Pixel 3 vs Galaxy S8

[Kalvin Kerns]

Ok as some of you may know I've been haunting this forum for a bit. I'm very eager to move my Android experience fully into Google's vision, BUT there have been a few... Issues, keeping me from making that leap right now.

Gesture navigation, memory, tinny video recording sound, vibration "gate", cost, missing LED notification light, non response from Google, and now the One-Plus 6T... to name a few.

When playing with the demo at BB I felt the regular 3 was the perfect size for me and it felt really fast and the screen looked fine to my eyes.

Can anyone give me any good comparisons been these two phones that may help sway me towards buying a Pixel 3?

I know these devices are so personal use dependant that asking this question may not yield much in the way of an answer, but I thought it couldn't hurt to ask.

Thank you

 

[chezm]

I can't compare to the S8 don't know what phone you're currently using but I can say the gestures have been a very easy transition from iPhone (without gestures). Infact I actually prefer it to iOS old style (with button).

I did have an S6 and played a lot worth S8/9, I mean I'd you like Samsung stick with their devices. The pure Android experience imo can only really be achieved by the pixel, not to say there aren't more suited Android devices out there cheaper cost more power...the overall hardware and software combo has been amazing (and as soon as they patch a few quirks it'll be incredible).

Honestly I can't think either choice is bad, look past all the specs and go with what fork factor and sw experience you prefer.

 

[Caezar07]

I have the S8 and the Pixel 3, but I'm returning the Pixel 3 after having it for two weeks.

Compared to the S8, the Pixel 3 offers a better camera, better sounding stereo speakers, stock android with no duplicate Samsung apps, and I think the Pixel 3's screen has truer and better looking colors. The screen difference is so small that it's not that noticeable, and even though the Pixel 3 is stock android, the S8 performs as good or better in day to day use. So when coming from the S8, it's a matter of whether front facing speakers and a better camera are worth a $500 upgrade assuming you can sell the S8 on craigslist or Amazon for $300.

In my opinion, coming from the S8, the Pixel 3 isn't a good value especially with all the issues the Pixel is having. I am returning my Pixel 3, taking advantage of Samsung's trade in promotion that gives $400 for the S8and a free Samsung VR, and I'm getting the S9. Then I'm going to get the S10 when it's released in 1Q19. If you like your S8 and Samsung devices, you should avoid the Pixel. The Pixel is a "smart camera" first and then a smartphone second.

 

[gendo667]

I have the S8 and the Pixel 3, but I'm returning the Pixel 3 after having it for two weeks.

Compared to the S8, the Pixel 3 offers a better camera, better sounding stereo speakers, stock android with no duplicate Samsung apps, and I think the Pixel 3's screen has truer and better looking colors. The screen difference is so small that it's not that noticeable, and even though the Pixel 3 is stock android, the S8 performs as good or better in day to day use. So when coming from the S8, it's a matter of whether front facing speakers and a better camera are worth a $500 upgrade assuming you can sell the S8 on craigslist or Amazon for $300.

In my opinion, coming from the S8, the Pixel 3 isn't a good value especially with all the issues the Pixel is having. I am returning my Pixel 3, taking advantage of Samsung's trade in promotion that gives $400 for the S8and a free Samsung VR, and I'm getting the S9. Then I'm going to get the S10 when it's released in 1Q19. If you like your S8 and Samsung devices, you should avoid the Pixel. The Pixel is a "smart camera" first and then a smartphone second.

Set the S8's screen mode to basic. On that setting, Samsung's panels are the most color accurate displays on the market.

 

[Caezar07]

Set the S8's screen mode to basic. On that setting, Samsung's panels are the most color accurate displays on the market.

The Pixel 3's screen is better than the S8. Seeing the two side by side in Best Buy is what initially impressed me enough to put me over the fence to buy the Pixel 3. See here and here to compare results if you want. Yes I know the XL uses a Samsung panel while the regular Pixel 3 uses a LG panel, but still, they are tuned in a way that they're indistinguishable.

 

[gendo667]

The Pixel 3's screen is better than the S8. Seeing the two side by side in Best Buy is what initially impressed me enough to put me over the fence to buy the Pixel 3. See here and here to compare results if you want. Yes I know the XL uses a Samsung panel while the regular Pixel 3 uses a LG panel, but still, they are tuned in a way that they're indistinguishable.

That's all well and good. I'm just taking about your S8 and what DisplayMate says after testing. I'm sure the Pixel 3 is better than the year and a half old S8. The S9 is superior this year. At least before the Pixel came out. I haven't read what they say about that device.

 

[Rick Jacobs]

I switched from a Sprint S8 to a Google Fi P3xl and I'm not looking back. The pure Android experience is fantastic.

On the P3 initial setup I ditched Nova and every app I purchased or used to compensate for the Sprint/Samsung/Bixby shenanigans so between Sprint/Samsung/bloatware there are 34 fewer apps in my app drawer. As for the issues it's no different than issues the S8 has, within a day the notch was nothing, same for no notification leds, I thought gestures were going to bug me but they don’t the other issues I’ll wait for a Google s/w fix which I suspect will be done at light speed when compared to any updates from Sprint/Samsung.

