Returning the S8+ & back to Pixel XL, Pros and cons if anybody is interested

[henrybravo]

Aww man, @oneandroidnut had me totally convinced my S8+ was the overall inferior device. His 19 posts in this thread (and counting) where he endlessly defends his position with supporting photos and articles is a real service to the XDA community. Anytime I come home with a new car for example, I just love it to death it when a neighbor stops by and informs me how he owned my car for a while but that his other car is better ("if anybody is interested" he will say). But then I read this the other day :

http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/0...probably-shouldnt-buy-a-google-pixel-anymore/

Now I don't know what to do. Does my S8+ really not suck in comparison, or should I get a Pixel instead as has been suggested in this thread? One thing for me is having to put my S8+ camera into manual HDR mode (a one time only, simple tap on an icon in the camera app, a simple set it and forget it setting) to make it comparable to the Pixel camera has made me realize what a huge compromise the camera experience is (thank you @oneandroidnut for making me see the light), but I guess the XL has its share of issues too. It makes me so mad that I have to spend 0.3 seconds tapping the HDR button 1 time (and never have to change that setting again), but on the Pixel I could saved that life-altering single event in time. Seeing my sub-par photos on my S8+ but knowing that simply spending a third of a second changing a very easily accessible camera setting makes me scream to the heavens above that I just wish it could do the same thing in auto mode like the Pixel. As a comparison, I'm having the same moral dilemma with two TV's I own. TV #1 looks great in auto mode, but TV #2 looks just "good" in auto mode. I spent 5 seconds changing a default setting on TV #2 and now the picture quality is roughly the same as TV #1 (only very minor differences can be seen in a direct side-by-side comparison) and TV #2 has many other cool features that TV #1 lacks, but I think I'm going to return TV #2 to the store because it doesn't look as good in auto mode. Auto mode = better life. Then I'm going into TV #2's online forum to tell everyone the positives and negative of each TV, as I'm sure they will appreciate my opinion to help them make an informed buying decision.

And then that same AP author posted this the next day:

http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/0...eview-still-the-best-smartphone-ive-ever-used

Pixel XL: "The Bluetooth connectivity sucks. The back of the phone has very obvious wear rub. The glass window scratches easily. It's not waterproof. 'OK Google' hotword detection breaks for no apparent reason, necessitating a reboot. The fingerprint scanner is slower than what you'd find on a number of competitor devices. The value proposition is mediocre at best. The screen to body ratio pales in comparison to phones like the G6 or Galaxy S8. And you can't even buy the damn thing."

The author says some good things about the Pixel but ultimately doesn't recommend it for a second time. So please tell me @oneandroidnut what should I do? I look at your sample photos and my face turns red with envy. I look at my S8+ photos and my eyes tear up. I know that I can replicate the Pixel's picture taking performance, but you are right, I shouldn't have to spend that single 0.3 second event of my life pressing a single tap in the camera app when the Pixel can do it in 0 seconds because Auto HDR on the Pixel is already very good (except for that whole 1-2 second "processing" lag for each photo on the Pixel). So please tell me once and for all if I should keep the S8+ or go with the XL. I've got the Galaxy boxed up, ready to return to the store, waiting on your recommendation.

 

[JasonJoel]

I have both an S8+ and Pixel XL.

I prefer the S8+ screen, size, and looks for sure.

But they are both good phones, and each have pro and con.

In the end, get whatever you like. It's your money.

What might be perfect for one person, isn't for someone else. No right or wrong answer here.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[jal3223]

Aww man, @oneandroidnut had me totally convinced my S8+ was the overall inferior device. His 19 posts in this thread (and counting) where he endlessly defends his position with supporting photos and articles is a real service to the XDA community. Anytime I come home with a new car for example, I just love it to death it when a neighbor stops by and informs me how he owned my car for a while but that his other car is better ("if anybody is interested" he will say). But then I read this the other day :

http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/0...probably-shouldnt-buy-a-google-pixel-anymore/

