Galaxy Note 8 vs Pixel 2 XL: What Buyers Need to Know

Galaxy Note 8 vs Pixel XL 2: Specs

Another important thing is the specs and features these phones have to offer. While these don't matter to everyone, we still feel like it's worth talking about. 

Expect fast performance thanks to the latest and greatest specs in the Galaxy Note 8, specs that are nearly identical on the Pixel 2. 

Galaxy Note 8 Specs 

• 6.3-inch 2960 x 1440 Quad-HD AMOLED Infinity Display 
• Snapdragon 835 or Samsung Exynos 8895 Processor (based on region)
• 64 of storage and 6GB of RAM (microSD slot for storage expansion, 128GB in China)
• Android 7.1.2 Nougat (Soon after an update to Android 8.0 Oreo)
• Dual 12 Megapixel Rear Cameras -- f/1.7 aperture, 2x optical zoom (both have OIS) 
• 8 Megapixel front-facing camera
• 3,300 mAh battery with Fast and Wireless Charging
• Improved S-Pen stylus with new features and water-resistance
• IP68 Dust and Water Resistance up to 5ft for 30 minutes
• Bixby AI Assistant and dedicated button
• USB Type-C port, 3.5mm headphone jack, heart rate sensor, Iris Eye Scanner, fingerprint scanner, more

Google Pixel 2 XL Specs

• 6-inch 2880 x 1440 Quad-HD OLED Display
• Snapdragon 835 Processor with 4GB of RAM 
• 64/128GB storage options, no micro-SD slot
• Android Oreo
• 12.2 Megapixel Rear camera with f/1.8 aperture and OIS 
• 8MP front-facing camera
• Dual Front-Facing Stereo Speakers
• 3,520 mAh battery with Quick Charging
• IP67 Dust & Water-Resistance
• Google Assistant, Google Lens, more
• USB Type-C port, fingerprint scanner on back
• No 3.5mm headphone jack, no wireless charging

Google, on the other hand, runs Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box, has a similar edge-to-edge screen and what's likely a great camera.

Key selling points for Google are stock Android with fast performance and great battery life. In addition to fast updates and some unique Pixel features. Big ones for Samsung are the dual camera setup on the back and an even bigger screen. Tough choice, we know.