Google announces Pixel 5, Pixel 4A 5G, and Pixel 4A(theverge.com)
theverge.com
Google announces Pixel 5, Pixel 4A 5G, and Pixel 4A
https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/3/21352032/google-pixel-5-4a-5g-price-release-date-specs
577 comments
Has Audio Jack! (Comparison with other Pixel 4's) - https://store.google.com/magazine/compare_pixel?toggler0=Pix...
One of the biggest differences between the 4a and the older 4 and 4 XL is that the 4a has a rear fingerprint reader, whereas the 4 and 4 XL want you to use face unlock. So strange that this isn't emphasized (or even mentioned) on the comparison page.
This was actually the primary thing that kept me on a Pixel 2 for so long, since it also has a similar rear fingerprint sensor design (and I just pre-ordered the Pixel 4a today).
I can't be the only one who greatly prefers a rear fingerprint sensor to face unlock, especially in our new world order with widespread mask wearing -- but, even before! It's so much faster and less finicky.
(The new model's fingerprint sensor is also so subtle on the chassis on the phone that you can just barely make it out in the photograph of the phone's back shown on the comparison page. But if you squint, you'll see it. It's also discussed in many of the reviews.)
This was actually the primary thing that kept me on a Pixel 2 for so long, since it also has a similar rear fingerprint sensor design (and I just pre-ordered the Pixel 4a today).
I can't be the only one who greatly prefers a rear fingerprint sensor to face unlock, especially in our new world order with widespread mask wearing -- but, even before! It's so much faster and less finicky.
(The new model's fingerprint sensor is also so subtle on the chassis on the phone that you can just barely make it out in the photograph of the phone's back shown on the comparison page. But if you squint, you'll see it. It's also discussed in many of the reviews.)
Pixel 3 also has a fingerprint reader in the back.
While that's fair, very few people are (nor should they) swapping out their devices every year.
I agree, but in this case, the delays in releasing the 4a mean that the pixel 3 was released 22 months ago.
(Mine is starting to die, between a bad screen crack and a battery that dies by 2pm.)
(Mine is starting to die, between a bad screen crack and a battery that dies by 2pm.)
I recently went back to an iPhone 6s while my iPhone XS was in for repairs. Boy, did I miss FaceID (though some of the pain was also due to the change in certain key combinations and gestures between home button and notch iPhones, I had to go back in time and re-learn some old habits).
Why did I miss it? Because FaceID will unlock the notification area and its associated actions before I perform any action or even touch the phone.
Let’s say I get a text, my phone is on the night stand. I just look at it and it already unlocks, no reaching.
It lets you skip a step and start interacting with the screen before the phone has unlocked. Perhaps less of a big deal with the back-mounted fingerprint sensor, in that case I could interact with the thumb simultaneous to unlocking the back.
Using password managers was another big one. Instead of tapping the auto fill button, then tapping the fingerprint sensor, it was all one click. Opening bank apps, same thing. FaceID is always one less finger motion.
Mask wearing has thrown a wrench into it but Apple has added logic to quickly bring up the pin pad when it detects a face mask. Also, sometimes it seems to learn my masked face, but that’s less reliable.
I don’t know how this compares to Pixel face unlocking at all, admittedly.
And I never understood why Apple didn’t use the rear mounted fingerprint sensor. But I do understand why they think the benefits of face unlocking outweigh the drawbacks.
Some examples not related to the action of unlocking: when your alarm goes off, the noise gets quiet when you look at the phone. Also, the screen won’t time out and turn off while your eyes are looking at it.
Why did I miss it? Because FaceID will unlock the notification area and its associated actions before I perform any action or even touch the phone.
Let’s say I get a text, my phone is on the night stand. I just look at it and it already unlocks, no reaching.
It lets you skip a step and start interacting with the screen before the phone has unlocked. Perhaps less of a big deal with the back-mounted fingerprint sensor, in that case I could interact with the thumb simultaneous to unlocking the back.
Using password managers was another big one. Instead of tapping the auto fill button, then tapping the fingerprint sensor, it was all one click. Opening bank apps, same thing. FaceID is always one less finger motion.
Mask wearing has thrown a wrench into it but Apple has added logic to quickly bring up the pin pad when it detects a face mask. Also, sometimes it seems to learn my masked face, but that’s less reliable.
I don’t know how this compares to Pixel face unlocking at all, admittedly.
And I never understood why Apple didn’t use the rear mounted fingerprint sensor. But I do understand why they think the benefits of face unlocking outweigh the drawbacks.
Some examples not related to the action of unlocking: when your alarm goes off, the noise gets quiet when you look at the phone. Also, the screen won’t time out and turn off while your eyes are looking at it.
Wow, I so much have the opposite experience of you
> Let’s say I get a text, my phone is on the night stand. I just look at it and it already unlocks, no reaching.
My phone is on the table while I'm working. In order for it to see my face I have to pick it up and aim it at my face. With touch id I could just put my finger on top without having to pick it up. So much faster and more convenient.
I find that quite often face id is slow or fails, even if it only fails one out of 30 times that's still one a day and when it does it's frustrating as hell. Something that should take 0.5 seconds ends up taking 10-15. I know that sounds trivial but by the time the phone has unlocked, whatever I was planning to do is often forgotten because of the distraction of trying to get face id to work and then having to manually unlock.
And of course now with mask wearing it basically might as well not exist.
> Let’s say I get a text, my phone is on the night stand. I just look at it and it already unlocks, no reaching.
My phone is on the table while I'm working. In order for it to see my face I have to pick it up and aim it at my face. With touch id I could just put my finger on top without having to pick it up. So much faster and more convenient.
I find that quite often face id is slow or fails, even if it only fails one out of 30 times that's still one a day and when it does it's frustrating as hell. Something that should take 0.5 seconds ends up taking 10-15. I know that sounds trivial but by the time the phone has unlocked, whatever I was planning to do is often forgotten because of the distraction of trying to get face id to work and then having to manually unlock.
And of course now with mask wearing it basically might as well not exist.
Current Pixel 4 owner here, and former Pixel 2 owner, and I very much miss the fingerprint sensor.
With a fingerprint sensor, the only time my phone would have any trouble unlocking would be if my finger was wet (trivial to fix and re-swipe). Face unlock fails all the time for all sorts of reasons, and is especially useless when I have a mask on (it's nice of Apple to detect masks and bring up the PIN pad without needing an extra swipe, but that's still a weak workaround). Even without a mask, I feel like the failure rate approaches 1% to 2%, which is way too much. For me to feel comfortable using it, I expect something on the order of 0.01%.
Actually I'm not even sure it's the failure rate that gets me. Even after using face unlock for the better part of a year, I still catch myself looking at the phone thinking it's waiting for my face when it isn't, and then I have to swipe up or hit the power button or something. Yes, maybe you can call these UX problems that can be fixed with software, but with a fingerprint sensor I know that when I touch it, my phone will vibrate, and I know immediately if it succeeded or failed.
I think also part of the difference is that Pixel phones have had their fingerprint sensor on the back instead of the front, like iPhones used to have. If the phone is just lying face-up on a table (and I don't want to pick it up), then having it on the front is much easier. But, in reality, I found that was rarely the case for me; usually it'd be in my pocket, or even if it was on a table, I'd want to pick it up anyway. The act of wrapping my hand around the phone would put a finger in roughly the right position to hit the sensor anyway, so it'd be unlocked and ready to use well before I was in a position to read anything off the screen anyway.
Frankly I just really don't like face unlock when compared to a fingerprint sensor.
With a fingerprint sensor, the only time my phone would have any trouble unlocking would be if my finger was wet (trivial to fix and re-swipe). Face unlock fails all the time for all sorts of reasons, and is especially useless when I have a mask on (it's nice of Apple to detect masks and bring up the PIN pad without needing an extra swipe, but that's still a weak workaround). Even without a mask, I feel like the failure rate approaches 1% to 2%, which is way too much. For me to feel comfortable using it, I expect something on the order of 0.01%.
Actually I'm not even sure it's the failure rate that gets me. Even after using face unlock for the better part of a year, I still catch myself looking at the phone thinking it's waiting for my face when it isn't, and then I have to swipe up or hit the power button or something. Yes, maybe you can call these UX problems that can be fixed with software, but with a fingerprint sensor I know that when I touch it, my phone will vibrate, and I know immediately if it succeeded or failed.
I think also part of the difference is that Pixel phones have had their fingerprint sensor on the back instead of the front, like iPhones used to have. If the phone is just lying face-up on a table (and I don't want to pick it up), then having it on the front is much easier. But, in reality, I found that was rarely the case for me; usually it'd be in my pocket, or even if it was on a table, I'd want to pick it up anyway. The act of wrapping my hand around the phone would put a finger in roughly the right position to hit the sensor anyway, so it'd be unlocked and ready to use well before I was in a position to read anything off the screen anyway.
Frankly I just really don't like face unlock when compared to a fingerprint sensor.
I have a Pixel 3 and a 2020 iPad Pro. I prefer the fingerprint by far.
The nice part of rear fingerprint sensor is that it's super natural to grab your phone out of your pocket and unlock it in one simple (blind) motion. So you are quite literally never waiting for the phone to unlock, it's always unlocked by the time you lift it from your pocket.
So, as my original comment pointed out, the two “unlock” phases are:
1. Phone standby to phone on (as you describe)
2. In-phone software actions, typically, password manager or locked/private apps (banking, etc)
For case #2, I greatly prefer FaceID. For case #1, it’s a toss up for me.
1. Phone standby to phone on (as you describe)
2. In-phone software actions, typically, password manager or locked/private apps (banking, etc)
For case #2, I greatly prefer FaceID. For case #1, it’s a toss up for me.
Oh, I see. But I suppose on a Pixel 4a you could configure both face unlock and the fingerprint scanner and thus get best of both worlds. I personally don't find touching the scanner to be a nuisance for case #2 since its location on a Pixel 2 or 4a's chassis is such that you can do it without fiddling with how you hold your phone (your index finger tends to be near the scanner during phone use, whether one- or two-handed, anyway).
Ok, but interactions of type #2 are probably a hundred time rarer. Personally, I rather like that I have to actively decide to authorize the use of a password.
Yeah, #2 could probably be abused by a malicious app.
My Opinion is that I want that "One More" Action. It tells / reminds me that I am doing something which requires authentication. And that is with my Touch ID.
I didn't know they'd removed the fingerprint sensor. I have a Pixel 2 and I'm happy with it. I don't have any compelling reason to upgrade, except that the screen has a small crack. I would have been disappointed if I'd splurged on a new one and had to use facial recognition to unlock it. I don't like having cameras on me. It's unsettling to interact with my devices that way. I also find that the ones I have used don't work as quickly or reliably as a fingerprint. The fingerprint motion is automatic as I pull it out of my pocket, and the majority of the time I'm glancing down at my hip to check for notifications; something like that wouldn't even work with facial recognition.
Now I'm definitely holding out to see what the 5 has, because if I can get 5G connectivity, I'm willing to switch, but I won't be jumping at it if there's no fingerprint sensor.
Now I'm definitely holding out to see what the 5 has, because if I can get 5G connectivity, I'm willing to switch, but I won't be jumping at it if there's no fingerprint sensor.
They'll also be producing a 4a with 5G connectivity, so there's always that option.
Same with the new iPhone SE. It's a front fingerprint reader, but it still felt like a big usability upgrade from the XS I had before. It's so easy to take your phone out and already have it unlocked, or even activate Apple Pay without looking. I'm sure the Pixel's fingerprint reader is the same story. Face ID was incredibly inconvenient when I was driving with someone else and they wanted to change the music playing on my phone, but with a fingerprint reader I don't have to take my eyes off the road.
I have a pixel 2 and a pixel 4xl (don't judge me, I am a mobile dev ).
Face unlock is pretty nice ... unless you are wearing a mask.
Very infuriating to type my long password then.
On the other side of the coin, fingerprint sensor is kind of neat (well I made a deep cut on my index yesterday so there are also situations where it fails haha). I wish there were both front and back sensors though. In the screen itself for the front one, otherwise the chin would get comically large.
Also when I am baking, I just want to use face unlock.
Ideally we would have both (or something better than both I guess)
Face unlock is pretty nice ... unless you are wearing a mask.
Very infuriating to type my long password then.
On the other side of the coin, fingerprint sensor is kind of neat (well I made a deep cut on my index yesterday so there are also situations where it fails haha). I wish there were both front and back sensors though. In the screen itself for the front one, otherwise the chin would get comically large.
Also when I am baking, I just want to use face unlock.
Ideally we would have both (or something better than both I guess)
Relevant username...
Face unlock is complete BS, no disagreement there.
However... has anyone actually looked into how secure those phone fingerprint readers are?
Could very well be that the reason they're pushing face unlock so hard is they know their fingerprint tech is even worse.
Face unlock is complete BS, no disagreement there.
However... has anyone actually looked into how secure those phone fingerprint readers are?
Could very well be that the reason they're pushing face unlock so hard is they know their fingerprint tech is even worse.
I'm not sure which ones you mean by "those", but there have definitely been issues with phone fingerprint readers in general, e.g. when Samsung's Galaxy S10 would allow any fingerprint to unlock the phone when it had a screen protector on it (https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-50080586).
That would definitely qualify as a those. And that is much worse than I expected.
Recent phones I've had come close to mitigating lesser concerns for me, but decide to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory at the last minute.
Basically, if the password has not been entered in X time, then you must enter the password to unlock, fingerprint not accepted.
Perfect. Except instead of letting me set X to my preferred interval (30 minutes), it seems to be hardcoded to 3 days.
Recent phones I've had come close to mitigating lesser concerns for me, but decide to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory at the last minute.
Basically, if the password has not been entered in X time, then you must enter the password to unlock, fingerprint not accepted.
Perfect. Except instead of letting me set X to my preferred interval (30 minutes), it seems to be hardcoded to 3 days.
A fingerprint sensor is more secure than "swipe to unlock". And
that already makes it a great feature for the many consumers who
don't want to enter a pin or password every time.
Fingerprint totally fails me on Nexus 5X if I have been working in garden: abrasion, small cuts or dirt prevents the recognition of either of my index fingers. (Temporary using old phone because broke newer phone).
It's not just "they want you to use face unlock", but it has the hardware to a a secure face unlock (with a 3D scan) just like the iPhone. Nothing like OnePlus' face unlock that just uses the selfie camera.
Except during this pandemic where you have to wear a mask everywhere, I actually like face unlock. It's even more seamless than the finger print reader.
Except during this pandemic where you have to wear a mask everywhere, I actually like face unlock. It's even more seamless than the finger print reader.
A bit sad and amusing that a physical jack is actually considered a feature now... what's next, removable battery? Expandable storage?
A boy can dream, can’t he?
no one claimed it was a feature. it has a jack, some phones don't, so they state it does. this does not mean 'feature.'
it's a part of the spec, so they list it. it's not sad or bad or good -it just is.
for me, i want just usb-c, and no headphone port is a plus. same for sd card, same for removable battery. i thought all of those were important to me, until i realized i haven't actually used any of this in 10 years. yes, a headphone port adds just a tiny bit of thickness and weight. so does the removable battery. so does an sd reader. it all adds up, and adds a little cost. for things i don't want.
so not a feature, not advertized as one, and for a lot of people, not something they want. you do, so get the phone that suits you.
it's a part of the spec, so they list it. it's not sad or bad or good -it just is.
for me, i want just usb-c, and no headphone port is a plus. same for sd card, same for removable battery. i thought all of those were important to me, until i realized i haven't actually used any of this in 10 years. yes, a headphone port adds just a tiny bit of thickness and weight. so does the removable battery. so does an sd reader. it all adds up, and adds a little cost. for things i don't want.
so not a feature, not advertized as one, and for a lot of people, not something they want. you do, so get the phone that suits you.
> no one claimed it was a feature. it has a jack, some phones don't, so they state it does. this does not mean 'feature.'
I wonder what you believe the word "feature" means.
I wonder what you believe the word "feature" means.
well, clearly you believe on a car, the part of the spec that says 'axles: 2' is a feature. along with everything else in the spec.
It's a feature, just one you're apparently not interested in.
You should google the definition of feature
why would i google it for you -do it yourself if you don't know instead if asking people to do it for you.
hint: it does not mean 'spec.' for example, on a phone, lcd screen is not a feature. oled screen is a feature.
now, what is not a feature for most people may be a feature for you. just like if you like tap water, a restaurant filling your glass from the faucet may be a feature for you. which does not make it a feature.
edit: since the snowflake replying disabled replies.. no. it's more like claiming 'lcd screen' in the spec is a feature in the world of oled phones. so not a feature.
hint: it does not mean 'spec.' for example, on a phone, lcd screen is not a feature. oled screen is a feature.
now, what is not a feature for most people may be a feature for you. just like if you like tap water, a restaurant filling your glass from the faucet may be a feature for you. which does not make it a feature.
edit: since the snowflake replying disabled replies.. no. it's more like claiming 'lcd screen' in the spec is a feature in the world of oled phones. so not a feature.
Note: you can’t disable replies here. The system does it automatically when a thread gets too deep too fast to prevent flame wars. You can reply if you just wait a few minutes.
(Bluetooth) vs (Bluetooth, AUX) supported connection methods for different phones sure sounds like feature disparity to me.
Your analogy is more akin to something like a glass back vs a hard plastic back on a phone, so maybe re-assess that.
Your analogy is more akin to something like a glass back vs a hard plastic back on a phone, so maybe re-assess that.
Anything that adds thickness is a feature to me at this point. It's already awkward enough to use phones as phones.
Stylus and physical keyboard.
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[deleted]
no tracking :)
They're all popular enough features for Samsung to keep making the Galaxy XCover phones.
My personal opinion: Of course it is a feature! I can use cheap generic headphones (Blackberry headset user here) and charge at the same time. I can use the same headphones with my computer. I can also switch between phone and computer in about a second, no pairing no BS and it works reliably all the time.
I care less about the removable battery - in every phone I had I was able to change it myself, tools are cheap, the only thing you need is to watch some tutorials and calm down to have your hands steady.
Expandable storage is also great. I mean, how can it even be considered "not a feature"? You can very cheaply expand your storage - e.g. in situations you run out of storage. I don't get it, what's not to like? Honest question.
I care less about the removable battery - in every phone I had I was able to change it myself, tools are cheap, the only thing you need is to watch some tutorials and calm down to have your hands steady.
Expandable storage is also great. I mean, how can it even be considered "not a feature"? You can very cheaply expand your storage - e.g. in situations you run out of storage. I don't get it, what's not to like? Honest question.
The point made by GP is that it's sad how phone makers remove things that were expected stock characteristics from all phones, and are now threatened with extinction. Almost all android phones used to have a microSD slot to add storage, and for most of them, you could also open up the phone and just slide in a new battery. Now this requires specialty tools and great care, or paying someone to do it for you...
Oh, I see. Thanks for pointing it out.
It's funny how the brain can interpret the text based on your mood and bias. Feels kinda like those optical illusions that seem to rotate in one direction, until you change your perception somehow, and then it rotates the other direction.
It's funny how the brain can interpret the text based on your mood and bias. Feels kinda like those optical illusions that seem to rotate in one direction, until you change your perception somehow, and then it rotates the other direction.
Best part of Pixel 3A too. I was wondering if I should switch to the iPhone but after playing around with an used iPhone, I decided to stick with my Pixel 3A and I'll most likely buy the 4A (since I cracked part of the screen on the 3A). I love that Google is releasing highly usable phones at a decent price range. Combined with prepaid plans, I can easily switch carriers or phones without worrying.
I was briefly considering buying an iphone for the first time ever, since I wanted a good camera phone. Scratched that idea when I learned that it didn't have an audio jack.
I ended up making this jump.
What I've found works best for me:
- In the car I have a Bluetooth audio adapter for the aux in my older car. Works great.
- In my backpack I have a pocket where I always leave a headphone adapter. I always put it back if I use it.
- Bluetooth to Aux adapter with a small battery. Costs like $20 on Amazon and also lives in my backpack. Has saved my ass many times.
Beyond that, I just own more Bluetooth headphones and I keep a few space headphone adapters attached to headphones I use occasionally.
It sucks to spend $50 on adapters and another $40 on Bluetooth adapters. But it is very usable now and I don't ever "miss" my headphone jack now that I have the proper infrastructure setup.
What I've found works best for me:
- In the car I have a Bluetooth audio adapter for the aux in my older car. Works great.
- In my backpack I have a pocket where I always leave a headphone adapter. I always put it back if I use it.
- Bluetooth to Aux adapter with a small battery. Costs like $20 on Amazon and also lives in my backpack. Has saved my ass many times.
Beyond that, I just own more Bluetooth headphones and I keep a few space headphone adapters attached to headphones I use occasionally.
It sucks to spend $50 on adapters and another $40 on Bluetooth adapters. But it is very usable now and I don't ever "miss" my headphone jack now that I have the proper infrastructure setup.
I mean, I have a phone with an audio jack, and I plug my headphones into the audio jack and I am happy.
How would you sell "no audio jack" to me? What's my gain here?
How would you sell "no audio jack" to me? What's my gain here?
You, uh, get to work on your habit-forming because you now have more devices to charge?
I mean, practically, once they've managed to kill audio jacks we'll probably transition to HDCP-like DRM for audio so that you need Approved(tm) headphones to listen to your favourite pop music. Once we get there that will be the feature for you ...
I mean, practically, once they've managed to kill audio jacks we'll probably transition to HDCP-like DRM for audio so that you need Approved(tm) headphones to listen to your favourite pop music. Once we get there that will be the feature for you ...
