Just trying to get some conversation here in this community and also genuinely interested on your opinions!
Best thing about the pixel is it lets you sideload your own operating system from Grapheneos, Lineageos, Calyx, etc.
The only issues I have are unfortunately still common throughout the entire phone industry (No user-servicability or repairability, no SD card slot, no headphone jack)
Not a Pixel user here (would love to someday haha) but I’ll give you my opinions.
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I find Pixels fascinating devices mostly because of the software experience. I’m an Android fanboy and as we all know, Pixel is peak android.
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Cameras. When it comes to cameras and image processing, they’re the best out there hands down.
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Here’s something diff: It’s arguably easier to modify a Pixel device than most other android phones. I’m talking custom roms. Pixel has some of the best supported roms out there, with GrapheneOS the most recommended one if privacy is the main focus.
I’d have to disagree regarding the cameras. Apple pays special attention to the entire graphics pipeline and has vastly more polished camera and display firmware and software. I say this having experience working with the camera stack in the development of multiple Android devices.
On top of the vanilla android benefits, I can’t live without call screening feature.
My wife and I use Pixel because they’re on Google Fi. We’ve been really pleased with the coverage and service so it’s a no brainier.
I use a pixel 4a (upgraded from a 3a when support ended) because it was one of the smallest android phones and it still had a headphone jack. Been eyeing the zenfones lately for the same reasons, but I would honestly stick with the pixel A series (or even upgrade to a “normal” pixel) if they went back to smaller options. Glad to see the zenfone 10 will have longer software support, but more OS upgrades would have made it a no-brainer!
I’m in the same boat. I love my Pixel 4a for the photos it can make, the size and headphone jack. Such a shame that the security updates are almost end of life. I’m eyeing the Zenphone 10 as a replacement for it’s size and camera. 4 years of security updates is reasonable.