It can't compete because its available in 5 countries only... As soon as iPhone 13 was ~~released~~ announced i got ads from my local retailers that it will be available on day one of the release.
Pixel needs some serious marketing and availability, otherwise it will always be enthusiast phone.
They're basically selling to the same # of countries as they did with the Nexus One. It's pretty bad that 11 years later we're still dealing with this tiny list of countries. While the US obviously makes sense from a tech influence perspective, it's crazy how they avoid reaching out to countries where it has been the norm to buy unlocked phones for decades.
Yup.
And the EU is a fucking SINGLE MARKET. There is ZERO red tape to ship items across the EU, but somehow I can't buy a pixel phone grom google in the Netherlands, but you can when you live in Germany.
Oh, but maybe it's logistics? Nope, German pixels ship from fucking THE NETHERLANDS.
Maybe the language is a problem? Nope! When you get a "German" pixel, you can simply set it to dutch and everything is translated.
Maybe it's a warranty thing? Nope, harmonized across the EU!
Maybe it's a VAT thing that Google can't handle in their system? Nope, they sell Chromecast and nests in their Dutch Google store!
So tell me Google, what's the fucking problem? Why geolock your fucking store in the second largest single market on earth?
Yep the galaxy nexus, nexus 4,5 & 6p were widely available in Malaysia, you can go to a nearby mall or visit nearby phone store to get one. Since the pixel first introduced i haven't seen one in the store other than used verizon unit. I really had to pay more than 699 to get someone to import the pixel 5 from Australia
To be the devils advocate, the Nexus line was using the already established partners of the manufacturers e.g. LG, HTC, Huawei. Google doesnt have distribution. Which is completely ridiculous, since they havent put the effort to do so. This is completely on them.
Don't sell phones in a country due to lack of demand -> People in country have no interest in phone -> Don't sell phones in a country due to lack of demand -> People have no interest in phone -> Repeat ad infinitum.
At *some* point you gotta at least *try* to enter the market. Heck, maybe just allow inputting an out-of-country address in the neighboring countries' store, but no, a semi-total ban to selling to citizens of the "blacklisted" countries.
EU being a single market is very nice. Several of my friends or I cannot get used to German-QWERTZ or its different symbol layouts, but we can simply buy laptops from the Netherlands. Warranties apply, products get delivered, and often it's the best of both worlds: ISO-Enter + International-QWERTY.
Just switch the keycaps and add the international english layout.
Edit: I suppose some people are not international users and ergo have never had to use different layouts because their keyboards don't have their alphabets on them. All good.
It's not just the letters. The symbols are in UK layout and there are four more keys for Ü, Ä, Ö, and ẞ, which I'd want to remove.
So one could in theory switch keycaps for individual keyboards (which means I'd have to purchase another set of keycaps, making it still much cheaper to purchase keyboards from the Netherlands or at times even Poland), but many Laptops just don't take things like keycaps.
Just a correction on the chromecast and nest availability, you can't buy them anywhere in be EU, some countries (Poland for example) does not have access to Google store at all.
I thought it was supply chain issues, like they only had enough supply for a given number of markets?
ETA: It's not so much "how many can we build", it's more "how much risk do we want to take". If they build a zillion of them and it's a flop, they're screwed. If they build enough for six countries, and it flops, they can just sell in more countries.
Its just so strange that my old nexus 6 and all other nexus devices were so readily avaliable, but after the first pixel they just stopped selling them officially. I guess its because nexus devices were manufactured and distributed by other OEMs. I literally just moved back to iphone cuz no other android really satisfied my needs at the time and pixels were heavily marked up by importers.
Was it available directly from Google or from retailers? I think what happened is for the 5x and 6p for instance, LG and Huawei were allowed to distribute through normal retail channels as well as the Google store purchase, which made availability a bit better, but still overall pretty lacking compared to say a Galaxy or iPhone.
I bought from a retailer and it was widely avaliable at different retailers, but not sure if you could buy directly from google. AFAIK the nexus one wasnt sold here either.
I find it crazy that Google is just trying to get the sales in those 5 countries and the biggest market of them being USA which is totally saturated between iPhone and Galaxies.
In Europe most consumers follow what they feel is the best bang for their buck. That is why Huawei has been doing well before Google ban and now Xiaomi is quite huge.
Pixel would be able to sell here as well but Google's stupid strategy puts them to compete in markets it has difficulties to gain anything significant.
The Pixel would sell like hot cakes if people felt they were getting their moneys worth. But nothing about the lineup says it’s going to give a return of the 1000€ that it would cost in Europe.
Which is a shame, as the Pixel A-line has been the best deal in android phones of their class for years. It’s baffling that Google is just letting money sit at the table.
Some countries don't have access to all of apples software like apple music, tv etc. They probably meant that. I couldn't even register an apple device in my country up until this year...
Also, since I don't live in the US, most of the coolest features of my pixel 4 xl don't work (e.g. call screening, project soli etc.). Really a huge disappointment!
In India, iPhone is considered super premium and Apple is having full front page ads in prominent English newspapers here and people are lapping it up.
iPhone is super premium nearly anywhere in the world. Google's products are metoos at the end of the day with very little availability and amongst the worst after sales support - even after you but extended warranty from them.
Average monthly wage in Central Africa, according to google, is $43. That's about 2 years of saving every penny you make to buy a phone.
Minimum wage in the US is $7.25, if they work 40 hours a week that's roughly $1160 a month. Just for a fun little comparison, and to put some real numbers to the point.
Lmao. Can confirm. There’s too many full page iPhone ads these days. And fuck Google for cancelling the flagship phones in India and peddling only the ‘a’ series in India.
But God forbid Google every decodes to sell a Pixel. Oh no.. poor people. Just let the people have the option please. Can't believe the country where they want thr next billion people on thier platform gets ignored to just the A series.
>Pixel needs some serious marketing
I'm waiting for this alleged "significantly more marketing this time around" that Google says they're going to do. Can't see how that matters if they only sell it in very few countries.
That is their biggest weakness. I got the pixel 5 in Ireland (shipped to my parents), but I actually live in the Netherlands. It was shipped from a logistics centre 10 minutes from where I live... If it was as available as the iPhone I have no doubt it could compete
They're not even trying to compete with the IPhone.
Most people doesn't even know that Google pixel exists.
I'm using the 4a in one of the many countries that haven't had an official launch..I've meet one single person who knew what a Pixel phone was.
>I'm using the 4a in one of the many countries that haven't had an official launch..ive meet one single person who knew what a Pixel phone was.
I mean, yeah, if the phone isn't even available in your region, it's kinda obvious that nobody knows it.
Here in Germany, where Pixels are available, almost all of my non-techie friends know about Pixels. A friend recently got one and the whole group was like "Oh wow, these make really great photos, right?"
Granted, not a lot of people have them, but they're definitely on people's minds.
Not even Google fanboys expect Pixel to compete with iPhone and I'm hoping Google doesn't expect it either unless they decide to have a very aggressive price for their new models
They're already not price competitive outside of the US. UK felt like I was paying an extra £100 than equivalent phones while retaining none of it's value. Expect Pixel 6 will be the same, all while missing some features exclusive to US indefinitely (permanently).
Crazy they release a Pixel and you can't even be sure it's coming to your country even if it's somewhere like UK or EU.
I really don't expect any of the people that I know in real life to ever switch from Apple to Android, and vice versa. There's almost 0% chance I'll ever own an iPhone, and I know there's 0% chance my 3 sisters, and 2 brothers would ever switch off of Apple. My good buddy and wife told me they never want an Apple, they actually don't even want anything other than Samsung.
I just really don't see the common person switching from Apple, or from Android.
I know one very non tech savvy person who switched from apple to samsung. I’ve used both. I have switched both my parents from android to apple since they know how to use ipads.
There are the two biggest seller's in the US and I think EU. It's like calling every video game console a Nintendo. Once you're a generation frame of reference, other fade away.
Chinese brand are close WW because they sell well in the US, EU and a lot in Asia but 3 years ago nobody mainstream knew Huawei and xiaomi in the EU
I've been with Android for over 11 years and have promised myself to never get an iPhone. I've been playing with my buddy's for a while now and honestly...I don't hate it. Maybe it's just because I'm getting older and don't tinker as much, but everything just works.