I don't think there's any "gain", but there's possibly not as much downside as you're thinking. I just leave my adaptor plugged into my headphones all the time, so it's really no different plugging the lighting connector in compared to plugging a 3.5mm audio connector. More hassle if you have multiple sets of headphones I suppose (and I do, but only one cabled set that I use regularly, and a bluetooth set as well).
There's still a minor downside, I can't charge my phone with my (wired) headphones plugged in - but I can get almost 2 days without charging my phone (an XR) so that's never bothered me at all.
For me, the camera on the iPhone XR is _totally_ worth the "downside" of Apple's "no audio jack" decision. That's a very personal thing (I want great low light camera performance for band/gig photos) and it's not something I'd ever tell somebody else is an important purchase decision for them. Same for you, there's no way I'd try to "sell no audio jack" to you. But I might advise that whatever _other_ feature a specific phone has for your personal use cases might possibly override the downsides of no headphone jack.
There's still a minor downside, I can't charge my phone with my (wired) headphones plugged in - but I can get almost 2 days without charging my phone (an XR) so that's never bothered me at all.
For me, the camera on the iPhone XR is _totally_ worth the "downside" of Apple's "no audio jack" decision. That's a very personal thing (I want great low light camera performance for band/gig photos) and it's not something I'd ever tell somebody else is an important purchase decision for them. Same for you, there's no way I'd try to "sell no audio jack" to you. But I might advise that whatever _other_ feature a specific phone has for your personal use cases might possibly override the downsides of no headphone jack.
It's incredibly stupid to drop them and yet here we are, with only a few phones with headphone jacks.
I'm not going to sell you on it, but I'm not the guy you responded to. Pixel 3, no head phone jack, never bothered me. I used bluetooth headphones when I still had a headphone jack.
I don't think there is one. I noticed recently that after losing the headphone jack my behavior changed and I almost never listen to music through headphones on my phone anymore. I'm not sure if that's a positive change.
> What's my gain here?
More choice of phones when buying one.
More choice of phones when buying one.
I'll be honest, this sounds like quite a set of workarounds when one can just... get this phone.
it's definitely not the end of the world. spend a little money on some adapters, change some habits, and it's not really a huge inconvenience.
the main issue for me is that bluetooth audio just doesn't sound very good. most of my music is in mp3, which pretty much guarantees a lossy-to-lossy transcode for bluetooth. the inline DAC adapters tend to be pretty bad as well. I don't really expect a high fidelity audio experience from a smartphone, but the official google adapter for the pixel 2 is noticeably worse than the onboard dac in my old nexus 5x. not a showstopper, but very frustrating considering how much I spent on the phone.
the main issue for me is that bluetooth audio just doesn't sound very good. most of my music is in mp3, which pretty much guarantees a lossy-to-lossy transcode for bluetooth. the inline DAC adapters tend to be pretty bad as well. I don't really expect a high fidelity audio experience from a smartphone, but the official google adapter for the pixel 2 is noticeably worse than the onboard dac in my old nexus 5x. not a showstopper, but very frustrating considering how much I spent on the phone.
> it's definitely not the end of the world. spend a little money on some adapters, change some habits, and it's not really a huge inconvenience.
Or just buy a phone that has a headphone jack, and not limit your options. You can still use bluetooth audio on a phone with an aux port if you want. But there are still lots of decent phone choices that have DO an aux port, eg the new pixel 4a we're talking about, no need to limit yourself.
If I don't have to buy adaptors (one for my desk at home, one for my backpack, one for my desk at work, one for my car, one for the first trip when I forget to take one...) I've saved $50-100.
Or just buy a phone that has a headphone jack, and not limit your options. You can still use bluetooth audio on a phone with an aux port if you want. But there are still lots of decent phone choices that have DO an aux port, eg the new pixel 4a we're talking about, no need to limit yourself.
If I don't have to buy adaptors (one for my desk at home, one for my backpack, one for my desk at work, one for my car, one for the first trip when I forget to take one...) I've saved $50-100.
So just FYI if you do want a hi fi experience from your smartphone, I recommend this: https://www.nextdrive-spectra.io/
My phone does have a headphone jack but I still use one of these. The difference is not close to subtle.
My phone does have a headphone jack but I still use one of these. The difference is not close to subtle.
There is a little 3.5mm-to-lightning dongle that came with at least the iPhone 7. Not sure if it comes with the current model, but FYI.
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMX62AM/A/lightning-to-35...
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMX62AM/A/lightning-to-35...
They don’t come in the box anymore, but are fairly affordable at $9.
Also, they’re quite effective devices: https://www.kenrockwell.com/apple/lightning-adapter-audio-qu...
Also, they’re quite effective devices: https://www.kenrockwell.com/apple/lightning-adapter-audio-qu...
They aren't durable in my experience though. Although most apple cords have issues with the connection "neck" (not sure of the actual nomenclature).
Is "strain relief" the nomenclature you're looking for?
More like the lack thereof... Apple seems to really go for form-over-function on those, and it's been like that for a long time.
Impressive! Didn’t know Ken did audio reviews too.
I have heard hardcore audio nerds say "he doesn't"... Specifically in regard to that blog post. But these are mostly the same people who pay $bignum per meter for crap like silver plated oxygen free 3mm^2 speaker cable, so I don't really place much weight in their opinions...
Cannot charge and you need a dongle.
It came with my 11 pro! Although I did immediately lose it...
Losing it is my biggest reason for needing the audio jack. I not only lose dongles I also lost my expensive Airpods even with the Find My app. I also lose my wired earbuds but at least they're cheap. I know many people that don't have as big a problem with losing things, maybe it's a personality thing.
A friend of mine semi-permanently attached his dongle to his headphones by heatshrinking over the joined headphone jack/socket (after having lost several already). Seems to be a neat/workable solution. (I've never had my dongle come accidentally detached from my headphones. Maybe the tolerances in my headphone jack and my dongle socket all serendipitously turned out "just right"...)
And you can't charge the phone while it's plugged in.
You can if you order a Chinese splitter. All it does is split your lightning into two ports: the charging pins and all the other pins. Because the sound is sent digitally from your lighting port to the splitter, then digitally again to the lightning-to-3.5mm dongle you have no quality loss from a subpar splitter chip.
Edit: to be clear, this shouldn’t be needed, but alas, we cannot steer Apple.
Edit: to be clear, this shouldn’t be needed, but alas, we cannot steer Apple.
It’s possible if you use a wireless charger
Don’t know why the parent was down voted for starting a fact.
I think the better solution if you can afford it is a Bluetooth receiver (Fiio make a nice one) for your old headphones.
If you are getting new earphones get some of the cheap Chinese BT earbuds. They are really cheap these days and work quite well for the money. I got a quite nice pair for ~$35AUD from amazon. Surprisingly good.
I think the better solution if you can afford it is a Bluetooth receiver (Fiio make a nice one) for your old headphones.
If you are getting new earphones get some of the cheap Chinese BT earbuds. They are really cheap these days and work quite well for the money. I got a quite nice pair for ~$35AUD from amazon. Surprisingly good.
The Pixel cameras are supposedly incredible. My understanding is that there are usually one or two Android phones per-generation that are considered either slightly better or slightly worse than the iPhone's camera.
I have one. And I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the photos considering it has only one camera. Given the blur effects in Portrait mode are hit-and-miss once in a while (the algo blurs human hair pretty frequently). But I think it's pretty good for my use case, which is to capture memories that I can revisit.
I thought the Pixel 1's camera was incredible. I still have the photos saved from using it for a few weeks and I don't think any iPhone I've had since has been as good.
I use a Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite. Has a very nice camera and audio jack. The only drawback I can think of is 6.3" size, I'd prefer something below 6" if possible.
One day we'll have wireless earbuds with batteries that last forever and lossless audio over whatever signal format they use and Apple will be hailed as ahead of the curve for removing the headphone jack before everyone else, conveniently ignoring the fact that missing a headphone jack when wireless headphones are not perfect is just a straight up downside.
Agreed. It would be like removing the floppy disk in the 80s or the CDROM drive in the 90s and claiming it was a good move 30 years later.
I'm daily Airpods user and for me they are pretty much perfect, today. I'm happy with my phone lacking a giant port I never use.
I understand that it doesn't fit everyone though.
I understand that it doesn't fit everyone though.
If what you want is wired earbuds that connect directly to a jack on the phone, nothing has changed. Such earbuds still ship with iPhones today.
If you want to use wired headphones, the $9 adapter works well. Wireless headphones are also widely available and have batteries that last all day.
I realise the above doesn’t perfectly cater to all customers, but anecdotally it seems to cater well enough to enough of them.
If you want to use wired headphones, the $9 adapter works well. Wireless headphones are also widely available and have batteries that last all day.
I realise the above doesn’t perfectly cater to all customers, but anecdotally it seems to cater well enough to enough of them.
The main issue for me personally is not being able to charge and listen to audio at the same time. The main use case for headphones on my phone for me is watching streaming video in bed and that drains the battery pretty fast.
I know there's a (kind of bulky) dongle for charging + headphones, but I'd rather buy a device that has the ports I need already.
The $9 adapter is cool though. Afaik it's pretty much the best budget usb dac around.
I know there's a (kind of bulky) dongle for charging + headphones, but I'd rather buy a device that has the ports I need already.
The $9 adapter is cool though. Afaik it's pretty much the best budget usb dac around.
I bought one of those adaptors, and whilst it worked with my charger at home, when I really needed it on a plane, my phone thought it was supposed to charge the plane :/.
I've pre-ordered the pixel 4A. My phone was dying anyway, but I'm going to like having a headphone jack again.
I've pre-ordered the pixel 4A. My phone was dying anyway, but I'm going to like having a headphone jack again.
I understand the earbud+charging dilemma; my wife had the exact same bedtime use case issue. I bought her an Anker PowerPort Wireless 5 stand which holds the phone vertically. Its non-rapid charging speed is not an issue when the phone is charged overnight. (In fact the slow speed is probably good for battery longevity.)
As for myself, I bought Bose QC35's prior to upgrading to my first jackless iPhone so I was never affected by its absence. I almost never use earbuds.
As for myself, I bought Bose QC35's prior to upgrading to my first jackless iPhone so I was never affected by its absence. I almost never use earbuds.
No combination of extra dongles and devices is going to be more convenient or cheaper than just plugging in wired headphones to me.
It’s hilarious how many people have downvoted my comment without actually replying. I can’t imagine how anything I said could be construed as controversial or disagreeable, as opposed to representing a perspective.
I'll bite. As others have said you can't charge and listen to music on phones without a jack.
On the point about affordable wireless headphones, many of us have spent a lot of time and money finding a great wired headphone setup. I don't want to go spend another £300 and 20-30 hours of my time finding an equivalent setup, all because some industrial designer wants his design another millimeter thinner.
Lastly bluetooth still sucks, particularly if you change devices a lot. I've yet to see a BT setup that allows me to easily change my headphones between my laptop, my phone and my ps4 in under 2 seconds.
On the point about affordable wireless headphones, many of us have spent a lot of time and money finding a great wired headphone setup. I don't want to go spend another £300 and 20-30 hours of my time finding an equivalent setup, all because some industrial designer wants his design another millimeter thinner.
Lastly bluetooth still sucks, particularly if you change devices a lot. I've yet to see a BT setup that allows me to easily change my headphones between my laptop, my phone and my ps4 in under 2 seconds.
Thanks for the reply. As I replied elsewhere, the combination of earbuds and wireless charging was a perfect solution for my wife.
Personally I don’t know anyone who routinely charges their phone anytime other than when in bed. And personally I don’t know anyone who has an issue with all day battery life. I’ve no doubt these are still issues for some people but again, wireless charging pads are cheap.
I agree multi device Bluetooth sucks. But that’s not your only option. My QC35 are great for two-device use cases. In your scenario I’d use a wired connection for one of the three devices and your instant switching criteria is solved.
(I’m assuming you’re fine with one wired connection given that you’re criticising the removal of headphone jacks.)
Personally I don’t know anyone who routinely charges their phone anytime other than when in bed. And personally I don’t know anyone who has an issue with all day battery life. I’ve no doubt these are still issues for some people but again, wireless charging pads are cheap.
I agree multi device Bluetooth sucks. But that’s not your only option. My QC35 are great for two-device use cases. In your scenario I’d use a wired connection for one of the three devices and your instant switching criteria is solved.
(I’m assuming you’re fine with one wired connection given that you’re criticising the removal of headphone jacks.)
Yes! I have a 3a and it has kept me using pixels mainly for this reason. #2 reason is the Polycarbonate unibody.
Happy to see they are keeping it in future iterations of the 'a' series.
Happy to see they are keeping it in future iterations of the 'a' series.
> I have a 3a and it has kept me using pixels mainly for this reason
Same here - I held onto my Pixel 1 & only jumped to 3A when it came out.
Mostly it was that I had an existing wired setup fitted to my ears, but the real reason to hate BT was that I wasn't always charging them up. The airpods style charging case + a charging mat might have solved those problems, but the charger was more annoying than the wires themselves.
I happily use bluetooth in the car, which doesn't have the same sort of "did I forget to charge it?" problems.
Same here - I held onto my Pixel 1 & only jumped to 3A when it came out.
Mostly it was that I had an existing wired setup fitted to my ears, but the real reason to hate BT was that I wasn't always charging them up. The airpods style charging case + a charging mat might have solved those problems, but the charger was more annoying than the wires themselves.
I happily use bluetooth in the car, which doesn't have the same sort of "did I forget to charge it?" problems.
Ironically I'm in the opposite boat where I use bluetooth almost always except for when I'm in my car and wire it to the AUX. That's probably because my car is really old but also because it's nice to not carry my phone around everywhere when I'm listening to something. With bluetooth I just leave the phone on the table and can move around the house pretty freely.
I have a 3a and it's mostly fine.
But an obvious problem is that the touchscreen is activated by my leg. I had to actually lock the lockscreen just to prevent the phone from constantly opening random apps and providing random input.
But an obvious problem is that the touchscreen is activated by my leg. I had to actually lock the lockscreen just to prevent the phone from constantly opening random apps and providing random input.
I have this issue as well. What do you mean "lock the lockscreen"
Apply a pattern or code-based lock to make it difficult to activate the phone. It's a security setting.
I have a x digit code. I need a lock screen for my lock screen - to stop me from hitting play on spotify, audible, libby, pocketcast, etc.
The return of the audio jack is great news. I spent years hoarding 3.5mm to USB-C convertors and fight audio issues, including months without USB-C audio working for no apparent reason, and having to work around it with blue tooth headphones, which are ok when I remember to charge them...
I know lots of people will be really happy with this, but I probably would have traded the jack for water resistance
Agree, water resistance would have been nice but it's not mutually exclusive to the headphone jack. Samsung was doing both for awhile.
Sony as well! I miss my Compacts :-(
I'd have done the opposite as I never take my phone near water. But then I'm a weirdo who'd gladly pay $2000 for a 4" flagship if such a thing was for sale.
Def not a weirdo thing. I got a 4" Galaxy S 1 in 2010 and have preferred it to every other phone size since. I dusted it off not that long ago to use overseas (it was my last GSM phone), and it was still the perfect size.
Your hands didn't grow — what a surprise!
Honestly, I did try to embrace this trend by buying a Nexus 6P when it came out in 2015. I thought I'll just get used to it. I did not. Besides being a pain in the rear to use with one hand, it ripped holes through my pockets with its sharp corners. So when they then announced the (5") Pixel 1 a year later, I bought one immediately and it's still my primary phone. Still, it's a tad larger than would be comfortable, I find it that iPhone 5 (or 5S or 1st gen SE) is an ideal size for me. The only problem with these is that they run iOS.
Honestly, I did try to embrace this trend by buying a Nexus 6P when it came out in 2015. I thought I'll just get used to it. I did not. Besides being a pain in the rear to use with one hand, it ripped holes through my pockets with its sharp corners. So when they then announced the (5") Pixel 1 a year later, I bought one immediately and it's still my primary phone. Still, it's a tad larger than would be comfortable, I find it that iPhone 5 (or 5S or 1st gen SE) is an ideal size for me. The only problem with these is that they run iOS.
Yeah do people really use their headphone jack? Most everyone that I know in my circle uses bluetooth headphones now. Some of them are quite good...maybe not audiophile level, but if I wanted to be an audiophile, I would listen on a proper AV receiver with an amp.
Bluetooth headphones for calls add substantial latency. I don't care about audio quality, but latency, often 1/3s round trip, makes turn taking in calls much harder.
The main reasons I like a headphone jack are:
1) My car stereo doesn't have Bluetooth.
2) Very few earbuds fit my ears comfortably. After a lot of experimenting I've found a couple wired models that do fit my ears fine. Given the cost and limited selection of wireless earbuds, finding a good pair will be a chore, if I even can.
3) Once in a while having two ports is handy.
There are probably dongle solutions to 1 and 3, and maybe I can find some that fit my ears well. But that all sounds like way more hassle than just not buying phones that have been designed to exclude some pretty basic functionality.
1) My car stereo doesn't have Bluetooth.
2) Very few earbuds fit my ears comfortably. After a lot of experimenting I've found a couple wired models that do fit my ears fine. Given the cost and limited selection of wireless earbuds, finding a good pair will be a chore, if I even can.
3) Once in a while having two ports is handy.
There are probably dongle solutions to 1 and 3, and maybe I can find some that fit my ears well. But that all sounds like way more hassle than just not buying phones that have been designed to exclude some pretty basic functionality.
> 1) My car stereo doesn't have Bluetooth.
This you can fix easily with a $30 dongle that stays in a car, some of them will power on and start playing from where you left off when power is applied (i.e., when you start the car, provided you leave it plugged in).
I don't use Bluetooth headphones, but for the car, it's perfect.
This you can fix easily with a $30 dongle that stays in a car, some of them will power on and start playing from where you left off when power is applied (i.e., when you start the car, provided you leave it plugged in).
I don't use Bluetooth headphones, but for the car, it's perfect.
So, pre-covid, when I used headphones more, I used the jack a lot because I'm just awful at keeping devices charged.
I also have saved many a social music situation when someone was having bluetooth pairing issues and I just busted out my aux cable, plugged and and blammo the party has music. I'm an IT guy, could I have fixed the bluetooth pairing? Probably. But not quicker than just plugging in.
So we're out there, THERE ARE DOZENS OF US! :)
I also have saved many a social music situation when someone was having bluetooth pairing issues and I just busted out my aux cable, plugged and and blammo the party has music. I'm an IT guy, could I have fixed the bluetooth pairing? Probably. But not quicker than just plugging in.
So we're out there, THERE ARE DOZENS OF US! :)
Travel is another reason. I use my bluetooth noise cancelling Sony headphones but being able to just plug in with zero battery use feels like magic.
13 hour flight, airports, etc... fewer dongles, fewer things to charge, etc.
13 hour flight, airports, etc... fewer dongles, fewer things to charge, etc.
There is very little more frustrating to me than getting 9 hours into a 13 hour flight, and having the batteries in my noise canceller run flat. Airliners are _loud_...
(I have an inexpensive set of cabled noise cancelling earphones that run off a single AAA battery, which always gets packed in my carryon...)
(I have an inexpensive set of cabled noise cancelling earphones that run off a single AAA battery, which always gets packed in my carryon...)
That's a weird example since the model you mentioned still uses battery when you plug it in via cable. Otherwise noise canceling wouldn't work.
Yeah but with Bluetooth headphones you are paying the same price as audiophile headphones, but getting mediocre quality.
A couple of phones did have a decent dac/amp combo built in (HTC 10, and some LG phones), FWIW.
A couple of phones did have a decent dac/amp combo built in (HTC 10, and some LG phones), FWIW.
My HTC 10 died a couple of months back. I actually replaced it with a Pixel 3a (and Dragonfly Black) Loved that phone, the default audio was fantastic.
Yeah, I too used the HTC M8 and then 10, because of the audio.
Since then I have been using the NextDrive SpectraX. I highly recommend it, it sounds even better than the HTC 10, and now I can use (almost) whatever phone I want.
edit: Oops, I missed that you specified you were already using a DragonFly. Is that not as good as the HTC 10 was? I would have thought it'd be better...
Since then I have been using the NextDrive SpectraX. I highly recommend it, it sounds even better than the HTC 10, and now I can use (almost) whatever phone I want.
edit: Oops, I missed that you specified you were already using a DragonFly. Is that not as good as the HTC 10 was? I would have thought it'd be better...
It was, lost it last weekend unfortunately. Replaced it with a Speaka, which so far is basically a slightly better dragonfly black for half the price.
I still appreciate a good headphone jack though. The usb-c connectors aren't always reliable and ignoring inline controls. A phone with a solid DAC & amp would be best. Unfortunately it seems only LG make those these days and their Android skin is horrible.
I still appreciate a good headphone jack though. The usb-c connectors aren't always reliable and ignoring inline controls. A phone with a solid DAC & amp would be best. Unfortunately it seems only LG make those these days and their Android skin is horrible.
I too, enjoyed having it builtin with the HTC 10, but having basically zero choice in phones became a serious problem.
One thing with the 10 was that security updates were basically nonexistent. You got one or two major OS updates, but nothing in between, and nothing after. Lots of phones have this problem, but then again some don't.
Worse than that, the Oreo update completely broke my phone. I went from 2-3 days of battery life with my typical, light usage to something like 12-16 hours with NO usage, screen completely off the entire time. Fixing that required downgrading to Nougat, which required S-OFF, which required me physically mailing my phone to a hacker group and paying around $35. And of course this left me a year or more behind in security patches.
Based on the xda thread about this, it affected lots of people, but was never acknowledged or fixed. Consider yourself lucky :)
The LG phones are, one would hope, not this bad. But still, my takeaway from the experience is that tethering (heh) oneself to a single model or line or phones is really, really bad. The inconvenience of the dongle is, in retrospect, only slightly annoying in comparison.
