[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by funnysaltbrick

The 9 series does look interesting.....how is Google's Android skin like and does it still have that free storage for Google Photos plan?

Its the standard Android experience; Samsung UI has much more customization options, but I prefer the clean look of the Pixel UI.

Don't know about free Google Photos storage. I was on the 2TB storage plan, and now with the purchase of the Pro, I got one year of free Google One AI Premium subscription for one year (which includes 2GB storage as well).

Originally Posted by funnysaltbrick

Also can we do cable-to-cable data transfer? Also how is Android Auto in comparison to Apple Carplay wrt infotainment simplicity?

Cable-to-cable yes. Not sure of the Android Auto as I have not tried it.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by funnysaltbrick

While it's been a fun time with iOS, I find myself in a spot where it's gotten taxing. I really want sideloading and a file system I can work with

Ahh, Android for freedom! And yet... Google has placed ridiculous restraints on the use of sdxc card. Very irritated recently when moving one from Mrs G's old tab to a new tab with current Android. "For my own privacy" I can no longer allow apps to write to the root of it. I can't tell you what I think of Google taking this much care of my "privacy:" I'd get infracted for foul language! Google is actually really not very keen on Freedom, I think!

Of course, if you buy a phone without expandable memory, or don't want/need it anyway, this particular botheration might not worry you.

2. OnePlus 12(₹58,990): -

Lovely phone but I abhor ColorOS. OxygenOS is sizeably different but it still has shades of ColorOS in it. I had a bad experience with Realme and I don't want to relive that.

So did I. It was way back in 2018 (I think), buying an oppo phone. Horrific. I could not install my chosen browser, messaging app, etc. At least, I could, but would then get a message that the default had been switched back "so that I could have the best experience." Insert more bad language here! I threw (ok, gave) the phone away very soon.

Aside: I'm actually interested in the One Plus Tab Go. But there's this OS thing, Oxygen now based on Color. Is it still anything like that bad?

5. Google Pixel 8 (₹68,999): -

... But it's not available in-store which is a downer.

It actually might be. Alerted to this by a recent trip to a shopping mall, where saw Reliance Digital showing a big Pixell ad in the window. I didn't go inside to check, but I suspect that Pixel 9 (and maybe 9) is available from Reliance and Chroma stores.

Checked Google's site. They have both been added to Flipkart as approved retailers .

(Sadly, 8 and 9 series only. I'm interested in 7)

[Candy$Cars]

Originally Posted by funnysaltbrick

4. Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus(₹94,990): -

Second priority choice for me. I love it's goldilocks size. And the Plus model has a QHD panel which is something that I am interested in. But I don't agree with the prices. Maybe when the S25 series comes out and this gets discounted?

i would have gone for the s23 ultra. I use the s24 ultra and honestly the sharp corners are not big of an issue, specially with a silicon cover. Size wise, it is only a little bigger than the s24+.

If not, then s24+ from all the options. In the android world, I only trust Samsung and Google and Motorola to some extent, particularly with respect to software support. I have been burnt with Oneplus before a couple of times with 2 phones and also recently the 9,10,11 series have reported motherboard failures with updates. You get what u pay for.

If you exchange your iphone 13, you can get a good discount on the s24+. Try the upcoming BBD and GIF sales. Samsung's UI is very customisable, doesn't force its design choices down your throat like Pixel UI and specially iOS and is very thoughtful with little things. Honestly, it is the OneUI that i love the most about my s24 ultra, even more than its awesome cameras.

[binand]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

"For my own privacy" I can no longer allow apps to write to the root of it.

If all apps are allowed to read/write to the root of an storage device, they can all read data from or write arbitrary data to other apps. This is a security and privacy issue. Instead, Google now requires you to allow access to apps on a per-folder basis - so you can limit each app to a specific folder within which it can do what it wants but not outside.

[Oxy]

Originally Posted by funnysaltbrick

Hello there. I am planning to move back to Android after 3 years of exile.
I have a few choices with notes about what I think about them, but I don't know what to aim at.

The S23 Ultra is rumoured to be available at 65k during the BBD sale. If that turns out to be true, I would say grab one while that offer lasts.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by binand

If all apps are allowed to read/write to the root of an storage device, they can all read data from or write arbitrary data to other apps. This is a security and privacy issue.

Thanks for pointing this out, but it still my storage space and, personally, I don't want to have such decisions made for me and imposed on me.

I gather that one can say no thanks, but only by rooting. I don't think I have the techie enthusiasm for that these days! Let's see. When wife gets a new, bigger tab, I usually play catch-up after a while.

[binand]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

but it still my storage space and, personally, I don't want to have such decisions made for me and imposed on me.

I hear you. My guess is that this decision wasn't tech-driven, instead it was lawyer-driven. They do have to sell in certain lawsuit-happy jurisdictions.

I'm struggling to think of a car analogy; maybe - "it is still my car and I don't want to have such decisions as whether to wear seatbelts or not imposed on me". But don't know if there is any car in existence that actually refuses to move unless the driver is belted in.

