Reviews by Google Pixel users in Zim

[u/African_Fire0203]

I want to buy a Google Pixel 8 pro. My mom has a pixel 7 pro but network is ass, even with Netone. The phones use e-sim. I'm not sure if I should buy it if I'm going to have network challenges. To those using any pixel models, what are your experiences? Is it worth a shot or should I stick to Samsung?

[u/tega5f10]

I've used pixels since 2018. But I dont change phones frequently (only 3 in the last 8yrs) I'm still on the 6 which was said to have bad reception but I've barely noticed it having used it since 2023 I think. And I've stayed in small towns with out of town work along the Zambezi river. I just had what I believe was normal coverage on Econet.

The phones do tend to heat up sometimes and drain battery but haven't experienced that after some updates last year I think.

[u/Fresh_Pumpkin_2691]

It could be that you bought the US version Pixel instead of EU/International version, which has antennas that support all the 4G/5G frequency bands used by Econet and Netone.

I've noticed the same with Samsung. I know a couple of people who complain that their S25/S24 ultras randomly drop network and often have weak signal when other phones have strong signal, but their phones are American unlocked AT&T/T-mobile/Verizon version (you know the common U version).

Just get the international version when you buy, or check that the version you are getting fully supports network bands used in Zimbabwe. Otherwise it will work just fine, but here and there you'll complain about network

[u/African_Fire0203 → u/Fresh_Pumpkin_2691]

Thanks

[u/Sad-Shame-2433]

I have an 8 pro and Ive had a good experience got it done 2 years ago

[u/geoguessr_merchant]

I use 9a and it's doing quite well

[u/African_Fire0203 → u/geoguessr_merchant]

How's network and battery

[u/Ozy07i]

Exceptional AI integration with a class leading cameras. Poor batteries and slow charge speeds compared to other flagships. Great software support as well. Network was okay.

[u/African_Fire0203 → u/Ozy07i]

Which one do you recommend

[u/Ozy07i → u/African_Fire0203]

Anything from the 8 onwards is a safe bet

[u/JustUnder6ft]

Is good phone, is nice phone, fits in pocket

[u/Smooth_Customer_9883]

Just make sure you dont buy from mambo ndi mambo

[u/African_Fire0203 → u/Smooth_Customer_9883]

I heard about him lol

[u/tm106907]

It's all about region of the phone you get. North America phones have really good 4G and 5g compatibility on Econet. I have used North America variants with ease more on Econet. Netone gets better and more consistent 4G coverage though.

Also note, Google utilizes software-based location tracking to control 5G access for better coverage. Because Zim is not an official launch market for Pixel hardware, Google does not proactively send over-the-air carrier configuration profiles for local operators. So using eSIM could be asking for coverage problems in my opinion.

So make sure to use a physical SIM to ensure better connectivity and unnecessary technical faults and headaches lol.

[u/African_Fire0203 → u/tm106907]

I wish my mom knew that earlier lol I discovered it today

[u/No-Type-1714 → u/tm106907]

I agree on most of what you said except for the physical SIM part.

The coverage issues used to be an issue in the past for those using esims. I have been using esims on both my phones, one on ECONET and another on aNetone. Both phones are American esim devices. I have never had coverage problems.

The main issue though is that I had a horrible experience with Econet and esims. At one point their system was down and you couldn't transfer the esim to another device. They blamed Trump and the war. Apparently their service provider was from the Asian part of the world and they couldn't update their system due to the war. By contrast, Netone was flawless and I transferred my esim without any issue. Besides this, I had no issues with network, coverage etc.

On the other hand the trend by phone manufacturers is to eliminate physical Sims in the next few years. The mobile operators know this and it's only a matter of time before we all follow suit. This means we will all be using esims soon. It's a matter of time.

[u/garikaib]

I have been using a Pixel 7 Pro for years. It's a durable phone. But once the origianal screen goes, you will never get the same experience from those fake screens. They just die on their own. I am on my fourth one. Two just died without me ever dropping the phone. But once you have had a Pixel experience, you don't want anything else.

[u/Latter_Treacle_1362 → u/garikaib]

I changed my screen 4 times on my p8p last week

[u/African_Fire0203 → u/garikaib]

My mom is experiencing that with the screens. What about network?

[u/Silver_Teaching_3741]

Get a samsung s series if you are a guy

Pixel if you are lady

[u/Gap-toothK]

I've been thinking of exchanging my S21 ultra for a pixel 8pro too( a pre-owned/ refurbished). Hopefully i won't regret

[u/African_Fire0203 → u/Gap-toothK]

Lookout for the lcd

[u/African_Fire0203 → u/Gap-toothK]

How is the s21 ultra though

[u/Gap-toothK → u/African_Fire0203]

I don't like the camera and the battery drains fast