Google Pixel and Pixel XL 2

One thing I am shocked at is the near ZERO development for the Pixel 2 line so far. it's been out 2 months already and there's not one single ROM yet.

Still holding my breath that beans creates a new PureNexus 8.1 for the Pixel 2 XL he has.
 
Development is harder and harder now especially with Oreo.

The Essential has LOS easily available but also a couple of other roms not ready for release (but working) like RR and Uber.
 
Domingo said:
It's a crapshoot getting one of the few "acceptable" XL models, so I didn't even bother. I'm going to rock the little guy for a year and see what the Pixel 3 has to offer.

Case-wise, this is the best one I've found for the smaller Pixel: http://www.speckproducts.com/google...oogle-pixel-2-cases/GPX2-PR-GRIP.html#start=1
It's on sale right now, too.
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A buddy got the Pixel 2 for Christmas. It's a neat little phone. I never considered trying it, but might place an order next week.
 
I've been mostly happy with the smaller Pixel 2. The large bezels are a dated eyesore (it looks like an iPhone 5), but everything else I really like. It's fast, the battery lasts, it charges quickly, the camera is terrific, and I dig most of the Google native apps. If there was a bezel-less version it would be borderline perfect, but alas there's always a catch. I'm hoping the Pixel 3 is similar to the cancelled HTC "muskie," which was pretty close.
 
One minor thing I really love about stock Android phones, is the Substratum themes. It may sound silly, but the ability to theme the entire system all black or dark grey, and even have the notifications themed and deep system stuff themed, as well as third party apps like Instagram, and all Google apps, just makes the phone look so nice, and tweaked to my liking.

Plus the stock white look on most smartphones today is blinding to me, just too much bright white on most phones, I think a dark theme is so pleasing on the eyes, and looks great on AMOLED displays.

I had a black theme on my LG V30 but that phone didn't allow full system wide theming it couldn't theme notifications, or Google apps or third party apps. Only LG phone stuff nothing else. Which made themes on the V30 seem half assed and not complete.
 
A $1000+ phone just can't have a screen like the Pixel 2 XL. Everything else about the phone is stellar, IMO.
 
Curious if you guys / gals are running a Theme on your Pixel 2 ?

And also are you running a custom Launcher like Nova or something ? Or just use the stock Pixel 2 Launcher ?
 
I like the Pixel launcher. Used to use Nova on my Samsung Galaxy Note phones, but I'm happy with the Pixel launcher.

I don't use any custom themes. I just changed to the living narble life wallpaper and my notification shade and app drawer are black line I like them, I'm quite content.

I don't use screen protectors, still no scratches after about 5 weeks of usage.

My charcoal Google fabric case is holding up well. I doubt I'll actually buy another case for this phone, super happy with it. I was able to easily grip my phone and use the buttons to take pictures in the freezing cold with gloves on... Plus I live how it feels in my hands. A few people have commented because it is different than the platuc, silicone and TPU cases you normally see.
 
Since portrait mode got enabled on the OG Pixel with Camera NX mod, my need for the Pixel 2 diminished considerably.
 
Zorachus said:
One thing I am shocked at is the near ZERO development for the Pixel 2 line so far. it's been out 2 months already and there's not one single ROM yet.

Still holding my breath that beans creates a new PureNexus 8.1 for the Pixel 2 XL he has.
Click to expand...

What do you need from a custom rom?
 
RashMullah said:
Since portrait mode got enabled on the OG Pixel with Camera NX mod, my need for the Pixel 2 diminished considerably.
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You were about to buy a $650+ phone for a picture filter?

RashMullah said:
What do you need from a custom rom?
Click to expand...

I wouldn't say "need" since I don't "need" a phone in the first place, they're just nice to have, just like all of the software customizations that a custom ROM (or at least root) allows for. For me, I've been spoiled by a lot of the extra features that come in the Pure Nexus ROM; screen off controls (hold power for flashlight, hold volume buttons for skipping media), quick notification toggle pull down (swipe from right side gives you toggles, like two-finger swiping on stock Android does), quick notification toggles (tapping toggles on/off what you tap, whereas in stock it just opens its selection menu, which you can still do by holding in this ROM), quick brightness slider by sliding across the notification bar, battery circle icon with percentage in the middle (saves space in the notification shade and just looks better), nav bar actions like holding back will force kill an app if it's hanging or something, native ad-blocking through the host file (with near-daily updates in AdAaway), and at least a few more things I'm sure I'm forgetting.
 