Now I don't know what to do. Does my S8+ really not suck in comparison, or should I get a Pixel instead as has been suggested in this thread? One thing for me is having to put my S8+ camera into manual HDR mode (a one time only, simple tap on an icon in the camera app, a simple set it and forget it setting) to make it comparable to the Pixel camera has made me realize what a huge compromise the camera experience is (thank you @oneandroidnut for making me see the light), but I guess the XL has its share of issues too. It makes me so mad that I have to spend 0.3 seconds tapping the HDR button 1 time (and never have to change that setting again), but on the Pixel I could saved that life-altering single event in time. Seeing my sub-par photos on my S8+ but knowing that simply spending a third of a second changing a very easily accessible camera setting makes me scream to the heavens above that I just wish it could do the same thing in auto mode like the Pixel. As a comparison, I'm having the same moral dilemma with two TV's I own. TV #1 looks great in auto mode, but TV #2 looks just "good" in auto mode. I spent 5 seconds changing a default setting on TV #2 and now the picture quality is roughly the same as TV #1 (only very minor differences can be seen in a direct side-by-side comparison) and TV #2 has many other cool features that TV #1 lacks, but I think I'm going to return TV #2 to the store because it doesn't look as good in auto mode. Auto mode = better life. Then I'm going into TV #2's online forum to tell everyone the positives and negative of each TV, as I'm sure they will appreciate my opinion to help them make an informed buying decision.

And then that same AP author posted this the next day:

http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/0...eview-still-the-best-smartphone-ive-ever-used

Pixel XL: "The Bluetooth connectivity sucks. The back of the phone has very obvious wear rub. The glass window scratches easily. It's not waterproof. 'OK Google' hotword detection breaks for no apparent reason, necessitating a reboot. The fingerprint scanner is slower than what you'd find on a number of competitor devices. The value proposition is mediocre at best. The screen to body ratio pales in comparison to phones like the G6 or Galaxy S8. And you can't even buy the damn thing."

The author says some good things about the Pixel but ultimately doesn't recommend it for a second time. So please tell me @oneandroidnut what should I do? I look at your sample photos and my face turns red with envy. I look at my S8+ photos and my eyes tear up. I know that I can replicate the Pixel's picture taking performance, but you are right, I shouldn't have to spend that single 0.3 second event of my life pressing a single tap in the camera app when the Pixel can do it in 0 seconds because Auto HDR on the Pixel is already very good (except for that whole 1-2 second "processing" lag for each photo on the Pixel). So please tell me once and for all if I should keep the S8+ or go with the XL. I've got the Galaxy boxed up, ready to return to the store, waiting on your recommendation.

Okay, you have some clear issues man. He never asked you or anyone else to ditch your beloved phone for the pixel. He only stated the reasons why he preferred it. You spent way too much time on a sarcastic point to remain in the healthy zone of conversation on the Internet. I'm glad you like your phone though. On the same note, he has his right to state why he preferred the Pixel in a thread that he started for that very topic. Maybe you should find a different thread?

 

[henrybravo]

Okay, you have some clear issues man. He never asked you or anyone else to ditch your beloved phone for the pixel. He only stated the reasons why he preferred it. You spent way too much time on a sarcastic point to remain in the healthy zone of conversation on the Internet. I'm glad you like your phone though. On the same note, he has his right to state why he preferred the Pixel in a thread that he started for that very topic.

It was some light-hearted satire, no harm intended. Most people that post these types of threads will make their original post and then maybe 1 or 2 follow-ups, but 2 weeks later he's still pasting links defending his position for some reason [we get it already!]. So if he wants to keep the discussion going then I fell for the bait and ramped up the satire to make my point.

Maybe you should find a different thread?

Agreed, will do.

 

[oneandroidnut]

Aww man, @oneandroidnut had me totally convinced my S8+ was the overall inferior device. His 19 posts in this thread (and counting) where he endlessly defends his position with supporting photos and articles is a real service to the XDA community. Anytime I come home with a new car for example, I just love it to death it when a neighbor stops by and informs me how he owned my car for a while but that his other car is better ("if anybody is interested" he will say). But then I read this the other day :

http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/0...probably-shouldnt-buy-a-google-pixel-anymore/