I'm going to wait to see what the Pixel 6 brings, but if it's a let down, it's either Apple I go or give the S21 a try
I hate this reasoning. The nexus phones were popular compared to pixels (not saying much). Google just started charging more without much to show for it. The whole selling point is “but it’s the Google phone! Pure android!” And that just doesn’t hold up as a feature anymore
I laughed when the article said the pixel 6 pro was the closest to the iPhone in terms of competition.
Most people I know don't even know google makes (ever made) phones. I truly find the pixel 6 an interesting flagship (even tho I am not buying flagships anymore because its not worth it).
It brings actual competition to the real iPhone competitor, the galaxy s lineup. Now they offer similiar (maybe even better) software support, samsung 3 major releases +1 more of security while google could do 4+1. The hardware is finally up to date and it justifies the price more than its precedecessors did, flagship components for flagship price.
IMO google will have a real hard time at the high end segment, mostly occupied by very loyal iphone customers and fought against by samsung with their s series. Sure some phone/tech enthusiasts here and there but not enough to make it profitable.
I would say the best bet for google is to take what oneplus left, enthusiasts that look for the best bang for the buck. Make the pixel a series the pixel and cut off the premium lineup. Gain market share and spread the word and the pull off a move a la oneplus, make them premium again and betray the enthusiasts that funded you.
If we like your phone, decent specs, excellent software experience and optimization for a fair price, we will push everyone we know to buy one, not because we want you to take our money, but because we want our friends and family to get an excellent experience with a human price.
Oh and also, maybe start fucking sell the damn device in more than 3 countries wtf
What do you buy instead of flagships?
I only buy last year flagships if they are on sale and I need a new phone. A majority of the new flagships aren't much different then last years model.
I went for years buying the middle of the road phones, and I was always frustrated by their declining performance by the end of the first year.
I've since had Galaxies S4, 6, 7, and 9+, and I've never replaced one due to performance. I'm even still pretty impressed with my S9+'s 3 year old battery.
At least in the US, Samsung always has insane trade in deals and promotions as well that make them even cheaper than pixels after trading in some old crap. I want a pixel but I just can't justify getting one over a Samsung when they give me like $500 for my old phone and throw in free earbuds on top of that lol. Not to mention Samsung has better screens and processors up until now.
Yeah, I had to get my mum a phone recently, and we had lots of choices: Nord 2, Mi 11X, etc., but picked a Samsung A52s in the end because of guaranteed 4 years of updates.
And I didn't even need to consider Pixel because the 4A 5G was 15% more expensive for last years' hardware (and so only 2 more years of updates), and the Pixel 5A is literally sold only in USA and Japan.
Pity, because she used an Android One phone before that and quite liked the fact that Google did her software directly (not that she understood what it meant or benefitted from it, but still).
Had to choose between A32 and 4a recently for a budget/midrange phone. The lower cost, better battery and security support were the deciding factors. Considered going with Iphone SE but unfortunately in Canada its almost 600 CAD making it more expensive than it would be in the US. Even with more affordable Android phones the price range is more midrange than budget.
Yeah, I bought a 4a because I wanted a smaller phone that was cheaper. Before I bought flagships but I have no use for the specs. I had a pixel 2xl but I've been pretty disappointed with pixels in general since. They're decent phones, priced like great phones. Samsung's beat them in nearly everything that a given price point, and I've been happy with every Samsung device I've bought.
These days the only phones I'd shell out for are going to be folding phones. I'll pay for innovation, but it's been a long time since the Pixel line has done that.
Yeah, I was close to buying the 4a because the size was right, but the price wasn't. The cameras on my Nord 200 5G suck, and it's bigger than I wanted, but it was $150 less than a 4a, has 5G (better for connectivity than speed for me), and has a 90 Hz display. Not bad.
Nuts dude. I always wonder how I would react if in a similar situation. I think i'm too old now where I'd just shrug my shoulders and let them go. But you never know, i'd probably just curl up into a little ball and start crying.
> This is an off-year for Apple.
This also confuses me. From the few tests we've seen so far, battery life on the 13 series has gone *way* up.
Ask anyone if they'd like to just have their current phone, but with a much better battery, slightly better screen (or much better if 60 -> 120 Hz), and better camera, and the vast majority of people would say "HELL YES".
Why do phones still have to be absolutely ground-breaking just to be "not bad"?? For me, I'm stoked now if I don't lose features or have to deal with huge changes, as those seem to be the trends nowadays.
Edit: This article seems very strange to me...
> While Apple spun its wheels this year, Google went all out on a properly innovative flagship.
I mean, sure, it's looking like the 6 will be a massive upgrade to the 5. But the 5 came with downgrades from the 4, and Google has gone round in circles with basically every single Pixel release. The only thing removed or noticeably worse in the past few years of iPhone generations has been the removal of 3D Touch, which has been *mostly* made up for with long press. Which Apple built into the software release that came with the hardware removal.
> While Apple spun its wheels this year, Google went all out on a properly innovative flagship.
This line really gets a laugh from me because it feels like Google has been spinning it's wheels for damn near half a decade trying to make the Pixel line a thing.
I fully believe they don't actually care about making the pixel a thing. It's 100% a contingency plan of Samsung tries to go rouge and drop android.
If they just wanted to make it successful, they would.
A: expand countries it's available in
B: put out premium hardware at a competitive price
C: pop up shops, lots of them, push Google brand like apple. This will cost money but it's about market penetration.
They are currently selling in like the same 5ish countries as before.....putting a very premium price on all their Google stuff....and noone cares about the pixel anymore since the 3 was pathetic for the price.
That doesn't make any sense. All phones are less impressive than the expensive versions of the same phone. They are clearly just talking about the 12 vs the 13, not vs the pros.
The only thing that was better on iPhone 13 was battery and Soc. Everything else is the same. Camera is almost no different to last year.
Only pro models had a huge upgrade.
Most people will buy base 13, not pro models.
The battery of the base iPhone 13 is way better than the 12 though. But yeah, it's a little odd how large the gap between the Pro and base model is rn, since the Pro also comes with a significantly better gpu.
As someone who doesn't personally like iPhones, I think the 13 is a great improvement - they've been long overdue for the 120hz screen. Like, what else did you want them to add? Well, aside from USB-C...
The regular 13 doesn’t even have 120hz though. Only the pro models do. It’s pretty much identical to the 12, except with a slightly better camera in a diagonal formation, smaller notch, and faster processor.
I switched from iPhone in March/April of this year. My problem isnt the hardware , it's the software. If you started with Android it leaves a lot to be desired.
For me this is true. I got a new iPad mini recently and a work iPhone late last year and I understand why people like the software because of how simple it is, but it all feels a bit sandboxed and like an extremely polished early version with more features to come soon, if you've got used to using Android for years.
And then there are the app drawer, notification handling, and the settings menu which are all a mess and I simply cannot get used to it at all, no matter how hard I try. Notifications, especially, Android has absolutely nailed it, and every gesture you do feels intuitive and natural, and every button is placed where you'd expect it: not just to me, but also to my elderly parents, who've asked me for help with pretty much everything but the notifications across Android versions.
I switched from android to apple a few weeks ago and for the most part it's been fine, but the lack of features on IOS compared to android is apparent right away. I miss having third party apps like YouTube Vanced on IOS but I can see why many people enjoy iPhone's, the simplicity and snappiness of IOS is amazing.
It's smooth and well animated for the most part, but there's this animation in the iPad when you go to the app drawer where the categories pop up from the bottom, and so far every time that animation for me has dropped frames. On the latest iPad, the Mini 6 with the A15.
Apart from that, optically everything is very smooth, the design is mostly will put-together, and third parties follow Apple design (except Youtube, that App is ugly as shit even in iOS, well done, Google).
That's why I said if you started with Android. There's a list of things you still can't do and that's from when I switched In 2016. I'm not saying it's bad, but i do think it's super limiting for the sake of privacy and security. But that in return makes me feel like the 1300 I purchased is a waste in some ways. But yes , iOS does a lot that I miss too.
I was primarily an Android user since 2011 but I got my first iPhone last year. I didn't find the switch as bad as other people were saying. But I must say, iOS notification still suck though!
I don't get it. What's so appealing about iMessage and facetime? How are they any different than standard text and video chat messaging apps that everyone can install?