T4rd said:
You were about to buy a $650+ phone for a picture filter?
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I live in Sri Lanka so our pricing structures vary considerably. And I usually buy phones used. I'd have upgraded if I could flip my 128gb XL and move to the 2 for maybe $50 to 100 extra.
 
Went and looked at the 2 XL. They had 4 on display. All 4 had terribly blue screens.

Think I might get the LG V30 instead.
 
Zorachus said:
I assume most everyone here is on the Google bought Pixel 2 / Pixel 2 XL, and not the gimped Verizon version ? And are on ' Off Contract ' plans ?

What carrier and plan are you using with it ? The best deal seems to be the ATTGo Phone SIM ? Isn't that like $55 / month for unlimited, if subscribed to monthly auto payment ? T-Mobile I think is $70 for similar off contract plan.

Thx
Click to expand...

Gimped? How so?
 
I bought mine from Google. Mainly just because the Verizon store was no more convenient and I figured I'd like the unlocked bootloader even if I have no real plans to do anything with it.

I'm on the normal 'ol Verizon "unlimited" plan. You can still switch carriers at the drop of a hat and I don't care if I'm paying for data I might not use. My company discount knocks 20% off the top, which is nice. I dig their international data pricing ($10 per day, unlimited w/ no activation needed) and they've generally been quite nice to deal with. I once had an issue with a bill and they just credited my account for the whole month's bill right then.
Dealing with AT&T used to be fine until they acquired DirecTV. That's when their unlimited data plans went up in price every 4 months and literally everything became a tool for them to force DirecTV on you. I got sick of their support team being low-level salespeople instead of actual support folk. Plus, their international plans are more expensive and less flexible.
 
Riccochet said:
locked bootloader. But, really, it's a non issue since there are ways around it.
Click to expand...


My days of running different ROMS are long gone. Just don't see much utility anymore unlike the early days of android.

I've actually only had my XL 2 for about 2 1/2 weeks. I started this thread and I had originally pre-ordered a panda phone from Best Buy on announcement day. When I got my pick up notice, I went to Best Buy and it turns out they royally screwed up my order (at least the system did) and they ordered the incorrect phone. Of course no one had any Panda's in stock and I was out of a phone. Best Buy rep swore that had never happened before. As compensation he gave me two google home minis for free.

Anyway, I had meant to order straight from google this time but I just got busy during the holidays and put it off. (plus my original pixel was still doing just fine). Anyway, a few days before Christmas I ended up taking advantage of the amazing deal that Target (of all places) had going. With any new upgrade or line addition, Verizon was offering $300 off the financing price of the phone (so $550 over 2 years instead of $850) AND Target gave a $250 gift along with purchase. So effectively, the price was only $300 for the phone. CANT BEAT THAT!! On top of that they actually had a Panda phone in stock. So I used a couple upgrades and my girlfriend and I walked out of there with 2 new XLs for $300 each.
 
My Pixel XL has been having some hardware issues lately. First, the sound went out. I could get it back by bending the phone or pressing hard on the bottom right corner. Sometimes, the sound would just start working for no reason, then stop. Now, the sound has come back fully, but people can't hear me on calls.

Not dealing with that shit or paying who knows how much for a repair. Ordered a Pixel 2 XL 128.

Funny thing is my payoff with Verizon on the XL is $176. They're offering me $175 trade in credit. But buying directly though Google my trade in is $316. Yeah, no brainer.
 
Johnny78 said:
My days of running different ROMs are long gone. Just don't see much utility anymore unlike the early days of android.
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Yeah, I've grown weary of the root/ROM routine, too. I usually bricked my phone as often as I successfully flashed a ROM. Many of the tweaks offered by ROMs now can be implemented by stock OS, anyway. My OP5 just got the Oreo update and it's running as well as with any ROM I've used in the past.
 
Now that I've had my Pixel 2 for a 3 months, I have to say that it's probably the best device I've owned since the early iPhones.
It feels like the quirks (like the "tic" and whirring noises) are long gone and any Android 8 and 8.1 issues have been mostly put to bed, too.
I've also simply gotten used to the bezels on the device.
I think I just appreciate how integrated the various apps have become, including 3rd party ones like Facebook Messenger, Quickpic, or the MS authenticator. Doing basic tasks no longer involves different apps fighting to become the default or not seeing one another. Plus, things are just plain fast and the battery lasts a long, long time.
At this point I'll probably just keep this phone until it's no longer supported or there's some kind of sea change in mobile devices. After all, the last Nexus variants are still pretty sweet if you replace their battery.
 
