Google Pixel (Nexus) phones unveiled on 4th October

Broken Hope · 20-10-2016, 12:20

Quote:

I would be amazed at those silky enough to swap platform for a phone. Surely people have purchased apps and content, as well as getting used to all the quirks and shortcuts.

I had long chat to a friend who works at EE (taking primarily about VoLTE and 800 plans) and the Pixel obviously supports VoLTE out of the box, but the 6P is still designed to get it soon.

With the bulk of the Pixel features now on the Nexus 6P, 5X and Pixel C, plus VoLTE coming, I would still say that someone considering a Pixel should at least consider a 5X or 6P. Both can be found for half the price.

Thus far, comparison tests and videos have been a 6P with 7.0 vs the XL with 7.1. I'd love to see 7.1 vs 7.1.

One thing though; the speed of AF on the Pixel is stunning. Possibly the best on any phone out there.

If you want to shell out the money, no doubt about it - they're very nice phones.

My brother just got his Pixel from Google and is telling me he can't enable VoLTE on it, and he's on EE. Might want to chat to your friend again.

http://i.imgur.com/hjt9R9G.jpg

jonmorris · 20-10-2016, 12:33

Interesting. I will indeed ask.

All customers should be provisioned, but I wonder if it still takes a while. Before I get a response, I would suggest a reboot.

Broken Hope · 20-10-2016, 12:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

Interesting. I will indeed ask.

All customers should be provisioned, but I wonder if it still takes a while. Before I get a response, I would suggest a reboot.

I already asked my brother to reboot, no change. WiFi Calling is indeed working though.

jonmorris · 20-10-2016, 12:58

My friend is in the US at the moment (at the Qualcomm event I believe), so given he will be 8 hours behind my response will likely be later tonight.

Synthetic42 · 20-10-2016, 12:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken Hope

My brother just got his Pixel from Google and is telling me he can't enable VoLTE on it, and he's on EE. Might want to chat to your friend again.

http://i.imgur.com/hjt9R9G.jpg

Is it not just enabled by default like the S7?

Has he actually made a call and seen it drop to 3G?

Broken Hope · 20-10-2016, 13:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synthetic42

Is it not just enabled by default like the S7?

Has he actually made a call and seen it drop to 3G?

Given there is a setting for Enhanced LTE I would assume that was for VoLTE?

But I just called him and he said the dialler screen states HD Voice and he didn't drop down from 4G so I have no idea what Enhanced LTE is in the settings..

Faust · 20-10-2016, 13:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

No I won't. I saw the XL earlier today in an EE store and didn't think that at all.

You are about the person I know who has suggested the 6P is anything but premium quality. The 'visor' was never liked by everyone, but nor is the 1/3 glass panel.

I wasn't bothered album the extra thickness of the Pixel, but both felt like very high quality, premium build, phones because both are.

Yes but your opinion isn't without bias surely given you currently own a Nexus? I don't have an axe to grind as I have no investment in either.

Synthetic42 · 20-10-2016, 13:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken Hope

Given there is a setting for Enhanced LTE I would assume that was for VoLTE?

But I just called him and he said the dialler screen states HD Voice and he didn't drop down from 4G so I have no idea what Enhanced LTE is in the settings..

Generic android option, think they use it more in the US. My S7 has it, it's hidden but it's there and volte is enabled by default.

So panic over, it does have volte

jonmorris · 20-10-2016, 13:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faust

Yes but your opinion isn't without bias surely given you currently own a Nexus? I don't have an axe to grind as I have no investment in either.

I own an awful lot of phones. My 6P isn't even my daily driver.

I know it's opinion, but I don't get your comment about the 6P being cheap. You might be able to scrape together an argument as to why the Pixel is worth the money, but saying the 6P is so obviously cheap through design isn't one of them.

aurichie · 20-10-2016, 14:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

No I won't. I saw the XL earlier today in an EE store and didn't think that at all.

You are about the person I know who has suggested the 6P is anything but premium quality. The 'visor' was never liked by everyone, but nor is the 1/3 glass panel.

I wasn't bothered album the extra thickness of the Pixel, but both felt like very high quality, premium build, phones because both are.

The 6P feels cheap to me. It looks cheap too. I send mine back almost immediately.

The Pixel is absolutely gorgeous and is the first non-Apple smartphone I've held that has ever felt as good as an iPhone in the hand. All the Samsung junk feels like the cheap knockoffs you'd expect from a company that has been ripping Apple off for years. Google has a home run on its hands. This is the device to own if you are happy to be the product Google sells to advertisers.

