Don't forget Google maps and digital assistant. I just think their AI is much better than anything else out there right now.
But IMHO they are far behind in the smart watch space.
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Pixel 7 / Pixel 7 Pro
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But IMHO they are far behind in the smart watch space.
Yeah, GMaps and GA is just way ahead of everybody else but I do think Apple has the better and more polished ecosystem when you combine the Macs, iPhone's, iPad's, Airpods, Apple Arcade and now its own streaming service. Google bailed out on its gaming service and really doesn't produce TV shows or movies like Apple.
And Apple is just better tying everything together. I can easily setup my Apple TV box with my iPad. I tried setting up my Chromecast with my Pixel phone and it just wasn't as smooth an experience. So kudos to Apple.
As much as I love my Pixel 7 Pro it is not nearly as well integrated as Apple devices. Google has had a bad history of half @ssing things. I had a Google Chrome Tablet and then they discontinued it. Where is the new Google Chromebook? Discontinued or cancelled for this year. They did the same thing with the Nexus tablets back in the day.
I love Android but the only OEM with a similar ecosystem to Apple is by far and away Samsung. They have their own windows laptops, watch, tablets, buds and phone and they all work well together. Not as good as Apple but very close. Google is not even close. And Chromebooks are great but I want integration on my PC, tablet and phone as good as Apple devices and they are just not even close.
There should be a Google tablet released next year. If Google actually made the link to phone app in Microsoft officially supported and gave the same features that Samsung devices do then I would feel a lot different. Google is currently trying to cut back and save money but in order for them to make money they need to invest in things that sell as well as their services. They seem to be headed in that direction with YouTubeTV and Music but they need to get the software working easily with multiple devices seamlessly and keep up developing tensor and making better and better phones. Don't start things and then suddenly abandon them. That is a recipe for failure. That is why we don't have a Windows phone because Microsoft just gave up. If you are going to go in and try to be a market leader you need to keep trying until you get something people like instead of trying and giving up after one or two tries.
So we will see. Pixel phone, pixel watch, pixel tablet, and now we just need Windows integration or a PixelBook that truly delivers a desktop computing experience that rivals a Mac or PC which I don't see happening any time soon.
I love Android but the only OEM with a similar ecosystem to Apple is by far and away Samsung. They have their own windows laptops, watch, tablets, buds and phone and they all work well together. Not as good as Apple but very close. Google is not even close. And Chromebooks are great but I want integration on my PC, tablet and phone as good as Apple devices and they are just not even close.
There should be a Google tablet released next year. If Google actually made the link to phone app in Microsoft officially supported and gave the same features that Samsung devices do then I would feel a lot different. Google is currently trying to cut back and save money but in order for them to make money they need to invest in things that sell as well as their services. They seem to be headed in that direction with YouTubeTV and Music but they need to get the software working easily with multiple devices seamlessly and keep up developing tensor and making better and better phones. Don't start things and then suddenly abandon them. That is a recipe for failure. That is why we don't have a Windows phone because Microsoft just gave up. If you are going to go in and try to be a market leader you need to keep trying until you get something people like instead of trying and giving up after one or two tries.
So we will see. Pixel phone, pixel watch, pixel tablet, and now we just need Windows integration or a PixelBook that truly delivers a desktop computing experience that rivals a Mac or PC which I don't see happening any time soon.
Comparing ram on iOS vs android is not a good argument though. It’s been proven over and over that iOS requires less ram to get the same performance to their android counterparts. If another company made an IOS phone that had more ram and got better performance I would have the same criticism of Apple. But the early Pixels could only hold a few apps in memory. I even had issues on the Pixel 3 where Spotify playing music in the background would get killed by the OS due to lack of ram.
Biometrics are way more important on phones than on tablets in my opinion because they are opened far more times in a day. With that said, I also have a tab s7 plus and I owned a Pixel 6 Pro. The optical scanner on the S7 Plus is 100x better than the one on the 6 Pro. It was unacceptable Pixel 6s shipped with that crap.
As far as Google copying Apples lineup, I never said anything about copying their focus or development style. The article was about Google mirroring Apples lineup in terms of number of phones offered and in what price segments. If they decide to copy the iPhone lineup which is (SE, regular iPhone, pro series) then they are going to need to have flagship level phones in the pro offerings. IMO, Google have not delivered flagship level phones in terms of hardware when compared to Samsung or Apple. They just haven’t. I don’t even think that’s a debatable.