And there can be significant cost savings. My Moto G6 and SpectraX together cost less than one of LG's phones, and I expect to reuse the SpectraX with my next phone as well. Buying a new DAC/AMP every 1-3 years doesn't really seem right, does it?
One thing with the 10 was that security updates were basically nonexistent. You got one or two major OS updates, but nothing in between, and nothing after. Lots of phones have this problem, but then again some don't.
Worse than that, the Oreo update completely broke my phone. I went from 2-3 days of battery life with my typical, light usage to something like 12-16 hours with NO usage, screen completely off the entire time. Fixing that required downgrading to Nougat, which required S-OFF, which required me physically mailing my phone to a hacker group and paying around $35. And of course this left me a year or more behind in security patches.
Based on the xda thread about this, it affected lots of people, but was never acknowledged or fixed. Consider yourself lucky :)
The LG phones are, one would hope, not this bad. But still, my takeaway from the experience is that tethering (heh) oneself to a single model or line or phones is really, really bad. The inconvenience of the dongle is, in retrospect, only slightly annoying in comparison.
And there can be significant cost savings. My Moto G6 and SpectraX together cost less than one of LG's phones, and I expect to reuse the SpectraX with my next phone as well. Buying a new DAC/AMP every 1-3 years doesn't really seem right, does it?
Water resistance and a headphone jack are not mutually exclusive though, my Xperia Z5 managed both just fine!
Sometimes you don`t have to trade.
I`m using Samsung S10e with headphone jack and IP68 rating.
Best compact phone ever.
Be aware: water resistance is not covered by warranty, at all! If you put your new phone in the water and it dies, that’s it! Read the fine print. I read it for iphone because they brag with a bigger water depth.
Also, even if when new they might be water tight, after you leave it in the sun the glue that holds the phone together and seals it will melt and age. On a samsung I discovered that above the buttons it had less than 1 mm of glue.
Also, even if when new they might be water tight, after you leave it in the sun the glue that holds the phone together and seals it will melt and age. On a samsung I discovered that above the buttons it had less than 1 mm of glue.
Not sure if joking but to serious users this is really important - you can just plug in your headphones and it works - you don't need to worry about which device the phones are connected to this time (I pair my bt headphones with many devices) or signal noise (I still have this problem when using wifi and bluetooth at once). There are even Android devices dedicated for audophiles like new Sony Walkman!
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Excellent, this is now a top option for me!
Rightful king of the top comment.
I got a phone that is just usb-c. Carrying around the adapter sucks, and Bluetooth is an even bigger pain in the ass.
I got a phone that is just usb-c. Carrying around the adapter sucks, and Bluetooth is an even bigger pain in the ass.
The 3A also has an audio jack. I frankly never use it, and sort of wish it weren't there. I wish they would maybe ship it with a thing you can put in the hole that closes it up to make it seamless, but can be removed.
And I'm over here wishing I could pay an extra $350 to get a Pixel 5 with a headphone jack. To me, the Pixel 4a is pretty much a headphone jack with a free low-powered smartphone attached. Haha.
You mean, like those things ? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0832JRZZK
Be careful with these things. They can trap moisture that would otherwise evaporate and cause corrosion.
I'd prefer one made by Google that just matches the phone and the curvature of the end. I don't know why I was downvoted...but some people don't need the headphone jack, but still want a reasonably priced phone. A simple fix is to just sell a plug that matches the phone.
> some people don't need the headphone jack, but still want a reasonably priced phone. A simple fix is to just sell a plug that matches the phone.
Well, no, the simple fix is to ignore the headphone jack. If your needs are "reasonably priced phone", there's no reason to plug the jack. You'd have to have some other need, like "and it can't have a headphone jack".
Well, no, the simple fix is to ignore the headphone jack. If your needs are "reasonably priced phone", there's no reason to plug the jack. You'd have to have some other need, like "and it can't have a headphone jack".
I just did a quick amazon search - there are many versions of these plugs, there may be one that works well with the pixel.
I actually realized I can get usb-c / lightning covers as well, which is great as all my phones get lint in there, eventually causing problems with charging.
I actually realized I can get usb-c / lightning covers as well, which is great as all my phones get lint in there, eventually causing problems with charging.
It's really quite simple to make yourself. Just put some epoxy in there and shape it to the Phone.
How on Earth would you remove an epoxy plug?
You don't. The poster in question said he doesn't use it and wishes it wasn't there. Epoxy is an easy and permanent solution to that problem.
The post said he/she doesn't care about the port and would rather buy one without it. That means it doesn't require to be removeable.
How bout a case that doesn't have an opening for the hole.
Flex Seal?
I'm glad there's an option for people who are into vintage technology like headphone jacks. Maybe they can add phonograph cylinders to the next version.
Problems with wireless headphones over wired
1. batteries run out and can't use until recharged. Even if that only took 10 minutes I wanted to use my headphone now, not later.
2. batteries die and are not replaceable. Bad for both pocketbook and the environment
3. interference can make them unusable. Try walking through a crowded train station and you'll find you get about 2 seconds of audio for every 5 seconds of nothing.
1 step forward (no wires) 3 steps back.
1. batteries run out and can't use until recharged. Even if that only took 10 minutes I wanted to use my headphone now, not later.
2. batteries die and are not replaceable. Bad for both pocketbook and the environment
3. interference can make them unusable. Try walking through a crowded train station and you'll find you get about 2 seconds of audio for every 5 seconds of nothing.
1 step forward (no wires) 3 steps back.
It's a different trade-off for everyone, but I think you're underestimating the QOL improvement of "no wires".
1. No wire randomly snagging on door handles and other objects.
2. No forgetting your phone is on the table when getting up and yanking it off the table with the wire.
3. You can switch the source with a click, e.g. if you're listening to music on your phone and want to watch something on your computer.
4. It doesn't really matter where the source is: while having a meeting on your computer you can seamlessly get up and make yourself some tea while you keep talking and listening.
5. No physical connection to erode. Maybe I'm doing something terrible, but I've had issues with the headphone jack with nearly every phone I've had and nearly every headphones I've owned. It wears out, somehow.
It's well worth it for me, but I can't speak for anyone else obviously.
1. No wire randomly snagging on door handles and other objects.
2. No forgetting your phone is on the table when getting up and yanking it off the table with the wire.
3. You can switch the source with a click, e.g. if you're listening to music on your phone and want to watch something on your computer.
4. It doesn't really matter where the source is: while having a meeting on your computer you can seamlessly get up and make yourself some tea while you keep talking and listening.
5. No physical connection to erode. Maybe I'm doing something terrible, but I've had issues with the headphone jack with nearly every phone I've had and nearly every headphones I've owned. It wears out, somehow.
It's well worth it for me, but I can't speak for anyone else obviously.
Very weak arguments that you could say about anything with a battery. Never had any of the problems you describe. Even the most stubborn conservatives like yourself will give up sooner or later. You're already in minority. Wireless headphones are no different than any other technological advancements.
Well yeah, I think we'd agree that most non-battery based electronic devices are superior to any equivalent device that relies on a battery. You're not refuting anything with that statement.
The fact is performance wise wired headphones are still just better, as well as far cheaper for audio quality.
The fact is performance wise wired headphones are still just better, as well as far cheaper for audio quality.
Until wireless headphones can reproduce audio with the same quality as wired, I'm out.
No professional musician is going to use anything else other than wired headphones. You deprecate an old technology when something better has replaced it, not when you want to create a new market for a product to increase your revenue. The majority of BT audio codecs is inferior to a direct connection, and suffer from > 50ms latency.
4A Review from Marques https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlHnleQU9tQ
I love his reviews.
Notable quirk in this review: around 5:10 where he starts talking about how usable the software is, he also makes an erroneous gesture with his thumb and has to do it again. This is my experience with the Pixel 3a. The gestures require a range of motion that my thumb just does not have. This isn't going to be any better with the 4a, which is even bigger than the 3a.
Notable quirk in this review: around 5:10 where he starts talking about how usable the software is, he also makes an erroneous gesture with his thumb and has to do it again. This is my experience with the Pixel 3a. The gestures require a range of motion that my thumb just does not have. This isn't going to be any better with the 4a, which is even bigger than the 3a.
I disagree - MKBHD has gone downhill and has really surface level reviews these days. He pays more attention to how the video looks instead of the actual content itself. Plus questionable associated with OnePlus.
Battery capacity continues to be disappointing with most Google phones. They always seem to choose them on the lower-end side compared to the competition.
The phone is a good value overall, but 3,100 mAh will hardly last you one day and be almost empty by night. I prefer phones with more generous batteries, so that there's never a risk of running out by the end of the day.
Hopefully Pixel 5a will come with 4,500-5,000 mAh next year, as many low-end $200-$300 phones have these days.
The phone is a good value overall, but 3,100 mAh will hardly last you one day and be almost empty by night. I prefer phones with more generous batteries, so that there's never a risk of running out by the end of the day.
Hopefully Pixel 5a will come with 4,500-5,000 mAh next year, as many low-end $200-$300 phones have these days.
I 100% agree with you. My Pixel 2 is now ~2.5 years old and the performance is still perfectly fine, except that I have to charge it twice a day. It usually lasted a full day when it was new, though.
I'm interested in some of the recent flagships and gaming phones that have 5-6000mAh batteries and settings to not charge up to 100% every night. Once the battery is big enough, you can do things like that to extend the longevity. I'm hoping to see more of that.
I'm interested in some of the recent flagships and gaming phones that have 5-6000mAh batteries and settings to not charge up to 100% every night. Once the battery is big enough, you can do things like that to extend the longevity. I'm hoping to see more of that.
Yeah the battery on my Pixel 4 is pretty bad even after I turned off all the machine learning features that make it a unique device in the first place.
I dream of the day where Pixel or iPhone has solid state batteries.
Does the 4a still disable the USBC video-out? I've wanted to use that feature a few times in the last few years and I'm bummed that the Pixel line hasn't supported it.
Yeah, I have to say, USBC video out sounds like a gimmick until it isn't. I completely ignored it in choosing a phone but it has saved my butt countless times now. Usually the way it happens is that the computer intended for playing a movie/show/presentation/etc has a problem, lacks a cable, etc. Then I spot a USBC to HDMI dongle (basically everyone with a new Mac or recent ultrabook has some kind of USBC dongle) and bam, you're golden.
I wouldn't get a phone without it.
I wouldn't get a phone without it.
Plus, Android has been seeing behind-the-scenes work toward both a desktop mode and a version of AOSP that can boot off mainline - both of which are immensely interesting in the long-term.
(LineageOS, incidentally, just recently got a port to the Raspberry Pi 4.)
(LineageOS, incidentally, just recently got a port to the Raspberry Pi 4.)
Thanks for sharing, I wouldn't have thought of that.
Full spec here: https://store.google.com/us/product/pixel_4a
Not "full" enough to give an answer to this question.
Disable? Does it come standard on the 730G?
I guess that they have a conflict of interest in supporting it, due to Chromecast.
That seems so backwards if truly a factor. The Chromecast should make things easier for people who don't want to bother with cords, not prevent people from using cords if they really want/need it.
Chromecast was also their excuse for disabling Miracast back in the day.. :/
I held on to an old 5x for what felt like forever until the 3a came around.
I've zero interest in the high end phone market, I'm sort of horrified at 6, 7, $800+ the prices, and I feel like I use fewer and fewer apps all the time.
Hopefully google with the 'a' models and Apple with the SE will stick with the mid range products.
I've zero interest in the high end phone market, I'm sort of horrified at 6, 7, $800+ the prices, and I feel like I use fewer and fewer apps all the time.
Hopefully google with the 'a' models and Apple with the SE will stick with the mid range products.
Relatively lucky of you to have a 5X that lasted that long: mine succumbed long ago to the "boot loop" issue, apparently due to soldering issues endemic among 5X phones.
Yeah, we got 2 out of 3 Nexus 5X boot looped. They were great phones, but what a massive let down. And Google never paid us anything to correct the problem.
That's why I'm never buying a Google branded phone.
That's why I'm never buying a Google branded phone.
Mine was well outside its warranty period and whatever Google was also offering, so I didn't even try to get a replacement or refund.
My recollection is that the problem was an LG manufacturing defect that also affected some of their self-branded phones released around the same time... but yes, I don't know that I'd call Google a "stand behind their product" company in the way some are.
I wouldn't really describe myself as upset with the lifetime of my 5X, but I definitely would have kept it longer. I shifted to the Nokia 6.1 which was fine although with its own quirks and issues, but the price was certainly right. I'm happy now with a Pixel 3a.
My recollection is that the problem was an LG manufacturing defect that also affected some of their self-branded phones released around the same time... but yes, I don't know that I'd call Google a "stand behind their product" company in the way some are.
I wouldn't really describe myself as upset with the lifetime of my 5X, but I definitely would have kept it longer. I shifted to the Nokia 6.1 which was fine although with its own quirks and issues, but the price was certainly right. I'm happy now with a Pixel 3a.
Mine (which I had given to my dad) lasted until 8 months ago until it finally started boot looping. Put a bootloop fix on it (which disables a few cores I think?) and it lasted a few month months, but then he got a 3a XL.
Yeah I got lucky.
Every update ... i wondered if it would fall into the loop... but got lucky.
Every update ... i wondered if it would fall into the loop... but got lucky.
It was the best phone I ever had... until the boot loop.
i keep buying them new/old stock for $100 on ebay.. they last a year or more -- just a little slow sometimes. i have one more in my desk drawer and i might upgrade after that one.
Why wouldn't you just get the 3a? It's dirt cheap by now. Not $100 cheap, but a very modern device in comparison.
It’s possible you will get better TCO by spending more upfront if you intend to keep the phone while it is still “current” and receiving OS updates - some quick calculations below based on phones mentioned in another comment (happy to be corrected if the info is wrong).
The pixel 4a has “No guaranteed Android version updates after August 2023” according to google. $350 / 3 = $116/year.
iPhone 11 is $699 according to google. Let’s assume 5 years of support which is reasonable for Apple at this point which = $139.80/year.
Galaxy S8 seems to have been released 3 years ago and only has android 9.0. So let’s call that 3 years (might be less since I don’t know when the last update landed). Assuming the same for the $900 S10 = $300/year.
Note that I am told some phones have advertisements built in and also some manufacturers are also selling your data but not sure how to cost this in (and some people don’t care).
The pixel 4a has “No guaranteed Android version updates after August 2023” according to google. $350 / 3 = $116/year.
iPhone 11 is $699 according to google. Let’s assume 5 years of support which is reasonable for Apple at this point which = $139.80/year.
Galaxy S8 seems to have been released 3 years ago and only has android 9.0. So let’s call that 3 years (might be less since I don’t know when the last update landed). Assuming the same for the $900 S10 = $300/year.
Note that I am told some phones have advertisements built in and also some manufacturers are also selling your data but not sure how to cost this in (and some people don’t care).
I am not sure how you are extending to the 5 year support thing. I have had iPhones and even seen friend's iPhones become slower specially after 3 years. Even if OS updates are coming at best, I will keep the life for 4 years. So iPhone 11 is still $175/year which is great but significantly higher than 4a or even SE2.
Pixel doesn't have any advertisements built in the phone and the latest versions of the OS do give you control over all permissions and background access by apps.
Pixel doesn't have any advertisements built in the phone and the latest versions of the OS do give you control over all permissions and background access by apps.
Yeah but the big thing with iPhones is that they run the iOS operating system. Some people seem to think it's good, but almost all my friends (a mix of tech and non-tech people, mostly working or middle class) prefer Android. As do I.
So given that iPhones are not a serious option, this phone seems like the best that exists.
So given that iPhones are not a serious option, this phone seems like the best that exists.
And the Pixel 4A has a headphone jack! Hurray!
And fingerprint sensor. They stupidly didn't announce whether the two upcoming phones will have those things, so people who want a better processor or 5g will just have to wait.
> 3 years of updates ...
Now we're talkin'.
Now we're talkin'.
All Pixel phones have at least 3 years of Android version and security updates: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/4457705
The problem with that is, that Google will drop it exactly when those 3 years are over. 3 years isn't very long, especially if you don't buy at release.
Some other manufacturers actually provide quarterly updates after those 3 years but are more inconsistent with delivering monthly updates.
Some other manufacturers actually provide quarterly updates after those 3 years but are more inconsistent with delivering monthly updates.
Pixels have a pretty good chance of being supported by LineageOS though. I'm still using my Pixel XL (marlin) with LineageOS, running Android 10 just fine.
LineageOS doesn't support the Pixel 2/XL, Pixel 3/XL/A, or Pixel 4/XL, so I wouldn't get my hopes up.
https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/#google
https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/#google
Yep, that's basically the reason I bought my Pixel 2.
I still think Apple has a better track record here, but 3 years is better than any other Android phone vendor that I'm aware of.
I still think Apple has a better track record here, but 3 years is better than any other Android phone vendor that I'm aware of.
My S8 just received a security update a couple weeks ago, which puts it at over 3 years of updates. It's stuck on Android 9 though.
My Huawei P10 also received security update few weeks ago. It got 2 major Android updates (7 -> 8 -> 9) and while the last update was probably the last, it got more than 3 years of SW support (released March 2017).
I really think Google could do better. Sure, you don't have to wait long for new Android version as with other manufacturers (e.g. Huawei), but 3 years is nothing to applaud Google for.
I really think Google could do better. Sure, you don't have to wait long for new Android version as with other manufacturers (e.g. Huawei), but 3 years is nothing to applaud Google for.
Fair enough, and props to Samsung for that.
Anything less is unacceptable given a normal upgrade cycle.
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Still no gorilla glass what makes this device useless without cover.
EDIT: OK. I'm wrong. It actually has old Gorilla Glass. I hope that will make this phone way better than Pixel 3a which was completely disappointment because of poor glass choice (e.g. here is example of users experience https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/9205039?hl=en)
EDIT: OK. I'm wrong. It actually has old Gorilla Glass. I hope that will make this phone way better than Pixel 3a which was completely disappointment because of poor glass choice (e.g. here is example of users experience https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/9205039?hl=en)
It uses Gorilla Glass 3
https://store.google.com/product/pixel_4a_specs
https://store.google.com/product/pixel_4a_specs
Has gorilla glass - https://www.theverge.com/21351770/google-pixel-4a-review-cam...
according to the store, this has "Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 cover glass".
https://store.google.com/us/product/pixel_4a_specs
https://store.google.com/us/product/pixel_4a_specs
Bit of a shame we still won't be seeing 5G for a while.
I wish these came out earlier this year. Maybe next time around!
3.5mm audio jack - yay!
Finally! A small phone with decent specs and a headphone jack is really all I want these days (and is almost extinct as far as phone design goes). The Pixel 4a seems like a possible alternative to the S10e, which up until now was the only game in town for high quality small-form-factor smartphones.
I think it's still way too big. I'd really like a decent phone with a height under 5 inches. At 4.8 inches tall, the Incredible 4G LTE from 2012 remains my favorite phone. The 4A is at least smaller than the 3A (my current phone), so at least they've moved a tiny bit in the right direction.
I have an S8 Edge which is narrower than these current phones, and even that I find too big. The previous generation iPhone SE was really the last phone that I didn't involuntarily drop on my face when trying to operate it whilst lying down.
If you're holding out for a smaller phone, the rumored 5.4" iPhone 12 should be noticeably smaller than any Pixel.
Pixel 4a: 144 x 69.4 mm iPhone 12 5.4": 131 x 64 mm
https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_4a-... https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkell...
Pixel 4a: 144 x 69.4 mm iPhone 12 5.4": 131 x 64 mm
https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_4a-... https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkell...
+1 as I'm after smaller phones. It's a rarity these days.
Given that we're barely 5 years from a 5.8 inch phone being one of the largest phones on the market, I think it's still too early to call it a "small phone". It's certainly not what most people who say they want a "small phone" on this forum are looking for.
anybody know if 5g is worth waiting for?
Not unless data caps go up. 4G is already fast enough to burn through my monthly data cap in under 10 minutes.
It's too late to edit my previous comment, but I did think of one thing to add: 5G allows for more efficient use of spectrum, which benefits everyone. (Although, it benefits the carriers the most.)
So, while I don't think it's worth waiting for, I do think it is a good thing overall.
So, while I don't think it's worth waiting for, I do think it is a good thing overall.
I don't think anyone was disputing that.
Bit confused as to why mtgx's comment has been voted into oblivion, as it's a legitimate complaint with the Pixel line. My girlfriend has a 3a and it has taken about 3 months for the battery life to start being a minor issue; i.e. she makes sure to charge it during the day if she has somewhere to be in the evening.
It's really the only complaint I have about an otherwise good phone, and it doesn't look like the 4a really addresses it. It appears Google is looking for a software solution to battery life, which I don't disagree with, but that whole approach is basically pointless if someone happens to install Facebook on their phone.
On the positive side, the 3a has a great camera and it looks like the 4a is continuing that. I've been particularly impressed by the 3a's low-light capabilities, such as taking good photos indoors, and it's especially good considering its price.
It's really the only complaint I have about an otherwise good phone, and it doesn't look like the 4a really addresses it. It appears Google is looking for a software solution to battery life, which I don't disagree with, but that whole approach is basically pointless if someone happens to install Facebook on their phone.
On the positive side, the 3a has a great camera and it looks like the 4a is continuing that. I've been particularly impressed by the 3a's low-light capabilities, such as taking good photos indoors, and it's especially good considering its price.
