Samsung Galaxy Note 8 vs. Google Pixel 2: Upcoming Flagships Compared

Samsung recently launched one of the major flagship devices of 2017 — the Samsung Galaxy S8. But the earlier launches of Galaxy S8 and LG G6 have set the tone for this year when it comes to device launches this year. While there are several devices expected this year, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and Google Pixel 2 will be watched out for.

Evidently, both phones are important for the companies. While the Galaxy Note 8 will mark a new chapter in Samsung’s history post the Galaxy Note 7 debacle, it is important that the device is received well; failing to which, it may mark the end of the Note series.

Read: Samsung Galaxy Note 8: 10 Expected Specs

The Google Pixel 2 will also represent a testing ground for Google. The Pixel series was received well, but suffered hardware and software issues. For the Pixel 2 to do well, it is necessary that the company builds on its predecessor’s success, but also focuses of its weaknesses. The performance of the Pixel 2 would determine whether it was the right decision for Google to replace its Nexus series devices with the Pixel series.

While both companies have been mum on the devices’ features, rumors about the devices keep emerging. Here’s a comparison between the two upcoming flagships based on the rumored features:

Display

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is expected to have an edge-to-edge display like the Samsung Galaxy S8. But given the average dimensions of the Note series devices, it might have a 5.7-inch display with an 18.5:9 aspect ratio with no side bezels, no home button and minimalistic top and bottom bezels, making it the phone with most amount of usable are for consumers.

The Google Pixel 2 is expected to have a more slender 5-inch edge-to-edge display, somewhat similar to the Samsung Galaxy S8.

Camera

Both devices are expected to have dual rear cameras, similar to iPhone 7 Plus. Google is currently working on improving camera technology for better low-light performance, according to 9to5 Google.

Processor

Both devices are expected to come with a 10nm technology based Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. The production for the processor is currently reserved for the Samsung Galaxy S8, but Qualcomm is expected to make it available for other devices in the future.

AI-Based Voice Assistant

Both devices are expected to come with artificial intelligence based voice assistants. While the Google Pixel 2 could come with an improved version of the Google Assistant, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is expected to have both the Bixby and Google Assistant onboard, akin to the Samsung Galaxy S8.

OS

Just like its predecessor, the Google Pixel 2 is expected to launch alongside the new Android update for the year — Android O. The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 could actually launch with the old Android version, Android Nougat, and then receive the Android O update later.

Read: Will Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Have Android O or Android Nougat?

Memory

Both devices are expected to be powerful ones with 6GB RAM and 256GB onboard memory.

Security Features

Samsung is expected to endow the Note 8 with an iris scanner and a display embedded fingerprint scanner, while Google is expected to continue with its rear fingerprint scanner, although the company could possibly make it more functional.

In addition to this, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is expected to come with an S-Pen stylus with high pressure sensitivity, but no such accessory is expected to be available for the Google Pixel 2.

Google confirmed the existence of the Pixel 2 device in March, but Samsung is yet to put a word out on the Galaxy Note 8