Samsung S9+ or Pixel 2 XL - Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers

Been a long time since I did a forum post, but need help with a decision I am faced with and was hoping someone can help...
So, I got the Samsung S9+. It's great. Does has some lag issues (particularly scrolling) . Screen is nice. Battery is ok. Wireless charging and camera is great too.
My dilemma comes since Google recently announced a $200 off promo for the Pixel 2 XL (if you finance). I would not have considered getting it since the price was way out of proportion to the phone you were getting, but now with the reduction in cost... The question is:
Should I return my S9+, save the Carrier Financing and go with the Pixel 2 XL (now more reasonably priced)?
Mind you to return my S9+, it will require a little hoop jumping and some pain with my carrier, but what doesn't?
Anyone had both phones or have both phones... thoughts, opinions, suggestions?
You read all the VS. articles on the net, and they are about as helpful as a screen door on a submarine... you guys are the "real world" users... wanting your honesty will help a great deal!

---

Great post well written (not usual ramblings) ok so is the Pixel XL 2 worth the hoop jumping, yes it most certainly is. Will it be worth it to ditch the S9+ to get the Pixel XL 2?
Well that depends on how important certain features are to you, for example Wireless charging? Or expandable storage? Will 128gb be enough?, is it ok that the Pixel has only ip67?
Ok also to clarify as you have probably read & seen about the Pixel 2 XL's Display. The S9+ has the best display period .....,however there is nothing awful about the Pixel XL 2's it's blown up a bit, wait I won't argue that blue shift is there, it is, however it's not that bad and after using it for now 3 months I don't notice, or pay attention to it.
The pixel XL has the best camera in a smartphone (at present) or rather perhaps their post processing, regardless it's really that good. Updates are another obvious factor for the Pixel, front facing speakers, battery life is much better on the Pixel, design although basic, is unique and enjoyable, it's fast &, fluid.
So if I were you weigh up what's important to you, but you wouldn't be disappointed with the Pixel, especially with $200 off, it's a absolutely fantastic device to use, I love my pixel & I think you would appreciate it as much as the rest of us Team pixel users do :good:
Any more questions feel free to ask :good:

---

I have both the devices with me. Pixel 2xl beats Samsung s9 plus hands down.
I was having a note 8, just 3 months old. Sold it and went for s9 plus.
Trust me pixel 2 xl is the one to go for. The only reason I keep a Sammy device is for its extra skin features like secure folder app, screen resolution and the premium feel.
REST all the pixel 2 xl wins... Be it fluidity, speaker output, camera quality

---

Duncan1982 said:
Great post well written (not usual ramblings) ok so is the Pixel XL 2 worth the hoop jumping, yes it most certainly is. Will it be worth it to ditch the S9+ to get the Pixel XL 2?
Well that depends on how important certain features are to you, for example Wireless charging? Or expandable storage? Will 128gb be enough?, is it ok that the Pixel has only ip67?
Ok also to clarify as you have probably read & seen about the Pixel 2 XL's Display. The S9+ has the best display period .....,however there is nothing awful about the Pixel XL 2's it's blown up a bit, wait I won't argue that blue shift is there, it is, however it's not that bad and after using it for now 3 months I don't notice, or pay attention to it.
The pixel XL has the best camera in a smartphone (at present) or rather perhaps their post processing, regardless it's really that good. Updates are another obvious factor for the Pixel, front facing speakers, battery life is much better on the Pixel, design although basic, is unique and enjoyable, it's fast &, fluid.
So if I were you weigh up what's important to you, but you wouldn't be disappointed with the Pixel, especially with $200 off, it's a absolutely fantastic device to use, I love my pixel & I think you would appreciate it as much as the rest of us Team pixel users do :good:
Any more questions feel free to ask :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick come back...
I don't know... I mean the S9+ has the 845 Processor and 6GB of RAM and it's jitter on scrolling is sickening at times. I could assume that Samsung will fix this with an update at some point (like they always do) .
It's so hard to choose... I like the wireless charging, samsung pay and of course SD card expandability , but I am not going to keep any phone more than a year... Plus, getting the security updates and newest android releases is pretty decent.
damn... decisions, decisions...