Interesting, my partner and I both have Pixel 3a and I find their battery life amazing. I charge it once a day, but not fully. But maybe I don't use my phone as much as other people, just some redditing here or there and scrolling youtube and casting what I want to watch.
Only gripe I have with Pixel 3a is the "crackling" noise when volume is at max. Seems to be software because sometimes it doesn't happen. Everyone I know with the Pixel 3a has it.
Only gripe I have with Pixel 3a is the "crackling" noise when volume is at max. Seems to be software because sometimes it doesn't happen. Everyone I know with the Pixel 3a has it.
Maybe it's anecdotal? I've had my 3a for a year and the battery feels just as good as when it was new, I only have to charge it every other day.
I suspect it does vary quite a lot based on usage. We live in a fairly cold place (Wales) and my girlfriend's phones tend to suffer more than mine do, as she spends a few hours in an exposed place most days. Towards the end of its life her iPhone SE was suffering from some truly impressive battery woes when she ventured outside. My current phone (an S8 Edge) is doing relatively fine by comparison, but my last Nexus device really struggled here too and I ended up with poor battery life within a few months.
The problem I have with the software approach to battery optimisation is that it doesn't accomodate for environmental issues like that, whereas a bigger battery does.
The problem I have with the software approach to battery optimisation is that it doesn't accomodate for environmental issues like that, whereas a bigger battery does.
I have a pixel 2 which is approaching 3 years of age at this point. (2700mAh) I generally finish the day with 50-70% battery life, unless there's some specific reason I'm actively using it all day. (last time was because my flight got delayed and I was sitting in the terminal for several hours and had packed my charger in my checked bag)
I'm perfectly happy with a 3100mAh battery. The only feature I'm missing with this phone is the "squeeze button" (I forgot the real term) -- it's a much better snooze function than trying to figure out which direction to swipe to snooze when you're sleepy enough to want to snooze. All too often on my old phone I'd just shut the alarm off instead of snoozing.
This is probably the firstest first world problem I've ever had.
I'm perfectly happy with a 3100mAh battery. The only feature I'm missing with this phone is the "squeeze button" (I forgot the real term) -- it's a much better snooze function than trying to figure out which direction to swipe to snooze when you're sleepy enough to want to snooze. All too often on my old phone I'd just shut the alarm off instead of snoozing.
This is probably the firstest first world problem I've ever had.
The Pixel 4a battery is bigger than that of the Pixel 4, and it has a much less energy intensive screen. I think it would be enough for most regular phone users that the Pixel 4a targets.
It's pretty absurd that their cheaper offering for the same major version of the hardware has both better battery life and a headphone jack. Both of those things are way more important to most people than a fancy camera or pointless machine learning features.
The 4a has extra storage over the base 4 as well. I don't know what Google was thinking.
I'm probably gonna sell my Pixel 4 at a loss and get one of these instead. Can anyone explain why I shouldn't? I have no need for a decent camera, prefer fingerprint unlock, and loathe that I can't use my headphones easily. I also use my phone a bunch so battery is super important to me. Don't play mobile games either.
Is it going to be an extremely slow experience or something? Should I expect apps to be laggy?
Is it going to be an extremely slow experience or something? Should I expect apps to be laggy?
4a camera is the exact same one as on 4. It's a bit slower to process the photos due to missing extra chip, but it will take identical photos.
It'll be a bit slower but I wouldn't think laggy. I'm happy with my 3a performance.
It'll be a bit slower but I wouldn't think laggy. I'm happy with my 3a performance.
Then it's settled. Thanks.
It probably largely depends on the apps you have on your phone. My 3a lasts 2 days easily between charges, but I don't have Facebbok or Messenger installed (known battery hogs and wakelocking abusers).
Coming from a Xiaomi with a 4500mAh battery packed in the same size phone as the 3a, the 3a is definitely lacking in battery life if you're a heavy phone user. The 3a will not last me from when I wake up until I go to sleep, where the Xiaomi will last almost 2 days of wake up/sleep.
I still like the 3a and use it as my daily, I just wish Google would find a way to put 3500-4000mah batteries in these.
I still like the 3a and use it as my daily, I just wish Google would find a way to put 3500-4000mah batteries in these.
Try the Moto G, I bought one through Google Fi since it wasn't much more than a screen replacement and has significantly better battery life, though I do miss some of the other features.
This started with the 3, which I returned for that reason, opting to stick with my Pixel 2 XL. I bought it at launch, and it still lasts me over a day with full charge.
The Pixel “a” devices and the new iPhone SE are really great news. Until recently it seemed you had to choose between a $1000 flagship phone and a $200 piece of garbage. I’m really happy to see a sensible middle ground developing at last.
This almost puts it in the price point of an iPod touch. There are so many business options with devices like iPod touches but I have yet to find similar for Android.
Somehow Apple is able to build these pages in a way that doesn't feel so janky like this does. I have no idea what the technical differences are.
One of the biggest reasons I'm happy with the increasing competition in the budget segments is that they're starting to make the 'right' sacrifices, slightly negating the distinctive features and advantages of flagship phones. Flagship phones will either have to adapt (introducing more useful features and not extra camera-bloat), or people will just keep buying the cheaper ones.
350 dollars is "budget"?
For something most people use many times a day with a multi-year lifespan? There’s a fascinating economics lesson in how many people are concerned by the cost of a phone but never mention the service plans which almost always cost more.
"Multi-year" is technically correct but a little rosy: Google cuts off software updates including security updates after 3 years, by which time one can also expect the hard-to-replace battery to be degraded, and increased probability of screen damage. Phones aren't really designed to be durable objects.
That said, I do appreciate Google's "a" variant of their recent phones for the emphasis on practicality and usability (headphone jack, battery capacity), and the $349 price tag doesn't seem extravagant for what you're getting. Mostly, I just wish they came in a smaller size.
That said, I do appreciate Google's "a" variant of their recent phones for the emphasis on practicality and usability (headphone jack, battery capacity), and the $349 price tag doesn't seem extravagant for what you're getting. Mostly, I just wish they came in a smaller size.
2+ years is by definition multi-year.
At 350$, if you use it for 3 years (which is the minimum number of years it gets updates for), you would basically be paying more for your Netflix subscription than for your phone. And I'd wager most people use their phone much more than they do their Netflix.
At 350$, if you use it for 3 years (which is the minimum number of years it gets updates for), you would basically be paying more for your Netflix subscription than for your phone. And I'd wager most people use their phone much more than they do their Netflix.
Okay, so ignoring the fact that the iPhone SE exists, do the math even on the shorter lifetime: that's between $2-4 per week. That's not nothing but I would not think it precludes a “budget” label, especially given how much value people get out of their phones.
> There’s a fascinating economics lesson in how many people are concerned by the cost of a phone but never mention the service plans which almost always cost more.
This is the reason why "free phone" plans are so popular. IMO, it's always lower TCO to unbundle these "deals", but so many people only care about their maximum monthly cost.
This is the reason why "free phone" plans are so popular. IMO, it's always lower TCO to unbundle these "deals", but so many people only care about their maximum monthly cost.
Yes – it's just interesting to see how effective it is, even when people who are trying to be rational are explicitly thinking about costs.
Service plans have really gotten cheap over time. Google Fi is like 24 bucks a month, and they're not even the cheap plan anymore.
That kind of proves the point though even at 24 a month if you have the phone for 2 years then the plan was $576 while the phone was only 350. The phone would come out to $14 a month. Do you value your phone as worth less to you than Netflix?
the 350 isn't factoring in the costs of calls/data etc.
it depends on how long you want to keep the phone for. I bought my phone in 2017 ago for £400 and I pay £8 a month to a carrier to get an allowance of data + calls every month (not a contract, I'm free to cancel any time) so it's worked out at about £18 a month if you amortise the initial outlay.
obviously contracts are more expensive, and can sometimes, albeit rarely, be cheaper, you just need to do the maths.
the bigger advantage to buying a phone outright is you're free to switch network/carrier as the phones are unlocked, at least in the UK anyway.
it depends on how long you want to keep the phone for. I bought my phone in 2017 ago for £400 and I pay £8 a month to a carrier to get an allowance of data + calls every month (not a contract, I'm free to cancel any time) so it's worked out at about £18 a month if you amortise the initial outlay.
obviously contracts are more expensive, and can sometimes, albeit rarely, be cheaper, you just need to do the maths.
the bigger advantage to buying a phone outright is you're free to switch network/carrier as the phones are unlocked, at least in the UK anyway.
I mean sure it's not factoring in cost of calls data but that's not specific to a phone so if you're comparing phone prices (and not plan prices) then the data and calls are irrelevant to the conversation
$349 for a phone that will get full OS updates for 3 years works out to $9.69 per month. That's pretty solid.
The competing Apple variant (lower res HDish screen but much faster CPU) is the iPhone SE 128GB for $449. It will probably get OS updates for 5 years which works out to $7.48 per month.
The competing Apple variant (lower res HDish screen but much faster CPU) is the iPhone SE 128GB for $449. It will probably get OS updates for 5 years which works out to $7.48 per month.
Keep in mind two significant caveats:
- phone batteries basically on last 2 years or less (iPhones are rated to 80% capacity after 500 cycles), which means your phone will last 4/5 as long as it did when new and possibly shut off prematurely in cold/hot temperatures unless you pay for a battery replacement ($50-100+)
- since we bring phones with us pretty much anywhere, a random fall in a pool, an unforseen rain storm, or butterfingers over a hard surface could end up destroying your phone well before those points.
While the SE (2020) certainly has more potential life than the 4a, both phones become fairly useless after 3 years due to the battery concern anyway and might not make it that far depending on who's using them. At that point, the 64GB larger storage, nicer screen, better camera, and $50 lower price of the 4a becomes a competitive advantage.
- phone batteries basically on last 2 years or less (iPhones are rated to 80% capacity after 500 cycles), which means your phone will last 4/5 as long as it did when new and possibly shut off prematurely in cold/hot temperatures unless you pay for a battery replacement ($50-100+)
- since we bring phones with us pretty much anywhere, a random fall in a pool, an unforseen rain storm, or butterfingers over a hard surface could end up destroying your phone well before those points.
While the SE (2020) certainly has more potential life than the 4a, both phones become fairly useless after 3 years due to the battery concern anyway and might not make it that far depending on who's using them. At that point, the 64GB larger storage, nicer screen, better camera, and $50 lower price of the 4a becomes a competitive advantage.
Batteries last more like five years, in my experience, although it does depend on your usage patterns. I'm about 300 cycles in and still at 98% capacity on my iPhone 8.
All these comparisons are misleading. I call "budget" the phone I bought for my mother for less than $100 (an Asus, for the matter) or the $150 Asus I bought for my father, you call "budget" phones in the $350-450 range that I would call mid-range. We may be both right, I guess.
Those budget phones are generally insecure from day one (many months out of date on security patches) and often never get security patches at all.
This changes absolutely nothing in the discussion about what is a budget phone.
Bought my son a Nokia 5.3 for 180 euros, completely surprised by how well it works. If I had to buy my own phone (currently have a company iPhone 11) I would seriously consider the Nokia 5.3 for myself.
Had a Nokia 7.1 for a few years now. Really nice phone, still very quick and the battery easily last 2 days (still). Cost £190 when new. Not sure why people pay more really.
Got my mother a Nokia 7.3 - it's a very good phone priced competitively, with a nearly pure Android experience and on time updates with Android one. Peace of mind!
The 5.3 is a great phone. The Pixel 4a has a better screen and better camera (kinda), but at $200 in the US it's a fantastic value for what you get.
How frequently do you get updates? My friends have gotten cheap Android phones in the past and updates were abysmal.
Nokia 5.3 is part of Android One, so security updates for 3 years are not a problem
Absolutely. My phone pays for itself many times over. I don't even consider the cost these days.
It's more valuable than my car (to me).
It's more valuable than my car (to me).
For a device that keeps you in touch with the world while providing quality camera features and music capabilities for 2 years or more, yeah, $350 is a fine price.
Yes. The Pixel 4's launch price was $800 for the basic configuration, the S10 launched at $900, and the iPhone 11 (which is actually more mid-range in Apple's lineup than "flagship") launched at $700.
Only because there are more expensive phones and where the high price is even part of the marketing, doesn't make that one "budget". There are also many cheaper phones. China is full of them.
It is relative. For people comparing to $1000 phones this is very "budget", compared to my Asus $250 phone that lives on average 3 days between changes, it is not. Compared to my previous phone, the Nexus 5X I bought for $350, it's in the same range, just newer. I see you are downvoted a lot, I disagree with this reaction.
Given that flagship phones are $800-$1000, yes, that's the high end of budget or the low end of mid-range.
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For adults with jobs in developed countries. You're right that it would be considered mid-range or pricey in developing countries.
Is it just me, or does every single photo supposedly demonstrating the quality of the camera have awful artifacts? (I'm not saying this means it has a poor quality camera, I suspect that whatever process prepared these photos for the website cranked up the JPEG compression or something.)
It's not you, now that you told me they are in every of the photos, that's weird.
I can only hope they will revisit face unlock in the era of face masks. I greatly prefered fingerprint unlock. I treat either of these as tamper resistance rather than actual security, but I find fingerprint unlock to be a much better experience.
According to this review the 4a has a rear-mounted fingerprint reader:
> Google carried over the rear-mounted fingerprint reader of the Pixel 3a. Color me a fan. The 3a had a fairly deep divot with a different finish on the fingerprint reader itself. Google made the Pixel 4a’s fingerprint reader blend in better with the body. Both the reader and the rear shell have the same matte texture and black color, and the back of the phone even curves inward towards the reader to make it feel more cohesive.
https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-4a-review-1140...
> Google carried over the rear-mounted fingerprint reader of the Pixel 3a. Color me a fan. The 3a had a fairly deep divot with a different finish on the fingerprint reader itself. Google made the Pixel 4a’s fingerprint reader blend in better with the body. Both the reader and the rear shell have the same matte texture and black color, and the back of the phone even curves inward towards the reader to make it feel more cohesive.
https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-4a-review-1140...
Agreed; I don't see face unlock significantly more convenient in than fingerprint unlock. I guess it's a little more automatic, but I find I have to wiggle my phone around any way in order to get it to recognize my face. In practice, I end up having to spend the same amount of time making faces at my phone as I did touching the fingerprint sensor.
Even before face-masks, I found that my Pixel 4 can't recognize me with a bike helmet on. I have a phone mount on my handlebars and fingerprint-unlocking is very convenient (not while moving, obviously). Also if I'm driving, I can hand the phone to my wife and finger-unlock it without looking away from the road, which is definitely not possible with a face-unlock.
Even before face-masks, I found that my Pixel 4 can't recognize me with a bike helmet on. I have a phone mount on my handlebars and fingerprint-unlocking is very convenient (not while moving, obviously). Also if I'm driving, I can hand the phone to my wife and finger-unlock it without looking away from the road, which is definitely not possible with a face-unlock.
This model looks to have a fingerprint reader, which may be good news to you. You can see the outline in the main photo, and it is also listed in the tech specs: https://store.google.com/product/pixel_4a_specs
I just moved from pixel to iphone, and the thing I miss the most is the "trusted bluetooth device" mechanism to keep the phone unlocked. I used to have that enabled for my garmin watch, and it kept my phone unlocked for up to 4 hours.
This was way, way better than face id or fingerprints during covid (eg, face id does not work b/c of masks, fingerprints don't work b/c of gloves).
This was way, way better than face id or fingerprints during covid (eg, face id does not work b/c of masks, fingerprints don't work b/c of gloves).
Now that you mention it, it’s a little surprising Apple hasn’t done that. It exists on the Mac so why not my iPhone or iPad?
It's not on the Mac, what Apple Watch and Mac does is unlock the Mac when it locks. It doesn't keep it unlocked like the OP mentioned.
For anyone wondering: Pixel 3 had a fingerprint sensor for unlocking the screen, but Pixel 4 removed it and replaced it with a face unlock. Regardless of whether face unlock works - sometimes it's inconvenient to position yourself for it (e.g. if you have bags in your hand, are driving, browsing/reading with phone on a surface, in bed, etc).
Some skipped Pixel 4 due to removing it. They considered fingerprint reading to be one of Pixel 3's most helpful features.
We still don't know if Pixel 5 will have it or not.
Some skipped Pixel 4 due to removing it. They considered fingerprint reading to be one of Pixel 3's most helpful features.
We still don't know if Pixel 5 will have it or not.
Yeap, I am not going to buy pixel 5 if it does have that weird fingerprint reader behind it.
Best scenario for me is having fingerprint reader under the screen.
Best scenario for me is having fingerprint reader under the screen.
Another downside: lots of apps don't implement face unlock. Many banking apps have fingerprint only, either because they develop slower or because so many Android phones have botched biometrics that it can't generally be used for apps requiring real security, and would need a whitelisting exception for Pixel 4.
FaceID is terrible when driving. I often have my passenger read and send texts for me, on my iPhone 6S I just had to grab the phone and put my thumb on it. With my iPhone 11, I need to lift it up in front of my wheel, and look directly at it instead of the road, because if you aren't looking at it then it won't unlock.
Alternatively, stop using your phone while you're driving. It's illegal to hold it in your hand while driving in many (most?) states now.
There is a setting to require attention (eye contact with the phone) or not, enabled by default. Try disabling that?
Check out Carplay
I also am not a fan of facial unlock, I would much rather have a finger print reader like previous models. Though I will say if my hands are sweaty it doesn't work, which is a bit annoying.
This is why I have both the fingerprint AND face unlock on on my phone :) The combo of the two covers 99% of cases IME.
Not very secure either, but pair a miband4 with smart unlock. 3-4 weeks of battery life, works with gloves and masks/scarves. Keep keychain or throw it in backpack. The 1st party app lets you adjust unlock distance by range. Anyone in range can unlock your device, but works well in terms of convenience.
Fingerprint unlock never worked for me (on any of my devices) because as a rock climber my fingerprints rub off. For about 2 years I could never get any fingerprint readers to work for more than a few days.
So I had to get a Pixel 4 because it has Face Unlock, which works almost too well to be honest.
So I had to get a Pixel 4 because it has Face Unlock, which works almost too well to be honest.
I have the same climber/fingerprint issues and spend way more time typing in passwords and phone unlock codes than I would prefer.
I'm actually rehabbing an injury at the moment and haven't touched the rock in almost a month. This week, all my devices magically sprang to life and I can get in to them instantly with just a touch of the finger.
It's amazing, this world that everybody else is living in.
I'm actually rehabbing an injury at the moment and haven't touched the rock in almost a month. This week, all my devices magically sprang to life and I can get in to them instantly with just a touch of the finger.
It's amazing, this world that everybody else is living in.
Fortunately, a lot of Android phones these days offer both systems, so you can use whichever is most convenient for you at the moment.
Sensible design choices. Stock Android. Pocket friendly.
Such a clean offer. I'm amazed.
Such a clean offer. I'm amazed.
Looks like this one has edges that are easy to grip. Samsung phones should take note ;)
I'm still rocking a Pixel 2 xl and despite Google being a bit... Uninterested(probably the correct term) in the market outside the US(and thus severely limited in supply and even functionalities), I'll admit, it's a brilliant phone. I'm definitely curious to see what the 5 will offer and I might jump on board with it.What bothers me is that it was a pain in the ass to get the 2 XL back in the day. I flew all the way to Poland to get it(and even there I had to order it and wait for the delivery) so the covid-19 situation will probably be even more painful. I'll have to wait and see I suppose.
Similar boat as you. I bought the Pixel 2 XL and am still rocking it to this day. I just happen to be living in the States.
I think I'll be going for the 5, but the 4a does give me a pause. If I use it for another 3 years, I think buying the 5 is the better choice.
I think I'll be going for the 5, but the 4a does give me a pause. If I use it for another 3 years, I think buying the 5 is the better choice.
Still using the Nexus 6P :) Had to replace the battery once which gave it an extra couple of years of life. I was reluctant to replace it with a newer flagship because of the price (getting close to $1k) but the 4a price is looking very tempting now...
Sadly enough, still only available in a few countries. :(
6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage are both better than my top of the line Pixel 3 from just 2 years ago, so that's good to see. The 730G kind of scares me though, how good is it compared to the top of the line? Are we talking unusably slow? The Pixel 3 issues seemed to be mostly RAM related, not CPU related, so maybe this combo of slower CPU and more RAM would still be faster.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/SD-730G-vs-SD-845_11555_9958.2...
Take any benchmarks with a grain of salt, of course, but it appears the 845 is only about 10% faster than the 730G on average. Still that double memory bandwidth certainly affects perceived performance a bit.
Take any benchmarks with a grain of salt, of course, but it appears the 845 is only about 10% faster than the 730G on average. Still that double memory bandwidth certainly affects perceived performance a bit.
Yeah, I always have trouble interpreting synthetic benchmarks on a phone. Obviously it's easy to see X has a score 10% higher than Y, but how does that translate to real world performance? If I'm running Google Maps nav, and then try to open Pocket Casts, will that happen immediately or will I be sitting there for 30 seconds while Android figures out what other app to OOM kill (This was a frequent problem with my Pixel 3, and it made me swear off the Pixel line even though I love the stock Android experience).
I gave up waiting for this phone two months ago and bought an iPhone 11. Bleh.
What improvements does the 4a have over the 3a?
Can vouch for the Pixel line. I've had a Pixel 3a XL for a little over a year and it's been great. Stock Android, good display, great battery life, great camera, great security, reasonably fast and 3 years of updates. That's all I need from a phone. The Pixel 4a seems like a logical upgrade from the previous generation, sticking to the same principles.
Only 3 years of updates? I've had some version of an iPhone since the 3 and have considered giving Android a go, but that's a big downside if true.