Gigabit · 20-10-2016, 14:34

aurichie is in the Pixel team at Google?

aurichie · 20-10-2016, 14:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigabit

aurichie is in the Pixel team at Google?

No. The other thing that jumps out at me is the display. I've defended Apple's choice for years but it's getting harder. I'm probably going to have to buy a Pixel. I haven't properly tested one yet, only briefly held and played around with for a few minutes, but the camera is getting fantastic reviews too many saying it truly is better than the iPhone in many situations.

The Pixel is a premium device worthy of the price tag.

Synthetic42 · 20-10-2016, 14:47

The display on the Pixel looks very nice and it's not even QHD, can't see much of a difference between that and my S7.

Can't wait to see the screen on the XL, being QHD

jonmorris · 20-10-2016, 14:58

It's nice. Both models, although the XL is the one I'd choose.

The store I was in today sold one today, and admitted that interest hasn't been great outside London (where Google took out a huge campaign in Metro). His personal opinion was that Google won't have the same hook as Apple has and Samsung has gained (and may stand to lose).

What is nice about the XL is the smaller size in the hand, but as you might expect for a smaller screen.

The back glass is odd though. It looks like plastic and some reviewers incorrectly said it was. To me that makes it look cheap if the light catches it the right (wrong) way.

Gigabit · 20-10-2016, 15:13

Just got my Pixel now and it does feel nice in the hand. The packaging is also really nice and well thought out.

Just getting it setup now

aurichie · 20-10-2016, 15:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigabit

Just got my Pixel now and it does feel nice in the hand. The packaging is also really nice and well thought out.

Just getting it setup now

I obviously haven't unboxed one but it sounds like they really have tried to replicate what Apple does right down to the packaging. It makes sense, Apple fans love their live youtube video unboxings. It does add to the delight when even the packaging has been carefully thought out. Even little things like tiny cellophane tabs that make removing parts of the packaging easy are tiny details that add to the overall satisfying experience. (I have no idea if Google has added these touches)

Gigabit · 20-10-2016, 15:36

Can confirm VoLTE is working on EE.

Faust · 20-10-2016, 15:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

I own an awful lot of phones. My 6P isn't even my daily driver.

I know it's opinion, but I don't get your comment about the 6P being cheap. You might be able to scrape together an argument as to why the Pixel is worth the money, but saying the 6P is so obviously cheap through design isn't one of them.

There are a number of ex-Nexus owners who have taken delivery of a new Pixel today and almost to a man claiming the Pixel is a real step up from their existing Nexus. Now I'm simply reporting what I have read so you must make of that what you will.

I'm not easily impressed by phones (whichever make it is) but my impressions of the Pixel were immediate i.e. this is a phone worth having. Again though that is only my opinion.

I think for any Android fan you would have to say this is the phone everyone's been waiting for. Will it have better depreciation than other Android phones, who knows. Will it be discounted in the months ahead, again who knows, though I do think Google need to be very wary indeed about going down this route which would inevitably devalue the brand.

Faust · 20-10-2016, 15:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

It's nice. Both models, although the XL is the one I'd choose.

The store I was in today sold one today, and admitted that interest hasn't been great outside London (where Google took out a huge campaign in Metro). His personal opinion was that Google won't have the same hook as Apple has and Samsung has gained (and may stand to lose).

What is nice about the XL is the smaller size in the hand, but as you might expect for a smaller screen.

The back glass is odd though. It looks like plastic and some reviewers incorrectly said it was. To me that makes it look cheap if the light catches it the right (wrong) way.

The CPW store where I auditioned one was full of Pixel banners plus a Google rep and all CPW staff wearing Pixel tee-shirts and that is hundreds of miles from London.

Re: the Glass portion at the back which is for better reception and so they could get rid of lens bulge. Surely the majority of users will have these in a case so won't be seen in any event?

Faust · 20-10-2016, 16:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by aurichie

No. The other thing that jumps out at me is the display. I've defended Apple's choice for years but it's getting harder. I'm probably going to have to buy a Pixel. I haven't properly tested one yet, only briefly held and played around with for a few minutes, but the camera is getting fantastic reviews too many saying it truly is better than the iPhone in many situations.

The Pixel is a premium device worthy of the price tag.

