Pixel XL vs. S8?

[Kevin OQuinn]

For someone like me who is actually in the market for one of these phones, it might just come down to which phone can I actually buy? And it doesn't seem to be the pixel.

Oh absolutely. It doesn't matter if one device is superior in every way if you can't actually buy it.

 

[jtcannonball]

But Best Buy doesn't even list a 128gb variant. And you put effort in. To just ask for one when you randomly want to upgrade and a store having one in stock was like winning the lotto.

 

[segag1]

I wish they made a google play edition of S8. One can dream right?

 

[Aquila]

I wish they made a google play edition of S8. One can dream right?

I do sorta miss that program.

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

Well, here are the pros and cons of each.

Galaxy S8 Pros
- Newer hardware
- Taller display with less bezel around said display
- Option for secondary storage via microSD
- More software features
- Wireless charging and Samsung Pay
- Prosumer camera controls out-of-the-box

Galaxy S8 cons
- Fingerprint sensor may be tricky to reach if you have smaller hands
- Launches with an older build of Android
- May be slippery without a skin/case

Pixel pros
- More internal storage when compared to the same price bracket as an S8+
- Is the first to get all major system updates for at least 2 years guaranteed. Also the first to get security updates for at least 3 years guaranteed.
- Generally more responsive and has a more consistent system performance
- Better auto camera processing via HDR+
- Fast-charging via USB Power Delivery makes it better compatible with USB-C stuff

Pixel cons
- Design feels somewhat dated in comparison to the S8
- No water-resistance rating beyond IP53
- Headphone performance is weaker
- Can be tricky to get depending on variant

 

[Aquila]

- Taller display with less bezel around said display
- Option for secondary storage via microSD

On that subjectivity thing, I'd move both of these to cons for the S8/+ - Good list

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

On that subjectivity thing, I'd move both of these to cons for the S8/+ - Good list

Those are definitely subjective.

I did actually put how the Pixel has more internal storage on the 128GB variant when compared to the S8+. I just feel that it needs to be mentioned since it's been proven time and time again that internal NAND tends to be significantly quicker and more reliable.

 

[anon(10185658)]

Since I'm the OP, I'll report back. I chose the S8. Before I shipped back my S8 with the pink edges, I bought an LG G6 and thought I'd be happy, but I wasn't and sold it. Then I was going to look at a Pixel XL, but I couldn't go backwards in time with that phone but I didn't trust that if I went to Verizon's store ( I bought the original S8 online preorder from Samsung) , that I would find one without the pink tint. Well, I gave it one last shot and went last night to VZW and guess what? I got an Orchid Gray S8 without any pink tint! It has made the experience of this phone much better. I am thrilled and glad I didn't go with lesser (IMO) phone! I really think there was a batch that was shipped with bad AMOLED screens on preorder. I doubt it's software, otherwise wouldn't they all look pink? Anyway, if you have any pink tinting, return the phone until you get one! This phone is amazing and you deserve a good one for the money you pay.

 

[ThrottleJohnny]

Since I'm the OP, I'll report back. I chose the S8. Before I shipped back my S8 with the pink edges, I bought an LG G6 and thought I'd be happy, but I wasn't and sold it. Then I was going to look at a Pixel XL, but I couldn't go backwards in time with that phone but I didn't trust that if I went to Verizon's store ( I bought the original S8 online preorder from Samsung) , that I would find one without the pink tint. Well, I gave it one last shot and went last night to VZW and guess what? I got an Orchid Gray S8 without any pink tint! It has made the experience of this phone much better. I am thrilled and glad I didn't go with lesser (IMO) phone! I really think there was a batch that was shipped with bad AMOLED screens on preorder. I doubt it's software, otherwise wouldn't they all look pink? Anyway, if you have any pink tinting, return the phone until you get one! This phone is amazing and you deserve a good one for the money you pay.

Good. Glad you're happy!

 

[anon(10185658)]

Good. Glad you're happy!

Throttle Johnny, you have both the G6 and S8 right? Which are you using more often?