Coming from iOS, I can imagine that being a disappointment. 3 years of updates is a relatively new trend in the Android world. I used to complain about this as well, but now that it's 3 years, that's about when I usually buy a new phone anyway.
See: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/4457705.
See: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/4457705.
Only anecdotally, but old iphones (more than 3 years old, such as in my case the original iphone SE) have poor enough battery life expectancy that I'm not sure I'd call longevity a big win for iOS.
There is an easy fix for that: it costs 49 USD to change the battery of an iPhone SE in an Apple Store. Whether it's cheap or expensive is of course a matter of perspective. But an iPhone SE with a new battery is certainly better than most phones you could buy for 49 USD...
That is a good point. I've always been a little hesitant with repairs like that because I'm unsure how much longer it'll let the phone last, but at least the SE is still getting iOS 14, so... a while?
Sadly, 3 years of updates is really above and beyond in the Android world. Many get 2 years but most are abandoned even earlier.
This has gotten _a lot_ better since Google started contractually requiring OEMs to provide regular updates. My Galaxy S8, purchased through a carrier, is still receiving security updates (although probably not for much longer).
Security updates are nice but they all stop receiving new versions of Android way too soon. There's really no reason for this mostly. I mean some of the features in new versions of Android might require certain hardware like an onboard TPU, for instance, but mostly those versions of Android would work just fine on older phones.
Compared to what? Any other brand I never expect an upgrade. Even when they promise one. What it ships with is what it has forever.
iPhones
There are some advantages to vertical integration like iOS has.
For most of my friends, the disadvantages vastly outweigh them. As a simple example, you can't use uBlock Origin or another ad blocker with Firefox on iOS.
For most of my friends, the disadvantages vastly outweigh them. As a simple example, you can't use uBlock Origin or another ad blocker with Firefox on iOS.
Perhaps I don't know what I'm missing, but I've just bought low end Androids thus far. Like the Motorola G series. I typically buy one that's about $150, and they tend to last 2-3 years before I crack the screen, etc.
I've never felt like they were slow or missing anything I needed.
I've never felt like they were slow or missing anything I needed.
The Pixel is all about the camera. There are a few other niceties compared to other budget/mid-range phones, but if a good camera isn't important to you then there's no reason to buy the Pixel.
I find that Pixel experience is also very enjoyable. You get almost iPhone level attention to detail and UX design, which is rare on low-end android phones. It sounds trivial, but it's just delightful to use the phone.
The camera on the Pixel a-series is a huge improvement over 'budget' Android phones. Getting timely updates and a couple years of support is nice too.
Except that nobody except Samsung and Google bothers to provide security updates post launch.
my pixel 3a xl is also stellar. Where's the 4a xl?
They went for a single model, which is an in between. 3a was 5.6", 3a XL was 6", the 4a is 5.8" They also got rid of storage SKUs too, there's now only a single 128GB version. Even the color too, down to a single color instead of 3.
Maybe it's due to COVID-19 and supply chain issues, but they're getting rid of all variations and focusing on delivering a single version.
Maybe it's due to COVID-19 and supply chain issues, but they're getting rid of all variations and focusing on delivering a single version.
Note that while screen is larger, 4a has smaller physical dimensions than 3a. Which is great, Pixel line is one of the very few high-specced medium size Android phones. I don't know of a single small Android device with good specs. They're all just phablets.
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Is there a press release that doesn't use a ridiculously overused scroll visualization?
Seems interesting if you want a reasonably sized phone with less bloatware, but for 30$ more the Galaxy A71 seems like a better deal, here's a comparison: https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=9995&idPhone2...
> 4500 mAh vs 3140 mAh on the Pixel
> microSD card slot vs no card slot on Pixel
> The A71 has more cameras
> 2 extra GBs of RAM on the A71
> 4500 mAh vs 3140 mAh on the Pixel
> microSD card slot vs no card slot on Pixel
> The A71 has more cameras
> 2 extra GBs of RAM on the A71
The only reason I wouldn't buy the Samsung is because of their software. Their hardware is great but their version of Android is its own beast, which is great if you like it, but if you just want vanilla Android or to replace it with something custom then they're often a bit more of a faff.
The Samsung is missing LTE bands 14, 18, 25, 26, 29, 30, 39, and 71.
The Samsung is larger, which I view as a negative, but that explains how they can have a larger battery capacity.
And it looks like the Samsung does not have the pull tabs for the adhesive underneath the battery[1]. We don't yet have a tear-down of the Pixel 4a but google has been reliably including pull tabs in their phones for years.
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMP0LFVpFpg
The Samsung is larger, which I view as a negative, but that explains how they can have a larger battery capacity.
And it looks like the Samsung does not have the pull tabs for the adhesive underneath the battery[1]. We don't yet have a tear-down of the Pixel 4a but google has been reliably including pull tabs in their phones for years.
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMP0LFVpFpg
Size shouldn't be a reason for the battery size. Devices like the redmi 3s had 4k mAh in a smaller device in 2016
The catch is that you'll be lucky to get a full year of software updates for the A71. Google committed to 3 years for the Pixel line.
On a hardware-level, though, I agree, the A71 is a much better value.
On a hardware-level, though, I agree, the A71 is a much better value.
Even then, the number of cameras doesn't mean much, Pixel 4a still takes better photos than most 800$+ phones with 3-4 lenses. Also, it really depends on your use case, but most people don't need extra storage with 128GB base storage.
Not sure if you meant to reply to me, but I agree with you about the cameras.
Not sure I just about the storage, though. I have a Pixel 2 with 128 gigs, and I occasionally find myself having to go through and delete some things to make room for whatever new thing I want. If they're not going to include a micro SD slot (which I would prefer), then they really do need to put a generous amount of flash on the device.
Not sure I just about the storage, though. I have a Pixel 2 with 128 gigs, and I occasionally find myself having to go through and delete some things to make room for whatever new thing I want. If they're not going to include a micro SD slot (which I would prefer), then they really do need to put a generous amount of flash on the device.
It was mostly a reply to:
> On a hardware-level, though, I agree, the A71 is a much better value.
Just because it has better hardware "specs" doesn't mean much. For example, there are phones nowadays with 112MP cameras that still take worse photos than Pixel's 12MP camera. Similarly, 12 or 16GB ram which a lot of phones flaunt makes absolutely no difference.
I'm not saying you're falling for that, but unfortunately a lot of people do direct spec sheet hardware comparisons without understanding what the numbers even mean.
> On a hardware-level, though, I agree, the A71 is a much better value.
Just because it has better hardware "specs" doesn't mean much. For example, there are phones nowadays with 112MP cameras that still take worse photos than Pixel's 12MP camera. Similarly, 12 or 16GB ram which a lot of phones flaunt makes absolutely no difference.
I'm not saying you're falling for that, but unfortunately a lot of people do direct spec sheet hardware comparisons without understanding what the numbers even mean.
Aah, fair enough, I see you point.
$30 more, plus you have to buy through a no-name Amazon seller. Maybe other people are okay with that, but I feel much more secure buying from Google directly (in terms of whether or not you feel secure having a Google device is a whole other story, of course...).
Checking on best buy (as a US user), the A71 actually goes for $600 if you want it unlocked and without activation [1]. So a more fair comparison is that for Americans the A71 is $250 more than the 4a, but you could get it for cheaper if you activate or buy it locked, or are willing to buy from a 3rd party on Amazon.
The A51 does seem to be available from Best Buy for $400, unlocked and unactivated, or $300 from an Amazon 3rd party, but the specs there are of course not as good as the a71.
Posting as I was excited to buy something non-Google and fully featured, but I personally don't feel the same confidence buying from some 3rd party on Amazon as I would from Best Buy or Google.
1) https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-a71-5g-128gb-unl...
Checking on best buy (as a US user), the A71 actually goes for $600 if you want it unlocked and without activation [1]. So a more fair comparison is that for Americans the A71 is $250 more than the 4a, but you could get it for cheaper if you activate or buy it locked, or are willing to buy from a 3rd party on Amazon.
The A51 does seem to be available from Best Buy for $400, unlocked and unactivated, or $300 from an Amazon 3rd party, but the specs there are of course not as good as the a71.
Posting as I was excited to buy something non-Google and fully featured, but I personally don't feel the same confidence buying from some 3rd party on Amazon as I would from Best Buy or Google.
1) https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-a71-5g-128gb-unl...
Yep, at the very least, I've found Google Store very good when I had to RMA my phone. 5m talk with support and they sent me a new device, and I only needed to ship back the old one after receiving the new one and transfering my data over.
Samsung phones are a POS with their bloatware. I used to own Samsung phones before I switched to the Pixel line. It's not comparison. The extra RAM and battery are not enough to deal with the bloatware not to mention that it doesn't get updates on time.
How does the Galaxy's camera and computational photography compare to Pixel's? That's basically been the killer-app for me on my Pixel 3.
Yes but is the bootloader unlocked? The rootability is also one of my factors in choosing Pixels for my last two phones (Pixel XL and Pixel 3a XL)
Holy crap! Headphone jack!!! YES!
As usual this link shows me a Chromecast with no explanation. It's already strange how they segment by geography within the EU but breaking the links like this instead of just saying it's unavailable in your location is broken.
I'm currently looking for a phone and the Moto G Pro is easily available, an Android One device so gets proper updates for a long time as well and seems to have very comparable specs for less money.
I'm currently looking for a phone and the Moto G Pro is easily available, an Android One device so gets proper updates for a long time as well and seems to have very comparable specs for less money.
This is an awesome phone at $350. I currently have the Pixel 4, but if this was available when I was making my purchase decision, I'd probably have gone with it.
That said, the Pixel line of phones isn't known for having long lasting battery. A feature that I've found to be indispensable is wireless charging. I just rest my Pixel 4 on a vertical charging base throughout the day. Otherwise, I'd have to have to constantly plug/unplug the phone throughout the day to charge, and that'd be a huge regression in the user experience.
Just as I'm about 100% fully committed to Bluetooth headsets and my collection is just about fully covering all my use cases, Google brings back the 3.5mm jack! Nice that they're giving me hope that I can still use my wired headsets without having to use a dongle, but I'd be again terribly disappointed if they removed this feature again in the next iteration. This feature alone is almost enough to downgrade my Pixel 4.
P.S. The Pixel 4 isn't an available trade-in option for the Pixel 4a. Lol!
That said, the Pixel line of phones isn't known for having long lasting battery. A feature that I've found to be indispensable is wireless charging. I just rest my Pixel 4 on a vertical charging base throughout the day. Otherwise, I'd have to have to constantly plug/unplug the phone throughout the day to charge, and that'd be a huge regression in the user experience.
Just as I'm about 100% fully committed to Bluetooth headsets and my collection is just about fully covering all my use cases, Google brings back the 3.5mm jack! Nice that they're giving me hope that I can still use my wired headsets without having to use a dongle, but I'd be again terribly disappointed if they removed this feature again in the next iteration. This feature alone is almost enough to downgrade my Pixel 4.
P.S. The Pixel 4 isn't an available trade-in option for the Pixel 4a. Lol!
I don't get why Google creates problems for themselves by relying on unproven tech or working backwards. Case in point: adaptive battery. Androids have historically had poor battery efficiency (mah vs. screen on time) against iPhones. Rather than optimize the OS and the apps and provide a larger capacity battery, they size down the battery and introduce software-based battery management with AI. Common responses to complaints on /r/GooglePixel about piss poor battery life are that the user hasn't waiting long enough for the system to develop a proper AI/ML model.
Another example: RCS. A protocol that neither carriers nor users actually want. 7 years after iMessage took over the US, Google is still unable to provide a functional E2E encrypted multi-device messaging service with all the doo-dads that come with iMessage.
So many more textbook examples out there.
Another example: RCS. A protocol that neither carriers nor users actually want. 7 years after iMessage took over the US, Google is still unable to provide a functional E2E encrypted multi-device messaging service with all the doo-dads that come with iMessage.
So many more textbook examples out there.
Google got wedged between the desire to create a imessage competitor, and not alienating every carrier / OEM.
RCS works. I am glad it's here. It would have been far more helpful 3 years ago though.
The most boggling decision is what has happened with Hangouts.
RCS works. I am glad it's here. It would have been far more helpful 3 years ago though.
The most boggling decision is what has happened with Hangouts.
> Common responses to complaints on /r/GooglePixel about piss poor battery life are that the user hasn't waiting long enough for the system to develop a proper AI/ML model.
Oof, this sounds like the sort of thing that could go really frustratingly wrong in some cases. Do you happen to know if this results in apps being erroneously killed when switching to the background? My phone killing whatever is playing on Spotify or Podcast Addict when I switch to another app has been a recurring annoyance for me on Android. I've always been able to find a fix but, bewilderingly, the fix has been different on almost every phone I've had.
Oof, this sounds like the sort of thing that could go really frustratingly wrong in some cases. Do you happen to know if this results in apps being erroneously killed when switching to the background? My phone killing whatever is playing on Spotify or Podcast Addict when I switch to another app has been a recurring annoyance for me on Android. I've always been able to find a fix but, bewilderingly, the fix has been different on almost every phone I've had.
The Americans waited for their phones to develop a proper AI/ML model. The Russians used a bigger battery!
Apple and Google aren't both just using jabber for messaging?
I bought a Pixel 3A a few months ago and my battery lasts 2 days without charging it. I use it for regular browsing, Instagram, twitter, and it is constantly using networks because I have Whatsapp always on on my computer.
Yep, I bought a Pixel 3A when it first came out and I'm still consistently getting 2+ days battery with every charge. It's honestly amazing to not have to worry about batteries anymore; whenever it gets low I just charge for 15-30 minutes back up to 75% and I'm good to go for at least a day (repeat ad infinitum).
It's a perfect encapsulation of why I just can't wrap my head around phones without a headphone jack. Why would you want to worry about managing battery levels on more devices? Going from 1-->0 is the dream and I don't think I'd ever upgrade to a phone where I have to worry about battery again, let alone a phone where I have to worry about two batteries.
It's a perfect encapsulation of why I just can't wrap my head around phones without a headphone jack. Why would you want to worry about managing battery levels on more devices? Going from 1-->0 is the dream and I don't think I'd ever upgrade to a phone where I have to worry about battery again, let alone a phone where I have to worry about two batteries.
I've been wondering for years what the hell people were doing with their phones to make them run out of battery in a day. I can't remember the last time any phone I've had got below 50% on a day with normal usage.
I guess people play a lot of mobile games?
I guess people play a lot of mobile games?
I think it _very_ heavily depends on what apps you have installed and how much they do in the background (especially while you have the screen off). Similarly, screen time plays a huge role (e.g. someone with 2 hours a day vs 4 hours a day).
Yeah, I think it's mostly screen time. Someone getting 2 days out of a 3a isn't using it 6 hours a day. But some people do.
I'm playing podcasts and music using the phone's speakers at high volume and cellular data with poor reception. Drains my iPhone XS in about 8 hours. Using my AirPods instead of my phone doubles my battery life to a more reasonable 16 hours.
And yes, 8+ hours continuously streaming audio. My brain can't stand any long periods of silence.
And yes, 8+ hours continuously streaming audio. My brain can't stand any long periods of silence.
A heavy tourist day with lots of navigation and photos will eat my 3a battery before the day is over if I'm not careful.
I have had a pixel 3a since they came out.
I noticed recently the battery life seems to have been improved with a firmware update.
At the end of the day I used to have 30% and now I have 60% with what seems to me no change in use.
Just anecdotal so I may be dreaming, but this phone lasts two days easily if I need it to.
Same, my little 3A is a battery life trooper. The only reason I am looking at the 4A is because one of my family members 3A phone screen was cracked by a coworker. That 3A still works and is mostly still usable, even if the screen perspective is a little off.
I'm not a huge Apple fanboy by any measure, but one thing I do appreciate is that they consider wireless charging to be a table stakes feature, and include it even in their "budget" phones. They clearly understand how dramatically it elevates the user experience.
Compare that to every Android manufacturer who either don't offer wireless charging at all or gate it to flagships, it's a really sad state of affairs for someone like myself who won't even consider a phone without wireless charging today.
Compare that to every Android manufacturer who either don't offer wireless charging at all or gate it to flagships, it's a really sad state of affairs for someone like myself who won't even consider a phone without wireless charging today.
Never used wireless charging but also never really understood what is so dramatically elevating about it. Is it just the requirement for 1 hand vs. 2 hands that people find so life-changing? Doesn't it waste a ton of power in the process?
(Not using wireless charging either)
One advantage is that it does not destroy the USB port. Constant plugging and unplugging can really wear some ports after 1-2 years, depending on manufacturing quality. To the point that it won't charge anymore. (Hopefully will be less of an issue with USB-C which seems better designed than microUSB). Plus the convenience.
One advantage is that it does not destroy the USB port. Constant plugging and unplugging can really wear some ports after 1-2 years, depending on manufacturing quality. To the point that it won't charge anymore. (Hopefully will be less of an issue with USB-C which seems better designed than microUSB). Plus the convenience.
To counter that though, it's not nearly as efficient and the additional heat definitely puts more stress on the battery possibly lowering it's lifespan.
My hunch is that you're probably correct about the heat effects of wireless charging on battery lifespan to some degree, but I'd love to see more emperical studies on the topic. Especially comparing it to usage of wired quick charge solutions that tend to result in much higher spikes in temperature than wireless charging, but over a shorter timespan. It's not obvious to me that one would be more harmful to battery lifespan than the other.
Newer wireless chargers also usually have some form of active heat management (i.e. fans), and anecdotally my phone only ever gets lukewarm to the touch, even with a somewhat bulky case on it.
At the end of the day though, I personally wouldn't mind having to upgrade my phone slightly faster than I would otherwise in order to enjoy the convenience offered by wireless charging, but definitely speaking from a position of privilege here.
Newer wireless chargers also usually have some form of active heat management (i.e. fans), and anecdotally my phone only ever gets lukewarm to the touch, even with a somewhat bulky case on it.
At the end of the day though, I personally wouldn't mind having to upgrade my phone slightly faster than I would otherwise in order to enjoy the convenience offered by wireless charging, but definitely speaking from a position of privilege here.
A cheap workaround for me is to use magnetic USB connectors & cables. They are small enough to have a connector permanently attached to most my devices and I have several matching cables on my desk, in the car etc.
I found about this option on a motorcycle forum where a specific helmet headset was quite sensible to breaking the micro USB charging port. I bought a couple of cables and several micro-SUB connectors, then I bought a handful of USB-C ones and a few more cables and now everything is by default using magnetic connections.
I found about this option on a motorcycle forum where a specific helmet headset was quite sensible to breaking the micro USB charging port. I bought a couple of cables and several micro-SUB connectors, then I bought a handful of USB-C ones and a few more cables and now everything is by default using magnetic connections.
Seems like an expensive way to workaround a weak port
It's one of those things that you don't think you'd need until you have had it, and then wonder why you've gone so far in life without it.
As someone who constantly has to step away from my desk during the day, I don't have to think about charging the phone anymore. It automatically goes on the wireless stand (directly in front of me) when I'm back at my desk. I can be certain that if I choose to go out for the evening after work, I wouldn't have to worry about being stranded somewhere far from home because my phone died. (Side note: Uber and Lyft have really decimated the taxi industry, even for a downtown area in a medium-size city.)
As someone who constantly has to step away from my desk during the day, I don't have to think about charging the phone anymore. It automatically goes on the wireless stand (directly in front of me) when I'm back at my desk. I can be certain that if I choose to go out for the evening after work, I wouldn't have to worry about being stranded somewhere far from home because my phone died. (Side note: Uber and Lyft have really decimated the taxi industry, even for a downtown area in a medium-size city.)
Oh I see. But putting it in the charger all the time just makes the battery die more quickly, right? Though I see the value now if you don't care about that.
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It might lose some life from keeping the battery at a high level, but it will gain life from using the battery less.
If you can keep it from charging too high, it's all upside.
If you can keep it from charging too high, it's all upside.
The last 10-20% of the charging causes most battery wear (many times more than in the mid band). So charging from almost-full to full many times per day is going to be harder on the battery than charging fewer times per day.
This is especially pronounced on phones, where batteries are already calibrated to have a high charge cutoff (ie battery longevity vs capacity compromise is heavily at the capacity end).
This is especially pronounced on phones, where batteries are already calibrated to have a high charge cutoff (ie battery longevity vs capacity compromise is heavily at the capacity end).
What I don't get is why phones can't be configured to just never charge past 80% or so, for people who rarely need that 100%, and would rather the battery wear less.
It's a thing for some laptops; e.g. Lenovo specifically advertises such a setting.
It's a thing for some laptops; e.g. Lenovo specifically advertises such a setting.
Apparently you can do it on rooted Android, though I haven't tried it (eg https://www.androidexplained.com/battery-charge-limit/)
Apple specifically has software features to protect the battery from the consequences of that usage pattern.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210512
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210512
You need it to work around the inability to charge while using headphones.
Completely agree. Given that a lot of smartphone maker's model has been to wait for Apple to do something and then copy it (whether it was a good idea or not) I was really surprised that wireless charging didn't become a standard feature for Android phones after Apple added it.
Is wireless charging like this having any negative impacts on phone battery with daily usage/charging patterns?
My Nexus 4 had wireless charging back in 2012; the Nexus 4 very much being a budget phone.
I am a bit disappointed about how wireless charging was ripped out of Android phones instead of simply being the standard. I thought the iPhone finally adopting it would bring it back to Android phones but it does not seem like the case.
I am a bit disappointed about how wireless charging was ripped out of Android phones instead of simply being the standard. I thought the iPhone finally adopting it would bring it back to Android phones but it does not seem like the case.
