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Ralfi

macrumors 601
Dec 22, 2016
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Australia
The pixel has never been about that though? It's been about the best of what Android can offer in terms of software. The hardware has never been revolutionary.
I'm not concerned with how they normally go about things.

Just had hopes they'd be a bit more daring, aesthetically.
 

jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
16,073
19,070
US
The Nexus program, yes, but I disagree regarding the Pixel line. Google has pushed their Pixel line front and center to consumers and priced it accordingly. I saw more commercials or advertisements for the initial Pixel phones than I ever saw for the entirety of the Nexus line over 7 generations. Google wants the Pixel to be a genuine iPhone/Galaxy competitor, are at least is halfheartedly trying to position it that way.

And I don't want revolutionary, just want competent, focused hardware. There have been compromises every year and if these rumors are genuine, looks like it will continue. Especially if it once again continues to be a Verizon exclusive in the US.

Google, make us believe you actually give a ****, for once.
We can agree to disagree then. I think the Pixel 2 is focused and very competent. But I do agree the Pixel line does come with hardware compromises. That goes back to my post you quoted. Hardware is not Googles focus. They want to release competent hardware to showcase their software.

Then just because they choose to advertise should not be held against them. I think the Pixel 2 is a bonafide competitor for the iPhone and Android flagships. It has a great blend of competent hardware and great software to provide a great user experience. That is what Google is ultimately providing, competent hardware and software designed for that hardware to blend a great user experience.

Hardware is not and never will be their focus...they are a services and software company first.
 
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tbayrgs

macrumors 604
Jul 5, 2009
7,467
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We can agree to disagree then. I think the Pixel 2 is focused and very competent. But I do agree the Pixel line does come with hardware compromises. That goes back to my post you quoted. Hardware is not Googles focus. They want to release competent hardware to showcase their software.

Then just because they choose to advertise should not be held against them. I think the Pixel 2 is a bonafide competitor for the iPhone and Android flagships. It has a great blend of competent hardware and great software to provide a great user experience. That is what Google is ultimately providing, competent hardware and software designed for that hardware to blend a great user experience.

Hardware is not and never will be their focus...they are a services and software company first.

I had prepared a long response but after reading, you're right, agree to disagree. :p
 
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jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
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I had prepared a long response but after reading, you're right, agree to disagree. :p
Thank you @tbayrgs . We don't always agree on things and see ourselves on opposite points allot of the time. But I respect your opinion and POV. I also respect that you are always a respectful poster. Wish we all could be that way here on these forums...myself included o_O. thanks!
 
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nviz22

Cancelled
Original poster
Jun 24, 2013
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For the sake of keeping the price sensible, 4GB RAM is fine. The iPhone 8 only has 2GB and iPhone 10 4GB. The S8 Plus has 6GB with little material difference in everyday usage.

iPhone X has 3gb RAM, which some feel isn't enough. If the Blackberry Key Two has 6gb RAM at $649, what does that tell you? What about the OnePlus 6 w/ 6gb at $530 or 8gb at $570? There are other lower cost mid-tier or lesser discussed brands offering 6gb RAM at lower price points. It's not about what makes a difference for the user. It's what allows Google to be competitive because it weakens their unique value proposition if they do not have specs similar to the Notes of the world. It might not make a difference to the average person, but iJustine/MKBHD/Mr.Mobile all have huge followings of people interested in purchasing smartphones. Why give reviewers room to critique you negatively?

I am fine with 4gb, I am just saying that it is a lesser selling point when the prices will go up on the Pixel line. Others here say they are disappointed the Pixel 3 doesn't have dual cameras on the rear either.
 

Ralfi

macrumors 601
Dec 22, 2016
4,373
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Australia
Even if it looked like the Zenfone 5Z it'd be ok, but because of Google's desperation to emphasize/improve the front facing speakers, they've amplified the chin/notch to ugly proportions.
 
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epicrayban

macrumors 604
Nov 7, 2014
6,517
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Continuing with front facing speakers is a mistake, I agree. There are better ways to have dual speakers that allow for a better front design.

The bezels on the Pixel 2 XL are still pretty ugly, IMO.
 

Macalicious2011

macrumors 68000
May 15, 2011
1,860
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London
iPhone X has 3gb RAM, which some feel isn't enough. If the Blackberry Key Two has 6gb RAM at $649, what does that tell you? What about the OnePlus 6 w/ 6gb at $530 or 8gb at $570? There are other lower cost mid-tier or lesser discussed brands offering 6gb RAM at lower price points. It's not about what makes a difference for the user. It's what allows Google to be competitive because it weakens their unique value proposition if they do not have specs similar to the Notes of the world. It might not make a difference to the average person, but iJustine/MKBHD/Mr.Mobile all have huge followings of people interested in purchasing smartphones. Why give reviewers room to critique you negatively?

