Google is the only one implementing the full spec for bootloader relocking with custom keys, so as far as I'm concerned they're the only viable manufacturer now (RIP OnePlus, you used to be good).
The default UX on most phones just plain outright sucks. I keep hearing Samsung is better, IMO modern OneUI sucks just as much as TouchWiz sucked. Everyone tries to differentiate themselves by how much bloatware they load up on the phone so customers go wow it's got so many features! Lately they're all in on the AI fad as well, and subscriptions, and their own store.
Been a custom ROM user forever, and I have no intention of letting go of that. My phone is almost 5 years old now, and it still runs better than the out of the box experience of any phones on display at the stores. Raw hardware performance is utterly useless if the stock OS immediately wastes it all and some more.
So I'm not excited about the Pixels but they're also the only viable option.
Do wallet/banking apps still work on a custom rom?
Do you lose out on anything?
Wallet no. For banking apps it depends on the app. For me about 80 percent work
I was always a cheap Nexus/Pixel A guy that traded up when the new budget phones went for sale on the Play store. I got my 6A for like 150 bucks brand new. When the 8A was announced for 500 dollars and barely better than the 6A I jumped to a refurbished 7 Pro and I'll probably just keep this phone until something really special comes out or I just abandon carrying a cellphone all together [most likely.]
I haven't been "excited" about any phones or really much of any technology at all in years. There's just been very little practical progress and a whole lot of regress. What does P9 bring to the table that's new? Fucking useless and annoying AI trash?
The pixel 8 was exciting because it was the 1st android smartphone which broke the usual 5 years of update cycle and jumped to 7 years. Making other OEMs like Samsung and OnePlus to play catchup.
Pixel 9 appears like a minor improvement in comparison. Hopefully, the SOC provides improved battery life due to better modem, and modern ARM cortex cores.
I've been wanting to buy a Pixel for a while now (for GrapheneOS), but there's always something that bothers me too much.
This time around, the Pixel 9 pro sounds like it will be great, but I'll be waiting to see Google's custom SoC using TSMC for the Pixel 10.
I could always just get the 9 later at a lower price or used.They'll probably use another mediocre modem that will again make cellular reception mediocre. Until they fix that problem, there is no reason to take that phone line seriously.
I'm still sitting on my LG V60 and dreading the day I have to lose my headphone jack and micro SD slot.
I wouldn't say "excited", as I don't know of it having any specific advantages over what's already on the market.
I'm quite fond of my 7 and 8 though. Battery life and cell reception could be better, but I've never found either to be less than satisfactory.
I never buy new phones but I am excited to see used pixel 8s get cheaper!
Never given the slightest flying fuck about flagship phones.
Current phone is an A52 that I bought on sale and intended to use for at least 4yrs.
Stop feeding the bullshit machine!!!