That is not a good argument either for iOS or iPadOS. I remember getting low memory errors logged on my iPad and came on this forum and was told no those errors are not because of low memory. Say What!?
I can tell you my experience with iOS devices since 2010. They stink when it comes to memory. My iPad with 3GB of RAM will reload Safari pages if I have more than 3 tabs open and JavaScript+Cookies are enabled. I even watched as I was typing a message on a forum just reload and I lost everything on an iPad.
I have NEVER once encountered that on an Android device phone or tablet with at least 2GB of memory. That has been my experience. So no I respect your opinion but don't agree with what you say that iOS and iPadOS can operate with less RAM, better than Android. If I were to get another iPad, I would make sure it had at least 8GB of memory.
As far I know, you tend to focus on Google cutting corners, but you missing the most essential part about it... which is the price.
Pixel 7 Pro starts at $900, whereas Apple starts at $1k (14 Pro) and Samsung at $1050 (S22U). Tbh, they didn't cut any corners... it's priced reasonable well compared to what it has to offer. But IMO, Google looked to undercut the competition in an effort to attract buyers (which makes sense).
I'm sure if the hardware problems you listed was addressed... it would be priced higher.
Biometrics are important but let's be honest they are there as a fast and easy way to log into your device.
That being said the optical fingerprint scanner on the Pixel 7 series is both accurate and reliable as well as secure. It works as securely as FaceID on iOS.
Since Apple does not include a fingerprint sensor all you have is FaceID. FaceID is really great and I wish Android would add such a secure face unlock method but for now on Android devices the secure unlock function is fingerprint. But on Android devices you can a quick and easy added Face Unlock as well as a more secure fingerprint sensor. If I had to choose only one way I would rather have a fingerprint and Face Unlock rather than only FaceID. I wish Apple included both.
To your last paragraph which gets a little wonky when you say it is not even debatable that Google has not delivered a flagship level device close to Samsung or Apple I don't even know what you are talking about? Of course they have. They do have an SE it is the a series. Pixel 6a had some of the best cameras on any device! Try the SE camera compared to Pixel 6a. Not even close. 6a was on sale for $299. Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are flagship level phones made with premium materials and fit and finish. They offer all of the features found in any Flagship.
Let's take the iPhone 14 for example running a15 processor, 60hz screen, notch, and premium glass and aluminum frame. The Pixel 7 costs $100 less has a 90hz screen, has the same Tensor G2 as the Pro not old Tensor from last year. Has a better display than last year.
Or let's look at the Pixel 7 Pro vs the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Same screen size. Both have 120hz screen, both have latest processor and highest available ram. Both have excellent cameras but you get 5x optical zoom on Pixel vs 3x on iPhone. Both have camera cutout but the pill shape is ugly on the 14, both have long battery life, both have stereo speakers and wireless charging and I know Pixel has reverse wireless charging, both have Always On Display, both have premium build although even though I don't like the added weight will give Apple a slight advantage for stainless steel.
So what is missing on the Pixel 7 Pro? You might say well the screen isn't the latest gen or the fingerprint sensor is not ultrasonic. But do those things actually affect performance or screen quality? No they don't.
So then you are getting essentially the same amount of features BUT Pixel is $200 less and if you took advantage of recent sales it was $350 less. $350 is a lot of money.
So please tell me what is missing that makes the Pixel not a flagship phone?
If we compare to Samsung the ultra is $1200 you get two extra features which are more cameras and spen. Are those worth the $300 or $450 extra for the features?
Honestly other than your opinion what makes the Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro not flagship devices. Please give me some features it is missing? We didn't even talk software which Pixel has a few features not available on any other smartphone.
You guys keep latching on to certain things I’m saying out of context of the original argument.
First, you guys all have a short memory when it comes to Google. They’ve cut corners on hardware literally since they started making phones. Pixel 7 was the best offering to date by far when it comes to hardware. But let’s not forget about every other Pixel device.
Second, my original comment about not delivering flagship hardware was if they decided to follow the lineup and price structure of Apple (which is what the original article was about). That would mean increasing the price of Pro level devices and make argument was if they go that route they can’t cut corners on hardware. They need to have top of the line everything like Samsung and Apple put in their phones. Not 3 year old modems, outdated biometrics, or the same camera sensors they had been using for 5 years.
