I bought a pixel 9. Good or bad decision?
Upgrading from s22. I'm mostly in for work and object pictures. There's no way I can feel unhappy with it right? Does UI sucks compared to Samsung? I read that now I'm scared.
Discussion
I am loving mine, came from an iPhone 15 though.
I got the 9a, I've used the 9 too. Good phone.
All ui is the same when you use a proper launcher... Why on earth are you not using a launcher.
Good decision if you plan to put Graphene on that phone.
Was definitely thinking about this. What are the cons tho? I just know about the pros.
The cons are a lot of applications require google services and when they can't be reached a lot of stuff just doesn't work.
Will have to look this up. I don't use my phone for much so I'm hoping this won't be a big issue for me.
I don't know how you dealt with Samsung UI for your entire life until now 😂
Nova is about to change your life.
That's a pro in my book since most apps are only collecting data and besides that most people have more apps on their phone than they really need. And in regards to "banking apps" and co, I use my phone as a phone and I have an old android in my drawer for stuff like authorising a bank transaction etc.
Yeah I was just thinking about this and this might be what I'll do.
There are several inconveniences that graphene brings, and it usually has to do with Google play services.
Apps that rely on Google play services for notifications don't send them if you don't have Sandboxed Google Play installed.
Some apps actually won't run on graphene. But I think that's also an issue with Google play services. I've had banking apps refuse to work. And my solution was to stop using the bank.
Graphene and other alternative OSs are a kind of lifestyle choice. You have to have a little more knowledge of Android than the average user to troubleshoot bugs, and you have to be aware of what permissions you're giving to apps that rely on Google play services, if you choose to install them.
I couldn't use any banking apps on my pixel 7, even with the "give this app spooky access" workarounds
Could call it a feature not a bug lol but pretty inconvenient
Very inconvenient haha. Makes you wonder what kind of data they collect ok normal phones.
Luckily I can still use some banking apps. But they still don't trust me enough to keep me logged in or waive the 2fa.
from the top of my head, I can't give you any contras.
I am loving mine. First thing I did was put GrapheneOS on it, so I can't compare to stock pixel android. GrapheneOS takes a little bit to get used to due too how locked down it is but once you get it dialed in there is no going back.
While I do love how the Pixel feels I got a case due to the enormous camera lip (I usually run caseless). I intend to use mine as a good point and shoot when I don't have my actual camera so I am a little paranoid on how much it sticks out and how vulnerable it seems to scratchcing.
Haven't been disappointed with anything (but the camera lip). I definetly prefer it over my Samsung s21 hands down.
The big camera lip and the overall bulkness of the phone was definitely a con when I was choosing but I'll probably get used to it.
When it comes to graphene the biggest drawbacks I ca see right now is losing Google map. That's a pretty convenient app to have.
You do get used to it.
You can still run Google Maps. Install the Play Services via the Graphine App Store then you can install the Play Store, then you can install Google Maps.
Or you can side load Aurora Store and download G'Maps from it (still probably need Play Services).
Using the Play Store or Aurora Store should allow you to install apps like normal. I personally haven't run into any "it won't run on GrapheneOS" issues.
Don't be. Clean slate, and (if Graphene), peace of mind. Writing this on my newish Pixel 9a. The only thing I miss about my Samsung is the srylus...
Totally feel you! Clean slate vibes are where it’s at. And yeah, the Pixel 9a is dope! Just gotta get used to life without the srylus, right? 😂✌️ #NewBeginnings