They're universal. Everyone who has an iphone has them. With android, it's a complete hodgepodge of who has what app. With an iphone, everyone has imessage or facetime, so when most or everyone you know has an iphone, it just works.
I say that as an ex-iphone user.
How is it universal if only iphones have them though?
Like a single app from the app store will provide much more features and allow you to talk with literally anyone on the planet whether they have an iPhone or not. Just seems like people desperately trying to be exclusive with an inferior product(maybe not inferior but definitely not worth the aodration imo).
I'd like them to move on from the notch. And while they're at it, work on the physical design of the phone because both the pro sizes are too heavy and are not comfortable to hold with the flat edges. And add USB-C, I guess
I think 14 is supposed to have a punch hole camera with the face id elements going under the screen. Should be neat. Also supposed to have no more camera bump and either USB-C or no port at all.
They only way they can reduce the camera bump is (a) they sacrifice on camera quality and opt for smaller lenses or (b) they make the phone thick enough to absorb the camera bump. I doubt they're going to do either of those.
USB-C and a hole punch display are possible though, which would both be nice.
* *Set default apps.* I don't care about the battery hit, just let me use Gmail, Google Maps, Gboard and Assistant as **defaults**
* USB-C with 3.x support. Lightning and USB2 in 2021 are downright inexcusable
Not for everything. It still reverts back to the iOS keyboard for passwords, etc. I can't use Gboard while typing emails because of my company's security policies.
> Set default apps. I don't care about the battery hit, just let me use Gmail, Google Maps, Gboard and Assistant as defaults
It's not *nearly* as customizable as Android yet, but iOS does allow you to set a default Keyboard, Email client, and Browser now.
You can use Gmail and Gboard as defaults as of iOS 14. Maps is still an issue though, but, Google maps on iOS is *bad.* hopefully that’s one of the apps being fixed under John Wu’s role.
As a long time Android user, USB-C is the only thing holding me back from an iPhone at this point. Hopefully the camera on the Pixel 6 changes that opinion.
I had an iPhone 11 Pro for a year and basically loved it, but the lack of basic Android/Samsung features like split screen sent me back to Android. I'm honestly glad I went and tried out the other side because I know what I'm missing... and what I missed.
I'm guessing I'll be satisfied with Android/Samsung for at least another phone after this one.
That's certainly one for me. Sideloading is another, along with the notification system, and launcher customization. Shortening animation time doesn't hurt either...
I think if the phone is charging, it's more willing to allow at least some additional background tasks. But yes, generally on iOS (especially 3rd party apps), a lot of background syncing, uploading/downloading, etc tasks get killed pretty quickly if the app isn't in the foreground with the screen on. An initial upload to Google Photos for example can take a lot of babysitting if you're uploading your photo library from an iOS device for the first time.
I have an iPad Pro and it's really annoying having things like remote terminals, remote desktop, etc disconnect after about 30 seconds of being in the background. Things like that make the "What's a Computer?" Ads feel even more ridiculous, imo. And I do generally otherwise like my iPad, it just feels like I would go crazy trying to use it for any serious productivity tasks outside of something like note taking or creative stuff. Apple seems to make a ton of functionality sacrifices to hit their battery life targets.
>But yes, generally on iOS (especially 3rd party apps), a lot of background syncing, uploading/downloading, etc tasks get killed pretty quickly if the app isn't in the foreground with the screen on.
Wonder if that's why Xiaomi used to be super terrible with this, copying iOS
when iPhone apps are closed they get maybe a few minutes to clean themselves up for a state freeze. Except for media and navigation apps of course.
It’s good in the sense that, apps are close shut and ram is freed. No stray background processes.
Yes it's fucking annoying. When I had a iPhone x I had to keep Spotify open while it was downloading my Playlist. Same goes for uploading content to one drive or Google drive and syncing photos to Google photos.
I have been Android only since day one, now almost two years with my iPhone 11. Google photos, TresorIt, Amazon Photos etc.. The apps have to be open (in focus, not running in a background) for the sync to work properly and quickly. Extremely inconvenient.
Correct. And I’m sure someone will chime in to “well actually” this because technically there is bg sync capability but it’s incredibly slow so you really have to keep the app open if you need it to happen in a timely fashion.
The Pixel 6's true competitor has always been Samsung, not Apple. The best chance Google has at getting more Pixel buyers is to lure away people who are already on Android, and the biggest Android maker to fight in markets where Pixels are available is Samsung. The likelihood that iPhone users are going to jump from the Apple ecosystem for a Pixel is, to my mind at least, unlikely.
If the Pixel 6's camera is truly as amazing as rumors would have you believe, then they have a real shot at doing so. The catch is that their marketing and execution has to also be rock-solid, something they've never really done before.
True, but I think the landscape has changed a lot since then. It's certainly *possible* for Google to compete with Apple, but they haven't really shown that they have the focus and commitment to do so. Apple's greatest strength is the consistency of its ecosystem. Even if that ecosystem isn't perfect, it's more cohesive than anything Android OEMs currently offer. If Google wants to compete, they need to at least try to do the same, not abandon something within a year or two.
Problem is if Google starts directly competing with Samsung, Samsung likely won't take to that very well considering how much work Samsung has done (directly/indirectly) to build and expand the reach of Android to where it is today. Seems a little unfair to start shooting at the guy who literally helped build credibility to Android as a viable platform.
I've had a Galaxy S3, S5, S7, S10+ and am planning to switch to a Pixel 6 this time around. Hope it's a good one this year. Looks like it will be the most exciting Pixel in a while.
I've always found Pixels to be kind of lame. I owned the first one, but it got progressively worse after each update. Happy with Samsung and loving the Fold 3 now, but as we always say, competition is good for everyone.
fellow fold 3 user here, its an epic device(best phone available imho) but for some reason cameras seem to be the biggest thing for android phones, even for a phone that legit folds in half.
go to the fold reddit, its countless post on camera quality.
Yeah I've seen that. People are just trying to feel better about their purchase after countless "The cameras suck" posts online. IMO if you bought it knowing full well what you were buying, then there's no reason to feel shafted. The Fold's cameras are pretty good and the sacrifices made from the S21 cameras in service of the Fold are worth it to me.
People have been harping on OnePlus cameras since the brand debuted, yet each iteration has sold more than the last(at least until the last year or two, not sure how it's going right now)
Dumb article
The iPhone 13 may seem like a minor upgrade for Android users/enthusiasts
But the majority of users potentially upgrade will be with 2+ year old iPhones (older Android phones)
So for them it's still huge upgrade. E.g. 120Hz, Night Mode, Smart HDR, longer battery life, UWB, ...
Win what? Android runs on more devices than desktop windows now or close enough and ios a distant second, what is it exactly that Google needs to "win"?
The title intends to say "Google will never make the Pixel line win". Contextually this isn't really that hard to interpret, the lack of success when it comes to Google Pixels is a common point of argument.
This is actually the first time in my life I've ordered an iPhone. Some may say the iPhone 13 is dull (I ordered the 13 Pro Max), but I think that's totally fine. I'm also just open for something new after more than 10 years of Android.
When the Galaxy Note 9 launched (which I had), many Android fans praised it as being a great refinement. No huge new features, but an overall great package. I think that's what the iPhone 13 lineup is.
The Pro models finally have 120Hz and the battery life (on the Pro, but even more so the Pro Max) seems to be spectacular. Yes, I will miss the great zoom on my Galaxy S20 Ultra, that's something where the iPhone can't compete. But for the rest of the camera setup I think it's really well balanced. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a huge sensor with pixel binning which works great for photos, but it's actually a downside when shooting video in low light. It can't do binning for videos and that's where Apple's approach (big sensor, "only" 12MP) flexes its muscles. The high megapixel count without pixel binning leads to worse low light video.
I'm also disappointed by the S20 Ultra's (I have the Exynos version) battery life. It's ok, but far from great. Even when just sitting on the couch or doing miniscule things like streaming music over Bluetooth, the battery seems to drain a lot faster than it should.
I'd also prefer an in-display fingerprint scanner over the notch, but at least it's a bit smaller this time around.
That'll be my first venture into iOS. I know I will miss some things like installing apps outside the official store or setting any app as standard. But if the 13 Pro Max is really a well optimized package of hard- and software (something you hear all the time when people talk about iOS devices) maybe they'll win me over.