Now I don't know what to do. Does my S8+ really not suck in comparison, or should I get a Pixel instead as has been suggested in this thread? One thing for me is having to put my S8+ camera into manual HDR mode (a one time only, simple tap on an icon in the camera app, a simple set it and forget it setting) to make it comparable to the Pixel camera has made me realize what a huge compromise the camera experience is (thank you @oneandroidnut for making me see the light), but I guess the XL has its share of issues too. It makes me so mad that I have to spend 0.3 seconds tapping the HDR button 1 time (and never have to change that setting again), but on the Pixel I could saved that life-altering single event in time. Seeing my sub-par photos on my S8+ but knowing that simply spending a third of a second changing a very easily accessible camera setting makes me scream to the heavens above that I just wish it could do the same thing in auto mode like the Pixel. As a comparison, I'm having the same moral dilemma with two TV's I own. TV #1 looks great in auto mode, but TV #2 looks just "good" in auto mode. I spent 5 seconds changing a default setting on TV #2 and now the picture quality is roughly the same as TV #1 (only very minor differences can be seen in a direct side-by-side comparison) and TV #2 has many other cool features that TV #1 lacks, but I think I'm going to return TV #2 to the store because it doesn't look as good in auto mode. Auto mode = better life. Then I'm going into TV #2's online forum to tell everyone the positives and negative of each TV, as I'm sure they will appreciate my opinion to help them make an informed buying decision.

And then that same AP author posted this the next day:

http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/0...eview-still-the-best-smartphone-ive-ever-used

Pixel XL: "The Bluetooth connectivity sucks. The back of the phone has very obvious wear rub. The glass window scratches easily. It's not waterproof. 'OK Google' hotword detection breaks for no apparent reason, necessitating a reboot. The fingerprint scanner is slower than what you'd find on a number of competitor devices. The value proposition is mediocre at best. The screen to body ratio pales in comparison to phones like the G6 or Galaxy S8. And you can't even buy the damn thing."

The author says some good things about the Pixel but ultimately doesn't recommend it for a second time. So please tell me @oneandroidnut what should I do? I look at your sample photos and my face turns red with envy. I look at my S8+ photos and my eyes tear up. I know that I can replicate the Pixel's picture taking performance, but you are right, I shouldn't have to spend that single 0.3 second event of my life pressing a single tap in the camera app when the Pixel can do it in 0 seconds because Auto HDR on the Pixel is already very good (except for that whole 1-2 second "processing" lag for each photo on the Pixel). So please tell me once and for all if I should keep the S8+ or go with the XL. I've got the Galaxy boxed up, ready to return to the store, waiting on your recommendation.

I'm glad you wasted a good portion of your life typing this out like I would care lol you'll Samsung fan boys crack me up and this is coming from somebody who has used like every Samsung phone and I'm even starting to stray away from them. Like I said before the note 8 better be legit. Samsung is just trying too hard right now and needs to tone it down a little

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[LoliSmith]

Samsung is just trying too hard right now and needs to tone it down a little

If I wanted a toned down device, I would get a Pixel. I don't, I want WOW. The Note 8 is going to be double WOW I am sure. Samsung knows their target market and it is not you. It is me though.

They are doing very well wowing their target audience, record sales.


I actually have a Pixel, it doesn't wow me. It sits unloved in a drawer.

 

[EnterLordVader]

Also have the Pixel XL. No way im returning to it. Can't even look at it after using the S8 plus. And that's coming from a Google/stock Android fanboy.

 

[nrage23]

Also have the Pixel XL. No way im returning to it. Can't even look at it after using the S8 plus. And that's coming from a Google/stock Android fanboy.

I feel you. Pulled out my Pixel XL to turn it on and update all the apps. It feels like a brick after using the S8+ for a few weeks. I really thought the Pixel was a well made device when I got it. I always hated the glass square on the back. It felt solid though. The aesthetics of the S8+ are top of the heap for the time being. I never thought I would buy another Samsung phone but I am glad I did.

 

[pixel_junkie]

I feel you. Pulled out my Pixel XL to turn it on and update all the apps. It feels like a brick after using the S8+ for a few weeks. I really thought the Pixel was a well made device when I got it. I always hated the glass square on the back. It felt solid though. The aesthetics of the S8+ are top of the heap for the time being. I never thought I would buy another Samsung phone but I am glad I did.

Exactly how I feel. Got an S8 just to test it out. Had a regular Pixel before. Used the S8 for one evening then picked up the Pixel - the hardware feels like going from a AUDI S8 to Toyota Corolla.

Even the software impressed me on the S8. Sure, has some bloat (nothing package disabler can't handle) but once you uninstall the garbage and debloat it, apply a clean theme, it feel so much more premium. Runs very very well too (at least for now, not sure if it'll slow down later). Battery life is also impressive - did not see this one coming but I feel it is slightly better than my Pixel.