So you think Googles hardware is on par with Apple and Samsung when it comes to build quality and specs? Seriously? Put aside software, I’ve said a million times I think Pixel software is by far the best on the market. Put cost aside, because in the context of the conversation, it was about if Google raised prices to match Apples lineup and pricing. Build quality, specs, materials, tech is all newer in Samsung and Apple devices. Google tends to use older tech (modem, FP sensor, display, camera sensor). You think they’re flagship because Google software bridges the gap so well.
We’re all talking ourselves in circles at this point so no need to continue. I think Google are behind the curve when it comes to hardware. You guys don’t. Fair enough. I’m rooting for you guys to be right and for hardware to get better. If I had google software on a Samsung built device I would never pick up an iPhone again.
I don't care about flagship devices. Not interested in paying those prices.
However, My P7 though was a great price with trading in my Pixel 4a ......which imo was a great phone with the cut corners but happy to have the P7 with better specs for less than i paid for the 4a.
However, My P7 though was a great price with trading in my Pixel 4a ......which imo was a great phone with the cut corners but happy to have the P7 with better specs for less than i paid for the 4a.
Well it is kind of hard not to factor in cost. If cost was not an issue none of the things you are talking about would exist in the Pixel. It would have the latest gen everything, best materials available like Titanium, and so on.
However I think if you hold all three of the phones you are talking about they all feel like high end devices. The iPhone certainly has the best build quality and Samsung the best components beyond SOC. That being said the Pixel doesn't look out of place or far behind. It is still just as much a flagship.
I understand your point about older Pixel devices and agree but we are not talking about those and it is irrelevant to the idea Pixel 7 is not a flagship. The thread is not titled history of Google devices but Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.
Again Google is not the only manufacturer who uses older gen parts. Apple used the same 12 mp camera sensor for years, this years 14 has a15, etc, etc. People have said the same for Apple that they can use the older camera sensor or other parts and the software is so good it doesn't matter. Where do you think Google got the idea from? As long as it performs well then it really doesn't matter and doesn't make something any less of a flagship.
I have been saying the same thing about Samsung hardware and Google software for years before they came out with Google edition Galaxy phones.
At the end of the day Samsung and Apple are still the best. However, Google finally seems to be delivering excellent hardware more than at any other time in the past. To me that is the point. They have finally made a Flagship phone. It may not be perfect or have the best of everything but it is a flagship and the best effort they have ever put forth. If Google can continue along this path and still offer value then this is just the start.
I think you are interested in flagship but you prioritize value and understand the diminishing return on paying a premium when something else is good enough.
But I bet if someone gave you an unlimited budget and said that they would buy you any phone you want at no cost to you, you would not buy a mid range or lower phone.
We all want the best but at the same time we have real life pressure, inflation, maybe a family so we can't spend foolishly and at the same time tech has evolved to a point where even low end phones can be decent and not the painful slow experience they were several years ago.
This is why competition is good and Google has taken a very smart strategy of prioritizing what hardware is the most important and cutting costs where they could without making a device that feels cheap or has vastly inferior hardware while still delivering at price points that aren't crazy like most phone makers have been going lately.
We do because your argument has one distinct fatal flaw. You can't seem to understand that both platforms have their pros and cons and neither platform is perfect. So on balance they both even out. You could say why Android or Google is lacking vs Apple and iOS and you'll queue up satisfied Android and Google customers.
I can go to the iOS or iPhone forums and say why Apple and iOS is lacking vs Google and Android and I will queue up those who are satisfied with Apple and iOS. The argument is tiring tbh. Both platforms are mature enough and what we are seeing from both is diminishing returns. The bottom line is, if you prefer or think Apple is the better option for your needs, then you should use that. No harm in doing that.
Android and Google owners should do the same if they prefer to go the Android route.
Lol what are you talking about? The discussion had nothing to do with software or iOS vs android. This is exactly what I’m talking about. It’s like you didn’t even read my post. It was about hardware, not software.
But we are discussing this year Pixel device.
Follow the lineup and price structure of Apple? That would mean releasing two flagship models each year and I don't think they have the traction in the US (or world) to pull that off yet.
