10 ms·

after being an iPhone user for 6 years and recently switching to android (first a pixel, then one plus) I can say with confidence Google's hardware approach suc

by elvirs 9y ago

after being an iPhone user for 6 years and recently switching to android (first a pixel, then one plus) I can say with confidence Google's hardware approach sucks. Android can do a lot more than iOS but it does most of the simple things in a user unfriendly way

randomString1 9y ago
And if you want things like "receiving updates" and "no bloatware, stock android" you have to compromise on the hardware side. Gets even worse when you add phone carriers and warranty to the mix (depending where you live). I just hope Treble will allow us to install a signed stock ROM (custom ROMs don't count in my book) on any device so all that matters is the hardware and customer support.
- DrScump 9y ago
  you have to compromise on the hardware side Or, root the phone. Rooting has it's own rusks and inconveniences, though.
  - akoncius 9y ago
    yeah, it's more like a theoretical option, because rooting voids warranty, plus you have to have technical knowledge how to do it. It is difficult to imagine my dad rooting phone :)
sigmar 9y ago
>Google's hardware approach sucks What is wrong with the Pixel hardware? (Have never owned one and have only heard good things)
- justAnotherNET 9y ago
  Two of my coworkers hated theirs so much they went iPhone this cycle. One cited something about random clicking noises and hardware problems.
- ac29 9y ago
  Some people value headphone jacks, micro-SD expansion, dual-SIM support or other features that dont exist in the latest Pixels. These are all features that modern iPhones don't have either, so its a little hypocritical to call out Google if that is whats meant by the "sucks" part.
  - shaklee3 9y ago
    Those don't exist in the iPhone either, so I'm not sure what you're arguing for. There's a reason most flagships don't have those anymore.
    - kajecounterhack 9y ago
      +1 those few reasons mostly being water resistance (headphone jack) and compactness (everything)
    - rxhernandez 9y ago
      I haven't heard a single good reason beyond the manufacturers' ambitions.
      - rimliu 9y ago
        How about this: most users do not care. The only thing I used from what you mention was headphone jack, but with iPhone 7 I got Beats X and all I can say: good riddance. I will argue that for most iPhone users whatever earbuds they find in the box are good enough. SD cards? Why would I want that…
    - izacus 9y ago
      You forgot about Samsung Galaxy devices, which have all of that and are the most successful mobile phones right next to iPhone.
      - dragonwriter 9y ago
        Galaxy S and Note flagship lines actually had dropped removable storage several generations ago and recently brought it back.
- MarkCole 9y ago
  I bought a 1st gen Pixel in December 2016, so it's just over a year old. I'm delighted with every part of the hardware, except the screen. After around 6 months I noticed that the nav buttons are really badly burned in where the nav buttons are located([1] picture is not mine but it demonstates what I mean, I believe at this point mine is much worse than in this picture). This is due to the nav buttons being constantly visible in most apps, an option to hide them and only spring up when required would be perfect. It's not the end of the world but it's one of those things that once you notice it you can't forget it. [1] https://www.thenextrex.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/enable-always-immersive-mode-auto-hide-your-pixels-software-keys.w1456.jpg https://www.thenextrex.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/enable...
  - thisacctforreal 9y ago
    Had this problem on my (beloved) Samsung Galaxy Nexus (i9250). It was released in Oct 2011, so I'm surprised it's a problem they still haven't fixed. I suppose longevity is only a small consideration to Google.
    - MarkCole 9y ago
      Yeah, it's quite a shame because I've always found the Google made phones to be the best. I had the Nexus 5 for 3+ years, and never had a problem with it. I think when it comes time to replace the Pixel I will have to look at other Android phones.
  - dragonwriter 9y ago
    > This is due to the nav buttons being constantly visible in most apps, an option to hide them and only spring up when required would be perfect. Samsung has that on the Note 8 (the 5 still had hardware buttons, I'm not sure about the 7, or other lines, though the Note 8’s dimensions means that it is probably the phone that needs it least for real estate reasons, so I'd imagine it's across the line.)
    - MarkCole 9y ago
      Yeah my colleague has an S8 and it also has this function. It is possible to enable "Immersive Mode" on the pixel through an app and giving it root access through ADB. However it would be much easier if google just made it a toggleable setting.
p3llin0r3 9y ago
I've had no problems with the Pixel 2, I actually love. it. So I guess what I'm trying to say here is: OK GUY.
eanzenberg 9y ago
Their software also sucks compared to the “just-works” ios and its integration.
- chrisper 9y ago
  You mean it sucks because one can customize it? I remember when I got the iPhone 3gs back then and was surprised you couldn't set a background picture. Oh and these days iOS is still very locked down. So it just works because you are not allowed to do much. (Like having an app like Tasker for example, or choosing if your USB port on your phone should be used for storage, charging only, or even charging other devices).