LOVE LOVE LOVE that they wen't with no branding on the front. The phone is just clean, polished, premium, sexy as f. I feel SAMSUNG is getting it finally, making the right moves and are totally positioned to be a top phone brand.

 

[rrenny]

I have been using both on and off.
Just let go of the iPhone 7 plus . So i decided to invest in both s8+ and pixel xl.
Had the one plus 3t as well. Favorite so far is the samsung there is something special about it.
I love what they created this time.
:good:

 

[mikey_sk]

funny i was never fan of the pixel, its design is just too vanilla . gave mine to my mother who loves it of course, got the s7e and now s8+. I just like the quality of samsung, yes the software can lag at very rare times, but the exynos is the star of the show (aside from the screen)

 

[oneandroidnut]

Well i ordered a HTC U11 maybe it will be better then s8+ LOL

 

[mlock420]

Well i ordered a HTC U11 maybe it will be better then s8+ LOL

I doubt it looks just like the last one they just dropped lol.... and they went back to single camera...i thought everybody loved the dual camera lens? Squeeze feature, really? Lol...
But it looks good with that liquid glass

 

[crzycrkr]

Yeah, the U11 looks dated to me. And that back looks like a cheap eBay case

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[robstunner]

I'm back and forth between the Samsung and the pixel as well. Biggest reason mainly is the photos. Having taken a ton in direct comparison, the pixel is clearly, even if just slightly better. Everything else though, the Samsung does just fine. To make matters worse, Android O beta comes out either today or tomorrow.

 

[Zorachus]

Had the T-Mobile S8+, and returned it last weekend, went back to my old Nexus 6P, which is much smoother, and has way better dark themes, as well as the better stock Google Android apps that work like hot butter smooth, and can also be themed dark.

S8+ is a very nice phone, with great battery life, but the slight micro stutters and hiccups and jag were too annoying. Overall the S8+ is pretty smooth and very fast, but not 100% smooth all the time, which really irks me. I would say the S8+ is like 75% smooth and lag free, compared to my Nexus 6P being 90% smooth. I have yet to find any phone that is 100% perfect lag free, never stutter once. No smartphone exists like that. Yet.

Plus the curved edges were funky, and I didn't find added any real benefit to me, except making typing weird. I prefer flat screens and phones the size of my Nexus 6P or previous iPhone 7 Plus, which were great.

I can only imagine the Pixel XL 2, with the SD835 and a 3,500mAh battery, will be a beast. Add waterproof and dustproof, and better speakers, and it will be the #1 Android of 2017.

 

[mlock420]

Had the T-Mobile S8+, and returned it last weekend, went back to my old Nexus 6P, which is much smoother, and has way better dark themes, as well as the better stock Google Android apps that work like hot butter smooth, and can also be themed dark.

S8+ is a very nice phone, with great battery life, but the slight micro stutters and hiccups and jag were too annoying. Overall the S8+ is pretty smooth and very fast, but not 100% smooth all the time, which really irks me. I would say the S8+ is like 75% smooth and lag free, compared to my Nexus 6P being 90% smooth. I have yet to find any phone that is 100% perfect lag free, never stutter once. No smartphone exists like that. Yet.

Plus the curved edges were funky, and I didn't find added any real benefit to me, except making typing weird. I prefer flat screens and phones the size of my Nexus 6P or previous iPhone 7 Plus, which were great.

I can only imagine the Pixel XL 2, with the SD835 and a 3,500mAh battery, will be a beast. Add waterproof and dustproof, and better speakers, and it will be the #1 Android of 2017.

Number what? Lol

 

[Zorachus]

Number what? Lol

I don't mean in sales, I mean as far as high quality smooth feeling smartphones go.

We all know the Samsung Galaxy line and iPhone, are the Big Mac and Whopper of hamburgers. Whereas the Nexus / Pixel phones are the organic gourmet burgers.

 

[Salval]

I'd go back to my Pixel XL.... if I hadn't sold it. I'm sick of the crappy wifi on this phone. Guess I'll just have to live with it until I can get something else.

 

[Brainfire2]

I'm returning my S8+ and going back to Pixel XL. ...make the screen edges a little less curved, Samsung messes with Android too much.

Agreed. I don't see any advantage in the curved and bezel-less screen.
Whatever is at the edge of the curve is distorted. And you need a little
bezel on the sides to hold the phone without your fingers overlapping
part of the screen. I'm returning mine also. Used both for a month