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Google Pixel 2 vs. iPhone X vs. Galaxy S8: how the phones compare

Google Pixel 2 vs. iPhone X vs. Galaxy S8: how the phones compare

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Google has officially taken the wraps off the second generation of its Pixel smartphones — the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL. If the original Pixel was a chance for Google stop standing on the sidelines and show the rest of the world how to make a great smartphone, the Pixel 2 looks like what happens when you take an already great phone and put it through a year of refinement.

On the hardware front, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL look like they’ll stand up next to any of their contemporaries from Apple or Samsung. Google included a top-of-the-line Snapdragon 835 processor, better displays, and a camera that somehow improves on the already stellar one found on the original Pixel. There are, of course, a few quibbles: Google has sadly followed Apple’s lead in removing the 3.5mm headphone jack, and while the Pixel 2 XL features an edge-to-edge QHD OLED display, the regular Pixel is beset by bezels that feel particularly dated when compared to other 2017 flagship phones.

But if Google’s phone meets the competition when it comes to hardware, the company is hoping that its advantages in services and software — in particular AI and machine learning for things like Google Lens and Google Assistant — will be enough to make the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL stand out among the current crop of excellent smartphones.

While it’s too early to say which of 2017’s smartphones will reign supreme, with the announcement of the Pixel 2, it’s finally possible to see how the best phones from Apple, Google, Samsung, and more stack up head-to-head. And while specs never tell the full story, we’ve put together a handy chart to help you decide which smartphone will get the coveted place in your pocket or bag.

For an exclusive look at all the new Google devices announced, check out our interview with CEO Sundar Pichai

Google Pixel 2 spec comparison

SpecificationPixel 2 XLPixel 2iPhone XiPhone 8iPhone 8 PlusGalaxy Note 8Galaxy S8Galaxy S8 PlusEssential PhoneLG V30HTC U11PixelPixel XL
Display6.0 inches5.0 inches5.8 inches4.7 inches5.5 inches6.3 inches5.8 inches6.2 inches5.71 inches6 inches5.5 inches5 inches5.5 inches
Resolution2880 x 14401920 x 10802436 x 11251334 x 7501920 x 10802960 x 14402960 x 14402960 x 14402560 x 13122880 x 14402560 x 14401920 x 10802560 x 1440
ProcessorSnapdragon 835 (2.35GHz and 1.9GHz, octa-core)Snapdragon 835 (2.35GHz and 1.9GHz, octa-core)A11 BionicA11 BionicA11 BionicSnapdragon 835 (2.35GHz and 1.9GHz, octa-core)Snapdragon 835 (2.35GHz and 1.9GHz, octa-core)Snapdragon 835 (2.35GHz and 1.9GHz, octa-core)Snapdragon 835 (2.45GHz and 1.9GHz, octa-core)Snapdragon 835Snapdragon 835 (2.45GHz, octa-core)Snapdragon 821 (quad-core)Snapdragon 821 (quad-core)
RAM4GB4GB3GB2GB3GB6GB4GB4GB4GB4GB4GB, 6GB4GB4GB
Storage64GB, 128GB64GB, 128GB64GB, 256GB64GB, 256GB64GB, 256GB64GB, 128GB, 256GB64GB64GB128GB64GB, 128GB64GB, 128GB32GB, 128GB32GB, 128GB
Rear camera12.2 megapixel12.2 megapixel12 megapixel, 12 megapixel (wide)12 megapixel12 megapixel, 12 megapixel (wide)12 megapixel, 12 megapixel (wide)12 megapixel12 megapixel13 megapixel, 13 megapixel (monochrome)16 megapixel, 13 megapixel (wide)12 megapixel12.3 megapixel12.3 megapixel
Front camera8 megapixel8 megapixel7 megapixel7 megapixel7 megapixel8 megapixel8 megapixel8 megapixel8 megapixel5 megapixel16 megapixel8 megapixel8 megapixel
Battery3520mAh2700mAh2716mAh1821mAh2675mAh3300mAh3000mAh3500mAh3040mAh3300mAh3000mAh2770mAH3450mAh
Water protectionIP67IP67IP67IP67IP67IP68IP68IP68N/AIP68IP67N/AN/A
Weight0.39 pounds0.32 pounds0.38 pounds0.33 pounds0.45 pounds0.43 pounds0.34 pounds0.38 pounds0.41 pounds0.35 pounds0.37 pounds0.31 pounds0.37 pounds
Dimensions (in.)6.20 x 3.00 x 0.305.70 x 2.70 x 0.305.65 x 2.79 x 0.305.45 x 2.65 x 0.296.24 x 3.07 x 0.306.40 x 2.94 x 0.345.86 x 2.68 x 0.316.28 x 2.88 x 0.315.57 x 2.80 x 0.315.97 x 2.97 x 0.296.06 x 2.99 x 0.315.66 x 2.74 x 0.296.09 x 2.98 x 0.29
Starting price$849.00$649.00$999.00$699.00$799.00$930$749.00$849.00$699.00TBA (rumored $749.99)$649.00$649.00$769.00
Misc.Squeezable sides, no headphone jackSqueezable sides, no headphone jackFace ID scanner, no headphone jackWireless charging, no headphone jackWireless charging, no headphone jackS Pen, Iris scanner, USB-C, wireless chargingIris scanner, USB-C, wireless chargingIris scanner, USB-C, wireless chargingModular attachement systemQuad DAC for Hi-Fi audioSqueezable side functionGoogle Assistant, fast chargingGoogle Assistant, fast charging
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Correction: Swapped Pixel 2 XL and Pixel 2 prices, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus RAM.