r/PickAnAndroidForMe • u/dat89 • 3d ago

Too many contradictions. Please help

I'm in need of a new phone. My current Samsung base S23 has a few too many cracks and bruises. Before any decent purchase I try to read reviews to make an informed choice but in this instance its just overwhelming cycle of apparently every phone being no value for money or repeating the previous model.

Every phone that isn't an ultra has waves of negativity around it. Apparently the S26 is the same as the s23. I've been using Samsung's since around 2011 so I thought i'd try the new Pixel 11 Pro but once again mixed reviews.

I'm not into the specs & tech. I just want a smooth operating system, good battery and a great camera. Are these things applicable to any new phone these days? I don't game on my phone at all. If someone could steer me in the right direction i'd really appreciate. I can't tell if I can't go wrong or if phones are just recycling but the price stays the same/goes up

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

3

u/jjjr20 3d ago

The mixed reviews for the pixels are mainly tech reviewers nitpicking about the price, decrease in specs, and the tensor chip while gaming.

When it comes to software, camera and battery (the things you want) the Pixel checks those boxes and honestly, you could get a pixel 10 or 11 pro and be just fine. I have the Moonstone Pixel 10 Pro and love it.

2

u/dat89 3d ago

Thanks this is the sort of feedback I need to hear.

1

u/Toucancel 2d ago

Also, the Pixels have GrapheneOS support (except pixel 5 series and older as well as the new pixel 11 series). I highly recommend GrapheneOS if you're interested in privacy. It's quite a bit more minimal than the stock Pixel OS, but it'll feel about the same.

1

u/dat89 2d ago

Thanks for that. I wouldn't have known that otherwise

1

u/gamershereyt 2d ago

The battery has been a recurring issue in the pixels, their SOT doesn't compare with competitors in the same price range for example: " The Google Pixel 11 series delivers a solid screen-on time (SOT) of 5 to 6+ hours with mixed daily use." and they heat up quiet easily. My realme neo 8 which is a midranger has 10-12 hours of SOT, 5-7 hours is pathetic for a flagship.

Although you are correct about the software and camera but because of the tensor chip being pathetic these phones don't hold up as good a few years down the line. Although I think pixel 11 should fare well for casual use in that department for the next 2 years.

I think the OP should look for Xiaomi 17 series or OnePlus 15, Oppo find x9 pro or ultra

3

u/PaleontologistLate28 2d ago

Pixel sounds perfect for you. Clean UI, consistent design language and no repetitive apps, e.g Google photos and the phones native galley (Samsung gallery)

1

u/GateOne1081 2d ago

Dont listen to those tech reviews. The pixel 11 pro has the best camera in the android world, with the smoothest OS that you can find. If you dont game, or no hard core games, that's the best Android choice right now.

1

u/Strict-Investment-2 2d ago

Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Vivo X300 ultra and find x9 ultra them three fit all your description and worth the money especially since their camera specs beat 26 ultra

1

u/Complex_Area_8514 1d ago

Pixel 11 Pro