Pixel 2 vs S8: Which Phone Reigns Supreme in 2024?
Stuck between a rock and a hard place, choosing your next phone? The Google Pixel 2 and the Samsung Galaxy S8, both released a few years ago, still hold their own in the smartphone arena. They offer compelling features and performance, but which one truly deserves your hard-earned money? Let’s dive in and find out.
The Pixel 2, known for its exceptional camera capabilities and clean Android experience, presents a strong case. Its streamlined design and Google’s software optimization make it a joy to use. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S8 boasts a stunning display and a premium feel that’s hard to ignore.
This comparison will break down the key differences between the Pixel 2 and the S8. We’ll examine their displays, cameras, performance, and overall user experience. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which phone best suits your needs and preferences, helping you make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Pixel 2 | S8 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.0 inches | 5.8 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels | 2960 x 1440 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895 |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Internal Storage | 64GB / 128GB | 64GB |
| Expandable Storage | No | Yes (microSD) |
| Main Camera | 12.2MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Battery Capacity | 2700 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Operating System | Android 8.0 Oreo | Android 7.0 Nougat |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Pixel 2: Features a 5.0-inch AMOLED display with a 1080p resolution. While sharp and vibrant, it’s smaller and has thicker bezels compared to the S8. The color accuracy is excellent.
- S8: Boasts a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display with a higher 1440p resolution and curved edges, offering a more immersive experience. Its color reproduction and brightness are top-notch, though some may find the curved edges less practical.
- Winner: S8
Design
- Pixel 2: Features a more utilitarian design with a two-tone finish, aluminum frame, and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. It’s durable and water-resistant but lacks the premium feel of the S8.
- S8: Showcases a sleek design with a glass back and metal frame, offering a premium look and feel. The fingerprint sensor is awkwardly placed on the back, and the glass back is prone to fingerprints.
- Winner: S8
Camera
- Pixel 2: Equipped with a single 12.2MP rear camera that delivers exceptional image quality, particularly in low light, thanks to its excellent software processing. It lacks a dual-camera setup but still outperforms many competitors.
- S8: Includes a 12MP rear camera that produces excellent photos in most conditions. It’s generally very good, but the Pixel 2 often edges it out in terms of sharpness and low-light performance.
- Winner: Pixel 2
Performance
- Pixel 2: Powered by a Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB of RAM, providing smooth and responsive performance for everyday tasks and gaming. Software optimization is a key strength.
- S8: Also uses a Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos in some regions) and 4GB of RAM, offering similar performance to the Pixel 2. However, Samsung’s software can sometimes feel less optimized.
- Winner: Tie
Software
- Pixel 2: Runs a clean, stock Android experience with guaranteed and timely updates directly from Google. This pure Android experience is a major draw for many users.
- S8: Runs Android with Samsung’s custom UI, which offers more features and customization options but can be slower to receive updates and may include some bloatware.
- Winner: Pixel 2
Battery Life
- Pixel 2: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. The battery size is a bit smaller than the S8.
- S8: Provides good battery life, often lasting a full day. The larger battery capacity generally allows for slightly longer usage.
- Winner: S8
Audio
- Pixel 2: Features front-facing stereo speakers, providing a superior audio experience, especially when watching videos. However, it lacks a headphone jack.
- S8: Has a single bottom-firing speaker, which isn’t as good as the Pixel 2’s speakers. It does include a headphone jack.
- Winner: Pixel 2
Price & Availability
- Pixel 2: Was initially a premium-priced phone, but can be found at lower prices now. Availability is typically through Google and select retailers.
- S8: Was also a premium phone at launch. Availability is widespread through carriers and retailers, often with significant discounts.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Camera | Pixel 2 |
| Display | S8 |
| Performance | Tie |
| Software Experience | Pixel 2 |
| Design | S8 |
| Expandability | S8 |
What They Have in Common
- Processor: Both phones utilize the Snapdragon 835 processor (or equivalent Exynos for S8 in some regions), providing similar performance capabilities for everyday tasks and gaming.
- RAM: Both devices come equipped with 4GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient app switching.
- Main Camera Resolution: While the image processing differs, both phones boast 12MP main cameras capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Front Camera: Both the Pixel 2 and S8 feature 8MP front-facing cameras, suitable for selfies and video calls.
- Connectivity: Both phones support a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for mobile payments.
Pixel 2 Vs S8 Buying Guide
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 2 was renowned for its exceptional camera capabilities, particularly in low-light conditions and portrait mode, leveraging Google’s advanced image processing. The Galaxy S8 also boasted a strong camera, featuring a dual-pixel sensor and excellent performance in various shooting scenarios. The Pixel 2 often produced more natural-looking images with superior dynamic range, while the S8 offered vibrant colors and a wider range of shooting modes.
Both phones captured detailed photos, but the Pixel 2’s software optimization gave it a slight edge in overall image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The S8, however, provided more versatility with its wider aperture and additional features.