 

[bembol]

Had the Pixel. Honestly, Google Assistant was marketed well that even though I thought it was over priced and bland. I bought it anyways.

One of the most expensive androids I bought, upgraded and after a few weeks I couldn't wait to sell it.

S8 no doubt. I love what Samsung did I bought both, got the S8+ in Midnight Black and the other in Orchid Grey.

 

[jamezr]

Those are definitely subjective.

I did actually put how the Pixel has more internal storage on the 128GB variant when compared to the S8+. I just feel that it needs to be mentioned since it's been proven time and time again that internal NAND tends to be significantly quicker and more reliable.

I think you're right internal storage has better write/read speeds. But if you are listening to music or video play back you won't notice the difference if it is on internal versus a high end SD Card.. But on the S8+ you can add significantly more storage.

I have a 256 SD Card in my S8+ bringing me upto 320GB of storage. I have about 60GB of music and videos on the SD Card.

I also have a Pixel XL and love that phone. But imho the S8+ offers more features.

 

[ThrottleJohnny]

Throttle Johnny, you have both the G6 and S8 right? Which are you using more often?

Right now? S8. That could be because it's the newer device and I'm still an awe of the display. Both are great phones, and there are things I prefer on each one.

 

[m3lover1]

View attachment 259209

Its built in to the car, lol

The S8+ is too tall.

Welps. Gotta say that is neat lol

 

[torbach1]

Pixel is available all the time. E-bay? Swappa? Tons on there for 30% lower than MSRP. DO your research.

That's nonsense. The 128GB XL hasn't been available since launch for more than a few hours and each time it had a 6 to 8 week wait. Swappa sellers are still selling mint condition ones for more than retail and good condition for full retail if you're lucky.

 

[dpham00]

Well, here are the pros and cons of each.

Galaxy S8 Pros
- Newer hardware
- Taller display with less bezel around said display
- Option for secondary storage via microSD
- More software features
- Wireless charging and Samsung Pay
- Prosumer camera controls out-of-the-box

Galaxy S8 cons
- Fingerprint sensor may be tricky to reach if you have smaller hands
- Launches with an older build of Android
- May be slippery without a skin/case

Pixel pros
- More internal storage when compared to the same price bracket as an S8+
- Is the first to get all major system updates for at least 2 years guaranteed. Also the first to get security updates for at least 3 years guaranteed.
- Generally more responsive and has a more consistent system performance
- Better auto camera processing via HDR+
- Fast-charging via USB Power Delivery makes it better compatible with USB-C stuff

Pixel cons
- Design feels somewhat dated in comparison to the S8
- No water-resistance rating beyond IP53
- Headphone performance is weaker
- Can be tricky to get depending on variant

2 years major updates from release. Less than 1.5 years from today.

 

[Aquila]

That's nonsense. The 128GB XL hasn't been available since launch for more than a few hours and each time it had a 6 to 8 week wait. Swappa sellers are still selling mint condition ones for more than retail and good condition for full retail if you're lucky.

It's been available pretty much non stop since February from what I can tell. I've bought 3 of them this year and they're still available right now.

 

[torbach1]

It's been available pretty much non stop since February from what I can tell. I've bought 3 of them this year and they're still available right now.

Yeah, you're right, they are available now. I was trying for several months to get one without having to wait 6 to 8 weeks and had no luck. I hadn't checked since the S8+ was announced. So at this stage it's a fair comparison.

 

[Aquila]

Yeah, you're right, they are available now. I was trying for several months to get one without having to wait 6 to 8 weeks and had no luck. I hadn't checked since the S8+ was announced. So at this stage it's a fair comparison.

lol Google waiting until the S8 releases to figure their crap out is sorta silly By then everyone is already frustrated and the meme exists; regardless of whether or not they change, it's now "known".

 

[zipro]

2 years major updates from release. Less than 1.5 years from today.

Yeah, considering that Samsung is updating S6 edge phones to Nougat, that's not really a differentiator.