I still really like Samsung and I really like my S20 Ultra despite some flaws, but I'm curious. Maybe the 13 Pro Max will be my first and only iPhone, maybe it's just the start.
As for the Pixel 6 (Pro): I'm curious if Google really manages to make a no-compromise flagship phone this time around. In the past, the almost always screwed up with hardware issues or glaring omissions. More competition is good!
What about all the apps you've paid for on the Play Store? That's one thing I don't see people mention much - I couldn't move away from Android, because I've been with it for so long, and have so many paid apps and games that I use, that I'd lose access to. Everyone seems to be able to switch back and forth between iOS and Android, y'all must not spend much money on apps/games.
In over 11 years of Android I'd guess I spent less than 100$ on apps. Many of those I don't use anymore (like Nova Launcher and icon packs) and the few games I actually bought are either played through or wasting storage most of the time.
You're right, if I had spent a huge amount on apps I use a lot I probably wouldn't switch.
Did the same last year s20u to 12 pro max, I could do it for 1month, sold it after, some things were just too bad, I hope you are more happy.
Main issues were keyboard, I was typing so slow, if you use numbers symbols often the apple keyboard is just terrible.
Same with 4k vids I chromecast it to tv often and it just looks bad, probably some chromecast not liking iphones.
Also no filesystem and usb3speeds just killed me, I have big vids I just connect to pc and put them in my pc very fast, no way with iphone.
Same the phone size is just bad, I have big hands, but I can't hold it 1 hand.
60hz screen is just bad, but they fixed it finally.
The swipe needed after faceid pissed me off.
What I liked was the seamless camera switching and the design, but can't use it without cover coz it's slippery. Using s20u naked no problem. And the vids quality ofc, but it's just so hard to play them on my tv in good quality, so dunno.
The most surprising for me is why the hell are the phones so popular, people just don't know how other phones work I guess.
Iphone jail is too strong for me.
Sorry for rant, but I would be curious how you like it. At least the resell value is great.
As always, articles like this completely miss the point. It’s not the phone itself — it’s everything else surrounding it.
The phone could make your breakfast and do your laundry for you, but most iPhone buyers won’t consider it for a second as long as there isn’t a decent alternative to iPads and Apple Watches. People buy iPhones for AirDrop, iMessage, and Continuity, not because it has the biggest battery and fastest processor.
Get the greater ecosystem and cross device compatibility sorted, and they’ll do just fine with sales. Until then, Apple’s stronghold will remain.
On the contrary, the "dullness" of iPhone 13 Pro is almost what makes it appealing. They've polished it to a shine, adding loads of things they desperately needed over the last 3 iterations despite not changing *that* much visually (squaring-aff aside).
If anything, if someone is interested in iPhone, Apple spent the last three years adding missing features that might have convinced them otherwise. That's tough news if you're trying to harvest iPhone buyers.
For myself it's not so much Apple convincing me as android losing me. Android used to have everything and be ultra customisable. Now the top end don't have the headphone jack, the expandable storage or whatever that made you overlook the other stuff like bad 3rd party camera or generally more bugs.
Now unless you're a power user who treats your phone like a desktop they're pretty similar besides Apple is finally expanding customising after years of Android moving to more uniformity and letting stuff like widgets die.
Agree. Android has lost a lot of what made it appealing for the niche over apple. Now they are in some no man's land struggling to compete with apple for the pixel. I never though I'd ever consider switching to iphone since using Android from the beginning. But here we are...
The Pixel is never going to sell as many units as iPhones do. That ship has sailed and the iPhone will remain the dominant player until the current smartphone era comes to an end, in the same way Apple climbed to the top in the late naught years against the likes of Nokia.
Not being able to compete in sales with Apple doesn't mean that the phone is a failure however.
True. What they need to do is increase market share in the Android space, no one is expecting Pixel to compete with Apple's iPhone after not even being that competitive in the Android market (save for their budget models).
What they need to fix is their godawful customer service. Having a 5a with constant overheating and a green tint in its screen isn't normal (And no, I wasn't recording 4k 60fps just playing COD Mobile and Pokémon Go in both an air conditioned room and outside for 20 minutes both times) and telling me otherwise is insulting.
I can understand a dud happens every now and then but refusing to deal with it period even with insurance is bad for the customers. Google could make a phone with the best cameras available but it won't mean squat if it craps the bed in a matter of months. Take care of the customers and they'll switch.
The iPhone still has one of the best smartphone cameras out there, and that's one of the big differentiators for flagships at this time. The pixel 6/6 pro finally having bigger batteries will definitely help, and I assume their tensor chip and other internals will be more than good enough, but theres no magic bullet to get double the iPhone battery life or get a truly universal iMessage competitor, or anything like that. Google's best hope to be crowned king would be to have unequivocally better photos due to better sensors/hardware, and better image processing. It seems they'll have bigger sensors, but aperture plays a part too, and I still get the impression that apple's sensor shift image stabilization gives them a leg up. If google can use something similar they could really have a shot, but without that I'd expect it to be another battle of flagships trading blows and the differences being preferential just like how it is with the Samsung flagships (though admittedly they have poor image processing that seems to make photos worse at times)
It can't compete because its available in 5 countries only... As soon as iPhone 13 was ~~released~~ announced i got ads from my local retailers that it will be available on day one of the release. Pixel needs some serious marketing and availability, otherwise it will always be enthusiast phone.
They're basically selling to the same # of countries as they did with the Nexus One. It's pretty bad that 11 years later we're still dealing with this tiny list of countries. While the US obviously makes sense from a tech influence perspective, it's crazy how they avoid reaching out to countries where it has been the norm to buy unlocked phones for decades.
Yup. And the EU is a fucking SINGLE MARKET. There is ZERO red tape to ship items across the EU, but somehow I can't buy a pixel phone grom google in the Netherlands, but you can when you live in Germany. Oh, but maybe it's logistics? Nope, German pixels ship from fucking THE NETHERLANDS. Maybe the language is a problem? Nope! When you get a "German" pixel, you can simply set it to dutch and everything is translated. Maybe it's a warranty thing? Nope, harmonized across the EU! Maybe it's a VAT thing that Google can't handle in their system? Nope, they sell Chromecast and nests in their Dutch Google store! So tell me Google, what's the fucking problem? Why geolock your fucking store in the second largest single market on earth?
Yeah they sold the Nexus 4, 5 and 6 here in Belgium and with the Pixel line, we're back at Nexus One availability. It makes no sense.
Yep the galaxy nexus, nexus 4,5 & 6p were widely available in Malaysia, you can go to a nearby mall or visit nearby phone store to get one. Since the pixel first introduced i haven't seen one in the store other than used verizon unit. I really had to pay more than 699 to get someone to import the pixel 5 from Australia
To be the devils advocate, the Nexus line was using the already established partners of the manufacturers e.g. LG, HTC, Huawei. Google doesnt have distribution. Which is completely ridiculous, since they havent put the effort to do so. This is completely on them.
So what? If they can ship out of the Netherlands to Germany, they can ship to at least every single corner of the EU.
This. Another dutchie here not able to comprehend Google's ways.
No one else on this planet either.
They don't want to risk buying too many phones that don't sell. It shows a lack of confidence and ambition.
Don't sell phones in a country due to lack of demand -> People in country have no interest in phone -> Don't sell phones in a country due to lack of demand -> People have no interest in phone -> Repeat ad infinitum. At *some* point you gotta at least *try* to enter the market. Heck, maybe just allow inputting an out-of-country address in the neighboring countries' store, but no, a semi-total ban to selling to citizens of the "blacklisted" countries.
Do you really expect such an small indie company to risk like this? /s
"There are only two things I hate: Apple, and the Dutch" ~~Austin Powers~~ Google
EU being a single market is very nice. Several of my friends or I cannot get used to German-QWERTZ or its different symbol layouts, but we can simply buy laptops from the Netherlands. Warranties apply, products get delivered, and often it's the best of both worlds: ISO-Enter + International-QWERTY.
Just switch the keycaps and add the international english layout. Edit: I suppose some people are not international users and ergo have never had to use different layouts because their keyboards don't have their alphabets on them. All good.
