Galaxy S9 vs. Pixel 2: Which Android Flagship Will Win?

Samsung should remove its Galaxy S9 and S9 + devices at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on February 25, but do not expect many surprises when the phone finally arrives. Almost every detail about Samsung's next generation of the best Android devices has been released in recent weeks, including photos of cell phones. (Spoiler alarm: little changed since S8).

Since the last round of Samsung phones, Google has increased the level of Android devices by introducing a new version of Pixel. Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL come with all sorts of features, from an object-detection killer camera to a compressible body that activates Google Assistant.

If the S9 surpasses the last few pixels, it must match the Google Camera's skill. Therefore, it is not surprising that Samsung has put a more advanced shooter on his newest phone. In fact, the company promises to "reinvent" the camera.

So we see the Galaxy S9 Stack over Pixel 2 according to the filtered specifications for the new Samsung phone. We'll have an even clearer picture of how both phones are standard after Samsung officially unveiled the S9 on February 25th.

Cameras

Samsung reportedly relies heavily on S9 cameras to compete with Apple's latest iPhones and Pixel 2. The company's invitation to its Mobile World Congress event is themed "Camera Reimagined" and underscores the importance of Samsung. Give the camera this update of the Galaxy line.

The Galaxy S9 + is expected to have an impressive dual-lens reversing camera that has none of Google's Pixel Smartphones. Samsung has added two goals to its extra-wide Galaxy Note 8, which hit the market last fall. According to the famous shooter Evan Blass this feature should reach the slightly smaller S9 +. We hope that the secondary lens allows the same peaks as in note 8, including a live focus mode to focus on the objects while blurring the background. The telephoto lens of the S9 + should also support the optical zoom.

Design and Displays

If you like the look of the Galaxy S8 and S8 +, you're in luck: it's reported that both versions of the S9 look almost identical to last year's models. It is expected that the infinity screen we like on the S8 will reach the S9.

The two new phones are likely to have thin frames at the top to line up the front camera, but we hope they're unremarkable. This is in direct contrast to the small pixel 2 surrounding its 5-inch OLED screen with frames thick enough to hold a fingerprint scanner (although Google places this sensor on the back of the phone). The Pixel 2 XL has finer bevels than its smaller brother, but it does not match the expected width of the S9 display, which is likely to extend to the edges and also fits the sides of the phone. Like the S8.

Performance

Samsung is likely to be the first device maker to use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 845 mobile processor, which could make the S9 the fastest Android phone on the market when released in March. The processor is also expected to make the S9 more efficient, safer, and extend the life of the battery, which we will test when we have the device in our hands.

More: Best Smartphones on The Market Now

The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are equipped with the latest Snapdragon 835 processor, such as the S8 and S8 +. The Pixel 2 has lagged the Galaxy S8 in a Geekbench 4 performance test, but the Pixel 2 has faster video processing time than the Galaxy S8 and Note 8.

We will do several real-world tests and synthetic benchmarks on the Galaxy S9 to see how it accumulates.


Special Features

Samsung and Google are working to differentiate their smartphones with voice-activated assistants.

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL have the Google Assistant, which is activated by pressing the sides of the devices. Google Assistant uses the way you use Google services to answer your questions and provide useful information.

Samsung's Bixby is not yet at this level, much less so. But according to reports, Samsung is working to improve its wizard and make it more relevant in the S9 interface, rather than being a separate service that is not well integrated with the rest of the phone. In the Galaxy S8, Bixby is activated with its own side button, but rumor has it that Samsung is integrating its assistant more evenly into the phone interface. It could be called AI UX.

Pixels also have smarter cameras with a feature called Google Lens that can detect objects in photos and give you more information about them. It's not clear if Samsung has something similar for the S9, but Google has hinted that the feature could reach other Android phones.

Bottom line

We do not have all the details about the S9, though we know that the fastest processor and redesigned camera system will do much to make Pixel 2 better. Rumor has it that the S9 will likely surpass Google. Call the design and the performance. It remains to be seen whether he can take over the crown of the Pixel 2 camera or whether Bixby can improve his game.

We will update this story with more information when Samsung introduces the Galaxy S9 and S9 + on February 25th.

See also: Most Anticipated Phones of 2018