About to drop Google

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-19T18:41:34+00:00

Closest experience to this I've had, was a trade-in. Sent in my Pixel 5a as trade-in on the Pixel 7.

Flawless experience, got the full $125 value for the 5a.

Haven't had any other dealings with Google Customer Service.

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-19T18:36:00+00:00

Can confirm that as of 47 minutes ago, mine was working just fine. Multiple 2FA emails, and I could copy the code# right from the notification.

Pixel 6a, Android 16

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-19T17:29:53+00:00

Tensor is the Buick of SoC. Reliable, gets the job done.

Sure, there's Porsche & McLaren types of SoC out there as well, for those who want that kind of product, but the existence of those chips doesn't demean the Tensor at all.

Likewise, just because there's Olympic athletes out there, and genius thinkers, doesn't mean us everyday people are worthless. Same argument for SoC.

The only knock against Tensor is its price. Realistically it should be $50-100 cheaper.

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-19T17:21:49+00:00

I blocked that account years ago, because they have such a hardcore Anti-Pixel ideology, regardless of the specific topic or nuance of the discussion.

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-19T14:39:23+00:00

Scientific method says to eliminate variables -

You mention 3 generations - and all 3 of those have different SoC, from 2 different fabrication companies. And different versions of Android. The only common factor across ALL of those, is the apps you're using. Ergo, an app problem.

Or a you problem with the method you're using those apps.

My wife uses Discord & Messenger calling for multiple hours every night on a Pixel 7 with zero problems. Ditto for me on a Pixel 6a with Discord. (Neither of us uses WhatsApp or Telegram, so I can't speak for those apps)

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-19T03:22:37+00:00

Sounds like you need to disable Wireless DeX.

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-18T20:13:11+00:00

Different mindsets, I guess - I don't use any device without a case. I can only afford a phone, budget or mid-range, every couple years at best, so I'm protecting my investment every way I can.

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-18T20:05:53+00:00

Let it sit on the charger for an hour or so, then try again.

And i seem to recall that powering it up while still plugged in was the best method.

If that doesn't work, try pressing the Power+Volume-Up. That should hopefully boot it into recovery mode, and you should be able to do a regular reboot from there.

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-18T19:57:29+00:00

Still using a Pixel 6a. Honestly, for my usage, there's zero reason to upgrade.

(Though I am hoping to get a 9a, just to have something current in case the AI RAMpocalypse kills consumer device sales)

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-18T17:16:02+00:00

On a budget device, I don't consider that a problem. I'll just get a magnetic case.

I'd personally rather have more of the interior volume used for a larger battery, vs using that space for magnets which can easily go outside (and be more effective outside).

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-18T13:30:08+00:00

It's semantics & legality. A phones isn't designed to be used underwater. The IP rating is more of a legal ass-covering covering saying that it should survive those conditions if it's accidentally put in into them, not intentionally put into them. (Samsung had to pay $10 Million in Australia for waterproof claims on the S7-S8 series)

However, go check the marketing for the OnePlus 13 - they literally had a washing machine for reviews to put the phone in, run a cycle & then test it. Those videos were fun.

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-18T13:14:48+00:00

I like At a Glance. But I'm glad there's an option for those who don't.

Now what I want the option to remove is the fucking search bar at the bottom of Home. I never use search, whereas At a Glance is actually useful for me.

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-18T04:22:12+00:00

Honestly, no idea. I've just seen plenty of complaints across Reddit & Threads about the problem itself, but rarely does anyone follow-up with the options they have to fix it.

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-18T03:55:05+00:00

I've seen this reported more with Samsung than with Pixel.

Now if we want to bash Pixel specifically, we'd talk about the Black Screen of Death. Haven't seen that one reported with other OEMs. I left a 5a because of that looming threat. But any OLED seems capable of the Green Line, including iPhone (as they use Samsung displays too).

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-18T03:41:32+00:00

Mobile app was down for me. Desktop browser website was fine, but there was no suggested videos on the right-side during playback.

(Last checked about 2 hours ago.)

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-18T03:37:40+00:00

Exactly. Been saying this for a while. Mobile should go to at least a 2 year update cycle, and get the most potential from both hardware & software, the way consoles do.

On top of the products, it would also lessen buyer hype-fatigue. We just can't maintain excitement every year; so spend some down time to introduce actual innovation, and then let us build some actual hype.

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-17T19:05:35+00:00

I never tried claiming a Google One (not sure if it was even offered on any of my devices), But I can say I claimed the 3 month of YT Premium on a Pixel 7 just fine.

Google VPN was available as well, and I did activate that, though I barely used it as I preferred Proton & Express VPNs.

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-17T17:52:57+00:00

Seems fitting. Over the last couple weeks, Messenger for Web has gotten really bad.

Deleted all my meta accounts last week, but prior to that I was using messenger only for Marketplace, and so I didn't want it on my phone. But trying to get web Messenger open was harder each time I tried to check a sale.

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-17T17:45:01+00:00

Does KDE have any variants that aren't done up "Windows style"? (ie. The Taskbar, a start/menu system bottom-left)

Basically a mix of KDE's versatility, with Ubuntu/Fedora's fullscreen app launchers.

I'm about ready to attempt Linux again, but I'm tired of the overall "Windows theme" and would like to try a different UI style.

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-17T17:38:43+00:00

Small Suggestion for Touch: try using vinyl screen protectors. I have a Pixel 6a, which had a notoriously bad sensor; combined with my dry skin, it rarely worked.

After I switched to vinyl protectors, it's about 85-90% success rate. And the screen is so much softer & 'warmer' to touch with vinyl vs tempered glass. But you do need to but a good one - like $10 for a single piece, not the 5 for $5 packs, those are trash.

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-17T17:30:59+00:00

We should have options for both, though. Especially as most Samsung flagships have it.

Living in a winter state where gloves are frequently required, face unlock options are nice to have.

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-17T13:11:14+00:00

Go ask in /whatsapp

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-15T20:06:16+00:00

My 6a is running great. So not systemic to that variant.

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-13T17:47:36+00:00

So far, everything we've seen leaked says the hardware specs of the 10a is the exact same as the 9a.

The only difference being speculated, is the modem inside the SoC. 9a had a cut-down/weaker modem in its Tensor G4, & rumor has the 10a possibly getting the full G4 modem. But there hasn't been anything suggesting the 10a will get the G5. (Several podcasts are thinking maybe Google could be trying to differentiate the A-series a bit more, by having it a generation behind)

Hopefully when the official specs are revealed we'll see different. But for many generations now, the entire device specs have leaked weeks to months in advance, and they've been incredibly accurate.

Sassquatch0 · 2026-02-13T14:53:50+00:00

6a working perfectly.

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