---

Just being able to charge and listen to music at the same time without using any stupid adapter, makes the S9+ the ideal phone. Also, wireless charging is somewhat important since I have a lot of chargers already
However, Pixel's ecosystem and fluidity is something that I miss from the S9

---

drtushar said:
I have both the devices with me. Pixel 2xl beats Samsung s9 plus hands down.
I was having a note 8, just 3 months old. Sold it and went for s9 plus.
Trust me pixel 2 xl is the one to go for. The only reason I keep a Sammy device is for its extra skin features like secure folder app, screen resolution and the premium feel.
REST all the pixel 2 xl wins... Be it fluidity, speaker output, camera quality
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I hear too...
The lag on a new phone with better specs just bothers me.... I'm sure samsung will release a fix plus something to help with battery... but I don't know if I want to wait that long..

---

t-shock said:
Just being able to charge and listen to music at the same time without using any stupid adapter, makes the S9+ the ideal phone. Also, wireless charging is somewhat important since I have a lot of chargers already
However, Pixel's ecosystem and fluidity is something that I miss from the S9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i know... having wireless charging is definitely important...
I don't listen to music anywhere but my car normally at its radio is Android Auto compatible... I can see how headphone jack thing still gets people upset, but it's not that big of a factor for me! :highfive:

---

I just came from the Pixel 2 XL because the hardware itself was a disaster. My blue tint was tragic and just sad compared to my terrible ancient iPhone (any angle past 30 degrees was ocean blue), the edges had problems with touch sensitivity, and then the charging port fried (I returned it at that point). The battery wasn't great for me either.
The P2XL camera processing is better and the actual phone is definitely less laggy, though.

---

Keive said:
I just came from the Pixel 2 XL because the hardware itself was a disaster. My blue tint was tragic and just sad compared to my terrible ancient iPhone (any angle past 30 degrees was ocean blue), the edges had problems with touch sensitivity, and then the charging port fried (I returned it at that point). The battery wasn't great for me either.
The P2XL camera processing is better and the actual phone is definitely less laggy, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You thinking you got a “bad Apple” with your pixel? No pun intended