Blimey, after reading aurichie's post I've come over all peculiar. I expect the six-o-clock news to lead with this story.

jonmorris · 20-10-2016, 16:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by aurichie

I obviously haven't unboxed one but it sounds like they really have tried to replicate what Apple does right down to the packaging. It makes sense, Apple fans love their live youtube video unboxings. It does add to the delight when even the packaging has been carefully thought out. Even little things like tiny cellophane tabs that make removing parts of the packaging easy are tiny details that add to the overall satisfying experience. (I have no idea if Google has added these touches)

I would hope so. Even the el cheapo Nexus 6P has the plastic sleeves and pull tabs and adhesive.

And you'll be shocked to learn that other companies have done nice packaging since before the iPhone even existed! Some Motorola and Nokia packaging was so fancy that people sold the boxes on eBay!

jonmorris · 20-10-2016, 16:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigabit

Can confirm VoLTE is working on EE.

Good news. Less good news that I sent a message with the screen grab saying it didn't work to EE, followed by a 'don't worry, it does work after all' one.

aurichie · 20-10-2016, 16:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

I would hope so. Even the el cheapo Nexus 6P has the plastic sleeves and pull tabs and adhesive.

And you'll be shocked to learn that other companies have done nice packaging since before the iPhone even existed! Some Motorola and Nokia packaging was so fancy that people sold the boxes on eBay!

I don't really care what other companies have done, or who did what first. Some people always love to turn all things mobile into a silly competition.

Apple has always done packaging well which is why I have such a high opinion of them. And I buy A LOT of technology for my business and most of it is poorly packaged. So there are definite standouts, even if Apple is not alone in doing what they do.

bikerlad · 20-10-2016, 17:22

Can people stop posting saying how great the phone is? I've decided not to buy until Amex supports Android Pay, but I'm very easily swayed.

jonmorris · 20-10-2016, 18:14

Who really cares about packaging?

20-10-2016, 12:20	#426
Broken Hope Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Nottingham Posts: 314	Quote: Originally Posted by jonmorris I would be amazed at those silky enough to swap platform for a phone. Surely people have purchased apps and content, as well as getting used to all the quirks and shortcuts. I had long chat to a friend who works at EE (taking primarily about VoLTE and 800 plans) and the Pixel obviously supports VoLTE out of the box, but the 6P is still designed to get it soon. With the bulk of the Pixel features now on the Nexus 6P, 5X and Pixel C, plus VoLTE coming, I would still say that someone considering a Pixel should at least consider a 5X or 6P. Both can be found for half the price. Thus far, comparison tests and videos have been a 6P with 7.0 vs the XL with 7.1. I'd love to see 7.1 vs 7.1. One thing though; the speed of AF on the Pixel is stunning. Possibly the best on any phone out there. If you want to shell out the money, no doubt about it - they're very nice phones. My brother just got his Pixel from Google and is telling me he can't enable VoLTE on it, and he's on EE. Might want to chat to your friend again. http://i.imgur.com/hjt9R9G.jpg

20-10-2016, 12:33	#427
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Interesting. I will indeed ask. All customers should be provisioned, but I wonder if it still takes a while. Before I get a response, I would suggest a reboot.

20-10-2016, 12:37	#428
Broken Hope Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Nottingham Posts: 314	Quote: Originally Posted by jonmorris Interesting. I will indeed ask. All customers should be provisioned, but I wonder if it still takes a while. Before I get a response, I would suggest a reboot. I already asked my brother to reboot, no change. WiFi Calling is indeed working though.

20-10-2016, 12:58	#429
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	My friend is in the US at the moment (at the Qualcomm event I believe), so given he will be 8 hours behind my response will likely be later tonight.

20-10-2016, 12:59	#430
Synthetic42 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Newcastle Posts: 1,510	Quote: Originally Posted by Broken Hope My brother just got his Pixel from Google and is telling me he can't enable VoLTE on it, and he's on EE. Might want to chat to your friend again. http://i.imgur.com/hjt9R9G.jpg Is it not just enabled by default like the S7? Has he actually made a call and seen it drop to 3G?

20-10-2016, 13:03	#431
Broken Hope Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Nottingham Posts: 314	Quote: Originally Posted by Synthetic42 Is it not just enabled by default like the S7? Has he actually made a call and seen it drop to 3G? Given there is a setting for Enhanced LTE I would assume that was for VoLTE? But I just called him and he said the dialler screen states HD Voice and he didn't drop down from 4G so I have no idea what Enhanced LTE is in the settings..