[sandeepmohan]

Originally Posted by funnysaltbrick

Lovely phone but I abhor ColorOS. OxygenOS is sizeably different but it still has shades of ColorOS in it. I had a bad experience with Realme and I don't want to relive that. The hardware is good but that screen's a worry. I don't know how prevalent green-line issues are in the 12 but it's still scary.

I've been using a One Plus 12 for about a month now.

I'm not sure what you don't like about Oxygen OS. Its non intrusive. In fact, the experience so far has been like stock android. You do need to silence some early prompts over the first week of using the phone. After that, its peace.

As for the green line issues, you've got a warranty for that, if it ever becomes a problem. You are discounting a phone that has a very good display.

As for the hardware, the One Plus 12 is mighty robust.

[meerkat]

Originally Posted by binand

.... My guess is that this decision wasn't tech-driven, instead it was lawyer-driven. They do have to sell in certain lawsuit-happy jurisdictions.

I'd appreciate your opinion on the following ....


1. The persistent warning on turning up the volume beyond a "safe" level! Is it also lawyer-driven? Could this warning be disabled?

2. Android's insistence on always offering to convert common file types to some "usable" format when in all these years I am yet to find any such files that couldn't be read by my phones/apps by default! Could this "feature" be turned off?

3. What's with treating all files copied to/from a PC to be multimedia files?! Why can't there be some option that treats any kind of file just as a generic file? -- Is there even any app that achieves that?

4. Is there any way to disable thumbnail/icon views in favour of the "Details" view? Is there even any app that achieves that?

Thanks.
.

[binand]

Originally Posted by meerkat

I'd appreciate your opinion on the following ....

#1 must be another lawyer-driven "feature". Rest, I don't know what you are talking about.

[ramnaresh_2000]

I purchased Google Pixel 7 Pro couple of days back, and below are my initial impressions.

History of my phones:

2006 I purchased Moto Razr V3i flip phone for 14k. Then shifted to UK and got HTC phone with stylus, then shifted to iPhone 3, 4 and 6 plus. Then shifted to India and got a Lava phone, then after 2 years got Samsung Note 4 edge, then Mi Ultra (imported from China), then OnePlus 6 and finally Note 20 ultra.

Need for new smartphone:

I have been using Samsung Note 20 Ultra from 3 years exactly, purchased it in Amazon Great Indian Festival for 65k (10k discount on OnePlus 6 and some 4k discount on HDFC CC).

It was a fantastic phone, Ultra-Premium and luxurious glass build phone. Great cameras, stunning design. Average processor (Exynos 990) and below average battery life.

Since day 1, I had to charge it for twice a day. Slow 25 watts charger was no good.

Since last 8 months the battery life became more pathetic, had to use battery saver option, got battery changed at authorised Samsung service centre for 3k, but no improvement. Samsung stopped OS updates to this model, it was running Android 13 and OneUI 5.1. It was at it's last security patch. My office apps are not supported anymore on Android 13.

Buying Decision:

Finally decided to buy a new S23 Ultra which was coming around 65k with exchange and offers. Then I started accessing my current financial situation. I don't have any Car or Home loan, only 2 active EMI's (iPhone 14 plus for wife and My new tires, both have 4 more EMI's left). I had zero hike from last 2 years in my company, my younger brother who is 5 years elder to me makes 100% more salary than me. Do I need another Ultra-Premium smartphone now? I did not feel like I deserved a premium smartphone.

Then started looking at budget options, my wife was totally against Oppo/Vivo/Realme/iQoo/Moto/Redmi. I wanted a phone with zero ads and bloatware, good battery life, good cameras, and clean software experience with a budget of under 40k. I was left with Samsung/Apple/Google. Samsung A55 was a good contender, but again Exynos chip, below average cameras etc. I don't like Apple OS anymore, Truecaller doesn't work in Apple phones. Google Pixel 8 and 9 are over 1 lakh and made zero sense.

While I was browsing through Flipkart app I had seen that Pixel 7 pro was offered for 45k, after exchange it was coming to 27k. It is 2 years old model, but at it's time it was a premium offering from Google. Tensor G2 is just Exynos in disguise, so not a powerful chip, but Google's clean Android offering was a boon. Went ahead and booked it, got delivered next day.

I always used Spigen cases for my phones which was 1000 bucks, but this time ordered a Nilkin rip-off case for 200 bucks (looks just like original Nilkin case). Ordered a 360 degree screen protector.

Delivery and Exchange experience:

Delivery guy installed some Flipkart APK on my old phone, ran some tests, took some pictures and it offered a resale value of 11k (6k less than what I was promised). I was not surprised as I know Flipkart uses such tactics, many videos posted in YouTube. My phone has few dents, which I already selected in condition while ordering, it failed speaker test (it was flawed app, it had zero speaker issues), delivery boy mentioned phone condition as discoloration, which I debated for long time, but he refused to acknowledge and it was a malpractice from Flipkart's end.