And all I'm highlighting is that its priced below the competition, if it were priced at $1k... those hardware concerns that you have would of been addressed.
If they end up with the top of the line everything the price would be higher and on the subject of cameras... lets be real, they have arguably the best point & shoot camera on the market regardless of the sensors they using.
I get what Awesome is saying though. I won't speak for him but I think he's kind of at the point I'm at. I'm in on Apple, but never all in because I'm browsing to see what Android is doing. The Pixel 7 Pro and the ZFold 4 are very appealing to me, probably the Pixel being a little higher on my list. But fully switching feels like a risk considering Google's history of both hardware failures and their version of software cancel culture.
On the flip side, I think iOS has gotten way to clunky where the polish is starting to wear off a bit, but I still feel safer staying with them based on their consistency throughout the year. If I had my preference of OS, it would probably be Google's version of Android that the Pixel runs, but the biggest thing holding me back is their not so great history.
On the flip side, I think iOS has gotten way to clunky where the polish is starting to wear off a bit, but I still feel safer staying with them based on their consistency throughout the year. If I had my preference of OS, it would probably be Google's version of Android that the Pixel runs, but the biggest thing holding me back is their not so great history.
^^^^^THIS IS PURE GOLD^^^^
IMHO the Pixel 7 is a flagship phone. No matter what platform you prefer...it doesn't matter.
Because you are here to beat a dead horse trying to convince us that the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are crap and they suck and we should buy an iPhone because Apple knows how to build true flagship phones. Yet there are many here including myself who say the opposite that we are happy with the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.
Idk, to Me iOS just doesn't still have the features I have on Android so it was very easy to switch for good. And that was many years ago.
Tack on Apples sales are a joke, Siri not being very good, they charge you for everything where Google doesn't ,.. .though my Pixel 7 didn't come with a charger brick but my 4a did so I'm just using that one.
To me it was a no brainier to switch and I really have little to zero desire to try an iPhone again.
"It’s been proven over and over that iOS requires less ram to get the same performance to their android counterparts."
I think we are reading you quite well. This discussion had nothing to do with software until you moved the goalpost. You said that Google skimps on RAM. I said Apple does the same. Then you said but Apple's software works wonders with less RAM. I then said, my experience has been the opposite and I find that Android does a better job with less RAM.
I think you need to re-read your own comments.
I think you guys are getting on Awesomesince86 a bit too much. He's always been very neutral and level headed on the Android vs iOS argument
No device is perfect but pixel 7 series is basically phone of the year for most people so they clearly got a lot correct this year. Room for improvements? Of course certainly in battery efficiency but this is the downside to having cheaper price. Want SD gen 2? You will be paying 1k-1100 no doubt
For me, it’s healthy debate… it’s not as if I’m being personal or anything. I completely understand we all have our preferences when it comes to Android vs iOS… I don’t resent anyone from choosing one platform over the other.
Only issue I take is when someone present criticism to one platform and become oblivious to their choosing as if the platform they like is without shortcomings (not implying @Awesomesince86 is doing this).
This is the same person who said "if you want a phone that works... just buy an iPhone or a Samsung phone" so this whole 'they're a neutral poster' isn't quite correct. Lol. Went on my ignore list after that one when called out on it.
At the end of the day, if I was that against a phone then I wouldn't be in the threads. I don't really like Samsung flagships, you won't see me in the S23 thread talking about shortcomings when I don't even own the device, but each to their own I guess.
I wish more people did this......Its ok not to like soimething. But then another thing to be "that guy" that wants to always say something negative...especially if they have moved on to another platform or choices.
Pure hyperbole. I never said the Pixel 7 was crap. I think it’s a great phone especially at the price point. But go ahead and keep making things up I didn’t say.
You’re fine. Nothing you said has been out of line. It’s just discussion which is what these forums are for. I don’t have a problem with what anyone here as posted even if I don’t agree.
A couple of guys that chimed in recently just want an echo chamber telling them whatever phone they chose is the best. One guy is literally a member of 300 phone forums (it’s all he does) and whatever phone he uses is always best. The other one that has been on my ignore list forever because he just wants to fight with someone. His post history is full of him arguing with people and I don’t have time for that.
As for Pixels and why I’m here, I’m a frequent Pixel owner, I love what they do. I just wish their hardware would improve some, that was my whole point.
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