Domingo said:
Now that I've had my Pixel 2 for a 3 months, I have to say that it's probably the best device I've owned since the early iPhones.
It feels like the quirks (like the "tic" and whirring noises) are long gone and any Android 8 and 8.1 issues have been mostly put to bed, too.
I've also simply gotten used to the bezels on the device.
I think I just appreciate how integrated the various apps have become, including 3rd party ones like Facebook Messenger, Quickpic, or the MS authenticator. Doing basic tasks no longer involves different apps fighting to become the default or not seeing one another. Plus, things are just plain fast and the battery lasts a long, long time.
At this point I'll probably just keep this phone until it's no longer supported or there's some kind of sea change in mobile devices. After all, the last Nexus variants are still pretty sweet if you replace their battery.
Click to expand...

How's the battery life? I'm interested in getting one but the small 2,700mAh battery makes me nervous.
 
King of Heroes said:
Thats surprising. What is "moderate use" for you exactly?
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Light gaming, web surfing, phone calls, facebook, multiple email apps and accounts, camera use and a little youtube mixed in.

I'm not on the phone constantly. So, moderate use. Don't expect to turn on youtube and have it stream for 2 days straight on a charge.
 
I use my phone throughout the day. Pretty heavily I suppose. I play music via Bluetooth at least 5 hours a day. Either via PowerAmp or Spotify. I take calls here and there. Typically about 30 minutes a day. I text or message my wife and friends throughout the day along with FB notifications and such. During my lunch break sometimes I'll watch Netflix or YouTube videos and I usually watch videos for 15-20 minutes while jogging in the afternoons. While it varies a bit, my battery is typically at 35-50% capacity when I plug it in at night. 25% is about as low as I've ever seen it on a normal day.
Even on the days where it gets the heaviest use (like watching Capcom Cup and texting with a dozen friends during College bowl game season) I've never had to plug my phone in during the day. I did run it down to single digits, but that was with a lot of HD video and 5 hours of text flooding.
Outside of watching Netflix while driving with Google Maps open all day, I don't think most people would need to. Well, that and maybe the Disney World app. It's a battery killer thanks to constant location polling for wait times. I haven't used this phone there yet, but my old Moto X struggled in Disney World.
 
I've been having random reboot issues with my Pixel XL 128GB. Has anyone else run into this? Wondering if I should go ahead an send it back for a replacement.

Whoops just realized this thread is for the Pixel 2 :(
 
Solhokuten said:
I've been having random reboot issues with my Pixel XL 128GB. Has anyone else run into this? Wondering if I should go ahead an send it back for a replacement.

Whoops just realized this thread is for the Pixel 2 :(
Click to expand...
I would factory reset it first. Probably an app causing it.
 
My OP5 died today. :( Spent about an hour with tech support and they're sending a replacement. In the meantime, I ordered another Pixel 2 XL; $750 for a "mint" 128GB from Swappa. This will be my 3rd go at it. I've been clear about my disappointment with the screen in other posts, but the lower price might make it easier to bear. I've yet to use a 2017 phone that's as snappy/smooth. I also love stock Android and am bored with the root/ROM routine. I'll just sell my replacement OP5 and put the $$ towards the 2 XL.
 
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Anyone get this e-mail?

That's about the highest price I would consider getting a 2XL at. I didn't get the e-mail though since I didn't get my Gnex or 6P through the Google store. I mean my 6P was purchased through the Google store, but then resold to me and then I had to RMA it and Googled registered it under me for the RMA, but I doubt that counts, hah.
 
I haven't commented in this thread much but I've had my pixel 2 XL for almost 2 months exactly now and I'm extremely satisfied with it is it the best phone ever in the world no but then again there's no other phone I want right now I'm very content and happy with this pixel 2 XL there is no other phones I'm interested right now or care about I'm just liking the stock Android experience
 
Since I've had this phone I've stopped surfing the text sites and smartphone sites I'm just so comfortable with this phone I'm just not interested in anything else until the next pixel in the fall
 
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