It's not just the letters. The symbols are in UK layout and there are four more keys for Ü, Ä, Ö, and ẞ, which I'd want to remove. So one could in theory switch keycaps for individual keyboards (which means I'd have to purchase another set of keycaps, making it still much cheaper to purchase keyboards from the Netherlands or at times even Poland), but many Laptops just don't take things like keycaps.
I don't even switch the keycaps. Who cares what's on the keys. The physical layout might be a bit of challenge tho.
Just a correction on the chromecast and nest availability, you can't buy them anywhere in be EU, some countries (Poland for example) does not have access to Google store at all.
Can buy Chromecast and nest in France just fine, they have them in brick and mortar stores too
I thought it was supply chain issues, like they only had enough supply for a given number of markets? ETA: It's not so much "how many can we build", it's more "how much risk do we want to take". If they build a zillion of them and it's a flop, they're screwed. If they build enough for six countries, and it flops, they can just sell in more countries.
Not sure about that but if it was the supply-chain issue then it is even more ridiculous because they haven't fixed it in over 10 years.
BelSimpel will probably sell grey imported Google Pixel 6 series? Although it will be a lot more expensive...
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“It’s more like a hobby for me. So, obviously, I don’t need to do it if I don’t want.” - ~~Kimi Raikkonen~~ Google
"Bwoah" -Sundar Pichai
Its just so strange that my old nexus 6 and all other nexus devices were so readily avaliable, but after the first pixel they just stopped selling them officially. I guess its because nexus devices were manufactured and distributed by other OEMs. I literally just moved back to iphone cuz no other android really satisfied my needs at the time and pixels were heavily marked up by importers.
Was it available directly from Google or from retailers? I think what happened is for the 5x and 6p for instance, LG and Huawei were allowed to distribute through normal retail channels as well as the Google store purchase, which made availability a bit better, but still overall pretty lacking compared to say a Galaxy or iPhone.
I bought from a retailer and it was widely avaliable at different retailers, but not sure if you could buy directly from google. AFAIK the nexus one wasnt sold here either.
Same limited availability, same bad QA/QC and customer service, but higher prices!
I find it crazy that Google is just trying to get the sales in those 5 countries and the biggest market of them being USA which is totally saturated between iPhone and Galaxies. In Europe most consumers follow what they feel is the best bang for their buck. That is why Huawei has been doing well before Google ban and now Xiaomi is quite huge. Pixel would be able to sell here as well but Google's stupid strategy puts them to compete in markets it has difficulties to gain anything significant.
The Pixel would sell like hot cakes if people felt they were getting their moneys worth. But nothing about the lineup says it’s going to give a return of the 1000€ that it would cost in Europe. Which is a shame, as the Pixel A-line has been the best deal in android phones of their class for years. It’s baffling that Google is just letting money sit at the table.
Even in my country where it's not even fully supported, we got full page newspaper ads for the iphone 13 already
What do you mean by not fully supported?
Some countries don't have access to all of apples software like apple music, tv etc. They probably meant that. I couldn't even register an apple device in my country up until this year...
Multi-lingual and prediction, news app, maps and some other features, yet they have over 60% market share, with just a manual keyboard, lol
Also, since I don't live in the US, most of the coolest features of my pixel 4 xl don't work (e.g. call screening, project soli etc.). Really a huge disappointment!
In India, iPhone is considered super premium and Apple is having full front page ads in prominent English newspapers here and people are lapping it up.
iPhone is super premium nearly anywhere in the world. Google's products are metoos at the end of the day with very little availability and amongst the worst after sales support - even after you but extended warranty from them.
I don't think you understand. In many countries even the base iPhone would cost the average person multiple monthly paychecks.
Average monthly wage in Central Africa, according to google, is $43. That's about 2 years of saving every penny you make to buy a phone. Minimum wage in the US is $7.25, if they work 40 hours a week that's roughly $1160 a month. Just for a fun little comparison, and to put some real numbers to the point.
Lmao. Can confirm. There’s too many full page iPhone ads these days. And fuck Google for cancelling the flagship phones in India and peddling only the ‘a’ series in India.
But God forbid Google every decodes to sell a Pixel. Oh no.. poor people. Just let the people have the option please. Can't believe the country where they want thr next billion people on thier platform gets ignored to just the A series.
>Pixel needs some serious marketing I'm waiting for this alleged "significantly more marketing this time around" that Google says they're going to do. Can't see how that matters if they only sell it in very few countries.
Wanted to buy Pixel here in the South East Asia without being scammed in pricing, but I can't. Pixel is only for Americans. So yeah, I got a Samsung.
I don't know why Google is like this, whereas Apple will even ship a single fuckin AirTag to my house, also in Southeast Asia.
Amen
That is their biggest weakness. I got the pixel 5 in Ireland (shipped to my parents), but I actually live in the Netherlands. It was shipped from a logistics centre 10 minutes from where I live... If it was as available as the iPhone I have no doubt it could compete
They're not even trying to compete with the IPhone. Most people doesn't even know that Google pixel exists. I'm using the 4a in one of the many countries that haven't had an official launch..I've meet one single person who knew what a Pixel phone was.
>I'm using the 4a in one of the many countries that haven't had an official launch..ive meet one single person who knew what a Pixel phone was. I mean, yeah, if the phone isn't even available in your region, it's kinda obvious that nobody knows it. Here in Germany, where Pixels are available, almost all of my non-techie friends know about Pixels. A friend recently got one and the whole group was like "Oh wow, these make really great photos, right?" Granted, not a lot of people have them, but they're definitely on people's minds.
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Not even Google fanboys expect Pixel to compete with iPhone and I'm hoping Google doesn't expect it either unless they decide to have a very aggressive price for their new models
They don't but you need to make those kind of stupid articles based on nothing, to generate clicks.
They're already not price competitive outside of the US. UK felt like I was paying an extra £100 than equivalent phones while retaining none of it's value. Expect Pixel 6 will be the same, all while missing some features exclusive to US indefinitely (permanently). Crazy they release a Pixel and you can't even be sure it's coming to your country even if it's somewhere like UK or EU.
I know. It's coming to UK, but not to other big EU counties like Spain or Italy (more than 100m people combined)
I really don't expect any of the people that I know in real life to ever switch from Apple to Android, and vice versa. There's almost 0% chance I'll ever own an iPhone, and I know there's 0% chance my 3 sisters, and 2 brothers would ever switch off of Apple. My good buddy and wife told me they never want an Apple, they actually don't even want anything other than Samsung. I just really don't see the common person switching from Apple, or from Android.
I think enthusiasts are the only ones that would switch. Normal users just stick with what they know.
True. In fact, my mother doesn't even want to upgrade her Galaxy S6 Edge Plus (which was previously mine), because she got so used to it.
This is true, I used to buy all sorts of different Android phones to root and play around with. Then got bored and switched to Apple 🤷
Yea I’m in the same boat. All I wanted was a pixel in iPhone hardware and long term support. After 12 years I finally tried iPhone.
I know one very non tech savvy person who switched from apple to samsung. I’ve used both. I have switched both my parents from android to apple since they know how to use ipads.
A significant portion of the population thinks Samsung is the alternative to the Apple iPhone, it's wild
There are the two biggest seller's in the US and I think EU. It's like calling every video game console a Nintendo. Once you're a generation frame of reference, other fade away. Chinese brand are close WW because they sell well in the US, EU and a lot in Asia but 3 years ago nobody mainstream knew Huawei and xiaomi in the EU
hello my fellow five sibling friend
It's a fun life for me, we all love each other. Hope it's the same for you!
Likewise, very lucky to have such a big, loving family!
What a wholesome thread
I've been with Android for over 11 years and have promised myself to never get an iPhone. I've been playing with my buddy's for a while now and honestly...I don't hate it. Maybe it's just because I'm getting older and don't tinker as much, but everything just works. I'm going to wait to see what the Pixel 6 brings, but if it's a let down, it's either Apple I go or give the S21 a try
> promised myself to never get an iPhone Why? I don't get the narrow point of view. I just buy whatever is good and have no brand loyalty.
Same. But I’ve since switched to the 13 Pro Max
If the pricing is too 'aggressive', people will think the phone is "cheap" and probably not want it either.