  - sbuk 9y ago
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decision_fatigue https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decision_fatigue
  - eanzenberg 9y ago
    Why would I want to customize it? It's the same reason I stopped using linux between 2010 and 2017 (I just built an Ubuntu box for DL, dual booted with windows ofc). The more "stuff" is abstracted away so I can get done what I need to is ideal for me.
    - chrisper 9y ago
      So you would not want to be able to easily just plug in your phone into the PC and transfer files normally without having to install iTunes etc. (and even that can't do it)? You would not want to automate certain things? (Like if you are on work wifi, automatically mute phone for example) You wouldn't want to be able to get OBD II data from your car through your phone? Wouldn't you want to be able to use Firefox with a firefox engine and not safari webkit? and and and All these are possible with stock android. Not even talking about hacky customizations.
      - eanzenberg 9y ago
chisleu 9y ago
Yep. Back when they were much more simple (like gingerbread?) I felt they hit the usability peak. My Pixel 2XL has a lot more features. It's certainly faster and better in almost every way, but it has so many trivial user experience bugs that it blows my mind that QA isn't fired.
- BaronVonSteuben 9y ago
  If you could still use your gingerbread phone, you might be amazed how far it's come. I found an old Galaxy phone with 2.3 on it, and it was incredible how differently I remembered it. It was slow and clunky, and ugly by today's standard.
  - rxhernandez 9y ago
    I would be amazed if I thought differently. I still adore my htc dream.
  - bryanrasmussen 9y ago
    yeah I'm pretty sure an iphone 4 isn't doing that great either.
  - mrep 9y ago
    Has the responsiveness improved? It has been a while since I tried out android (htc one and galaxy s4) but I think the biggest thing that drove me back to iphone is UI.
    - Maert 9y ago
      Do yourself a favour and try out Note 8 in a store.
- hocuspocus 9y ago
  Android's QA has always been terrible. As a Nexus user, I guess being a beta tester was part of the deal, but there's no way I'm spending $900 on a Pixel 2XL to replace my Nexus 6P. Nothing justifies the premium price really.
chrisper 9y ago
I hate most of the redesign of going all white. Especially in Settings sometimes it is not clear what is a button and what is just text.
- cschmittiey 9y ago
  I completely agree, but It wouldn't be a major Android update without the changing of the way settings looks.
ariwilson 9y ago
For a contrasting perspective, I went Android to iPhone and I can say it sent me running back to Pixel as fast as I could for basic usability.
- PierceJoy 9y ago
  Funny, I've never had a problem using my iPhone. Care to elaborate?
  - zamalek 9y ago
    People are used to how their phones work, it's a form of lock-in. I can't figure out how a Mac works, never mind an iPhone. I just get annoyed in the first 10 seconds and give up. If iPhone could be made to work more like Android, I'd switch to the superior Apple privacy story. As it stands I really hate using Apple UIs.
    - TheAceOfHearts 9y ago
      Have you given macOS a serious chance? When I first tried it out, almost 10 years ago, I HATED it. But eventually I was convinced by my brother to give it a genuine chance for a week. Since then, I haven't gone back. Whenever I setup a linux PC, the first thing I do is fix the hotkeys to match macOS.
      - zamalek 9y ago
        > hotkeys If you have used Windows since Win95, CTRL+Left/Right is most-likely muscle memory. This hotkey also works in most Linux programs, including Vim and the terminal. It's practically as universal as ALT+F4. macOS does its own special thing. This is by and far the largest issue I have with macOS. It might sound silly, but keep in mind that I get thrown to a different desktop multiple times a minute, completely losing mental context each time, because I am using something that has the same effect everywhere else. Assuming I could change the hotkeys to something less inane, I still wouldn't go near the ecosystem. I flat out refuse to spend $1700 on these specs[1] (i5 with Intel graphics), when I can spend $1899 on one of these[2] (i7 with GTX1060). The iPhone is a different story and I might try it. [1]: https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/macbook-pro https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/macbook-pro [2]: https://www.gigabyte.com/Laptop/AERO-15#kf https://www.gigabyte.com/Laptop/AERO-15#kf
sfifs 9y ago
> most of the simple things in a user unfriendly way Care to elaborate? The thing I value about Android is how I can setup the things "my way" vs. "Johnny Ive" way and so make important things far more simple to do than on iPhone. Also interesting that you chose to test waters with sub par hardware vs. going top of the line Samsung. Both Google and OnePlus are well known to have hardware reliability issues.

by elvirs 9y ago

randomString1 9y ago

And if you want things like "receiving updates" and "no bloatware, stock android" you have to compromise on the hardware side. Gets even worse when you add phone carriers and warranty to the mix (depending where you live). I just hope Treble will allow us to install a signed stock ROM (custom ROMs don't count in my book) on any device so all that matters is the hardware and customer support.

