13 votes

Google announces Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G phones, new Chromecast, and Nest Audio smart speaker

12 comments

  1. [8]
    TheJorro
    Link
    I still have the original Pixel and it's finally out of the update cycle and starting to feel old and slow (but only in the last few weeks, interestingly). I was hoping to see if the Pixel 5 would...

    I still have the original Pixel and it's finally out of the update cycle and starting to feel old and slow (but only in the last few weeks, interestingly). I was hoping to see if the Pixel 5 would be the shot in the arm to the Pixel line after what felt like a constantly less impressive new Pixel every year since.

    Woof.

    The Pixel 4A 5G looks somehow more impressive than the new flagship Pixel 5? And only because it seems like 95% of the same phone and features, but with a smaller price tag. Unless those 2GB of RAM make a world of difference, what's even the point of the Pixel 5? I feel like I'm missing something big but I can't find what it is even on Google's own product page. Especially since the Pixel 4A 5G's page is almost exactly the same.

    What are the top of the line non-Samsung Android phones anymore? Seems like everything else has been waylaid.

    5 votes
    1. [2]
      RapidEyeMovement
      Link Parent
      I'm in a similar boat. And I am trying to decide between iPhone SE or the Pixel 4A. I have been integrated into the Google ecosystem for a long time. But I really like Apples stance on security...

      I'm in a similar boat. And I am trying to decide between iPhone SE or the Pixel 4A. I have been integrated into the Google ecosystem for a long time. But I really like Apples stance on security and data privacy, and with 5 years of support, it might just win out.

      4 votes
      1. alcht
        Link Parent
        I recently moved from my pixel 2xl to the new SE. I was similarly swayed by the promise of 5 years of support since my Pixel was about to be dropped from the update schedule after 3. I highly...

        I recently moved from my pixel 2xl to the new SE. I was similarly swayed by the promise of 5 years of support since my Pixel was about to be dropped from the update schedule after 3. I highly recommend it so long as you aren’t a very heavy user (lots of videos/games) as the battery can drain quickly when you push the processor hard. I’m a big fan of the smaller screen size and I really like Touch ID. iOS 14 has brought a lot of the features I liked about android (home screen customization and widgets).

        I was in the same boat regarding privacy. In the few weeks since I got the SE I’ve actually been gradually migrating away from Google services towards more open-source, privacy respecting services. Additionally, Apple’s services tend to be much more polished than some of Google’s from what I’ve seen so far. Previously, I’ve always used android phones, and I’d been using google’s devices since the nexus 5. I never thought I’d make the switch over to iPhone, but I’m loving it so far.

        2 votes
    2. insegnamante
      Link Parent
      The differences that would actually make a difference to me are the slightly larger battery, the wireless charging, and the water resistance. Otherwise I would save the $200 and get the 4A 5G. I...

      The differences that would actually make a difference to me are the slightly larger battery, the wireless charging, and the water resistance. Otherwise I would save the $200 and get the 4A 5G.

      I may go for the S20 FE, but I haven't looked closely at it.

      I've been a fan of the Note series for quite a while, but it just doesn't add enough value for the price any more. $1300 at AT&T? Sheesh.

      3 votes
    3. [3]
      Eabryt
      Link Parent
      I picked up a 5 to upgrade from a 2XL, but I agree there doesn't seem to be much of a difference between the 4a5g and the 5, and I'm not wildly blown away by either. Part of the reason I'm...

      I picked up a 5 to upgrade from a 2XL, but I agree there doesn't seem to be much of a difference between the 4a5g and the 5, and I'm not wildly blown away by either.

      Part of the reason I'm sticking to Pixels vs Samsung is because I'm on Google Fi, so it's nice to be on a phone that they consider "Made for Fi", or whatever it is.

      I've seen lots of people talking about the S20 FE though.

      2 votes
      1. [2]
        TheJorro
        Link Parent
        My issue with Samsung products is... well, I've yet to buy a Samsung product I don't come to resent for one reason or another. I really dislike my Samsung HDTV after all the adware they've updated...

        My issue with Samsung products is... well, I've yet to buy a Samsung product I don't come to resent for one reason or another. I really dislike my Samsung HDTV after all the adware they've updated onto the device. Let that be a lesson in so-called "smart" TVs.

        4 votes
        1. Eabryt
          Link Parent
          Yep, I have a galaxy tab tablet that I'm very meh about. Everyone online raves about their samsung phones though.

          Yep, I have a galaxy tab tablet that I'm very meh about.

          Everyone online raves about their samsung phones though.

          1 vote
    4. MonkeyTildo
      Link Parent
      There are some differences beyond the extra 2GB of RAM, those being... 90 HZ (smooth) display Under-display speaker More minimal, symmetrical bezels around the screen Slightly larger battery...

      There are some differences beyond the extra 2GB of RAM, those being...

      • 90 HZ (smooth) display
      • Under-display speaker
      • More minimal, symmetrical bezels around the screen
      • Slightly larger battery
      • Smaller size
      • Lighter
      • Different feeling plastic resin encasing, with internal metal body
      • Wireless charging
      • Reverse wireless charging
      • Lack of audio port
      • IP68 rated: some amount of dust and water submersion resistance

      That's all I can think about. Is it worth the extra $200 USD? Well, that's up to the buyer.

      1 vote
  2. [3]
    sjvn
    Link
    I've already decided that I'll be upgrading from my Pixel 3 to the 5. It's just enough better, for me anyway, to justify the move.

    I've already decided that I'll be upgrading from my Pixel 3 to the 5. It's just enough better, for me anyway, to justify the move.

    2 votes
    1. TheMeerkat
      Link Parent
      may i ask how, from a place of genuine curiosity?

      may i ask how, from a place of genuine curiosity?

      1 vote
    2. hackitfast
      Link Parent
      I would wait until the phone loses value, which should happen by Black Friday or thereabout. At $599 the phone will be worth its price.

      I would wait until the phone loses value, which should happen by Black Friday or thereabout. At $599 the phone will be worth its price.

  3. insegnamante
    Link
    I'm seriously considering jumping from the Note 9 to the Pixel 5. Anyone done similar? Any thoughts, advice, or regrets?

    I'm seriously considering jumping from the Note 9 to the Pixel 5. Anyone done similar? Any thoughts, advice, or regrets?

    1 vote