Pixel Phone Questions

[Vectraat]

Just got a Pixel 7a. Is there a way to move or remove the Google Bar with voice search at the bottom or the time/date/weather widget that's top left? 

 

Also would you guys get the 8a over the 7a? I got the 7a for $499. 8a will cost $679.

[Lurick]

Not by default sadly, you could look at a launcher like Nova Launcher which gives you a lot more customization options.

[Kid.Lazer]

36 minutes ago, Vectraat said:

Also would you guys get the 8a over the 7a? I got the 7a for $499. 8a will cost $679.

I'm currently rocking a 4a (and loving my 3.5mm jack) and would have no need for a better phone. At a $180 upcharge, I would never even consider getting the 8a.

[OhioYJ]

Its a Pixel, moving to a different OS entirely is always an option as well? 

 

Google makes flashing back to stock fairly painless if you don't like it, you can even do it from a web browser (Chrome)

[Vectraat]

3 hours ago, OhioYJ said:

Its a Pixel, moving to a different OS entirely is always an option as well? 

 

Google makes flashing back to stock fairly painless if you don't like it, you can even do it from a web browser (Chrome)

Hmm. What kind of other OS? Is it easy to install and use something else? I'm pretty much fine with stock but those 2 widgets really piss me off. I guess there's always a different launcher like Nova but I haven't used anything like that since the Galaxy S3 lol. 

[Vectraat]

4 hours ago, Kid.Lazer said:

I'm currently rocking a 4a (and loving my 3.5mm jack) and would have no need for a better phone. At a $180 upcharge, I would never even consider getting the 8a.

Usually (depending on how well a phone ages I'll use a device for 2.5-5 years.) I have a feeling that the battery life and slow charge time (18w) of the 7a vs the charging speeds of OnePlus (65w+) is gonna get on my nerves after a while. Its definitely a huge step back from the OnePlus devices I'm used to. But I'd rather not go back to OnePlus because their software has become garbage and they aren't the same company they used to be. But I'm not sure I see myself sticking with the 7a for more than 1.5-2 years. 

[OhioYJ]

8 minutes ago, Vectraat said:

Hmm. What kind of other OS? Is it easy to install and use something else? I'm pretty much fine with stock but those 2 widgets really piss me off. I guess there's always a different launcher like Nova but I haven't used anything like that since the Galaxy S3 lol. 

My go to is always Lineage. However you should have plenty of options. Some would prefer more customization that other OS offer. Lineage generally offers good support and frequent updates.

 

Be aware going to a custom OS though may mean some tinkering for some apps. Typically bank apps, video apps things like that.

 

Personally I only buy devices I can flash custom ROMs to, I wouldn't give up the options I have.  Install that depends. I think it's easy. I always recommend doing it from a Linux machine, as its easier, it will just work. No drivers or paths or anything to worry about like in Windows. You can boot something like Linux Mint from a USB even to do this if Windows gives you headaches.  You want to make sure it's working, as you don't want to mess it up mid flash and risk bricking something. (Its possible to recover from somethings, but a brick is not impossible)

[Lurking]

On 5/8/2024 at 2:27 PM, Vectraat said:

Just got a Pixel 7a. Is there a way to move or remove the Google Bar with voice search at the bottom or the time/date/weather widget that's top left? 

 

Also would you guys get the 8a over the 7a? I got the 7a for $499. 8a will cost $679.

I use "smart launcher". Try that or others. Pixel OS is as clean as it gets.

 

Are you sure you can return the 7a for full money? 

 

If you want a better phone, get the 8Pro.  What exact features do you need that the 8a has over the 7a?

 

I don't think going from one generation to the next is worth it unless you also change the tier level (to the pro or similar). Maybe a 3 generation jump is worth it, though.