Performance Showdown
Both the Pixel 2 and Galaxy S8 delivered smooth and responsive performance, handling everyday tasks and demanding applications with ease. The S8, powered by either a Snapdragon or Exynos processor (depending on the region), offered slightly better gaming performance in some benchmarks. The Pixel 2, with its Snapdragon processor and optimized software, provided a fluid user experience.
The performance differences between the two were minor, and both phones were capable of handling multitasking and resource-intensive applications without significant lag. Ultimately, the choice often came down to individual preferences and the specific applications used.
Display Duel
The Galaxy S8 featured a stunning Super AMOLED display with vibrant colors and deep blacks, offering an immersive viewing experience. The Pixel 2 opted for an OLED display, delivering excellent color accuracy and contrast. The S8’s display was slightly larger and featured a higher resolution, resulting in a sharper image.
Both displays were of high quality, but the S8’s edge-to-edge design and higher resolution provided a more modern and visually appealing experience. The Pixel 2’s display offered excellent color accuracy and was well-suited for content consumption.
Battery Life Battle
The battery life on both the Pixel 2 and Galaxy S8 was generally good, providing all-day usage for most users. The S8, with its slightly larger battery capacity, often offered marginally better battery performance compared to the Pixel 2. However, battery life can vary based on usage patterns and specific applications.
Both phones supported fast charging, allowing users to quickly replenish their batteries. The S8 also offered wireless charging, a feature not available on the Pixel 2, adding an extra layer of convenience.
Software and User Experience
The Pixel 2 ran stock Android, providing a clean and bloatware-free experience with timely software updates directly from Google. The Galaxy S8 featured Samsung’s custom user interface, which offered a wider array of features and customization options. Samsung’s interface has improved over the years, though some users preferred the simplicity of stock Android.
The choice between the two often depended on personal preference. Those who preferred a clean and streamlined experience with fast updates would favor the Pixel 2, while those seeking more features and customization options may prefer the S8.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy S8 featured a sleek and modern design with a glass back and a metal frame, giving it a premium feel. The Pixel 2 had a more utilitarian design with a metal unibody and a two-tone finish. Both phones were well-built and felt solid in hand, but the S8’s design was more visually striking.
The S8’s curved display and minimal bezels gave it a more modern look, while the Pixel 2’s design was more functional and offered a better grip. Both phones were water-resistant, adding to their durability.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy pixel 2 If…
- You prioritize a clean, bloatware-free Android experience with guaranteed software updates.
- You value exceptional camera performance, especially in low-light conditions.
- You prefer a more compact phone size for easier one-handed use.
- You want a phone with Google Assistant deeply integrated.
Buy s8 If…
- You desire a more immersive display experience with a higher resolution and a larger screen.
- You want expandable storage via microSD card.
- You prefer a more premium design with a glass back and curved edges.
- You want a phone with a headphone jack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better camera?
The Pixel 2 generally had a slight edge in camera performance, particularly in low-light conditions and portrait mode. Google’s image processing software gave the Pixel 2 a distinct advantage, producing images with better dynamic range and more natural colors. However, the S8’s camera was still excellent and offered more versatility with its wider aperture and shooting modes.
Which phone is faster?
Both phones offered similar performance in everyday tasks. The S8 might have had a slight edge in gaming performance due to its processor. However, the Pixel 2’s software optimization provided a smooth and responsive experience. The differences in speed were generally not noticeable in typical use.
Which phone has a better display?
The Galaxy S8 had a more vibrant and immersive display, thanks to its Super AMOLED technology and higher resolution. Its curved edges and minimal bezels also contributed to a more modern look. The Pixel 2’s OLED display offered excellent color accuracy and contrast. However, the S8’s display was visually more impressive.
Which phone has better battery life?
The Galaxy S8 generally offered marginally better battery life due to its slightly larger battery capacity. However, battery life can vary depending on usage patterns. Both phones supported fast charging, so users could quickly replenish their batteries. The S8 also offered wireless charging.
Which phone has better software?
The Pixel 2 ran stock Android, providing a clean and bloatware-free experience with timely updates. The Galaxy S8 featured Samsung’s custom user interface, which offered more features and customization options. The choice depended on personal preference. Those who preferred a clean experience may favor the Pixel 2, while those seeking more features may prefer the S8.
Which phone has a better design?
The Galaxy S8 had a more modern and premium design with its glass back and curved display. The Pixel 2 had a more utilitarian design with a metal unibody. The S8 was visually more striking, while the Pixel 2 offered a better grip. Both were water-resistant.
Is the Pixel 2 or S8 better for gaming?
The S8 might have a slight edge in gaming performance, but both phones handled games well. The S8’s more powerful processor may result in slightly higher frame rates in some games. However, both phones provided a smooth gaming experience. It would depend on your specific needs.
Final Verdict
The Pixel 2 excels with its superior camera performance and clean Android experience. The Galaxy S8, however, offers a more modern design, a stunning display, and a wider range of features. The choice hinges on priorities: Pixel 2 for photography enthusiasts and stock Android fans, S8 for a premium design and feature-rich experience.
Winner: Pixel 2