---

mahst68 said:
Been a long time since I did a forum post, but need help with a decision I am faced with and was hoping someone can help...
So, I got the Samsung S9+. It's great. Does has some lag issues (particularly scrolling) . Screen is nice. Battery is ok. Wireless charging and camera is great too.
My dilemma comes since Google recently announced a $200 off promo for the Pixel 2 XL (if you finance). I would not have considered getting it since the price was way out of proportion to the phone you were getting, but now with the reduction in cost... The question is:
Should I return my S9+, save the Carrier Financing and go with the Pixel 2 XL (now more reasonably priced)?
Mind you to return my S9+, it will require a little hoop jumping and some pain with my carrier, but what doesn't?
Anyone had both phones or have both phones... thoughts, opinions, suggestions?
You read all the VS. articles on the net, and they are about as helpful as a screen door on a submarine... you guys are the "real world" users... wanting your honesty will help a great deal!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You want real world users?, I can tell you I had the Pixel 2 XL and now I'm having the S9+, and I can surely say I would never pick the Pixel 2 XL again.
This is my first Samsung device, but honestly, it has everything you wish in a phone.
Pixel 2 XL camera is overrated, and moreover, S9+ kicks Pixel 2 XL ass in low light conditions. I did many tests, in many light conditions, and I can tell you that the Pixel 2 XL doesn't taken a pic you can't take with another flagship phone. Yes, is true that the dynamic range and the HDR+ is magic, but quality and detail is poor overall, and Pixel 2 XL always put a lot of noise and grain in the pictures when the light is missing. I watched all the reviews and videos about the camera, and the day I had it in hand, it was a huge disappointment because quality is not that impressive.
With the Pixel 2 XL you are risking a lot in terms of quality, because is not only about the blue tint, is also the black crush, the black smearing, problems with speakers, with screen, with other internal components... Pixel 2 XL has the worst quality control I have even seen in a smartphone, a lot of people are returning theirs, and even after 4-5 exchanges, they still are not satisfied with the device. Even stores are running away from them, because they have the highest return rate ever seen in a device, and distributors don't want to sell this device anymore, because is a headache with warranty and service. Hardware problems can't be fixed by software!.
Moreover, Google and distributors are still sending units from October and November, even 4-5 months after they were manufactured, which for me look really suspicious, and make me think they are just selling the ones that other people sent back.
Stock Android is for XDA people, but real world people appreciate the fact of having options and gestures in a phone, and not being obligated to root or install custom ROM's to get certain useful functionalities; did you see Android P?, is a ripoff of Samsung Experience and Android now is copying useful things from other manufacturers, which I'm not saying is a bad thing, but then where's the creativity and the step forward?.
The ONLY true reason to pick the Pixel 2 XL would be the updates, but otherwise, I would stick with the S9+ and never look back. I don't care about updates since Nougat, because nothing has changed too much, and Project Treble will make updates easier for everyone. But be aware, because Google tends to mess the older devices, we saw it with the Nexus 6P when the first Pixel came out, and now that we have the Pixel 2 XL, there are a lot of issues with the first Pixel. They are behaving kind of Apple slowing down phones or making them unusable.
With the S9+ you get the latest hardware, and all those issue you mention, I don't have them at all, but maybe because I'm using Exynos version; anyway, S9+ for me is smoother and faster than Pixel 2 XL and I don't have any doubt that any problem you can have will be fixed through software.
Ask me whatever you want, I know both devices really good.
:good:

---

No phone now is terrible.....we have reached a point where it's marginal in a lot of ways.
It just depends on features and Samsung has many....:good: for some that is great, others it's annoying.
I'm no Fanboy I just like my tech, I even have an iPhone X which I very much like :good:
So the Pixel doesn't kill or win hands down (not from my perspective) however it does offer a better user experience in terms of Updates, it offers a better Camera, all be it perhaps all In the post processing, but it's magical :good: and no Samsung hasn't trumped, but that's not saying the camera on the S9+ is terrible (It's most definitely not) I like it :good:
Samsung camera reimagined (Marketing) Camera improved yeah it is from my point (had the S8+ to) But it's not as big as advertised
It's tough but I don't have to choose, but if I had to and was in your shoes, then I would be thinking of what's important & what's not, the Pixel is where I would go, and I'm sure the S10 or if Samsung rename, is where your going to find the most improvement.
Go Pixel then see what next year brings :good:

---

If you like firmware updates on a monthly basis, go with the Pixel XL2. If you want to mod, unlock bootloader, root, etc Go with the Google Pixel XL2. I loved my Google Pixel XL and regret getting rid of it... The only thing is you go to get use to the a/b partitions and flashing. There are only (3) devices at this time, that i know of, running a/b partitions...the Google Pixels. both 1 and 2, and the Moto Z2 Force ( which i just bricked 2 in 4 days). But all devices eventually will be going that route, flagships at least....
*edit*
By the way, Security with the Pixel 2 is better because it gets the monthly security patches., on a monthly basis, the way devices should get updates. KNOX is for corporate companies and unless to the regular consumer, other then secure boot, i recently found out.
*edit x 2*
Whatever you do, DONT GET A VERIZON Pixel because they dont allow Boot Loader Unlocking, UNLESS the device is booted with a different SIM card, other then Verizon, you can Unlock Boot Loader and still be on verizon...