The delivery guy said if he misses out something and if they find it later, they will cut the difference amount from his salary. I then stopped arguing and gave a go ahead. Paid the additional 6k and took open box delivery. Asked delivery guy to wait for few minutes so that I could transfer few files and settings to new phone. It came with 0% charge, had to charge it for sometime. Handed over the old smartphone and box, he did not ask for charger or headphones, so 3k saved.

Setup was done, my initial impressions below

The Good:

• Premium glass build
• Ultra smooth UI (stock Android)
• Zero bloatware and adds
• Excellent cameras for photos
• Fast finger print and face unlock
• 80% of premium offering at 30% price
• It will always be first to receive new OS updates and security patches
• 120 hertz refresh rate
• HDR support
• Decent battery life, my usage gives 1 day battery life

The Bad:

• Below average Tensor G2 chip
• 2 years old model, only 2 more major OS updates and 3 years security updates (Pixel 8 and 9 will get 7 years OS updates)
• Slippery to hold, can't use without a case
• Curved display is not a premium offering anymore, many budget phones offer it
• Hard to find a decent screen guard

The Ugly:

• Worst video recording output, focus issue, colors are bad and while switching from one lens to another it stutters a lot
• Underwhelming hardware, Google fixed hardware issues with good software, but still not a powerful phone
• Heats up a bit while using for more than 20 minutes
• Night photos are really bad
• Supports only 23 watts charging

Some Pictures:

[meerkat]

Originally Posted by binand

#1 must be another lawyer-driven "feature". Rest, I don't know what you are talking about.

Perhaps I hadn't put across the issues clearly or precisely enough. So this is to elaborate:

I think both Android and Windows are responsible for the issues I had raised, and that the issues stem from the fact that for some reason Android (or its skins) doesn't provide an option to connect the phone to the PC just as a storage device when that is what is needed.

For example, the screenshot: 'USB connection options' is what is presented by one of my phones. The 'Transfer Files' option means just multimedia files, and so the PC expects the files on the phone as such by default! 'Transfer Photos' is a separate option!

While trying to copy files from the PC to the phone, Windows always tries to offer unwarranted help, -- apparently because Android always presents the device as a phone (ref. screenshots: 'copy' and 'Convert and Copy').

Is there a way to avoid these persistent annoyances?
.

[Thad E Ginathom]

I don't know about Windows or Mac these days, but consider yourself lucky that you are not being asked questions by a paper clip :

Android, I don't have much problem with. If it letting me into a folder, I think I can copy files in/out. I think it does act as a mass storage device. Maybe that's because I'm using Linux.

On the phone it defaults to file transfer (used to be 'charging only' so that's a recent improvement) And the options are

On the PC the phone is listed like any other "place" in the file manager. No assumptions on either side.

Maybe you should consider upgrading to Linux?

(The only thing I might have a phone problem with, if I ever wanted to do it, would be downloading heif files from my camera. Yes, I know they won't display with any usual Android viewer, but I might want them there anyway. But I don't have that problem. Because jpeg-like universal acceptance of heif is, sadly, still a long way away)

[binand]

Originally Posted by meerkat

for some reason Android (or its skins) doesn't provide an option to connect the phone to the PC just as a storage device when that is what is needed.

The "Transfer Files" mode is just that, but read below...

Originally Posted by meerkat

The 'Transfer Files' option means just multimedia files, and so the PC expects the files on the phone as such by default! 'Transfer Photos' is a separate option!

While trying to copy files from the PC to the phone, Windows always tries to offer unwarranted help, -- apparently because Android always presents the device as a phone (ref. screenshots: 'copy' and 'Convert and Copy').

"Transfer Photos" is basically activating PTP mode - which is a specialised mode for facilitating photo/video transfers from digital imaging devices (cameras etc.). If you select that Android will expose only image locations to the computer (in my case, DCIM and Pictures folders). Personally, I think it is useful only if you use specialised software to organise and post-process your photos.

"Transfer Files" makes the phone interface with the PC as a USB Mass Storage Class device - just like thumb drives and the like. In this mode all my folders on the phone are visible in Explorer on the PC. I can actually open Word/Excel files that I create on the phone, directly on the corresponding application on my laptop.

So your experience sounds like some software on your Windows system is interfering in the USB MSC mode connection. None of what you describe has ever happened to me (across dozens of combinations of phones and laptops).

[OffRoadFun]

Originally Posted by ramnaresh_2000

Worst video recording output, focus issue, colors are bad and while switching from one lens to another it stutters a lot

Nice review.
I also have a pixel 7 pro, agree mostly. I really love stock android experience.

I would like to point out
1. G2 is not snapdragon in disguise

2. Pixel's photos and video capabilities are probably the best. I do compare with Samsung galaxy s23 which my wife has and photos and videos are almost always much better that s23. Night mode included, it's even better
The photos where there is a point source of light are vastly superior in Pixel, uncontested.

PS: looking forward to pixel 9 soon