20-10-2016, 13:09	#432
Faust Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: UK Posts: 8,103	Quote: Originally Posted by jonmorris No I won't. I saw the XL earlier today in an EE store and didn't think that at all. You are about the person I know who has suggested the 6P is anything but premium quality. The 'visor' was never liked by everyone, but nor is the 1/3 glass panel. I wasn't bothered album the extra thickness of the Pixel, but both felt like very high quality, premium build, phones because both are. Yes but your opinion isn't without bias surely given you currently own a Nexus? I don't have an axe to grind as I have no investment in either.

20-10-2016, 13:34	#433
Synthetic42 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Newcastle Posts: 1,510	Quote: Originally Posted by Broken Hope Given there is a setting for Enhanced LTE I would assume that was for VoLTE? But I just called him and he said the dialler screen states HD Voice and he didn't drop down from 4G so I have no idea what Enhanced LTE is in the settings.. Generic android option, think they use it more in the US. My S7 has it, it's hidden but it's there and volte is enabled by default. So panic over, it does have volte

20-10-2016, 13:43	#434
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Quote: Originally Posted by Faust Yes but your opinion isn't without bias surely given you currently own a Nexus? I don't have an axe to grind as I have no investment in either. I own an awful lot of phones. My 6P isn't even my daily driver. I know it's opinion, but I don't get your comment about the 6P being cheap. You might be able to scrape together an argument as to why the Pixel is worth the money, but saying the 6P is so obviously cheap through design isn't one of them.

20-10-2016, 14:24	#435
aurichie Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 5,100	Quote: Originally Posted by jonmorris No I won't. I saw the XL earlier today in an EE store and didn't think that at all. You are about the person I know who has suggested the 6P is anything but premium quality. The 'visor' was never liked by everyone, but nor is the 1/3 glass panel. I wasn't bothered album the extra thickness of the Pixel, but both felt like very high quality, premium build, phones because both are. The 6P feels cheap to me. It looks cheap too. I send mine back almost immediately. The Pixel is absolutely gorgeous and is the first non-Apple smartphone I've held that has ever felt as good as an iPhone in the hand. All the Samsung junk feels like the cheap knockoffs you'd expect from a company that has been ripping Apple off for years. Google has a home run on its hands. This is the device to own if you are happy to be the product Google sells to advertisers.

20-10-2016, 14:34	#436
Gigabit Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 2,887	aurichie is in the Pixel team at Google?

20-10-2016, 14:42	#437
aurichie Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 5,100	Quote: Originally Posted by Gigabit aurichie is in the Pixel team at Google? No. The other thing that jumps out at me is the display. I've defended Apple's choice for years but it's getting harder. I'm probably going to have to buy a Pixel. I haven't properly tested one yet, only briefly held and played around with for a few minutes, but the camera is getting fantastic reviews too many saying it truly is better than the iPhone in many situations. The Pixel is a premium device worthy of the price tag.

20-10-2016, 14:47	#438
Synthetic42 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Newcastle Posts: 1,510	The display on the Pixel looks very nice and it's not even QHD, can't see much of a difference between that and my S7. Can't wait to see the screen on the XL, being QHD

20-10-2016, 14:58	#439
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	It's nice. Both models, although the XL is the one I'd choose. The store I was in today sold one today, and admitted that interest hasn't been great outside London (where Google took out a huge campaign in Metro). His personal opinion was that Google won't have the same hook as Apple has and Samsung has gained (and may stand to lose). What is nice about the XL is the smaller size in the hand, but as you might expect for a smaller screen. The back glass is odd though. It looks like plastic and some reviewers incorrectly said it was. To me that makes it look cheap if the light catches it the right (wrong) way.

20-10-2016, 15:13	#440
Gigabit Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 2,887	Just got my Pixel now and it does feel nice in the hand. The packaging is also really nice and well thought out. Just getting it setup now

20-10-2016, 15:21	#441
aurichie Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 5,100	Quote: Originally Posted by Gigabit Just got my Pixel now and it does feel nice in the hand. The packaging is also really nice and well thought out. Just getting it setup now I obviously haven't unboxed one but it sounds like they really have tried to replicate what Apple does right down to the packaging. It makes sense, Apple fans love their live youtube video unboxings. It does add to the delight when even the packaging has been carefully thought out. Even little things like tiny cellophane tabs that make removing parts of the packaging easy are tiny details that add to the overall satisfying experience. (I have no idea if Google has added these touches)

20-10-2016, 15:36	#442
Gigabit Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 2,887	Can confirm VoLTE is working on EE.