The S8 Smart lock problems are on the P3 too, but I no longer get the silly Samsung volume message and uninstall really uninstalls not like the S8 where the app uninstall leads right back to an app update. There are some other little things, but I suspect once I figure out how the P3 handles them I’ll be good. I’m 4 days into this honeymoon with no regrets. Pure Android...wow!

 

[bhatech]

The main draw of Pixel phones IMO is fast platform updates and security updates, simple software. If you don't care about this then you are better off with S9 or other phones. Yes Pixel 3 camera is best but it's not that big of a gap compared to other cameras. For me personally I know I prefer Google's take on Android and fast updates so Pixel every year is a no brainer for me. But if you don't care about updates, no duplicate apps and stuff like that I do suggest you to explore other options as well.

Compared to your S8, Pixel 3 will definitely feel great in lots of areas other than may be display where S8 might still be better. But also note that there are few bugs with Pixel 3 launch so you might want to wait out few weeks until things settle down.

 

[Kalvin Kerns]

Thank you everyone for your replies and yes I'm currently using the S8 and I keep an S6 as my backup phone.

I'd really like to leave Samsung bloat and curved screens behind (curved screens create so much glare it's not even funny).

I will wait a bit longer to see if Google addresses the Pixel 3 issues.

 

[nickf126]

This is very subjective, but here is my 2 cents.
I came from a Note 8 and loved it, but I really like the 3XL better.
Stock Android/quick updates are great. The screen is beautiful and in my opinion better than the Note 8.
I have not had any of the issues that others have mentioned. The notch really doesn't bother me at all. Overall, I am very happy. I think that this is a premium device, although a bit overpriced.

 

[anon(10092459)]

I will wait a bit longer to see if Google addresses the Pixel 3 issues.

You know, last year the November update addressed a lot of the initial "headline" bugs. I'm hoping the same holds true this year as well.

 

[Almeuit]

It really depends what ecosystem you like. While Samsung is still Android they have their own ecosystem. For me that's what helped me decide because I would get my Samsung phones and then pretty much only use Google stuff with no Samsung stuff so had to ask... Why get it?

That and I also am way more into security stuff now then I was when younger so things like security updates mean something to me even though I know a lot don't care.

 

[droid4450]

I switched to a pixel 3 xl from a Samsung s9+ and am very happy with the pixel.what you might like someone else might not and give the phone a bad review. Just go and play with the phone and if you like it for yourself get it.

 

[robinhelenehebert]

This is very subjective, but here is my 2 cents.
I came from a Note 8 and loved it, but I really like the 3XL better.
Stock Android/quick updates are great. The screen is beautiful and in my opinion better than the Note 8.
I have not had any of the issues that others have mentioned. The notch really doesn't bother me at all. Overall, I am very happy. I think that this is a premium device, although a bit overpriced.

I fully agree. I had the Note 8 as well and this Pixel 3 xl is comparable in experience and camera is way better. The colors on the photos with the N8 were oversaturated.

 

[Caezar07]

I'd really like to leave Samsung bloat and curved screens behind (curved screens create so much glare it's not even funny).

I will wait a bit longer to see if Google addresses the Pixel 3 issues.

Smart decision. I just barely returned mine in the small 15 day return window and still it took a 45 minute call with Google to get them to let me return it without the $35 restocking fee.

The Samsung bloat is bad, but in real world use, it doesn't prevent the Galaxy devices from performing faster than the Pixel 3.

 

[Mike Dee]

Thank you everyone for your replies and yes I'm currently using the S8 and I keep an S6 as my backup phone.

I'd really like to leave Samsung bloat and curved screens behind (curved screens create so much glare it's not even funny).

I will wait a bit longer to see if Google addresses the Pixel 3 issues.

There are two things that make me not even look at Samsung. One is the curved screen. I can't live with the distorted view at the edges. The other is Samsung's skin.

 

[chezm]

For me I can deal with the curved screen but that skin...oh man. I can't stand it, Nova is a requirement when I had my S6.

There are two things that make me not even look at Samsung. One is the curved screen. I can't live with the distorted view at the edges. The other is Samsung's skin.

 

[gendo667]

For me I can deal with the curved screen but that skin...oh man. I can't stand it, Nova is a requirement when I had my S6.

Yeah, my S8 running on Nova is pretty flawless. Kinda why I've still got it.

 

[Mike Dee]

For me I can deal with the curved screen but that skin...oh man. I can't stand it, Nova is a requirement when I had my S6.

I've heard that touchwiz isn't as bad as it was but I wouldn't know.

 

[Mike Dee]

Yeah, my S8 running in Nova is pretty flawless. Kinda why I've still got it.

Have you unloaded it recently to see if touchwiz runs decent?