlus 6t. My only worry there is camera quality.