When you think of the best Android phones, you think of the devices offered by Samsung and Google, the former of which just unveiled the Galaxy Note 9. Google, meanwhile, offers the Pixel 2 XL.
The Note 9 is the flashier of the two, donning a sleek glass and metal body and S-Pen while also boasting features like wireless charging. Google went for a more understated look with the Pixel 2 XL. It’s mostly built out of metal with a design that doesn’t really stand out unless you bought the white version with the orange power button.
The differences continue with the software and camera. With the Note 9, users get the usual Samsung skin as well as the standard 12MP dual-camera. The Pixel 2 XL continues its stripped down approach with the Pixel launcher, which at this point is stock Android, and a single-lens camera.
There are clear differences that lean towards the Note 9’s favor. The Pixel 2 XL has a subpar display that was plagued with issues, lacks wireless charging and just doesn’t push the envelope enough.
It’ll be up to you to decide if that is enough to make the Galaxy Note 9 better than the Pixel 2 XL. You can check out the spec list down below to help you make the final verdict.
| Samsung - Galaxy Note 9 | Google - Pixel 2 XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.4-inch, 1440 x 2960 pixel display (514 ppi) | 6-inch, 1440 x 2880 pixel display (537 ppi) |
| Resolution X | 1440 | 1440 |
| Resolution Y | 2960 | 2880 |
| Display Type | Quad HD+ Super AMOLED | QHD+ pOLED |
| Operating System | Android 8.1 (at launch) | Android 8.0 (at launch) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB |
| Storage |
|
|
| External Storage | Yes | No |
| External Storage Specs |
|
|
| Main Camera (Back) | 12MP | 12.2MP |
| Secondary Camera (Front) | 8MP | 8MP |
| Networks |
|
|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 LE |
| Battery | 4000mAh | 3520mAh |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity |
|
|
| Sensors |
|
|
| GPS |
|
|
| Height | 161.9 mm (6.37 inches) | 6.2 inches (15.75 cm) |
| Width | 76.4 mm (3.01 inches) | 3 inches (76.2 mm) |
| Depth | 8.8 mm (0.35 inches) | 0.3 inches (7.6 mm) |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 6.2 oz (176 g) |
| Colors | N/A | Black, Blue, White |
| Supported Audio Formats | MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, WMA, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, MXMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA, DSF, DFF, APE | N/A |
| Supported Video Formats | MP4, M4V, 3GP, 3G2, WMV, ASF, AVI, FLV, MKV, WEBM | N/A |
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