Samsung Galaxy Note 9 vs Pixel 3 XL: What You Need to Know

With the Google Pixel 3 XL release date only a few days away buyers have a tough choice to make. Get Google’s latest phone or buy something like the impressive Galaxy Note 9 instead. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know and how these two phones compare by the numbers. That way you’ll know which one to get.

These are two big-screen phones that each have a very different approach to the design, features and software. They’re both great options, just know that the experience is vastly different between the two.

Read: Pixel 3 Release Date Details, Pricing & More

As you probably know, the Galaxy Note 9 looks almost exactly like the Note 8 from last year, but it’s a completely new phone. And, the Pixel 3 XL is nearly identical to the model it’s replacing also. Basically, both phones look like last years versions, but they’re better in every way. You can expect good battery life, the latest software, excellent cameras, big screens and more.

There are plenty of excellent Android smartphones available right now. However, if you want a big screen and the best experience the Galaxy Note 9 and Pixel 3 XL should be a the top of your list. Even if the LG V40 and OnePlus 6T are coming soon.

Trying to decide which one to buy is no easy task. That said, our information should help you decide if the Pixel 3 XL is even worth the short wait, or if you should just go get a Note 9 today. Do you want a big screen or need the S-Pen stylus? Do you prefer stock Android? Are you ok with the notch? We’ll cover that and more in the slideshow below.

Both phones have pros and cons, including high price tags, and this comes down to what each user needs the most. Without further delay, here’s everything you need to know about these two phones so you can make the right choice.

Galaxy Note 9 vs Pixel 3 XL: Display

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First things first, most potential buyers will consider the screen size first. Then get into other aspects like the camera or battery life. These days almost everyone expects a big screen, and these two phones deliver exactly that. Both the Galaxy Note 9 and the Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL have great screens. Deciding what size you want and the notch is the important question. Google released two phones, but you're likely interested in the bigger Pixel 3 XL as a competitor to the Note 9.  The Google Pixel 3 XL sports a bigger 6.3-inch Quad-HD OLED display. Last year the Pixel 2 XL had display problems, but that's not a concern with the Pixel 3 XL. It's completely flat, with slight curves to the glass for comfort, and there's a massive notch at the top for the front-facing camera and speaker. It's similar to the iPhone Xs design only with a chin on the bottom and the top.  Samsung's Galaxy Note 9 is 6.4-inches, so a hair bigger. It has rounded corners too, but then actually has a curved display Samsung is famous for. Then, of course, it has the world's best Quad-HD S-AMOLED display that's slightly better than the Pixel 3 XL screen.  These sound like huge devices, but they're not. Thanks to smaller bezels the phones have big screens while still being easy to hold and use. If you still have an original Pixel XL or a Galaxy Note 5, this will be a big upgrade. Don't worry though, the phone isn't physically bigger, the bezels just shrunk. How big of a screen do you need or want? If the Galaxy S9 is too small and the Note 9 is too big, consider the Pixel 3 XL. However, there is a "deep" notch in the screen that's worse than the iPhone X.

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