---

I just switched from a Pixel2 XL. I can say that the idea of having a pure stock android directly from Google's kitchen was my first argument to get the pixel2 xl but the user experience and hardware didn't seduce me enough. I continuously felt having a missing feature to make things easier, like swiping to make a call or send sms, or take a screenshot then edit it and send it, showing the hand to take a selfie, listening via 2 Bluetooth headsets to same music my wife and I, ...etc
One can say that there are workarounds for most of "missing" features but it doesn't even come close to it and I didn't pay so much to be in need of 3rd party apps to have fade copies of essential (missing) features ...
Some other "necessary" features can only be obtained by installing xposed, like realtime network speed meter, call recording, customize navigation bar ...
Concerning the hardware, I hated the display not only because of the tint but for two other major reasons: 1. Feels like cheap plastic especially if you knock on it in the middle. 2. While using it on daydream vr, the screen has bad quality and an ugly black tearing (which can also be seen without vr).
VR is also a major argument for me to switch to S9+. There you CAN see how marvelous the screen is and how complete is the oculus ecosystem !
The camera on pixel2 xl is not that wonderful as it is said. The S9+ camera is really practical and powerful and accurate (personal pov).
About stereo speakers, it was also a tempting feature on pixel2 xl but hearing the stereo surrounding sound of S9+ is a great pleasure. A sound more realistic and with sufficient bass (sort of).
Also, I was disappointed with pixel2 xl when I recorded a video then found out its sound was mono while S9+ records videos in stereo and makes watching them a great experience !
As a flasholic, I hated the A/B seamless updates thing which makes flashing and experimenting a lot harder and troublesome.
Lag lag lag, the bad word sticking to touchwiz since ages. I don't find it laggy at all especially when considering the amount of its features. One can remove 99% of bloatware and additional stuff and gain the "legendary" nude android smoothness but then, it's nude ! I didn't pay for that. People tend to compare by benchmarks. The S9+ is doing really well on that part, but in everyday use I am sure I CAN achieve regular stuff on my S9+ faster than on Pixel2 XL !
All that being said, I again feel I'm using a "smart"phone .
Edit : I was also tempted by the long-term updates which I could get 3 years long on the pixel2 xl but, hey, are we keeping our devices more than a year ? Hell no, so why bother ? I enjoy the best looking and functioning device now until another better one seduces me...

---

googy_anas said:
The camera on pixel2 xl is not that wonderful as it is said. The S9+ camera is really practical and powerful and accurate (personal pov). .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with most of your points, but you've got to be kidding regarding the camera. The pixel camera is still consistently the best out there.

---

Goronok said:
I agree with most of your points, but you've got to be kidding regarding the camera. The pixel camera is still consistently the best out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not kidding but I'm not a professional too. All I can say is that my S9+ pictures AND videos look better than what pixel2xl gave me. (Still personal pov)

---

Can I test a little bit here, I won't name the device the photo was taken with .....
First one .....

---

Second one :good:

---

What one is the Samsung? I can tell you which one is way more accurate in colour, and the better of the scene, both same auto settings and exactly the same conditions :good:

---

I've had both and like the S9+ at least a little better. I returned my 1st P2XL for a very blue display. The 2nd one started flashing brightly when the display went off. I got a good one for the 3rd, sold it before something else happened. After returning 2 units I lost my love for the device. Stock phones are so capable now I've lost the urge to root & mod. I really like the S9+, it just works well & the display is beautiful. It'll hold me until the P3 comes out. They are both great but I've never returned anything twice for defects. Some on here have had 5 or 6 rmas.

---

I had a S9+ and a Pixel 2 XL. The S9 went back for horrible black crush and smearing. Take your brightness way down and scroll through something. Also try to watch a video on Netflix. I ordered another S9 to see if it's and isolated incident. Problem is there's a thread on Android Central with the same issues. I put the S9 and Pixel next to each other. They smearing and crush looked identical. I've always been a stock Android guy, but the stereo speakers and other features on the S9 almost have me won over...if the next screen is better.