DrScump 9y ago
you have to compromise on the hardware side Or, root the phone. Rooting has it's own rusks and inconveniences, though.
- akoncius 9y ago
  yeah, it's more like a theoretical option, because rooting voids warranty, plus you have to have technical knowledge how to do it. It is difficult to imagine my dad rooting phone :)

sigmar 9y ago

>Google's hardware approach sucks What is wrong with the Pixel hardware? (Have never owned one and have only heard good things)

justAnotherNET 9y ago
Two of my coworkers hated theirs so much they went iPhone this cycle. One cited something about random clicking noises and hardware problems.
ac29 9y ago
Some people value headphone jacks, micro-SD expansion, dual-SIM support or other features that dont exist in the latest Pixels. These are all features that modern iPhones don't have either, so its a little hypocritical to call out Google if that is whats meant by the "sucks" part.
- shaklee3 9y ago
  Those don't exist in the iPhone either, so I'm not sure what you're arguing for. There's a reason most flagships don't have those anymore.
  - kajecounterhack 9y ago
    +1 those few reasons mostly being water resistance (headphone jack) and compactness (everything)
  - rxhernandez 9y ago
    I haven't heard a single good reason beyond the manufacturers' ambitions.
    - rimliu 9y ago
      How about this: most users do not care. The only thing I used from what you mention was headphone jack, but with iPhone 7 I got Beats X and all I can say: good riddance. I will argue that for most iPhone users whatever earbuds they find in the box are good enough. SD cards? Why would I want that…
  - izacus 9y ago
    You forgot about Samsung Galaxy devices, which have all of that and are the most successful mobile phones right next to iPhone.
    - dragonwriter 9y ago
      Galaxy S and Note flagship lines actually had dropped removable storage several generations ago and recently brought it back.
MarkCole 9y ago
I bought a 1st gen Pixel in December 2016, so it's just over a year old. I'm delighted with every part of the hardware, except the screen. After around 6 months I noticed that the nav buttons are really badly burned in where the nav buttons are located([1] picture is not mine but it demonstates what I mean, I believe at this point mine is much worse than in this picture). This is due to the nav buttons being constantly visible in most apps, an option to hide them and only spring up when required would be perfect. It's not the end of the world but it's one of those things that once you notice it you can't forget it. [1] https://www.thenextrex.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/enable-always-immersive-mode-auto-hide-your-pixels-software-keys.w1456.jpg https://www.thenextrex.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/enable...
- thisacctforreal 9y ago
  Had this problem on my (beloved) Samsung Galaxy Nexus (i9250). It was released in Oct 2011, so I'm surprised it's a problem they still haven't fixed. I suppose longevity is only a small consideration to Google.
  - MarkCole 9y ago
    Yeah, it's quite a shame because I've always found the Google made phones to be the best. I had the Nexus 5 for 3+ years, and never had a problem with it. I think when it comes time to replace the Pixel I will have to look at other Android phones.
- dragonwriter 9y ago
  > This is due to the nav buttons being constantly visible in most apps, an option to hide them and only spring up when required would be perfect. Samsung has that on the Note 8 (the 5 still had hardware buttons, I'm not sure about the 7, or other lines, though the Note 8’s dimensions means that it is probably the phone that needs it least for real estate reasons, so I'd imagine it's across the line.)
  - MarkCole 9y ago
    Yeah my colleague has an S8 and it also has this function. It is possible to enable "Immersive Mode" on the pixel through an app and giving it root access through ADB. However it would be much easier if google just made it a toggleable setting.

p3llin0r3 9y ago

I've had no problems with the Pixel 2, I actually love. it. So I guess what I'm trying to say here is: OK GUY.

eanzenberg 9y ago

Their software also sucks compared to the “just-works” ios and its integration.

