The problem with reviews pitting gadget against gadget is that one has to accept defeat even if it has good enough specs and features. This theoretical head-to-head featuring the recently released Samsung Galaxy S8 and upcoming Google Pixel 2 will go the full 12 rounds as both smartphones are great on their own. However, as these things go, there shall be only one.
For starters, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is already seen by some as one of the best smartphones ever made. In fact, if everything falls into place, meaning its batteries will not do a Galaxy Note 7, it has the potential to become one of the most iconic phones in history.
Everything we know so far about the Google Pixel 2 is not cast in stone. Understandably, pitting an existing product against a rumored one is difficult yet kind of exciting. Considering that the Google Pixel is an able competitor, it is safe to assume that the successor will be even better.
Design and Display
Right now, it's quite difficult to out-design the Galaxy S8. The best thing Google can do with the Pixel 2 to lessen the bezel even more to create a bigger screen and a more futuristic look. However, the rumor mill says the Pixel 2 will have a 5-inch and 5.7-inch displays both with 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution. This is better than the Pixel's (1080 x 1920) but falls short of the Galaxy S8's (2960 x 1440).
Performance
The Google Pixel 2 is expected to be powered by the latest processor, the Snapdragon 835 which happens to be the same one inside the Galaxy S8. Rumors also indicate that the Pixel 2 will come with 4GB or 6GB of RAM. If Google goes with 6GB, it will be better than the Samsung flagship. As for the internal storage, the Galaxy S8 comes with 64GB. The original Pixel has 32 up to 128GB which means the Pixel 2 will have at least 128GB for its high-end version.
Google Pixel 2 is expected to release with the latest operating system - Android 8 or O. The Galaxy S8 comes with Android Nougat 7.1 out of the box.
Camera
As Digital Trends showed in its own Google Pixel vs Galaxy S8 review, the two smartphones come with 12MP rear and 8MP front cameras. If Google wants to get the better of Samsung, it will place more high-end shooters on the Pixel 2.
Battery
There is no news on how large Google Pixel 2's battery will be but it may be assumed that the device will come with the Quick Charge 4.0 feature. The Galaxy S8 comes with a 3000mAh battery.
The Google Pixel 2 is yet to be introduced but its numerous leaks and rumors show that it can be a legitimate contender for the best smartphone for 2017. In fact, it looks like the Pixel 2, in theory, will be better than the Samsung Galaxy S8 in some aspects. The Pixel 2 will be released as early as fall this year, as reported by BGR. This means the Galaxy S8 will get to face one of its more formidable rivals in real life sooner than expected.
