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

Pixel XL 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 · 2011

Galaxy Note

Galaxy Note
61/ 100
Launch price$700
Google · 2016

Pixel XL

Pixel XL
64/ 100
Launch price$769
Head-to-head

Pixel XL wins 3 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

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

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy NotePixel XL
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedPixel XL
    60
    64
  • CameraPixel XL
    60
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityPixel XL
    32
    72
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Pixel XL has the bigger battery3,450 mAh vs 2,500 mAh
  • Pixel XL charges faster18W vs 5W
  • Pixel XL has a sharper main camera12.3 MP vs 8 MP
  • Pixel XL has the bigger screen5.5" vs 5.3"
  • Pixel XL is lighter168 g vs 178 g
  • Galaxy Note launched cheaper$700 vs $769
  • Pixel XL has a sharper selfie camera8 MP vs 2 MP
  • Pixel XL has newer Bluetooth4.2 vs 3
  • Pixel XL has more RAM4 GB vs 1 GB
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy Note
  • ✓$69 cheaper at launch ($700 vs $769)
  • ✓8 MP main camera
  • ✓5.3" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy Pixel XL
  • ✓10 g lighter (168 g vs 178 g), easier to hold
  • ✓Bigger 3,450 mAh battery (+950 mAh)
  • ✓12.3 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy NotePixel XL
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper AMOLED HDAMOLED
Screen Size5.3"5.5"
Resolution & Density1280x800 (285 ppi)2560x1440 (534 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness300 nits peak400 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 Pixel XL Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 2.3Android 7.1
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory1 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage16GB / 32GB32GB / 128GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 Pixel XL 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 Lens2 MP, f/2.68 MP, f/2.4
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Pixel XL Lightest Chassis
Dimensions146.9 x 83 x 9.7 mm154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm
Weight178 g168 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedIP53
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,500 mAh3,450 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
Bluetooth3.04.2
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 2.0USB-C 3.1
NFCYesYes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$700$769
Our verdict

Pixel XL wins — BeastScore 63.8/100

The Pixel XL is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,450 mAh vs 2,500 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 5W). The Galaxy Note is worth a look if you prefer its lower launch price ($700 vs $769).

Buy Galaxy Note if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Buy Pixel XL if you want

Larger battery: 3,450 mAh vs 2,500 mAh · Faster wired charging: 18W vs 5W

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy Note or Pixel XL?

The Pixel XL is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,450 mAh vs 2,500 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 5W). The Galaxy Note is worth a look if you prefer its lower launch price ($700 vs $769). BeastScore: Galaxy Note 60.8/100, Pixel XL 63.8/100.

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

Galaxy Note has a 5.3-inch display and 2500 mAh battery. Pixel XL has a 5.5-inch display and 3450 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy Note and Pixel XL compare for speed?

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

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