2016 is nearing its end, which means that the smartphone industry has pretty much seen all of its releases. With the discontinuation of the Galaxy Note 7, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge has become a popular alternative. Consequently, the recent unveiling of Google's Pixel XL has kept it in the minds of many Android users.
There are plenty of similarities between the two devices, such as their large QHD resolution AMOLED displays and superior camera systems. They are also both powered by Qualcomm processors, although the Galaxy S7 Edge runs on the Snapdragon 820 processor, while the Pixel XL sports a Snapdragon 821 chip. Really, the differences between the two relies in the minute details of each device.
In terms of design, Tech Times notes that the S7 Edge is slightly lighter and also has better water resistancy. It also has a curved screen as opposed to the standard flat display and is available in Pink Gold, Silver, Gold and Blue Coral. However, both devices feature a fingerprint sensor, although the one of the Pixel XL is found at the rear side of the unit and is only sold in Quite Black and Very Silver.
The design of the Galaxy S7 Edge is definitely a unique one in the smartphone market. Furthermore, its edge design does provide the device with quick access to a few key features like news reports and notifications. Meanwhile, the Pixel XL has been said to take inspiration from the HTC 10 and iPhone 6S as The Inquirer notes.
Both devices run on 4GB of RAM. However, the Galaxy S7 Edge has a wireless charging feature, as well as expandable storage and a larger battery. Meanwhile, the Pixel XL has a larger built in storage capacity and a USB Type C port. Furthermore, the Google device is powered by Android 7.1 Nougat, while Samsung's current flagship currently sells out of the box on Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
Coming with Android 7.1 Nougat allows plenty of additional features for the Pixel XL, which includes Google Assistant, the Allo and Duo messaging applications and Pixel Launcher. The biggest selling point in this is Google Assistant, which helps users in sending all types of messages, open apps, make calls, show news headlines and play music, among others. In addition, the Pixel Launcher revamps the standard Android home screen. However, the S7 Edge is scheduled to receive a Nougat update soon.
When it comes to camera, the Google Pixel has a slight advantage over its competitor. The device has a 12.3 megapixel rear camera and 8 megapixel front camera. The photos that result are relatively sharper. The Galaxy S7 Edge, on the other hand, has a 12 megapixel rear camera and a 5 megapixel front camera, which pick out the colors in a more vibrant way.
The Galaxy S7 Edge sells for about US$765 for the 32GB variant while the Pixel XL's 32GB option sells for about US$875, and further increases to US$1000 for the 126G model. From the above, it can be ascertained that the S7 is definitely the more cost-effective, as both devices almost match each other on every point.
