Pixel 2XL. that way you have a device that not only has a better camera but also can put on the beta program to try out the latest Google releases and quick updates. I know that OnePlus also gets added to Google's beta but the Pixel will always get it first.
This is the best argument, in favor of the Pixel 2 XL.
I had one, for a month of daily driving and was not impressed. I thought it was the phone I really wanted.
I got the wife a 6/128 Note 9. With researching the purchase and helping her set it up and finding all it could do, I was really digging the N9. Once I found there was a 8GB RAM version I was in.
I've had the 8/512 N9 for six days and am impressed and enjoying it.
This is the first phone since 2012 that is not rootable and I'm on with that.
For a backup, I would be greatly tempted by the 6T, if it was compatible with my service provider.
My current backup is a rooted Moto Z2 Play.