20-10-2016, 15:51	#443
Faust Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: UK Posts: 8,103	Quote: Originally Posted by jonmorris I own an awful lot of phones. My 6P isn't even my daily driver. I know it's opinion, but I don't get your comment about the 6P being cheap. You might be able to scrape together an argument as to why the Pixel is worth the money, but saying the 6P is so obviously cheap through design isn't one of them. There are a number of ex-Nexus owners who have taken delivery of a new Pixel today and almost to a man claiming the Pixel is a real step up from their existing Nexus. Now I'm simply reporting what I have read so you must make of that what you will. I'm not easily impressed by phones (whichever make it is) but my impressions of the Pixel were immediate i.e. this is a phone worth having. Again though that is only my opinion. I think for any Android fan you would have to say this is the phone everyone's been waiting for. Will it have better depreciation than other Android phones, who knows. Will it be discounted in the months ahead, again who knows, though I do think Google need to be very wary indeed about going down this route which would inevitably devalue the brand.

20-10-2016, 15:58	#444
Faust Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: UK Posts: 8,103	Quote: Originally Posted by jonmorris It's nice. Both models, although the XL is the one I'd choose. The store I was in today sold one today, and admitted that interest hasn't been great outside London (where Google took out a huge campaign in Metro). His personal opinion was that Google won't have the same hook as Apple has and Samsung has gained (and may stand to lose). What is nice about the XL is the smaller size in the hand, but as you might expect for a smaller screen. The back glass is odd though. It looks like plastic and some reviewers incorrectly said it was. To me that makes it look cheap if the light catches it the right (wrong) way. The CPW store where I auditioned one was full of Pixel banners plus a Google rep and all CPW staff wearing Pixel tee-shirts and that is hundreds of miles from London. Re: the Glass portion at the back which is for better reception and so they could get rid of lens bulge. Surely the majority of users will have these in a case so won't be seen in any event?

20-10-2016, 16:01	#445
Faust Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: UK Posts: 8,103	Quote: Originally Posted by aurichie No. The other thing that jumps out at me is the display. I've defended Apple's choice for years but it's getting harder. I'm probably going to have to buy a Pixel. I haven't properly tested one yet, only briefly held and played around with for a few minutes, but the camera is getting fantastic reviews too many saying it truly is better than the iPhone in many situations. The Pixel is a premium device worthy of the price tag. Blimey, after reading aurichie's post I've come over all peculiar. I expect the six-o-clock news to lead with this story.

20-10-2016, 16:13	#446
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Quote: Originally Posted by aurichie I obviously haven't unboxed one but it sounds like they really have tried to replicate what Apple does right down to the packaging. It makes sense, Apple fans love their live youtube video unboxings. It does add to the delight when even the packaging has been carefully thought out. Even little things like tiny cellophane tabs that make removing parts of the packaging easy are tiny details that add to the overall satisfying experience. (I have no idea if Google has added these touches) I would hope so. Even the el cheapo Nexus 6P has the plastic sleeves and pull tabs and adhesive. And you'll be shocked to learn that other companies have done nice packaging since before the iPhone even existed! Some Motorola and Nokia packaging was so fancy that people sold the boxes on eBay!

DS Forums

Google Pixel (Nexus) phones unveiled on 4th October

20-10-2016, 16:17	#447
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Quote: Originally Posted by Gigabit Can confirm VoLTE is working on EE. Good news. Less good news that I sent a message with the screen grab saying it didn't work to EE, followed by a 'don't worry, it does work after all' one.

20-10-2016, 16:23	#448
aurichie Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 5,100	Quote: Originally Posted by jonmorris I would hope so. Even the el cheapo Nexus 6P has the plastic sleeves and pull tabs and adhesive. And you'll be shocked to learn that other companies have done nice packaging since before the iPhone even existed! Some Motorola and Nokia packaging was so fancy that people sold the boxes on eBay! I don't really care what other companies have done, or who did what first. Some people always love to turn all things mobile into a silly competition. Apple has always done packaging well which is why I have such a high opinion of them. And I buy A LOT of technology for my business and most of it is poorly packaged. So there are definite standouts, even if Apple is not alone in doing what they do.

20-10-2016, 17:22	#449
bikerlad Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: London Posts: 391	Can people stop posting saying how great the phone is? I've decided not to buy until Amex supports Android Pay, but I'm very easily swayed.

20-10-2016, 18:14	#450
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Who really cares about packaging?