Say you have $1,000 burning a hole in your pocket, and you’re in the market for a new smartphone. Say you’re considering the Galaxy Note 8 or Pixel 2 XL. Picking just one is no easy feat, but we’re here to say which one you should choose and why.

Making a versus video is difficult because there are so many variables to cover. Which display is better and why? Which camera is better and why? There are so many nuances that can only be discovered through experience; looking at a device’s specs on a piece of paper doesn’t tell the whole story.

Before you jump into the comments, know that Jon chose the Galaxy Note 8 as his favorite device of 2017. Looking at it objectively, it’s easy to see why he made that choice; it has beefy specs, a lovely design, and powerful productivity features.

But there’s something so alluring about the Pixel 2 XL, display flaws and all. For one, the design is striking, if a bit polarizing. It also features the best version of Android for most people. The camera, meanwhile, is utterly fantastic.