Galaxy Note II vs Pixel: Which One Should You Buy?

Pixel edges ahead with a BeastScore of 63.8/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2012

Galaxy Note II

Galaxy Note II
61/ 100
Launch price$650
Google · 2016

Pixel

Pixel
64/ 100
Launch price$649
Head-to-head

Pixel wins 3 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy Note II
Galaxy Note II
0 wins
Pixel
Pixel
3 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy Note IIPixel
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedPixel
    60
    64
  • CameraPixel
    60
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityPixel
    52
    72
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Galaxy Note II has the bigger battery3,100 mAh vs 2,770 mAh
  • Pixel charges faster18W vs 5W
  • Pixel has a sharper main camera12.3 MP vs 8 MP
  • Galaxy Note II has the bigger screen5.5" vs 5"
  • Pixel is lighter143 g vs 183 g
  • Pixel launched cheaper$649 vs $650
  • Pixel has a sharper selfie camera8 MP vs 1.9 MP
  • Pixel has newer Bluetooth4.2 vs 4
  • Pixel has more RAM4 GB vs 2 GB
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy Note II
  • ✓Bigger 3,100 mAh battery (+330 mAh)
  • ✓8 MP main camera
  • ✓5.5" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy Pixel
  • ✓40 g lighter (143 g vs 183 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$1 cheaper at launch ($649 vs $650)
  • ✓12.3 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy Note IIPixel
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeHD Super AMOLEDAMOLED
Screen Size5.5"5"
Resolution & Density1280x720 (267 ppi)1920x1080 (441 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness350 nits peak400 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 Pixel Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 4.1Android 7.1
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory2 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage16GB / 32GB / 64GB32GB / 128GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 Pixel Wins Camera
Primary Camera8 MP, f/2.612.3 MP, f/2
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens1.9 MP, f/2.68 MP, f/2.4
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Pixel Lightest Chassis
Dimensions151.1 x 80.5 x 9.4 mm143.8 x 69.5 x 8.5 mm
Weight183 g143 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedIP53
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,100 mAh2,770 mAh
Wired Fast Charging5W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless ChargingNot listedNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 4Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth4.04.2
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 2.0USB-C 3.1
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$650$649
Our verdict

Pixel wins — BeastScore 63.8/100

The Pixel is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (18W vs 5W) and sharper main camera (12.3 MP vs 8 MP). The Galaxy Note II is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (3,100 mAh vs 2,770 mAh).

Buy Galaxy Note II if you want

Larger battery: 3,100 mAh vs 2,770 mAh · Larger display: 5.5" vs 5"

Buy Pixel if you want

Faster wired charging: 18W vs 5W · More RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy Note II or Pixel?

The Pixel is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (18W vs 5W) and sharper main camera (12.3 MP vs 8 MP). The Galaxy Note II is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (3,100 mAh vs 2,770 mAh). BeastScore: Galaxy Note II 60.8/100, Pixel 63.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy Note II and Pixel?

Galaxy Note II has a 5.5-inch display and 3100 mAh battery. Pixel has a 5-inch display and 2770 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy Note II and Pixel compare for speed?

Galaxy Note II scores 60/100 for performance; Pixel scores 64/100.

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