Ah yep, the good old Nexus 4, that's how I was introduced to wireless charging as well.
I bought an iPhone11Pro and bought a charger. Tried it for about 2 weeks, one of 4 times I'd wake up and it failed to charge. I stopped using wireless charging.
I think there's a reason Apple doesn't sell a wireless charger and that's because they couldn't get it to work reliably. So, they can add the feature to the phone but don't have to take any support calls on how flaky it is since they can blame the non Apple charger.
I think there's a reason Apple doesn't sell a wireless charger and that's because they couldn't get it to work reliably. So, they can add the feature to the phone but don't have to take any support calls on how flaky it is since they can blame the non Apple charger.
One of the problems with wireless charging is that I typically get a cheap $5 "rugged" case from eBay that lets me drop my phone with harm only potentially happening to my disposable case. unfortunately, those cases block wireless charging
Dramatically evaluate the user experience? It removes inconveniences while adding downsides.
It has been understand that wireless charging causes the battery to heat more, which potentially can decrease the battery lifespan.
People are also constrained in what cases they buy lest it blocks wireless charging.
People cannot use it on the desk when battery is empty.
It is also less efficient when charging, taking more time compared to wired charging.
It has been understand that wireless charging causes the battery to heat more, which potentially can decrease the battery lifespan.
People are also constrained in what cases they buy lest it blocks wireless charging.
People cannot use it on the desk when battery is empty.
It is also less efficient when charging, taking more time compared to wired charging.
Now I have higher-end phone (AQUOS zero2) but it doesn't feature Qi to make it lighter, and I love the decision. Previously I had Galaxy S8 that features Qi but I don't use it much because it gets hotter while charging so not seems good for battery health.
Adopting Qi has another side effect: it prevents using metal to back surface, so most high-end phones choose to use glass rather than resin so phones are much getting heavier.
Adopting Qi has another side effect: it prevents using metal to back surface, so most high-end phones choose to use glass rather than resin so phones are much getting heavier.
> the Pixel line of phones isn't known for having long lasting battery
Anecdote: I still have a 2XL and it can get me through 24 hours. It's gotten a _little_ worse recently which I attribute to hardware age. The camera is fantastic, so I have no need to upgrade (although having stereo speakers would be nice.)
Anecdote: I still have a 2XL and it can get me through 24 hours. It's gotten a _little_ worse recently which I attribute to hardware age. The camera is fantastic, so I have no need to upgrade (although having stereo speakers would be nice.)
I also own a 2XL and really enjoy it. Sadly google will stop supplying updates this fall.
In theory, should be less of an issue with Project Mainline now. Of course, we said the same thing with Project Treble. Though it is starting to feel like the idea of an Android Version Upgrade is becoming less and less meaningful with so much of the OS modular and upgradable with Google Play now.
<---Pixel 2 XL owner who really sees little reason to upgrade.
<---Pixel 2 XL owner who really sees little reason to upgrade.
The Pixel 2XL does have stereo front facing speakers...
Oh, not mine. Hardware issue then. Only the "bottom" speaker works.
Anecdote: I have a $250 Xiaomi phone, and it lasts 3 days on average.
> That said, the Pixel line of phones isn't known for having long lasting battery. A feature that I've found to be indispensable is wireless charging.
Note that wireless charging causes a lot of heat, which is like cryptonite for battery longevity.
Note that wireless charging causes a lot of heat, which is like cryptonite for battery longevity.
> That said, the Pixel line of phones isn't known for having long lasting battery. A feature that I've found to be indispensable is wireless charging. I just rest my Pixel 4 on a vertical charging base throughout the day. Otherwise, I'd have to have to constantly plug/unplug the phone throughout the day to charge, and that'd be a huge regression in the user experience.
Note that the 4a actually has a larger battery than the 4, per the article, so this complaint may well be addressed by this device.
Note that the 4a actually has a larger battery than the 4, per the article, so this complaint may well be addressed by this device.
[deleted]
It’s not.
Check out the One Plus Nord at the same price. (EU and India only, though)
There's wireless charging adapters, not ideal, no fast charging, but it's something. Or magnetic cables which I find is better solution. Ultimately, nothing beats just having a massive battery and 2-3 day endurance.
In Canada, with tax it goes up to CA$550.73. Not worth it.
Of course it's $100 more in Europe (389 EUR = 456 USD). Still, very tempting.
I've heard the difference is due to more stringent warranty requirements compared to the US. Also the US doesn't include sales taxes in the price.
If it makes you feel any better, the $349 US price tag doesn't include sales tax, which adds on upwards of $25 depending on where you live.
It varies wildly:
- Spain, Italy: 389€
- Germany: 340€
- France: 349€
- Spain, Italy: 389€
- Germany: 340€
- France: 349€
Apple's site is soooO much better at the effects
A simple phone that does well for its price.
I can't help but think the 4a would have been perfect with a 4000mah battery.
I can't help but think the 4a would have been perfect with a 4000mah battery.
Not a gripe for this phone specifically ($349 is a great price point!) but more for the smartphone industry at large: I'm disappointed in the lack of progress since Huawei introduced the first real telephoto lens on the P30 Pro. Sure, there's the cheap knockoffs from OPPO, and Huawei added a nicer sensor to the P40 Pro, but no real innovation.
That's the big thing holding me (and many people) back from being able to completely let go of DSLRs. The P30 Pro is so close, it's a real revolution. But it's not quite good enough in many situations (autofocus is slow, any kind of action, low light is pretty bad.) Whatever company puts in a truly good quality, versatile telephoto lens... they'll have my money and a massive part of the DSLR market.
I have a feeling that it's going to be either Huawei incrementally improving their telephoto lens, Google delivering a computational breakthrough (and everyone else using it), or Apple/Samsung making some intricate, complex hardware.
That's the big thing holding me (and many people) back from being able to completely let go of DSLRs. The P30 Pro is so close, it's a real revolution. But it's not quite good enough in many situations (autofocus is slow, any kind of action, low light is pretty bad.) Whatever company puts in a truly good quality, versatile telephoto lens... they'll have my money and a massive part of the DSLR market.
I have a feeling that it's going to be either Huawei incrementally improving their telephoto lens, Google delivering a computational breakthrough (and everyone else using it), or Apple/Samsung making some intricate, complex hardware.
Any idea what chip is going into the Pixel 5?
Wireless charging is pretty much a necessity for me at this point. It's not an expensive or bulky technology (I can get an adapter that fits under a case for $15), it really bothers me that they keep this feature gated behind the flagship price.
Actually, is wireless charger worth it? You still have to keep the phone on the charging pad, which is similar to keeping the phone connected to a charger cable. Next, I can easily hold and continue using the device when it is connected to the USB cable. But you can't do that when placed on a wireless charging pad, right?
I will never call it "truly wireless charging" until it is a technology that charges my phone "wirelessly" many meters away from the wall socket, regardless I am using the phone in my bed or bathroom. The current method of "wireless charging" is not truly wireless, IMO.
I will never call it "truly wireless charging" until it is a technology that charges my phone "wirelessly" many meters away from the wall socket, regardless I am using the phone in my bed or bathroom. The current method of "wireless charging" is not truly wireless, IMO.
Wireless charging for next to your bed makes it worth it. You just set it down on the charger and if you need to pick it up to answer a call you don't have to deal with the plug. And then when you're finished you just set it back down again without having to deal with the plug.
Same for if you're working at a desk you can just set it down on the charger when you're not using it 95% of the time.
Same for if you're working at a desk you can just set it down on the charger when you're not using it 95% of the time.
Google's handset portfolio is starting to get a bit messy. Ignoring any earlier but still available models you have a 4 in 64GB and 128GB versions, a 4a without a 64GB option, a 4a 5G that also differs from the regular 4a in some other specs, no 4 5G, an announced straight 5 and presumably everything in regular and XL versions that may or may not differ in other specs as well. Reminds me of how Motorola made people completely oblivious to new models because there were just too many of them.
Hint: if you make it too hard for customers to feel well-informed about your devices all but the most casual buyers will simply avoid your brand.
Hint: if you make it too hard for customers to feel well-informed about your devices all but the most casual buyers will simply avoid your brand.
Wow, they are actually reducing models, and simplifying the range, but you make it sound as if they are increasing confusion by increasing the choices.
Having just a 128GB version is a good thing.
Having just a 128GB version is a good thing.
The thing that finally made me jump ship to Macbooks about 10 years ago was the fact that I needed a week and a spreadsheet to choose a PC laptop.
Most PC manufacturers have dozens of different laptops and about 70% of them should be avoided (bad screen, still using a HDD, etc). I dislike a lot about Apple including the pricing per spec and the arrogance (it took you how long to fix your broken keyboard?) but one thing they usually get right is the simplified selection process within a few categories.
If Apple price is in your budget, then most all manufacturers have a premium line that you can narrow it down to.
For Dell, it's the XPS line. For HP, it's Envy. For Microsoft, it's the Surface Laptop or surface book if you want 2-in-1.
For Dell, it's the XPS line. For HP, it's Envy. For Microsoft, it's the Surface Laptop or surface book if you want 2-in-1.
So if the specification weren't important for you, why did you bother?
I think it's quite nice to have the choice, upgradability, price range, etc.
I think it's quite nice to have the choice, upgradability, price range, etc.
You ever tried to buy an IBM Thinkpad? There are like 20,000 configurations displayed on the same single website page. It’s a disaster shopping for pre-assembled PC’s.
First, IBM doesn't make thinkpads and hasn't for close to a decade.
Second, this is just because they know who their market is. They're deliberately not marketing their laptops to people who don't want to have to handle a little bit of complexity in exchange for flexibility.
Apple is the Sony rx100; good but not great sensor, good but not great lens, good but not great audio. Everything is fixed and you can only make superficial changes.
Thinkpad is the Red Komodo; everything is optional, but it doesn't even include vital components in the box unless you know to order them.
You can get decent results with the former, and it requires very little thought or experience to buy and use. There is a much higher ceiling for getting exactly what you want with the latter, but it requires you to know exactly what you're doing and be willing to do some work on your setup.
Neither option is objectively better.
Second, this is just because they know who their market is. They're deliberately not marketing their laptops to people who don't want to have to handle a little bit of complexity in exchange for flexibility.
Apple is the Sony rx100; good but not great sensor, good but not great lens, good but not great audio. Everything is fixed and you can only make superficial changes.
Thinkpad is the Red Komodo; everything is optional, but it doesn't even include vital components in the box unless you know to order them.
You can get decent results with the former, and it requires very little thought or experience to buy and use. There is a much higher ceiling for getting exactly what you want with the latter, but it requires you to know exactly what you're doing and be willing to do some work on your setup.
Neither option is objectively better.
Also, thinkpads are still a bussiness line of laptops aimed at the corporate market.
having a ton of options makes a lot of sense when it allows you to bring the price down. Making a change that saves you 50$ of a 1000$ laptop might not seem like a big deal, but it adds up if you buy a couple of hundred of them.
having a ton of options makes a lot of sense when it allows you to bring the price down. Making a change that saves you 50$ of a 1000$ laptop might not seem like a big deal, but it adds up if you buy a couple of hundred of them.
I'm sorry, I am just unable to see the disaster in having a choice.
You also don't have to make the choice yourself. Ask somebody who knows what he/she's talking about...like people who sell those things or look up opinions online. This is the 21st century. There are ways. If you care...but as I said: I have the feeling many don't care and that's ok. If you have the extra money and don't care, go for it. That's the great thing about capitalism but please don't try to sell the possibility of choice as something bad. It just doesn't make any sense at all.
You also don't have to make the choice yourself. Ask somebody who knows what he/she's talking about...like people who sell those things or look up opinions online. This is the 21st century. There are ways. If you care...but as I said: I have the feeling many don't care and that's ok. If you have the extra money and don't care, go for it. That's the great thing about capitalism but please don't try to sell the possibility of choice as something bad. It just doesn't make any sense at all.
> So if the specification weren't important for you, why did you bother?
I never said that. The Macbook Air (at the time) was as close as any of the other models I'd shortlisted. I just got tired of micro-optimizing.
I never said that. The Macbook Air (at the time) was as close as any of the other models I'd shortlisted. I just got tired of micro-optimizing.
> So if the specification weren't important for you
That's not what OP said.
That's not what OP said.
I understood it that way.
What did you understand?
What did you understand?
Menu fatigue is real, I experienced it only a few weeks ago. PC laptops often differ just enough in things like build quality processor version, RAM amounts, screen quality that you are constantly trying to balance "best" or compare A vs B vs Q, and if you care a lot about maximizing value for your budget, you end up spending hours looking at reviews, benchmarks, etc.
In contrast, with a Macbook, I know it's not perfect, but there's a clear differentiation of qualities (air, macbook, pro), and only a couple differences within those categories, so it's a lot easier to decide based on budget, or based on your needs.
In contrast, with a Macbook, I know it's not perfect, but there's a clear differentiation of qualities (air, macbook, pro), and only a couple differences within those categories, so it's a lot easier to decide based on budget, or based on your needs.
I don't really get that logic.
Sure you can better decide on budget with Apple but only if you compare within Apple products. But you are not really comparing anything that makes sense at that point.
So you either care about comparing or you don't. If you care, having a wide range of choices is the optimum. And even if you don't care, you can still outsource your comparing job to the salesperson or your favourite pc part picker page, test magazine, etc.
There is no real upside to just go for Apple because you're overwhelmed with the possibilities of the alternative.
Sure you can better decide on budget with Apple but only if you compare within Apple products. But you are not really comparing anything that makes sense at that point.
So you either care about comparing or you don't. If you care, having a wide range of choices is the optimum. And even if you don't care, you can still outsource your comparing job to the salesperson or your favourite pc part picker page, test magazine, etc.
There is no real upside to just go for Apple because you're overwhelmed with the possibilities of the alternative.
There's last year's model, the 4, with two storage options and it comes in big and less-big.
There's a cheap new 4a model, with two radio options and less-big is the only size.
There's an unspecified 5 which is an update to the 4.
What's messy about that? Is there a phone manufacturer who makes fewer models than Google in 2020?
There's a cheap new 4a model, with two radio options and less-big is the only size.
There's an unspecified 5 which is an update to the 4.
What's messy about that? Is there a phone manufacturer who makes fewer models than Google in 2020?
Going to Samsung's mobile phone model page they currently list 24 models. The most recent data I can find says they lead the market with 22% market share.
I think that empirically it's fine to have a bunch of different models. Market segmentation is a thing.
I think that empirically it's fine to have a bunch of different models. Market segmentation is a thing.
vs... Apple?
You have an iPhone XR: 64 or 128GB
iPhone SE: 64, 128, 256GB
iPhone 11: 64, 128, 256GB
iPhone 11 Pro: 64, 256, 512GB
iPhone 11 Pro Max: 64, 256, 512GB
If you make it too hard for customers to feel well-informed about your devices, all but the most casual buyers will simply avoid your brand. Sales and revenue prove this out, Apple is on the verge of bankruptcy... what?
All of that is ignoring that literally every other android handset maker has dozens of phones on the market.
You have an iPhone XR: 64 or 128GB
iPhone SE: 64, 128, 256GB
iPhone 11: 64, 128, 256GB
iPhone 11 Pro: 64, 256, 512GB
iPhone 11 Pro Max: 64, 256, 512GB
If you make it too hard for customers to feel well-informed about your devices, all but the most casual buyers will simply avoid your brand. Sales and revenue prove this out, Apple is on the verge of bankruptcy... what?
All of that is ignoring that literally every other android handset maker has dozens of phones on the market.
It's important to point out that the vast majority of phones are sold through the channel - carriers will probably choose to sell their own subset of all the options based on their own market research.
Do you have a cite for this? Amazon, Best Buy, and Apple.com alone make up 42% of overall smartphone sales[0]. Verizon is the largest carrier, at only 11% of total sales.
And internationally the picture is even worse for carrier channels.
[0] https://www.counterpointresearch.com/amazon-leads-online-sma...
And internationally the picture is even worse for carrier channels.
[0] https://www.counterpointresearch.com/amazon-leads-online-sma...
The article you posted is a good citation:
> According to the latest research from the Counterpoint Smartphone Channel Share Tracker service, the share of the online smartphone channels grew to 12% share of the total US smartphone sales in Q1 2018. Despite US consumers being massive online consumers, brick and mortar establishments remain king when it comes to purchasing smartphones.
>Carriers and national retailers have large store counts that they are leveraging to get consumers to physically touch and test high-end devices, so they know what they are buying. Stores also provide a better opportunity to up-sell accessories and insurance.
Amazon makes up 42% of online sales, which is only 12% of sales overall.
If you have ever been inside of a Verizon or AT&T or T-Mobile store, you would be interested to see how their selections compare.
> According to the latest research from the Counterpoint Smartphone Channel Share Tracker service, the share of the online smartphone channels grew to 12% share of the total US smartphone sales in Q1 2018. Despite US consumers being massive online consumers, brick and mortar establishments remain king when it comes to purchasing smartphones.
>Carriers and national retailers have large store counts that they are leveraging to get consumers to physically touch and test high-end devices, so they know what they are buying. Stores also provide a better opportunity to up-sell accessories and insurance.
Amazon makes up 42% of online sales, which is only 12% of sales overall.
If you have ever been inside of a Verizon or AT&T or T-Mobile store, you would be interested to see how their selections compare.
I have long suspected that the uncontrolled growth of phone models with some manufacturers (particularly Motorola and occasionally Sony) was mainly caused by carrier desires. A downward spiral where weak manufacturers were strongarmed by carriers into polluting their portfolio while stronger manufacturers could maintain a clean lineup. But is Google in that situation? Are they even selling through carriers? (honestly, I have no idea, where I live the carrier channel was already in steep decline before the iPhone hit)
Here's a pretty enlightening video ny Dave2D about the strategy behind this uncommon Monday launch: https://youtu.be/oAy9EuBRCpg
TL;DW: They're positioning it directly against the Oneplus Nord.
Personally I'm happy the Pocophone F1 finally has some competition in the quality-reasonably-priced segment.
For Normies the 4a will probably be the best software-wise while I still consider the Pocophone a great device due to its repairability and large battery (good FOSS ROM support is important but luckily given on such popular devices).
TL;DW: They're positioning it directly against the Oneplus Nord.
Personally I'm happy the Pocophone F1 finally has some competition in the quality-reasonably-priced segment.
For Normies the 4a will probably be the best software-wise while I still consider the Pocophone a great device due to its repairability and large battery (good FOSS ROM support is important but luckily given on such popular devices).
Its a shame the Pixal 4A does not have an ultrawide camera.
Of all the newfangled phone features, an ultrawide camera (with the software to back it) seems to be one of the new truly worth while features. I never understood nor cared for the feature until my job gave me a new phone with that had one.
It would be quite the bummer to go back to having a phone without this feature.
So many phone reviews drone on and on about the latest Snapdragon 2934838 chipset with its 2^N cores and 2^N GB of RAM. The vast majority of us simply don't care for the horsepower nonsense. We're not looking to run hadoop on top of k8s on our phones. The cameras are really where things matter.
Of all the newfangled phone features, an ultrawide camera (with the software to back it) seems to be one of the new truly worth while features. I never understood nor cared for the feature until my job gave me a new phone with that had one.
It would be quite the bummer to go back to having a phone without this feature.
So many phone reviews drone on and on about the latest Snapdragon 2934838 chipset with its 2^N cores and 2^N GB of RAM. The vast majority of us simply don't care for the horsepower nonsense. We're not looking to run hadoop on top of k8s on our phones. The cameras are really where things matter.
> The vast majority of us simply don't care for the horsepower nonsense.
Non-flagship Android phones are visibly slower in a responsiveness than flagships. So yes, people do care, otherwise they would not be buying flagships, saving gobs of money and accepting that sometimes it takes several seconds to open an app.
Non-flagship Android phones are visibly slower in a responsiveness than flagships. So yes, people do care, otherwise they would not be buying flagships, saving gobs of money and accepting that sometimes it takes several seconds to open an app.
The vast majority of us don't care for an ultrawide camera. Especially people shopping at a $350 price point.
Unrelated, but what the hell is the obsession with cameras? Are you all constantly on vacation, bumping into celebrities and taking Instagram pictures of your food or whatever?
I almost exclusively use my camera to take pictures of notes and other text that I need to reference later. Occasionally I need to share something noteworthy that's happening in real time with a friend but I don't need professional level photos for that.
Besides, even if you have low quality photos you can "easily" upconvert them using one of the many available open source super resolution neural nets.
I realize average people aren't going to know how to do that, and there's a convenience factor either way, but this community consists of fairly intelligent folks
Unrelated, but what the hell is the obsession with cameras? Are you all constantly on vacation, bumping into celebrities and taking Instagram pictures of your food or whatever?
I almost exclusively use my camera to take pictures of notes and other text that I need to reference later. Occasionally I need to share something noteworthy that's happening in real time with a friend but I don't need professional level photos for that.
Besides, even if you have low quality photos you can "easily" upconvert them using one of the many available open source super resolution neural nets.
I realize average people aren't going to know how to do that, and there's a convenience factor either way, but this community consists of fairly intelligent folks
What does the "A" in 4A mean? Large? Small? Cheap? Fancy?
The answer didn't appear in a skim of the first several paragraphs, and like many here I don't care enough to RTWFA
The answer didn't appear in a skim of the first several paragraphs, and like many here I don't care enough to RTWFA
Looks like it means "Cheap" - it costs $350, and is the same size as the Pixel 4, which is $800. Here's the product page:
https://store.google.com/product/pixel_4a
https://store.google.com/product/pixel_4a
You mean Affordable
My pixel 3a is by far the best phone I have ever owned (across both iOS and Android).