chrisper 9y ago
You mean it sucks because one can customize it? I remember when I got the iPhone 3gs back then and was surprised you couldn't set a background picture. Oh and these days iOS is still very locked down. So it just works because you are not allowed to do much. (Like having an app like Tasker for example, or choosing if your USB port on your phone should be used for storage, charging only, or even charging other devices).
- sbuk 9y ago
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decision_fatigue https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decision_fatigue
- eanzenberg 9y ago
  Why would I want to customize it? It's the same reason I stopped using linux between 2010 and 2017 (I just built an Ubuntu box for DL, dual booted with windows ofc). The more "stuff" is abstracted away so I can get done what I need to is ideal for me.
  - chrisper 9y ago
    So you would not want to be able to easily just plug in your phone into the PC and transfer files normally without having to install iTunes etc. (and even that can't do it)? You would not want to automate certain things? (Like if you are on work wifi, automatically mute phone for example) You wouldn't want to be able to get OBD II data from your car through your phone? Wouldn't you want to be able to use Firefox with a firefox engine and not safari webkit? and and and All these are possible with stock android. Not even talking about hacky customizations.
    - eanzenberg 9y ago

chisleu 9y ago

Yep. Back when they were much more simple (like gingerbread?) I felt they hit the usability peak. My Pixel 2XL has a lot more features. It's certainly faster and better in almost every way, but it has so many trivial user experience bugs that it blows my mind that QA isn't fired.

BaronVonSteuben 9y ago
If you could still use your gingerbread phone, you might be amazed how far it's come. I found an old Galaxy phone with 2.3 on it, and it was incredible how differently I remembered it. It was slow and clunky, and ugly by today's standard.
- rxhernandez 9y ago
  I would be amazed if I thought differently. I still adore my htc dream.
- bryanrasmussen 9y ago
  yeah I'm pretty sure an iphone 4 isn't doing that great either.
- mrep 9y ago
  Has the responsiveness improved? It has been a while since I tried out android (htc one and galaxy s4) but I think the biggest thing that drove me back to iphone is UI.
  - Maert 9y ago
    Do yourself a favour and try out Note 8 in a store.
hocuspocus 9y ago
Android's QA has always been terrible. As a Nexus user, I guess being a beta tester was part of the deal, but there's no way I'm spending $900 on a Pixel 2XL to replace my Nexus 6P. Nothing justifies the premium price really.

chrisper 9y ago

I hate most of the redesign of going all white. Especially in Settings sometimes it is not clear what is a button and what is just text.

cschmittiey 9y ago
I completely agree, but It wouldn't be a major Android update without the changing of the way settings looks.

ariwilson 9y ago

For a contrasting perspective, I went Android to iPhone and I can say it sent me running back to Pixel as fast as I could for basic usability.

PierceJoy 9y ago
Funny, I've never had a problem using my iPhone. Care to elaborate?
- zamalek 9y ago
  People are used to how their phones work, it's a form of lock-in. I can't figure out how a Mac works, never mind an iPhone. I just get annoyed in the first 10 seconds and give up. If iPhone could be made to work more like Android, I'd switch to the superior Apple privacy story. As it stands I really hate using Apple UIs.
  - TheAceOfHearts 9y ago
    Have you given macOS a serious chance? When I first tried it out, almost 10 years ago, I HATED it. But eventually I was convinced by my brother to give it a genuine chance for a week. Since then, I haven't gone back. Whenever I setup a linux PC, the first thing I do is fix the hotkeys to match macOS.
    - zamalek 9y ago
      > hotkeys If you have used Windows since Win95, CTRL+Left/Right is most-likely muscle memory. This hotkey also works in most Linux programs, including Vim and the terminal. It's practically as universal as ALT+F4. macOS does its own special thing. This is by and far the largest issue I have with macOS. It might sound silly, but keep in mind that I get thrown to a different desktop multiple times a minute, completely losing mental context each time, because I am using something that has the same effect everywhere else. Assuming I could change the hotkeys to something less inane, I still wouldn't go near the ecosystem. I flat out refuse to spend $1700 on these specs[1] (i5 with Intel graphics), when I can spend $1899 on one of these[2] (i7 with GTX1060). The iPhone is a different story and I might try it. [1]: https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/macbook-pro https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/macbook-pro [2]: https://www.gigabyte.com/Laptop/AERO-15#kf https://www.gigabyte.com/Laptop/AERO-15#kf

sfifs 9y ago

> most of the simple things in a user unfriendly way Care to elaborate? The thing I value about Android is how I can setup the things "my way" vs. "Johnny Ive" way and so make important things far more simple to do than on iPhone. Also interesting that you chose to test waters with sub par hardware vs. going top of the line Samsung. Both Google and OnePlus are well known to have hardware reliability issues.