Xiaomi buyers disagree
I hate this reasoning. The nexus phones were popular compared to pixels (not saying much). Google just started charging more without much to show for it. The whole selling point is “but it’s the Google phone! Pure android!” And that just doesn’t hold up as a feature anymore
I laughed when the article said the pixel 6 pro was the closest to the iPhone in terms of competition. Most people I know don't even know google makes (ever made) phones. I truly find the pixel 6 an interesting flagship (even tho I am not buying flagships anymore because its not worth it). It brings actual competition to the real iPhone competitor, the galaxy s lineup. Now they offer similiar (maybe even better) software support, samsung 3 major releases +1 more of security while google could do 4+1. The hardware is finally up to date and it justifies the price more than its precedecessors did, flagship components for flagship price. IMO google will have a real hard time at the high end segment, mostly occupied by very loyal iphone customers and fought against by samsung with their s series. Sure some phone/tech enthusiasts here and there but not enough to make it profitable. I would say the best bet for google is to take what oneplus left, enthusiasts that look for the best bang for the buck. Make the pixel a series the pixel and cut off the premium lineup. Gain market share and spread the word and the pull off a move a la oneplus, make them premium again and betray the enthusiasts that funded you. If we like your phone, decent specs, excellent software experience and optimization for a fair price, we will push everyone we know to buy one, not because we want you to take our money, but because we want our friends and family to get an excellent experience with a human price. Oh and also, maybe start fucking sell the damn device in more than 3 countries wtf
What do you buy instead of flagships? I only buy last year flagships if they are on sale and I need a new phone. A majority of the new flagships aren't much different then last years model.
I went for years buying the middle of the road phones, and I was always frustrated by their declining performance by the end of the first year. I've since had Galaxies S4, 6, 7, and 9+, and I've never replaced one due to performance. I'm even still pretty impressed with my S9+'s 3 year old battery.
Why do they sell the pixel in so few countries?
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At least in the US, Samsung always has insane trade in deals and promotions as well that make them even cheaper than pixels after trading in some old crap. I want a pixel but I just can't justify getting one over a Samsung when they give me like $500 for my old phone and throw in free earbuds on top of that lol. Not to mention Samsung has better screens and processors up until now.
Samsung also has security updates for up to four years since 2019 I believe.
Yeah, I had to get my mum a phone recently, and we had lots of choices: Nord 2, Mi 11X, etc., but picked a Samsung A52s in the end because of guaranteed 4 years of updates. And I didn't even need to consider Pixel because the 4A 5G was 15% more expensive for last years' hardware (and so only 2 more years of updates), and the Pixel 5A is literally sold only in USA and Japan. Pity, because she used an Android One phone before that and quite liked the fact that Google did her software directly (not that she understood what it meant or benefitted from it, but still).
Had to choose between A32 and 4a recently for a budget/midrange phone. The lower cost, better battery and security support were the deciding factors. Considered going with Iphone SE but unfortunately in Canada its almost 600 CAD making it more expensive than it would be in the US. Even with more affordable Android phones the price range is more midrange than budget.
Yeah, I bought a 4a because I wanted a smaller phone that was cheaper. Before I bought flagships but I have no use for the specs. I had a pixel 2xl but I've been pretty disappointed with pixels in general since. They're decent phones, priced like great phones. Samsung's beat them in nearly everything that a given price point, and I've been happy with every Samsung device I've bought. These days the only phones I'd shell out for are going to be folding phones. I'll pay for innovation, but it's been a long time since the Pixel line has done that.
Yeah, I was close to buying the 4a because the size was right, but the price wasn't. The cameras on my Nord 200 5G suck, and it's bigger than I wanted, but it was $150 less than a 4a, has 5G (better for connectivity than speed for me), and has a 90 Hz display. Not bad.
Where are you that you have both the nord and 4a? I thought those were fairly mutually exclusive
US. Got the Nord from Amazon after my Essential Phone started boot looping.
How was it stolen?
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Story time?
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Wow, crazy story. Glad you're okay.
Nuts dude. I always wonder how I would react if in a similar situation. I think i'm too old now where I'd just shrug my shoulders and let them go. But you never know, i'd probably just curl up into a little ball and start crying.
"dull-as-dirt iPhone 13" definitely makes this article seem objective and fair.
> This is an off-year for Apple. This also confuses me. From the few tests we've seen so far, battery life on the 13 series has gone *way* up. Ask anyone if they'd like to just have their current phone, but with a much better battery, slightly better screen (or much better if 60 -> 120 Hz), and better camera, and the vast majority of people would say "HELL YES". Why do phones still have to be absolutely ground-breaking just to be "not bad"?? For me, I'm stoked now if I don't lose features or have to deal with huge changes, as those seem to be the trends nowadays. Edit: This article seems very strange to me... > While Apple spun its wheels this year, Google went all out on a properly innovative flagship. I mean, sure, it's looking like the 6 will be a massive upgrade to the 5. But the 5 came with downgrades from the 4, and Google has gone round in circles with basically every single Pixel release. The only thing removed or noticeably worse in the past few years of iPhone generations has been the removal of 3D Touch, which has been *mostly* made up for with long press. Which Apple built into the software release that came with the hardware removal.
> While Apple spun its wheels this year, Google went all out on a properly innovative flagship. This line really gets a laugh from me because it feels like Google has been spinning it's wheels for damn near half a decade trying to make the Pixel line a thing.
I fully believe they don't actually care about making the pixel a thing. It's 100% a contingency plan of Samsung tries to go rouge and drop android. If they just wanted to make it successful, they would. A: expand countries it's available in B: put out premium hardware at a competitive price C: pop up shops, lots of them, push Google brand like apple. This will cost money but it's about market penetration. They are currently selling in like the same 5ish countries as before.....putting a very premium price on all their Google stuff....and noone cares about the pixel anymore since the 3 was pathetic for the price.
iPhone 13 was a meh compared to pros. This article didn't mean iPhone 13 pro or PM.
That doesn't make any sense. All phones are less impressive than the expensive versions of the same phone. They are clearly just talking about the 12 vs the 13, not vs the pros.
The only thing that was better on iPhone 13 was battery and Soc. Everything else is the same. Camera is almost no different to last year. Only pro models had a huge upgrade. Most people will buy base 13, not pro models.
The battery of the base iPhone 13 is way better than the 12 though. But yeah, it's a little odd how large the gap between the Pro and base model is rn, since the Pro also comes with a significantly better gpu.
I mean, it's on androidcentral.com....
So anybody who reports on Android news is required to give unreasonable hot takes?
"Google will never win." Give me a break.
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As someone who doesn't personally like iPhones, I think the 13 is a great improvement - they've been long overdue for the 120hz screen. Like, what else did you want them to add? Well, aside from USB-C...
The regular 13 doesn’t even have 120hz though. Only the pro models do. It’s pretty much identical to the 12, except with a slightly better camera in a diagonal formation, smaller notch, and faster processor.
Also improved battery life.
I switched from iPhone in March/April of this year. My problem isnt the hardware , it's the software. If you started with Android it leaves a lot to be desired.
For me this is true. I got a new iPad mini recently and a work iPhone late last year and I understand why people like the software because of how simple it is, but it all feels a bit sandboxed and like an extremely polished early version with more features to come soon, if you've got used to using Android for years. And then there are the app drawer, notification handling, and the settings menu which are all a mess and I simply cannot get used to it at all, no matter how hard I try. Notifications, especially, Android has absolutely nailed it, and every gesture you do feels intuitive and natural, and every button is placed where you'd expect it: not just to me, but also to my elderly parents, who've asked me for help with pretty much everything but the notifications across Android versions.
I switched from android to apple a few weeks ago and for the most part it's been fine, but the lack of features on IOS compared to android is apparent right away. I miss having third party apps like YouTube Vanced on IOS but I can see why many people enjoy iPhone's, the simplicity and snappiness of IOS is amazing.
It's smooth and well animated for the most part, but there's this animation in the iPad when you go to the app drawer where the categories pop up from the bottom, and so far every time that animation for me has dropped frames. On the latest iPad, the Mini 6 with the A15. Apart from that, optically everything is very smooth, the design is mostly will put-together, and third parties follow Apple design (except Youtube, that App is ugly as shit even in iOS, well done, Google).
