The Pixel 1 was the first time I'd ever sprung for a flagship phone, and it fell to the audio chip defect in under two years. It was effectively totaled (market value=$180, repair=$150+hours). Google Support was a complete waste of time. I replaced it with a second-hand iPhone 8 out of spite, even though I prefer Android to iOS.

Dismal support and privacy issues are making me seriously consider going back to the iPhone, even when I can't stand the lack of back function.

Mostly you can swipe in from the left edge to go back. It’s not 100% consistent so can be frustrating when it doesn’t work, but I seem to remember similar with the back button in Android.

Every time I Use someone’s android phone and try to go “back” I swap and nothing happens or I end up in some weird state. Then it’s like “oh yeah back button” this is despite using android for a few years before going iphone. You just get used to it after a while.

> If the Pixel 3 also dies within a few months, then I'm going to Apple

build quality issues are not widespread to the whole android ecosystem. apple kind of get the crown as long term phones because software support and hardware warranties, but it's not as to say that there are no android phones that can match them in half life.

True though that may be, I think some people only want to buy the flagships because they can be assured of a certain level of quality (no shovelware, to start with) without having to go through hoops installing/uninstalling this or that, or potentially void the warranty with custom ROMs.

For those people, the alternative Android offerings just aren't on the radar.

And last but not least: timely security upgrades (many years into the future)

I'm most definitely not an Apple fan, but the thing they have is every phone is quality. You don't need to wait six months after the device is released to see if the early adopters had major problems.

On the other hand, the apple ecosystem doesn't have fire sales like Android does, getting last year's hip kick-started flagship got $200-300 isn't so bad, even if you need to do it way more often. See Amazon fire phone, nextbit Robin, essential phone; these were all a great value when they went on sale, although the fire phone has no back button, so it was more terrible than the others, but also cheaper.

android manufacturers seem to skimp on component quality and testing in general. never have had an android phone last more than 3 years with my heavy usage, meanwhile comparatively heavy usage of an iphone only means you need to replace the battery after 2 years and then it's good as new

Yes my 22 month old 6s is showing 86% battery and when you take the bumper off it looks like the day I bought it. I run my life off it and it gets used for hours a day.

I suffered android for a number of years and you're right. Trash. Even the flagships. The worst bit is when they go wrong or have quality problems. My experience of service from Samsung and Motorola is sending it off, losing it for 4 weeks and it coming back with a ransom charge and a lie that I water damaged it which I didn't. The Motorola was the worst because it just went to sleep one day and never woke up again. This was 2 hours after I first powered it up.

My wife had a 6s with a light patch on the display, took it in Apple store and they swapped the screen out there and then. No charge.

Get the battery replaced on your 6S before Dec 31 for $30 and it will perform like new again. Mine was at 87% but it made a noticeable difference in everday usage.

Just did this on an SE, I was expecting to come back and pick it up in a couple of days (website says up to five business days when you make an appointment), but it took a bit over an hour instead. Having an Apple store is great.

Thanks for heads up - will look into that right away.

Why before Dec 31?

Because afterwards it is $79 again, the $30 is a temporary deal: https://www.apple.com/iphone-battery-and-performance/

My nexus 4 lasted 5 years and it's still alive. The battery goes down faster now, and navigation is a bit laggy. But I loved the format and the expense was justified!

My Pixel 1 audio jack semi-failed. Nexus 5 was great, Nexus 6 also not bad.

You'll be happy to know that Google completely solved audio jack reliability issues with the Pixel 2 and 3.

they haven't, the usb dongle supplied in the box craps out for no discernible reason

they do ship you tons of them though

They ship you one?

My dongle failed within a month. None of my local stores sell the adapters that include a DAC which the Pixel requires, so I've now been stuck with getting it replaced through Google Support on three different occasions. You can imagine how that went?

I've given up on it now. They just do not last. Forked out $60 AUD for a Bluetooth dongle for my Shure SE215s which has served me well. Unfortunately the battery life leaves alot to be desired.

can you link the dongle? i've been looking for something like this