Comparing the 4a to this it looks like a bunch of solid incremental improvements across the board.
Huge fan of basically everything here. Price, screen size, phone size.
Battery size could be a touch bigger, as my 3a has the best battery life I just wish for about 10% more for edge cases.
Comparing the 4a to this it looks like a bunch of solid incremental improvements across the board.
Huge fan of basically everything here. Price, screen size, phone size.
Battery size could be a touch bigger, as my 3a has the best battery life I just wish for about 10% more for edge cases.
I'm a big fan of the material its made from, I think it looks really good but sticks to your hand like glue.
I case all my phones anyhow so other than bend strength the material of the body is largely irrelevant to me.
Really? When I got it, the only problem I found with my pixel 3a was that it was so slippery, I dropped it a couple times a day while it never happened with my Motorola. I bought a leather case specifically to give it more grip
Nope, I can lay it on my hand and tilt it to about 25 degrees before it start to slip and even then only gradually. Compared to a lot of glass/metal backed phones it's vastly better.
I second this, going slowly I can get to about 25 degrees from vertical before the 3a starts slipping when I make my hand flat along its back.
Alright fair enough, my standard was too high from years with from my Motorola's weird textured back (https://3g.co.uk/userfiles/products/n_389-2.jpg)
I agree, the Moto G had the most useful casing. Plastic, durable, grippy, and looks good too. No idea why it's not more popular.
Can agree. Switched from Samsung Galaxy S7 (the battery started to struggle) and was amazed.
400€ and I got a solid phone with an excellent camera. The battery is decent, I can still play the occasional rounds of Call of Duty mobile and I can rely on updates for a few years.
As an android developer myself, I don't see why anyone should buy a more expensive premium phone. Except if they want to have it as a status symbol.
As an android developer myself, I don't see why anyone should buy a more expensive premium phone. Except if they want to have it as a status symbol.
Do you think you might trade in your 3a for the 4a?
Also, have you looked at the FDE.ai app to help optimize the battery life? I find my battery life to go 90 minutes to an hour longer now with FDE.
Also, have you looked at the FDE.ai app to help optimize the battery life? I find my battery life to go 90 minutes to an hour longer now with FDE.
I didn't own one but the Pixel 3a is pretty disappointing on paper. It has lower specs than the Pixel 2.
You are not comparing apples to apples. Pixel 2 was a flagship $700 phone while Pixel 3a is a midrange phone half of that price.
Except the 3a was released about a year and a half after the 2. That's a lot of time for phone tech. It should have at least matched the 2.
I have owned both. I prefer 3a on every aspect except for photo processing speed. I've no idea how it compares on paper but it's better in practice.
And this is exactly why you should never compare phones "on paper". Spec sheet comparisons stopped being relevant years ago. The phone's experience, performance, battery life and photo quality depend on so much more than just specs. This is why a 350$ Pixel 4a with a single 12MP camera still to date takes better photos than most 1000$ flagships with a 4-camera array on the back. You can also throw 16GB of ram on a phone, it won't make it faster in 99.99% of cases. And I could go on...
The 4a is looking nice, especially at the price point and for a "stock" android experience. I've started looking for a replacement to my Essential PH-1 since my USB port is getting very loose, and charging is becoming difficult. I wonder if there will be a demand for people who got the PH-1 on fire sale? This price point to features is what we've been missing since the early nexus days. The 3a was a nice step in this direction, but this looks like a very solid competitor in this field.
Try using a pin to clean the lint out of the USB port
Don’t do this, use a plastic toothpick or you might damage the contacts.
Can anyone comment on how well Google supports their phones 2, 3+ years out? What's their obsolescence history compared to Apple? Thinking of moving over...
I have a Pixel 2XL and it is still supported. I am participating in the latest android beta without any known-to-me model-specific issues.
They list it here: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/4457705?hl=en-G...
Thanks -- ah, so it is significantly less than Apple. 3 years guaranteed, versus 5+ years. (well, not that I'm likely to keep my phone for 5+ years)
The Pixel line sees almost ubiquitous Lineageos support.
I hope the screen is bright. I wanted to buy the Pixel 3a but the screen brightness is just 400cd/m3, the iPhone SE 2 has 650cd/m3.
Now with free unlimited geo tracking! So you don't get lost.
With a bigger sensor so it can see you better in the night. And a more sensitive microphone so it can hear you better when you're whispering. All for $349.
The Oneplus Nord is still a better phone for the same price. If you can wait for the 7T to drop in price when the new Oneplus is released this year you will get an incredible phone compared to the Pixel 4a at close to the same price. IMO Oneplus still makes the best Android phone at the best price/value point.
Disregard the prices at gsmarena, they can be found for much less.
https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=9816&idPhone2...
Disregard the prices at gsmarena, they can be found for much less.
https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=9816&idPhone2...
Does the OnePlus Nord or 7T have a headphone jack?
(No, they don't, and it's been a dealbreaker for me for several generations. That plus low price plus stock android is the attraction of the pixel 3a and 4a for me.)
All that said, I'm happy using a Samsung phone - manufactured in Vietnam, has a headphone jack and sdcard slot, minimal bloatware, cheap.
(No, they don't, and it's been a dealbreaker for me for several generations. That plus low price plus stock android is the attraction of the pixel 3a and 4a for me.)
All that said, I'm happy using a Samsung phone - manufactured in Vietnam, has a headphone jack and sdcard slot, minimal bloatware, cheap.
OnePlus Nord and 7T should be around the same price as the 4a by the time it comes out. Oneplus has an incredibly clean OS. Compared to Samsung it is pristine. They also push updates for years and in a timely manner. Good luck trying to get that with Samsung.
But if you find the headphone jack the most important feature for a phone then the Oneplus is not for you,.
Interestingly enough, you might try to find a cheap Oneplus 5T from 2017 which is still a better phone than the 4a in 2020 and I think it was cheaper on release.
Google isn't really current when it comes to hardware.
But if you find the headphone jack the most important feature for a phone then the Oneplus is not for you,.
Interestingly enough, you might try to find a cheap Oneplus 5T from 2017 which is still a better phone than the 4a in 2020 and I think it was cheaper on release.
Google isn't really current when it comes to hardware.
I'm kind of curious why the headphone matters? I was mildly annoyed when phones dropped the jack, but you know... get a set of bluetooth headphones, what's the problem? Frankly, not having to bother with the wires is simply a plus.
Aux port is useful for much more than earbuds. I plug in an aux cable daily in my car (GPS + podcasts = need power and aux slot simultaneously, or a several hundred dollar head unit upgrade to have halfway decent bluetooth, or a dongle that does both and the hope i dont forget it if i use a rental car).
Use with my existing headphones/aux cables around my house, same port as my desktop/laptop, same port as various devices at my relatives houses, never need to hunt to find a dongle, (especially when most people i know have iphones - so no usb-c dongles anywhere)
TL;DR: Aux cables are useful to me daily, dongles are a pain in the ass, bluetooth doesnt fit my use case or equipment i already use. Aux port has value to me and options still exist to get phones with an aux port so I vote with my wallet.
Use with my existing headphones/aux cables around my house, same port as my desktop/laptop, same port as various devices at my relatives houses, never need to hunt to find a dongle, (especially when most people i know have iphones - so no usb-c dongles anywhere)
TL;DR: Aux cables are useful to me daily, dongles are a pain in the ass, bluetooth doesnt fit my use case or equipment i already use. Aux port has value to me and options still exist to get phones with an aux port so I vote with my wallet.
You're going to have to replace the equipment; dongles are a at best a limited workaround (basically you need to glue to dongle to the headphone or certainly never take it out of the respective device, otherwise it's too much hassle and risk of losing it). Dongles are OK for specific legacy devices, no more.
But the real advantage of aux sounds like the standardization to you - and that's mostly a question of simply making the jump. Yes, you need to spend a little money (but much less than your other devices like phones/laptops/etc, so it's not a crazy step), perhaps even hundreds. But once you do - bluetooth support is about as pervasive as aux, and becoming more so. Quite a few devices no longer have aux ports, but do have bluetooth. Even today, you'll be able to use your bluetooth headphones with essentially all phones and laptops regardless of brand (assuming they're not ancient, and maybe some extremely low end stuff is missing bluetooth). If your desktop doesn't support bluetooth, a desktop dongle is just a few dollars and you can leave it in permanently.
Switching standards is annoying, but it's going to happen sometime; and at this point bluetooth is pervasive enough that it's pretty usable.
But the real advantage of aux sounds like the standardization to you - and that's mostly a question of simply making the jump. Yes, you need to spend a little money (but much less than your other devices like phones/laptops/etc, so it's not a crazy step), perhaps even hundreds. But once you do - bluetooth support is about as pervasive as aux, and becoming more so. Quite a few devices no longer have aux ports, but do have bluetooth. Even today, you'll be able to use your bluetooth headphones with essentially all phones and laptops regardless of brand (assuming they're not ancient, and maybe some extremely low end stuff is missing bluetooth). If your desktop doesn't support bluetooth, a desktop dongle is just a few dollars and you can leave it in permanently.
Switching standards is annoying, but it's going to happen sometime; and at this point bluetooth is pervasive enough that it's pretty usable.
I don't like doing point-by-points, but much of what you said is not correct:
> You're going to have to replace the equipment
Or I could just keep buying and using phones with aux ports, and all the equipment at home/friends/family will continue to work
> But the real advantage of aux sounds like the standardization to you - and that's mostly a question of simply making the jump
I already listed a number of places I use the aux port. The only thing I own that uses bluetooth is a Garmin watch. I see no reason to switch.
> Yes, you need to spend a little money (but much less than your other devices like phones/laptops/etc
Or I could keep using aux and not spend any money, and my laptop/phone/desktop/car/headphones will all continue to work together just fine.
> Even today, you'll be able to use your bluetooth headphones with essentially all phones and laptops regardless of brand
Not with my desktop, nor my home theatre, nor my in flight entertainment.
> If your desktop doesn't support bluetooth, a desktop dongle is just a few dollars and you can leave it in permanently.
Or, again, keep using aux and have great quality and no dropouts?
> Switching standards is annoying, but it's going to happen sometime; and at this point bluetooth is pervasive enough that it's pretty usable.
Every time I use bluetooth, it is slow (garmin watch) or it drops out (car audio in numerous vehicles, microsoft wireless mouse) or the music stutters (cars again) or the batteries die (friends I see with bluetooth earbuds). Bluetooth offers me zero improvement, numerous regressions. And yeah, standards may switch sometime. But I have family with knob-and-tube wiring still in use, I doubt aux cables are disappearing anytime soon.
> You're going to have to replace the equipment
Or I could just keep buying and using phones with aux ports, and all the equipment at home/friends/family will continue to work
> But the real advantage of aux sounds like the standardization to you - and that's mostly a question of simply making the jump
I already listed a number of places I use the aux port. The only thing I own that uses bluetooth is a Garmin watch. I see no reason to switch.
> Yes, you need to spend a little money (but much less than your other devices like phones/laptops/etc
Or I could keep using aux and not spend any money, and my laptop/phone/desktop/car/headphones will all continue to work together just fine.
> Even today, you'll be able to use your bluetooth headphones with essentially all phones and laptops regardless of brand
Not with my desktop, nor my home theatre, nor my in flight entertainment.
> If your desktop doesn't support bluetooth, a desktop dongle is just a few dollars and you can leave it in permanently.
Or, again, keep using aux and have great quality and no dropouts?
> Switching standards is annoying, but it's going to happen sometime; and at this point bluetooth is pervasive enough that it's pretty usable.
Every time I use bluetooth, it is slow (garmin watch) or it drops out (car audio in numerous vehicles, microsoft wireless mouse) or the music stutters (cars again) or the batteries die (friends I see with bluetooth earbuds). Bluetooth offers me zero improvement, numerous regressions. And yeah, standards may switch sometime. But I have family with knob-and-tube wiring still in use, I doubt aux cables are disappearing anytime soon.
Getting BT headphones that are as good as my current setup would cost me £300+ and even then there would be latency and device switching issues.
I agree. Also, the Nord is out tomorrow, whereas after waiting months for the 4a to be officially released, all that happened today was I have been put on a waitlist, to wait some unknown amount of time to then pre-order the phone.
Except that for any questions or disputes you should contact Shenzhen.
Finally, a Google Pixel phone with a competitive price. All previous Pixel phones were seriously overpriced.
I wish they brought back original quality photo uploads. I guess I could understand dropping that in the "A" series, but for the flagships, it really set the pixels apart.
I want to replace my current OnePlus 5T, as I want to switch from my custom LineageOS build to GrapheneOS[1], and thought the Pixel 4a would be the one to replace it with, but why only one color option? I really wanted a black, and white version.
The regular Pixel 4 does have a black, and white version that looks gorgeous from the back, but then the front design is an abomination, with the top being much bigger than the bottom.
Maybe I should just stick with LineageOS, I do not put sensitive information on my phone anyway.
[1] https://grapheneos.org/
The regular Pixel 4 does have a black, and white version that looks gorgeous from the back, but then the front design is an abomination, with the top being much bigger than the bottom.
Maybe I should just stick with LineageOS, I do not put sensitive information on my phone anyway.
[1] https://grapheneos.org/
OnePlus Nord seems like a nice replacement for a 5t. I'm looking to replace mine as well.
GrapheneOS only run on Pixel devices, though, hence me looking at the Pixel line. Otherwise, yeah, OnePlus all the way.
The 4A branding is only something a tech company would come up with. Obviously its a lower cost model, but there is something magically less appealing about that 'A' designation.
This is great.
My Pixel 3 XL has broken Bluetooth/wifi connectivity (even after a factory reset, "Bluetooth keeps stopping"). And it only connects via USB-C for headphone or charging some of the time in a specific orientation (even after cleaning out the charging port with a paperclip and flashlight).
The device is just out of warranty but within credit-card extended warranty so I'm thinking of rolling the dice on the $481 Google Store-mediated repair process and hoping they fill out a form that Amex provides. (Risk is that, after this problem showed up, I also dropped it and got a cracked screen, so Amex might not be on board with also reimbursing screen-crack repairs.)
Aside from not having reliable Wifi, Bluetooth, or USB-C connectivity I've been very happy with the Pixel and looking forward to using a 4A while I wait to see what happens with repairs on the 3XL.
My Pixel 3 XL has broken Bluetooth/wifi connectivity (even after a factory reset, "Bluetooth keeps stopping"). And it only connects via USB-C for headphone or charging some of the time in a specific orientation (even after cleaning out the charging port with a paperclip and flashlight).
The device is just out of warranty but within credit-card extended warranty so I'm thinking of rolling the dice on the $481 Google Store-mediated repair process and hoping they fill out a form that Amex provides. (Risk is that, after this problem showed up, I also dropped it and got a cracked screen, so Amex might not be on board with also reimbursing screen-crack repairs.)
Aside from not having reliable Wifi, Bluetooth, or USB-C connectivity I've been very happy with the Pixel and looking forward to using a 4A while I wait to see what happens with repairs on the 3XL.
Are they bringing back fingerprint unlock or are we stuck with the annoying face thing?
I broke the shopping cart by adding two pixel 4a devices + care plans, 1 with a trade-in. Now going to store.google.com/cart returns 500 errors (Error code: TIMM) and support is non-existent. Store chat and phone support look like they don't exist. Off to a great start!
I had this exact issue - try switching your country to something else, and then back to your country again. This fixed it for me
Big thank you! Fixed for me too!
I'm not sure about pre purchase, but I can vouch for reasonable good post purchase support with the pixel 3a. We had a warranty claim, we were able to talk to a real human apparently capable of going off script to diagnose issues. There existed a reasonable system of getting a loaner phone to use while the primary phone was returned for service. S&H was a bit slow (presumably because of covid) but things worked out reasonably.
+1 for Google Support post-purchase. I had the Pixel 3 and there's a feature to just text support from your phone, and they can send a phone in advance if you don't have a loaner/it can still function. The problem I do have is their QC, I went through three Pixels in less than a year and I had an original Pixel for less than 4 months before having to replace it. Hit the point where I did one last RMA to sell and picked up an iPhone.
> I broke the shopping cart
Google is careful in preserving fragile cart experience for those of us who avoid offline stores this year.
Google is careful in preserving fragile cart experience for those of us who avoid offline stores this year.
It told me "The requested URL was not found on this server." when trying to Check Out until I enabled third-party cookies.
> going to store.google.com/cart returns 500 errors (Error code: TIMM) and support is non-existent
:shocked face:
(I think that maybe store.google.com is somebody's 20% time project, and they just haven't announced it's shutdown yet...)
:shocked face:
(I think that maybe store.google.com is somebody's 20% time project, and they just haven't announced it's shutdown yet...)
I love my Pixel 2 and as it is still going strong I don't have any reason to upgrade it other than the battery not lasting 24 hours now though with decent usage.
Since Pixel 2 was the best phone across any OS I have used, I will probably stick with the Pixel line. I don't think I will upgrade this year but hopefully Pixel 5 has good flagship features and is not underwhelming like Pixel 4.
Since Pixel 2 was the best phone across any OS I have used, I will probably stick with the Pixel line. I don't think I will upgrade this year but hopefully Pixel 5 has good flagship features and is not underwhelming like Pixel 4.
Pleasantly surprised on the size (144 × 70 × 8.2 mm): really only larger in one dimension from the Nokia 1, the size of which I love (134 × 68 × 9.5 mm).
I'll have to wait and see if at&t will allow VoLTE on the 4a, with their 3g shutdown announcement its a brick if it doesnt make it onto the allow list.
Just pulled the trigger on a Pixel 4a.
Perfect dimensions, plastic body, headphone jack, yes! It'll make a nice replacement for my Moto X4.
Perfect dimensions, plastic body, headphone jack, yes! It'll make a nice replacement for my Moto X4.
>The camera and its clean version of Android are the main ways that Google is aiming to differentiate the Pixel 4A from the likes of the OnePlus Nord, Samsung Galaxy S71, and iPhone SE.
I think it's weird to include the SE on that list. iOS seems like a great choice for a "clean" OS and the SE's camera, while not the highest end or with several sensors, is pretty great. A better emphasis would be storage and RAM which is pretty incredible and the inclusion of a headphone jack.
I think it's weird to include the SE on that list. iOS seems like a great choice for a "clean" OS and the SE's camera, while not the highest end or with several sensors, is pretty great. A better emphasis would be storage and RAM which is pretty incredible and the inclusion of a headphone jack.
I'm somewhat happy with my Pixel 3a, but the aspect ratio is pretty annoying: it's too tall and too narrow, making it really hard to use one-handed (my thumb can't reach that high while I'm gripping it in my palm). It looks like the 4a is similar. I wish they'd go back to the Pixel 1 dimensions, which were pretty perfect.
Does eSIM and nano SIM work at the same time in Google phones android yet? According to web search, prior to this unit, no. It does on iPhone, so you effective dualSIM from the technology mix. Ubiquitous dualSIM would stop me needing to carry a second phone when work travel overseas resumes (we don't all get to buy FI worldwide). Motorola dualSIM has been a lifesaver for me
Pixel 4 already supports dual SIM (DSDS--dual SIM dual standby) that allows you to receive calls at either number, but only one at a time.
Yes it does. I'm using this exact configuration on my Pixel 4 right now. Works great!
I've been in the market for a phone all year but pretty much everything is a compromise. Its hard when you want expandable storage, something with a feasibly replaceable battery two years out, a good screen, a good camera, and the ability to keep using the device after two years via Lineageos.
The Zenfone 7 is the last major announcement this year for me to consider because otherwise its a compromise on one of those axis. Phones kinda suck.
The Zenfone 7 is the last major announcement this year for me to consider because otherwise its a compromise on one of those axis. Phones kinda suck.
How would Google engineers with all the crazy interviews and RSUs explain 500 error and country switch hack
No Soli? Did they give up on it already?
Still not the compact phone I was looking for.
As an Australian with a Pixel XL which is still perfectly usable, just lacking 'support':
> ... it’s fascinating that the most important detail is the price: $349.
Local pricing on google store is A$599, despite US$349 ~= A$490.
So not quite the same bargain for us, though not hugely surprising.
> ... it’s worth remembering that technically, fall ends on December 21st this year.
Living in a country with only a dozen or so native (only only mildly) deciduous trees, but a surfeit of eucalyptus that drop dangerously large branches, leaves, and bark all year long -- we don't call autumn fall, just autumn. And it runs 1st March to 31st May. Which adds some mental gymnastics on top of the corporate hermeneutics when dealing with these announcements.
> ... it’s fascinating that the most important detail is the price: $349.
Local pricing on google store is A$599, despite US$349 ~= A$490.
So not quite the same bargain for us, though not hugely surprising.
> ... it’s worth remembering that technically, fall ends on December 21st this year.
Living in a country with only a dozen or so native (only only mildly) deciduous trees, but a surfeit of eucalyptus that drop dangerously large branches, leaves, and bark all year long -- we don't call autumn fall, just autumn. And it runs 1st March to 31st May. Which adds some mental gymnastics on top of the corporate hermeneutics when dealing with these announcements.
I'm in Tasmania, so that gave me quite the giggle.
Yeah, well, Australian vendors are all trying to pay down their Toyota Prados and their seven rental property... so, fair go eh.
On a more serious note, where can I get the Pixel A4 locally? I check a couple online stores yesterday but didn't see it yet.
Yeah, well, Australian vendors are all trying to pay down their Toyota Prados and their seven rental property... so, fair go eh.
On a more serious note, where can I get the Pixel A4 locally? I check a couple online stores yesterday but didn't see it yet.
JB and Google Store both have it.