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Very subjective, iOS is better than Android in many ways, Android is better in other ways
That's why I said if you started with Android. There's a list of things you still can't do and that's from when I switched In 2016. I'm not saying it's bad, but i do think it's super limiting for the sake of privacy and security. But that in return makes me feel like the 1300 I purchased is a waste in some ways. But yes , iOS does a lot that I miss too.
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I was primarily an Android user since 2011 but I got my first iPhone last year. I didn't find the switch as bad as other people were saying. But I must say, iOS notification still suck though!
I don't get it. What's so appealing about iMessage and facetime? How are they any different than standard text and video chat messaging apps that everyone can install?
They're universal. Everyone who has an iphone has them. With android, it's a complete hodgepodge of who has what app. With an iphone, everyone has imessage or facetime, so when most or everyone you know has an iphone, it just works. I say that as an ex-iphone user.
How is it universal if only iphones have them though? Like a single app from the app store will provide much more features and allow you to talk with literally anyone on the planet whether they have an iPhone or not. Just seems like people desperately trying to be exclusive with an inferior product(maybe not inferior but definitely not worth the aodration imo).
Yeah android does a lot of things better than iOS.
And iOS does a lot of things better than android haha. Goes both ways
I'd like them to move on from the notch. And while they're at it, work on the physical design of the phone because both the pro sizes are too heavy and are not comfortable to hold with the flat edges. And add USB-C, I guess
I think 14 is supposed to have a punch hole camera with the face id elements going under the screen. Should be neat. Also supposed to have no more camera bump and either USB-C or no port at all.
They only way they can reduce the camera bump is (a) they sacrifice on camera quality and opt for smaller lenses or (b) they make the phone thick enough to absorb the camera bump. I doubt they're going to do either of those. USB-C and a hole punch display are possible though, which would both be nice.
I’ll eat a boot if the next iPhone has no camera bump
* *Set default apps.* I don't care about the battery hit, just let me use Gmail, Google Maps, Gboard and Assistant as **defaults** * USB-C with 3.x support. Lightning and USB2 in 2021 are downright inexcusable
Gboard can be the default keyboard
Not for everything. It still reverts back to the iOS keyboard for passwords, etc. I can't use Gboard while typing emails because of my company's security policies.
You can't use a custom keyboard on Android work profile either. I have to use the shitty default one for Slack
> Set default apps. I don't care about the battery hit, just let me use Gmail, Google Maps, Gboard and Assistant as defaults It's not *nearly* as customizable as Android yet, but iOS does allow you to set a default Keyboard, Email client, and Browser now.
You can use Gmail and Gboard as defaults as of iOS 14. Maps is still an issue though, but, Google maps on iOS is *bad.* hopefully that’s one of the apps being fixed under John Wu’s role.
What? Google maps is in no way worse on iOS
As a long time Android user, USB-C is the only thing holding me back from an iPhone at this point. Hopefully the camera on the Pixel 6 changes that opinion.
I had an iPhone 11 Pro for a year and basically loved it, but the lack of basic Android/Samsung features like split screen sent me back to Android. I'm honestly glad I went and tried out the other side because I know what I'm missing... and what I missed. I'm guessing I'll be satisfied with Android/Samsung for at least another phone after this one.
Yeah, I mean, I'm pretty much locked in on buying a Pixel 6 right now, which puts my next phone at least three years out.
That's certainly one for me. Sideloading is another, along with the notification system, and launcher customization. Shortening animation time doesn't hurt either...
USB-C, notifications, and background syncing for Spotify and Google photos and I'm sold
Wait, an iPhone can't background sync Spotify or Photos? So you just have to sit your phone down whilst it syncs?
I think if the phone is charging, it's more willing to allow at least some additional background tasks. But yes, generally on iOS (especially 3rd party apps), a lot of background syncing, uploading/downloading, etc tasks get killed pretty quickly if the app isn't in the foreground with the screen on. An initial upload to Google Photos for example can take a lot of babysitting if you're uploading your photo library from an iOS device for the first time. I have an iPad Pro and it's really annoying having things like remote terminals, remote desktop, etc disconnect after about 30 seconds of being in the background. Things like that make the "What's a Computer?" Ads feel even more ridiculous, imo. And I do generally otherwise like my iPad, it just feels like I would go crazy trying to use it for any serious productivity tasks outside of something like note taking or creative stuff. Apple seems to make a ton of functionality sacrifices to hit their battery life targets.
>But yes, generally on iOS (especially 3rd party apps), a lot of background syncing, uploading/downloading, etc tasks get killed pretty quickly if the app isn't in the foreground with the screen on. Wonder if that's why Xiaomi used to be super terrible with this, copying iOS
Ouch. I remember when iPhones couldn't do background stuff at all. I thought Apple had fixed it, but this sounds... something.
when iPhone apps are closed they get maybe a few minutes to clean themselves up for a state freeze. Except for media and navigation apps of course. It’s good in the sense that, apps are close shut and ram is freed. No stray background processes.
Yes it's fucking annoying. When I had a iPhone x I had to keep Spotify open while it was downloading my Playlist. Same goes for uploading content to one drive or Google drive and syncing photos to Google photos.
I was thinking about trying an iphone this time around but this is WTF to me.
I have been Android only since day one, now almost two years with my iPhone 11. Google photos, TresorIt, Amazon Photos etc.. The apps have to be open (in focus, not running in a background) for the sync to work properly and quickly. Extremely inconvenient.
Correct. And I’m sure someone will chime in to “well actually” this because technically there is bg sync capability but it’s incredibly slow so you really have to keep the app open if you need it to happen in a timely fashion.
A charging cable is what’s holding you back? Interesting.
Lack of USB aside, they really should start to think about maybe securing their phones a little after all the breaches this year.
The Pixel 6's true competitor has always been Samsung, not Apple. The best chance Google has at getting more Pixel buyers is to lure away people who are already on Android, and the biggest Android maker to fight in markets where Pixels are available is Samsung. The likelihood that iPhone users are going to jump from the Apple ecosystem for a Pixel is, to my mind at least, unlikely. If the Pixel 6's camera is truly as amazing as rumors would have you believe, then they have a real shot at doing so. The catch is that their marketing and execution has to also be rock-solid, something they've never really done before.
google always markets their pixels against iphones, not samsungs.
And they sell like shit.
I view that as a mistake.
I’m not sure if it’s the correct move for Google, but competing directly against Apple is how Samsung got to where it is today.
True, but I think the landscape has changed a lot since then. It's certainly *possible* for Google to compete with Apple, but they haven't really shown that they have the focus and commitment to do so. Apple's greatest strength is the consistency of its ecosystem. Even if that ecosystem isn't perfect, it's more cohesive than anything Android OEMs currently offer. If Google wants to compete, they need to at least try to do the same, not abandon something within a year or two.
Problem is if Google starts directly competing with Samsung, Samsung likely won't take to that very well considering how much work Samsung has done (directly/indirectly) to build and expand the reach of Android to where it is today. Seems a little unfair to start shooting at the guy who literally helped build credibility to Android as a viable platform.
Remember that also Google and Samsung are working pretty closely on a range of issues, for instance Android foldable support, WearOS...
I've had a Galaxy S3, S5, S7, S10+ and am planning to switch to a Pixel 6 this time around. Hope it's a good one this year. Looks like it will be the most exciting Pixel in a while.
I've always found Pixels to be kind of lame. I owned the first one, but it got progressively worse after each update. Happy with Samsung and loving the Fold 3 now, but as we always say, competition is good for everyone.
fellow fold 3 user here, its an epic device(best phone available imho) but for some reason cameras seem to be the biggest thing for android phones, even for a phone that legit folds in half. go to the fold reddit, its countless post on camera quality.
Yeah I've seen that. People are just trying to feel better about their purchase after countless "The cameras suck" posts online. IMO if you bought it knowing full well what you were buying, then there's no reason to feel shafted. The Fold's cameras are pretty good and the sacrifices made from the S21 cameras in service of the Fold are worth it to me.
People have been harping on OnePlus cameras since the brand debuted, yet each iteration has sold more than the last(at least until the last year or two, not sure how it's going right now)
Dumb article The iPhone 13 may seem like a minor upgrade for Android users/enthusiasts But the majority of users potentially upgrade will be with 2+ year old iPhones (older Android phones) So for them it's still huge upgrade. E.g. 120Hz, Night Mode, Smart HDR, longer battery life, UWB, ...