I am fine with 4gb, I am just saying that it is a lesser selling point when the prices will go up on the Pixel line. Others here say they are disappointed the Pixel 3 doesn't have dual cameras on the rear either.

MKBHD has been speaking glowing about the Pixel 2XL and has several times said that it has the best camera despite having only having one lens versus 2 for the X and 3 for the P20 Pro. It's also been his daily driver and he has never mentioned that its RAM limits usage. Don't other android phone run more to account resource consumption by the skin on top of android?

However I hear you. Progress matters and if specs stagnate customers could feel like they are not getting value for money.

A price raise is highly unlikely though.

The bezels on the Pixel 2 XL are still pretty ugly, IMO.

They are indeed and if you use anything other than a thin skin, the phone feels huge!
 

Ralfi

macrumors 601
Dec 22, 2016
4,373
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Australia
Continuing with front facing speakers is a mistake, I agree. There are better ways to have dual speakers that allow for a better front design.

The bezels on the Pixel 2 XL are still pretty ugly, IMO.
There's nothing wrong with the X's stereo speakers. They're rated as some of the best, along with other phones that have one speaker on the front & one of the bottom edge.

Google appears to have placed symmetrical aesthetics (form) over function...resulting in a dated design & a large form factor. If they're now going to restrict markets where the Pixel 3 will be sold, it may not reflect well in sales... we'll see.
 
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nviz22

Cancelled
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Jun 24, 2013
5,277
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MKBHD has been speaking glowing about the Pixel 2XL and has several times said that it has the best camera despite having only having one lens versus 2 for the X and 3 for the P20 Pro. It's also been his daily driver and he has never mentioned that its RAM limits usage. Don't other android phone run more to account resource consumption by the skin on top of android?

However I hear you. Progress matters and if specs stagnate customers could feel like they are not getting value for money.

A price raise is highly unlikely though.



They are indeed and if you use anything other than a thin skin, the phone feels huge!

I just gave a few examples. Other names could be inserted, like DetroitBorg or Erica Griffin. But for the Pixel 3 XL to be $849+ w/ only 4gb RAM? Doesn't set a similar playing field to others. I doubt the those who are upset over the RAM quantity could do much besides just spend their $ elsewhere. I am fine with 4gb of RAM considering I would be likely getting a deal through my carrier. I am about to see how my Pixel OG holds up with the 821 and 4gb RAM in 2018.
[doublepost=1528577657][/doublepost]
Looking better here.

Gotto lol at some reactions. They just don't want it to look like an iPhone. They're not even considering the benefits a notch brings. Got the blinkers on...The anti-Apple brigade are in the business of hating eh...gotto earn a living somehow. :D

Still don't think it will have dual cameras, at least imo.
 

cuzo

macrumors 65816
Sep 23, 2012
1,069
249
Your OG pixel should last you for a few more years I wouldn't sorry about ram with Google phones since it's optimized pretty well.

Wait on the 3 before you do anything. Pass on the one plus that's just a phrase that wears off quick.
 

nviz22

Cancelled
Original poster
Jun 24, 2013
5,277
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Your OG pixel should last you for a few more years I wouldn't sorry about ram with Google phones since it's optimized pretty well.

Wait on the 3 before you do anything. Pass on the one plus that's just a phrase that wears off quick.

Well, not sure about a few more years due to the nature of the internals and battery being almost 2 years old. Definitely something I can use for another 6-12 months. I have an option to add one of those eBay warranties for $30 too.

For a nearly 2 year old device, it is pretty fluid. I notice a hiccup or two with apps downloading during set up. For $150 (rebate included with purchase), it really is hard to complain about this device since it does what I need to really well. For once, I am pleasantly surprised with a refurb I took a chance on.
 

epicrayban

macrumors 604
Nov 7, 2014
6,517
5,353
Used the Pixel 2 for some portrait shots over the weekend and I am doubling down that a single camera doesn't do the trick. It often blurs incorrectly, where parts of subjects in the foreground get blurred, like an arm that's slightly more behind the other arm because the person is standing at the slightest angle.

It's impressive Google can do any portrait shots at all with a single camera and software, but it doesn't mean it's good. Or as good as a second camera could get it. The S9+ didn't have any issues with blurring the background and leaving the subject -- in full -- in the foreground in focus.

The Pixel 3 really should have a second camera. For many reasons.
 