JB says the release date is September 10.
https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/google-pixel-4a-128gb-jus... https://store.google.com.au/product/pixel_4a
JB says the release date is September 10.
https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/google-pixel-4a-128gb-jus... https://store.google.com.au/product/pixel_4a
Thanks mate!
Partners Oppo digitiser is on the fritz. Probably get it fixed and keep as back up device and get a Pixel A4.
Partners Oppo digitiser is on the fritz. Probably get it fixed and keep as back up device and get a Pixel A4.
No worries mate!
Don't forget that US prices don't include sales tax. Where I am, sales tax adds another 9%, so about 380 USD.
I think at this point it's just sloppy to use '$' by itself in any potentially-international context.
I've worked for multiple companies where most of my colleagues consistently brushed this off. In each company, there was at least one significant budgeting stuff-up while I was there because someone interpreted a '$' number as the wrong kind of dollar. In the worst case I witnessed the "bill shock" was about 50 thousand dollars. (Wait, which "dollars" was that again?)
At least with "fall" I know the author is talking about autumn in the northern hemisphere -- it's not so easy when someone writes that something is to be released "this summer". :)
I've worked for multiple companies where most of my colleagues consistently brushed this off. In each company, there was at least one significant budgeting stuff-up while I was there because someone interpreted a '$' number as the wrong kind of dollar. In the worst case I witnessed the "bill shock" was about 50 thousand dollars. (Wait, which "dollars" was that again?)
At least with "fall" I know the author is talking about autumn in the northern hemisphere -- it's not so easy when someone writes that something is to be released "this summer". :)
Oh, 'rest of world' has put up with this for years, but it's nice to complain every now and then. : )
I'd advocate ISO 8601 for everything, and it has periodicity built in -- though I happily concede "Coming in 2020-09/11" doesn't scan anywhere near as well, and would confuse way more people than it would satisfy.
I'd advocate ISO 8601 for everything, and it has periodicity built in -- though I happily concede "Coming in 2020-09/11" doesn't scan anywhere near as well, and would confuse way more people than it would satisfy.
> "Coming in 2020-09/11" doesn't scan anywhere near as well, and would confuse way more people than it would satisfy.
Sure, but those aren't our only options. "Late 2020" or "towards the end of 2020" capture that kind of vague time frame at least as well.
Sure, but those aren't our only options. "Late 2020" or "towards the end of 2020" capture that kind of vague time frame at least as well.
> I think at this point it's just sloppy to use '$' by itself in any potentially-international context.
Totally. It should, of course, have said:
"0.0307227 BTC, as of 2020-08-04 01:31 UTC based on an average of the top 4 crypto exchanges"
;-)
(
Totally. It should, of course, have said:
"0.0307227 BTC, as of 2020-08-04 01:31 UTC based on an average of the top 4 crypto exchanges"
;-)
(
>Local pricing on google store is A$599, despite US$349 ~= A$490.
If I remember correctly, AUS has a 10% VAT. So that is $539.
For the extra $60, you get an additional year of warranty and consumer protection that is offered by law.
If I remember correctly, AUS has a 10% VAT. So that is $539.
For the extra $60, you get an additional year of warranty and consumer protection that is offered by law.
> If I remember correctly, AUS has a 10% VAT. So that is $539.
Yup, we've got a goods and services tax (GST) that's 10%, and it's illegal, IIRC, to advertise an item to end consumers that doesn't include it.
So the AUD $599 value would include the GST - but you'd need to divide by 11, not 10, to find the GST component. Not much difference to your estimation of A$539 - the tax-free cost would be closer to A$545.
I very much appreciate the benefits of our CP laws, but unless the devices are manufactured to a different standard than those sold in other parts of the world, that cost / value isn't wrapped up into the sale price.
Yup, we've got a goods and services tax (GST) that's 10%, and it's illegal, IIRC, to advertise an item to end consumers that doesn't include it.
So the AUD $599 value would include the GST - but you'd need to divide by 11, not 10, to find the GST component. Not much difference to your estimation of A$539 - the tax-free cost would be closer to A$545.
I very much appreciate the benefits of our CP laws, but unless the devices are manufactured to a different standard than those sold in other parts of the world, that cost / value isn't wrapped up into the sale price.
> I very much appreciate the benefits of our CP laws, but unless the devices are manufactured to a different standard than those sold in other parts of the world, that cost / value isn't wrapped up into the sale price.
Maybe it is, through higher replacement rate due to longer warranty period?
Maybe it is, through higher replacement rate due to longer warranty period?
Could well be. I've had Nexus, Pixel, then Pixel XL - since soon after the first Nexus.
I have replaced (due to hardware failures) Nexus and Pixel, under Google's warranty, which was 2 years. I don't know if they offer 2y hardware warranty everywhere, or only in AU because they're obligated to.
Either way - back to TFA, that 4A model is looking like the perfect upgrade for the original Pixel XL - slightly smaller handset, slightly larger display, 3.5mm audio jack, improved performance, more onboard RAM & storage, and lacking a hideous list price.
I have replaced (due to hardware failures) Nexus and Pixel, under Google's warranty, which was 2 years. I don't know if they offer 2y hardware warranty everywhere, or only in AU because they're obligated to.
Either way - back to TFA, that 4A model is looking like the perfect upgrade for the original Pixel XL - slightly smaller handset, slightly larger display, 3.5mm audio jack, improved performance, more onboard RAM & storage, and lacking a hideous list price.
Have no other phones adopted the Librem 5's hardware kill switches for mic and camera and radio?
Every time there's a new phone announcement, I hope.
Every time there's a new phone announcement, I hope.
The Pixel 4A comes with an USB-C to USB-C cable that is only capable of USB 2.0 speed.
USB-C Supporters have been saying all the crappy USB 2.0 USB C cable are fake or counterfeit cables from Alibaba.
Now we have one, officially from Google.
USB-C Supporters have been saying all the crappy USB 2.0 USB C cable are fake or counterfeit cables from Alibaba.
Now we have one, officially from Google.
If I'm not mistaken, the macbook charging cables from Apple are also limited to 2.0 speed. (They sell a separate cable for actual data transfer.)
If that's indeed true, it'd be faster to transfer over Wi-Fi. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
How frequently are most users really plugging a phone into their PC for data transfers?
A phone that real people want
* audio jack
* affordable
* fingerprint reader
* lightweight
* good performance
* great camera
Interestingly, the 3a is selling for $399, $50 more than the 4a. [0]
Also, the 4a doesn't have Fast Charging like the 3a.
0 - https://store.google.com/magazine/compare_pixel?toggler0=Pix...
Also, the 4a doesn't have Fast Charging like the 3a.
0 - https://store.google.com/magazine/compare_pixel?toggler0=Pix...
The 3a is discontinued.
Also, the 4a lists fast-charging on the product page: https://store.google.com/product/pixel_4a
For me smartphones died with the iPhone SE (2015). The last smartphone with sensible dimensions
Can someone explain to me what the user benefit of 5G is? Is there anything that people typically do on their phones/with tethering right now that LTE is insufficient bandwidth for? Or is this just a plan by the carriers to encourage more really expensive usage, like convincing people to stream on their phones/tether all the time?
Lower latency, easier to place cells in public places due to a broader range of frequencies, better bandwidth. The lower latency part is what’s going to enable edge computing for AR/VR, autonomous driving (separate via V2V but related), and other functions that need low latency. Cell phones are just a bonus.
Also, a lot of telecoms are kind of ignoring 4g/lte deadspots in favor of just putting new NSA 5G cells it seems. I’m excited, but I’m also biased because I work in the industry.
Also, a lot of telecoms are kind of ignoring 4g/lte deadspots in favor of just putting new NSA 5G cells it seems. I’m excited, but I’m also biased because I work in the industry.
a lot of telecoms are kind of ignoring 4g/lte deadspots in favor of just putting new NSA 5G cells
That just emphasizes what marketing bullshit 5G is. Telecoms won't properly build out infrastructure to avoid LTE deadspots, and yet are pushing 5G. But ... people say that proper 5G needs many many more cells than LTE!
That just emphasizes what marketing bullshit 5G is. Telecoms won't properly build out infrastructure to avoid LTE deadspots, and yet are pushing 5G. But ... people say that proper 5G needs many many more cells than LTE!
The 5g signal I get at home is only through T-Mobile's lower bands, which are apparently slower than 4G. It's a bit silly
> Telecoms won't properly build out infrastructure to avoid LTE deadspots, and yet are pushing 5G
Its not entirely irrational - if your customers spend 99% of their time in some given area, it could make sense to improve capacity in those areas instead of chasing that last 1% of coverage.
Its not entirely irrational - if your customers spend 99% of their time in some given area, it could make sense to improve capacity in those areas instead of chasing that last 1% of coverage.
This is why this industry should be nationalized
> Also, a lot of telecoms are kind of ignoring 4g/lte deadspots in favor of just putting new NSA 5G cells it seems. I’m excited, but I’m also biased because I work in the industry.
T-Mobile has actively reduced coverage these last few years where I live. Went from having almost full bars to almost nothing and calls never being put through and dropping. Just a mile or two from at least three different towers. Even with their lte hotspot placed inside my house, their network doesn't work well. I see commercials about 5g and I think, how about implementing 1g first and getting basic phone service before pretending to deploy some bullshit 5g that likely won't be around for years and no one gives a fuck about? Anyway, I have no delusions about fixing this. Unfortunately Verizon is cdma so the only real competitor is att. Tried Google fi but it wasn't great and Comcast can go fuck themselves. So either I switch to a carrier that is more expensive and likely just as bad or I stay with the shit service because the telecom idiots decided to downgrade their network ten miles outside one of the biggest cities on the west coast.
You'll have to excuse me for being skeptical about a technology pushed by telcos that in 2020 still can't get a basic cellphone voice call to connect or text messages to send reliably even with an lte hotspot literally inches away from a phone they claim 100% support for.
T-Mobile has actively reduced coverage these last few years where I live. Went from having almost full bars to almost nothing and calls never being put through and dropping. Just a mile or two from at least three different towers. Even with their lte hotspot placed inside my house, their network doesn't work well. I see commercials about 5g and I think, how about implementing 1g first and getting basic phone service before pretending to deploy some bullshit 5g that likely won't be around for years and no one gives a fuck about? Anyway, I have no delusions about fixing this. Unfortunately Verizon is cdma so the only real competitor is att. Tried Google fi but it wasn't great and Comcast can go fuck themselves. So either I switch to a carrier that is more expensive and likely just as bad or I stay with the shit service because the telecom idiots decided to downgrade their network ten miles outside one of the biggest cities on the west coast.
You'll have to excuse me for being skeptical about a technology pushed by telcos that in 2020 still can't get a basic cellphone voice call to connect or text messages to send reliably even with an lte hotspot literally inches away from a phone they claim 100% support for.
Forgive me, but this sounds like the same perspective of the famous quote "640K is more memory than anyone will ever need on a computer" (no idea if Gates actually said it). People will always fill the bandwidth with something (just like memory), perhaps with something we don't even use today at all. Though note that the new usage pattern will only emerge after usage is ubiquitous, which is usually due to decent pricing.
Its also an American centric view.
Travelling around Korea and back home I noticed the distinct difference in consumption habbits.
Korea data isn't capped, so everyone streams news/twitch/YouTube while on there commute.
Back home, everyone reads articles and spam scrolls static images on instagram.
So "do people need bandwidth" no. Will they use it if they have it? Absolutely.
Travelling around Korea and back home I noticed the distinct difference in consumption habbits.
Korea data isn't capped, so everyone streams news/twitch/YouTube while on there commute.
Back home, everyone reads articles and spam scrolls static images on instagram.
So "do people need bandwidth" no. Will they use it if they have it? Absolutely.
FWIW Gates never said that. There's no documentary evidence anywhere, it just shows up with no source as a claimed Gates quote years after the last point it could plausibly have been said.
And the supposed ubiquity argument for more network bandwidth is stale. People have been making this argument for decades at this point, it's roughly the same age as "When everybody with a mobile phone gets cancer you'll see" arguments.
Any time you think you see an exponential curve stretch off to infinity it just means you zoomed in too far. 16kbps was much too slow, and 16Mbps still feels a little cramped although everything works, but it turns out you have no real use for 16Gbps, even if most people you know have it too.
I believe a lot of people got the wrong idea because for them two things came along together - they got more bandwidth and Always On access together, typically as DSL or a Cable Modem. I happen to have received them separately over time, partly a quirk of fate and partly because it had been very important to me to get access to the network long before most people knew it existed.
Always On makes a huge qualitative difference. Broadband not so much. A household with Always On at 56kbps is very different from a traditional "dial-up" at 56kbps, in a way that one with 100Mbps vDSL isn't so different from one with 1Mbps ADSL or 1Gbps fibre-to-the-home. It changes how you think about using the Network, because it's always there.
And the supposed ubiquity argument for more network bandwidth is stale. People have been making this argument for decades at this point, it's roughly the same age as "When everybody with a mobile phone gets cancer you'll see" arguments.
Any time you think you see an exponential curve stretch off to infinity it just means you zoomed in too far. 16kbps was much too slow, and 16Mbps still feels a little cramped although everything works, but it turns out you have no real use for 16Gbps, even if most people you know have it too.
I believe a lot of people got the wrong idea because for them two things came along together - they got more bandwidth and Always On access together, typically as DSL or a Cable Modem. I happen to have received them separately over time, partly a quirk of fate and partly because it had been very important to me to get access to the network long before most people knew it existed.
Always On makes a huge qualitative difference. Broadband not so much. A household with Always On at 56kbps is very different from a traditional "dial-up" at 56kbps, in a way that one with 100Mbps vDSL isn't so different from one with 1Mbps ADSL or 1Gbps fibre-to-the-home. It changes how you think about using the Network, because it's always there.
> Always On makes a huge qualitative difference. Broadband not so much.
I agree. My steps were dialup ISDN 64kbps -> always-on DSL 256kbps -> campus 100Mbps.
Dialup to always-on was much, much bigger change than slow DSL to blazing fast campus speeds.
I agree. My steps were dialup ISDN 64kbps -> always-on DSL 256kbps -> campus 100Mbps.
Dialup to always-on was much, much bigger change than slow DSL to blazing fast campus speeds.
Finally 5G must be worth but whether buying 5G phone in 2020 is different question. Separat modem/SoC is not good for battery life. (yes I know iPhone does that ever but they do efficient things in different way)
One use of 5g would be better streaming upload speed, that can open up a lot of interesting use cases.
Another use case is streaming + AR, I can see that becoming crazy bandwidth intensive. I think there can be some cool games if we can get high mobile bandwidth and a cleaner AR (ie. Apple glasses) experience medium.
I also think if you're asking from the perspective of why would the 4a but $350 but 4a-5g be $500, then I'd guess that the 4a-5g is going to come with more than just 5g capabilities.
Another use case is streaming + AR, I can see that becoming crazy bandwidth intensive. I think there can be some cool games if we can get high mobile bandwidth and a cleaner AR (ie. Apple glasses) experience medium.
I also think if you're asking from the perspective of why would the 4a but $350 but 4a-5g be $500, then I'd guess that the 4a-5g is going to come with more than just 5g capabilities.
In populated areas, the increased bandwidth of 5G means more to go around. Ever been in a really crowded area like an airport or a convention center? Data slows to a crawl.
I think it's just marketing bullshit.
More "G's" have to be better. so 5 "G's" are clearly better than 4. It's kinda like that great scene in the movie This is Spinal Tap. The amp "numbers all go to eleven". When pressed, the obvious advantage is "These go to eleven".
The average person couldn't explain what either LTE or 5G are.
I just ran a Speedtest on my phone and with a relatively weak signal I'm getting 10 Mbps download via LTE. Isn't that good enough for the latest cat GIF?
I think the industry wants 5G to deal with improved cell service in densely occupied places such as football stadiums. Well, that obviously won't be a priority for the next few years!
More "G's" have to be better. so 5 "G's" are clearly better than 4. It's kinda like that great scene in the movie This is Spinal Tap. The amp "numbers all go to eleven". When pressed, the obvious advantage is "These go to eleven".
The average person couldn't explain what either LTE or 5G are.
I just ran a Speedtest on my phone and with a relatively weak signal I'm getting 10 Mbps download via LTE. Isn't that good enough for the latest cat GIF?
I think the industry wants 5G to deal with improved cell service in densely occupied places such as football stadiums. Well, that obviously won't be a priority for the next few years!
Fingerprint reader? Yes! Great.
Audio Jack? Also yes!? Amazing!
Turns out faceID doesn't work great with people wearing face masks in these COVID times.
And people like me still like to use headphone jacks to connect to things like car audio systems etc.
If the 5 and 4A 5G come out with those features, I'll be first in line for one!
Turns out faceID doesn't work great with people wearing face masks in these COVID times.
And people like me still like to use headphone jacks to connect to things like car audio systems etc.
If the 5 and 4A 5G come out with those features, I'll be first in line for one!
But...where is the pixel watch?
Just bought my wife a Oneplus 8 because there were no decent phones in US at that time. Now looking at 4a I am like ️ I should have convinced her to wait a little more.
I loved my Pixel 4, it was a really good phone albiet very expensive (£669).
I went out for a run one day and it rained my phone got slightly damp in my pocket, never booted again and Google Support offered to repair it for ~£500.
Hard to consider spending that amount on a phone again.
I went out for a run one day and it rained my phone got slightly damp in my pocket, never booted again and Google Support offered to repair it for ~£500.
Hard to consider spending that amount on a phone again.
I had issues with my pixel 2 and pixel 3, both of them were poorly handled by Google support...
I was a terrible critic of apple but now I own an iPhone just because I am fairly certain that I will be better treated if something happens and there's an actual physical store.
I just don't trust Google hardware anymore.
I was a terrible critic of apple but now I own an iPhone just because I am fairly certain that I will be better treated if something happens and there's an actual physical store.
I just don't trust Google hardware anymore.
Before my pixel 4 I had a pixel 3, its camera started started being extremely jittery, especially during videos. I reported it to the Google support and they replaced it new reasonably quickly, was quite happy with that interaction.
After my pixel 4 debacle I tried getting second hand pixel 3's as a cheaper alternative, I got 2 devices with the exact same issue with the jittery camera, they were returned straight away but I find it amazing that I have personally had 3 pixel 3 devices with the same camera hardware bug.
I cant bring myself to buy an iPhone, as a web developer having a decent browser is table stakes for me. But I have also lost all trust in Google hardware / support.
After my pixel 4 debacle I tried getting second hand pixel 3's as a cheaper alternative, I got 2 devices with the exact same issue with the jittery camera, they were returned straight away but I find it amazing that I have personally had 3 pixel 3 devices with the same camera hardware bug.
I cant bring myself to buy an iPhone, as a web developer having a decent browser is table stakes for me. But I have also lost all trust in Google hardware / support.
I like how Google is upping the ante by dropping Pixel 4A a day before OnePlus's mid-ranged 'Nord' goes on sale.
I loved my 3A when I got it. Great camera, decent specs, not a gamer (still not convinced anyone is a heavy phone gamer) so it was just an absolute steal.
But a year and a bit later, the software is already starting to slow down even with a reset (switching to video from photo incurs a good 5-10 second delay, opening the camera itself takes a few seconds), and the volume rocker on the side snapped when I was just turning down Spotify.
The "it's a bargain!" selling point is less of a thing in Europe, where they do some currency conversion fiddling. And the poor sales means aftercare is awful - my screen cracked a few weeks ago and I have to go to a third party, looking at 180euro.
Coupled with Google's terrible implementation of work accounts (want to just join a Meet on your work email? Wait while we set up an entire work profile, download the requirements etc. Oh but, by the way, the calendar app doesn't have any way to view your work profile events) and I'm less enthusiastic this time around, sadly.
But a year and a bit later, the software is already starting to slow down even with a reset (switching to video from photo incurs a good 5-10 second delay, opening the camera itself takes a few seconds), and the volume rocker on the side snapped when I was just turning down Spotify.
The "it's a bargain!" selling point is less of a thing in Europe, where they do some currency conversion fiddling. And the poor sales means aftercare is awful - my screen cracked a few weeks ago and I have to go to a third party, looking at 180euro.
Coupled with Google's terrible implementation of work accounts (want to just join a Meet on your work email? Wait while we set up an entire work profile, download the requirements etc. Oh but, by the way, the calendar app doesn't have any way to view your work profile events) and I'm less enthusiastic this time around, sadly.
> But a year and a bit later, the software is already starting to slow down even with a reset (switching to video from photo incurs a good 5-10 second delay, opening the camera itself takes a few seconds)
FWIW that's really not normal. Sounds like I got my pixel 3a around the same time as you, and I haven't had any problems like that. I wonder if you have a hardware defect of some sort.
> Coupled with Google's terrible implementation of work accounts
What's special about work accounts? I added both my personal and work Google accounts without any issues and can see events from both in my calendar, switch between them in google drive, etc.
FWIW that's really not normal. Sounds like I got my pixel 3a around the same time as you, and I haven't had any problems like that. I wonder if you have a hardware defect of some sort.
> Coupled with Google's terrible implementation of work accounts
What's special about work accounts? I added both my personal and work Google accounts without any issues and can see events from both in my calendar, switch between them in google drive, etc.
I think it's just a bug prone implementation. For example, I see exactly what I imagine you can see in Gmail etc where it's possible to switch between work and personal.
In calendar? Nothing.
I agree the camera thing does not sound normal, but again if it's a defect it does speak further to the "can tell the build quality was lower already" comment
In calendar? Nothing.
I agree the camera thing does not sound normal, but again if it's a defect it does speak further to the "can tell the build quality was lower already" comment
Is the bootloader still going to be unlocked so we can expect (and pray to devs) lineage for these?