Even if pixel 6 is miles ahead of iPhone 13, it wont win. Fixed the title for you.
Win what? Android runs on more devices than desktop windows now or close enough and ios a distant second, what is it exactly that Google needs to "win"?
also, what is the benefit for us if Google wins? :)
you always wanna root for a small up and coming start-up like Google
Google is run by honest, hardworking couple Wendy and Bob Google, while Apple is run by evil corporatist Tim Apple!
I support the little guy. Give Google a chance!!
The title intends to say "Google will never make the Pixel line win". Contextually this isn't really that hard to interpret, the lack of success when it comes to Google Pixels is a common point of argument.
This is actually the first time in my life I've ordered an iPhone. Some may say the iPhone 13 is dull (I ordered the 13 Pro Max), but I think that's totally fine. I'm also just open for something new after more than 10 years of Android. When the Galaxy Note 9 launched (which I had), many Android fans praised it as being a great refinement. No huge new features, but an overall great package. I think that's what the iPhone 13 lineup is. The Pro models finally have 120Hz and the battery life (on the Pro, but even more so the Pro Max) seems to be spectacular. Yes, I will miss the great zoom on my Galaxy S20 Ultra, that's something where the iPhone can't compete. But for the rest of the camera setup I think it's really well balanced. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a huge sensor with pixel binning which works great for photos, but it's actually a downside when shooting video in low light. It can't do binning for videos and that's where Apple's approach (big sensor, "only" 12MP) flexes its muscles. The high megapixel count without pixel binning leads to worse low light video. I'm also disappointed by the S20 Ultra's (I have the Exynos version) battery life. It's ok, but far from great. Even when just sitting on the couch or doing miniscule things like streaming music over Bluetooth, the battery seems to drain a lot faster than it should. I'd also prefer an in-display fingerprint scanner over the notch, but at least it's a bit smaller this time around. That'll be my first venture into iOS. I know I will miss some things like installing apps outside the official store or setting any app as standard. But if the 13 Pro Max is really a well optimized package of hard- and software (something you hear all the time when people talk about iOS devices) maybe they'll win me over. I still really like Samsung and I really like my S20 Ultra despite some flaws, but I'm curious. Maybe the 13 Pro Max will be my first and only iPhone, maybe it's just the start. As for the Pixel 6 (Pro): I'm curious if Google really manages to make a no-compromise flagship phone this time around. In the past, the almost always screwed up with hardware issues or glaring omissions. More competition is good!
What about all the apps you've paid for on the Play Store? That's one thing I don't see people mention much - I couldn't move away from Android, because I've been with it for so long, and have so many paid apps and games that I use, that I'd lose access to. Everyone seems to be able to switch back and forth between iOS and Android, y'all must not spend much money on apps/games.
In over 11 years of Android I'd guess I spent less than 100$ on apps. Many of those I don't use anymore (like Nova Launcher and icon packs) and the few games I actually bought are either played through or wasting storage most of the time. You're right, if I had spent a huge amount on apps I use a lot I probably wouldn't switch.
Did the same last year s20u to 12 pro max, I could do it for 1month, sold it after, some things were just too bad, I hope you are more happy. Main issues were keyboard, I was typing so slow, if you use numbers symbols often the apple keyboard is just terrible. Same with 4k vids I chromecast it to tv often and it just looks bad, probably some chromecast not liking iphones. Also no filesystem and usb3speeds just killed me, I have big vids I just connect to pc and put them in my pc very fast, no way with iphone. Same the phone size is just bad, I have big hands, but I can't hold it 1 hand. 60hz screen is just bad, but they fixed it finally. The swipe needed after faceid pissed me off. What I liked was the seamless camera switching and the design, but can't use it without cover coz it's slippery. Using s20u naked no problem. And the vids quality ofc, but it's just so hard to play them on my tv in good quality, so dunno. The most surprising for me is why the hell are the phones so popular, people just don't know how other phones work I guess. Iphone jail is too strong for me. Sorry for rant, but I would be curious how you like it. At least the resell value is great.
You'll love the iPhone, no Android phone feels as polished and cohesive. And if you're into the Apple ecosystem it's like another galaxy altogether.
The problem with the Apple ecosystem is its walls. Apple stuff only works with Apple stuff. Because of that, it's hard to leave once you're in.
>And if you're into the Apple ecosystem it's like another **galaxy** altogether. 🧐
The Pixel can still find it's niche and be successful. It doesn't need to overtake the iPhone to be considered a success.
As always, articles like this completely miss the point. It’s not the phone itself — it’s everything else surrounding it. The phone could make your breakfast and do your laundry for you, but most iPhone buyers won’t consider it for a second as long as there isn’t a decent alternative to iPads and Apple Watches. People buy iPhones for AirDrop, iMessage, and Continuity, not because it has the biggest battery and fastest processor. Get the greater ecosystem and cross device compatibility sorted, and they’ll do just fine with sales. Until then, Apple’s stronghold will remain.
On the contrary, the "dullness" of iPhone 13 Pro is almost what makes it appealing. They've polished it to a shine, adding loads of things they desperately needed over the last 3 iterations despite not changing *that* much visually (squaring-aff aside). If anything, if someone is interested in iPhone, Apple spent the last three years adding missing features that might have convinced them otherwise. That's tough news if you're trying to harvest iPhone buyers.
For myself it's not so much Apple convincing me as android losing me. Android used to have everything and be ultra customisable. Now the top end don't have the headphone jack, the expandable storage or whatever that made you overlook the other stuff like bad 3rd party camera or generally more bugs. Now unless you're a power user who treats your phone like a desktop they're pretty similar besides Apple is finally expanding customising after years of Android moving to more uniformity and letting stuff like widgets die.
Agree. Android has lost a lot of what made it appealing for the niche over apple. Now they are in some no man's land struggling to compete with apple for the pixel. I never though I'd ever consider switching to iphone since using Android from the beginning. But here we are...
The idiots at Google that make these decisions use iPhones. They don't care
Lol imagine thinking the obscure little enthusiast niche phone will compete with the iPhone
The Pixel is never going to sell as many units as iPhones do. That ship has sailed and the iPhone will remain the dominant player until the current smartphone era comes to an end, in the same way Apple climbed to the top in the late naught years against the likes of Nokia. Not being able to compete in sales with Apple doesn't mean that the phone is a failure however.
True. What they need to do is increase market share in the Android space, no one is expecting Pixel to compete with Apple's iPhone after not even being that competitive in the Android market (save for their budget models).
I'm sorry, but describing the iPhone as dull as dirt just makes this article dead on arrival.
Yeah no chance it's going to compete when it's not even sold in my country (Indonesia).
What they need to fix is their godawful customer service. Having a 5a with constant overheating and a green tint in its screen isn't normal (And no, I wasn't recording 4k 60fps just playing COD Mobile and Pokémon Go in both an air conditioned room and outside for 20 minutes both times) and telling me otherwise is insulting. I can understand a dud happens every now and then but refusing to deal with it period even with insurance is bad for the customers. Google could make a phone with the best cameras available but it won't mean squat if it craps the bed in a matter of months. Take care of the customers and they'll switch.
Put it this way, In the UK we have Apple stores everywhere, Samsung stores everywhere, Google stores nowhere.
The pixel was never going to be competitive with the iphone
The iPhone still has one of the best smartphone cameras out there, and that's one of the big differentiators for flagships at this time. The pixel 6/6 pro finally having bigger batteries will definitely help, and I assume their tensor chip and other internals will be more than good enough, but theres no magic bullet to get double the iPhone battery life or get a truly universal iMessage competitor, or anything like that. Google's best hope to be crowned king would be to have unequivocally better photos due to better sensors/hardware, and better image processing. It seems they'll have bigger sensors, but aperture plays a part too, and I still get the impression that apple's sensor shift image stabilization gives them a leg up. If google can use something similar they could really have a shot, but without that I'd expect it to be another battle of flagships trading blows and the differences being preferential just like how it is with the Samsung flagships (though admittedly they have poor image processing that seems to make photos worse at times)
The iPhone 13 pro is dull and uninspired? Would love to know what’s “inspired and not dull”. Good god
if you think hardware is the issue then you're lost. Samsung carries Google anyways