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Tsepz

macrumors 601
Jan 24, 2013
4,888
4,698
Johannesburg, South Africa
Used the Pixel 2 for some portrait shots over the weekend and I am doubling down that a single camera doesn't do the trick. It often blurs incorrectly, where parts of subjects in the foreground get blurred, like an arm that's slightly more behind the other arm because the person is standing at the slightest angle.

It's impressive Google can do any portrait shots at all with a single camera and software, but it doesn't mean it's good. Or as good as a second camera could get it. The S9+ didn't have any issues with blurring the background and leaving the subject -- in full -- in the foreground in focus.

The Pixel 3 really should have a second camera. For many reasons.
I worry that there is almost a "Dumbification" going on in Android where something will ONLY be considered necessary when Google implements it like we saw with Apple and the iPhone.

The same people who claim a Second camera is not needed will be clamouring for it when Google release a phone with it, it's strange times that we are in but I am seeing it more and more in Android circles now.

Samsung and Huawei will implement a feature for example, and there will be this group that sort of lift their noses, denounce it and say it is not at all needed and then when Google do it in a new Pixel, they are all about it. I remember when PIP multitasking was seen as unnecessary...
 

Macalicious2011

macrumors 68000
May 15, 2011
1,860
1,969
London
Used the Pixel 2 for some portrait shots over the weekend and I am doubling down that a single camera doesn't do the trick. It often blurs incorrectly, where parts of subjects in the foreground get blurred, like an arm that's slightly more behind the other arm because the person is standing at the slightest angle.

It's impressive Google can do any portrait shots at all with a single camera and software, but it doesn't mean it's good. Or as good as a second camera could get it. The S9+ didn't have any issues with blurring the background and leaving the subject -- in full -- in the foreground in focus.

The Pixel 3 really should have a second camera. For many reasons.

My biggest annoyance is that portrait mode doesn't work on objects!

I would welcome a 2nd telephoto lens. If the Pixel 4 in 2019 has one it will be an instant buy.

Other than that 8 out of 10 portrait shots of my constantly-on-the-move 2 year old are very good.



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jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
16,073
19,070
US
My biggest annoyance is that portrait mode doesn't work on objects!

I would welcome a 2nd telephoto lens. If the Pixel 4 in 2019 has one it will be an instant buy.

Other than that 8 out of 10 portrait shots of my constantly-on-the-move toddler are very good.



Vy7y98qAcCZdNVWzyE5w4DunvfDfh1rZ0pDFvcb0dQ1w4JZea_8yjj1c1INTRLkFcnCcQIyJz3kC4bzTQfzj2NdMKGwZSHJiQXxNQVqVgo1f0nPSpOgAksUvfEvABwD6A7VrKbtznjo
DzR5pFNKHkWwTsZaURGu_l7FhjyPYj_4Nk46cYaRmw5CmI68qa2WVawav40riHibN0N4fkSgwU_nweJSflU8qWbZ-baa6vkrsxGluk6TECtKqBrC62EksnK3Vgdn8_pRUgLQPJ2zUHY
That is one cute kid! Beautiful :)
 

Aneres11

macrumors 601
Oct 2, 2011
4,353
9,551
I think I would second guess buying one of these if there is only one lens again.
I know I know. Stupid, as we know the Pixel 2 camera is probably still the best out there, and the 3 will likely be even better... but I just can't understand why they would not add a second lens.

More than anything, I love optical zoom at 2x. It really comes in handy and I miss it when it isn't there on other phones I used after having a phone with it.

For as good as the Pixel line is, I do feel like Google needs to give a little bit more. If these leaks are anything to go by, they are hardly changing the formula at all and are seemingly leaving the big changes to the software with P's new look and gesture controls.

Sometimes I feel like they're a bit safe with their hardware and if they're going to push out another more of the same design they need to make sure they don't have any issues like their 2 current models have seen. The overheating on my Pixels and blue tint on the XL's has been pretty crippling.
 

Macalicious2011

macrumors 68000
May 15, 2011
1,860
1,969
London
I know I know. Stupid, as we know the Pixel 2 camera is probably still the best out there, and the 3 will likely be even better... but I just can't understand why they would not add a second lens.

Totally. I would certainly be hesitant to sign a 2 year contract in October for a phone with only one lens.

As a consolation I hope the pixel 3 film 4k at 60p with butter smooth image stabilisation.

That is one cute kid! Beautiful :)

Thanks!
 
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akuma13

macrumors 6502a
Jan 10, 2006
934
430
With the leaks being underwhelming as it is. I think i’ll stick with my pixel 2xl and not bother upgrading. Maybe i’ll spend money i don’t have on a new iphone 5se.
 
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