Galaxy S9 vs Pixel 2 XL: Which One Should You Buy?

Galaxy S9 edges ahead with a BeastScore of 64.8/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2018

Galaxy S9

Galaxy S9
65/ 100
Launch price$720
Google · 2017

Pixel 2 XL

Pixel 2 XL
65/ 100
Launch price$849
Head-to-head

Galaxy S9 wins 1 of 8 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S9
Galaxy S9
1 win
Pixel 2 XL
Pixel 2 XL
0 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
Galaxy S9Pixel 2 XL
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    64
    64
  • CameraTie
    72
    72
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityTie
    65
    65
  • SecurityGalaxy S9
    100
    86
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Pixel 2 XL has the bigger battery3,520 mAh vs 3,000 mAh
  • Pixel 2 XL charges faster18W vs 15W
  • Pixel 2 XL has a sharper main camera12.2 MP vs 12 MP
  • Pixel 2 XL has the bigger screen6" vs 5.8"
  • Galaxy S9 is lighter163 g vs 175 g
  • Galaxy S9 launched cheaper$720 vs $849
  • Galaxy S9 is better protected from water and dustIP68 vs IP67
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S9
  • ✓12 g lighter (163 g vs 175 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$129 cheaper at launch ($720 vs $849)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
Reasons to buy Pixel 2 XL
  • ✓Bigger 3,520 mAh battery (+520 mAh)
  • ✓12.2 MP main camera
  • ✓6" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S9Pixel 2 XL
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper AMOLEDP-OLED
Screen Size5.8"6"
Resolution & Density2960x1440 (570 ppi)2880x1440 (538 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness864 nits peak400 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 8.0Android 8.0
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory4 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage64GB / 128GB / 256GB64GB / 128GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera12 MP, f/1.5, OIS12.2 MP, f/1.8, OIS
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 Lens8 MP, f/1.78 MP, f/2.4
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S9 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm
Weight163 g175 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP67
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,000 mAh3,520 mAh
Wired Fast Charging15W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging10W wireless chargingNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth5.05.0
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.1USB-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$720$849
Our verdict

Galaxy S9 wins — BeastScore 64.8/100

The Galaxy S9 is the better pick for most people thanks to its lighter body (163 g vs 175 g) and lower launch price ($720 vs $849). The Pixel 2 XL is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (3,520 mAh vs 3,000 mAh).

Buy Galaxy S9 if you want

Brighter screen: 864 nits vs 400 nits · Lighter: 163 g vs 175 g (12 g less)

Buy Pixel 2 XL if you want

Larger battery: 3,520 mAh vs 3,000 mAh

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S9 or Pixel 2 XL?

The Galaxy S9 is the better pick for most people thanks to its lighter body (163 g vs 175 g) and lower launch price ($720 vs $849). The Pixel 2 XL is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (3,520 mAh vs 3,000 mAh). BeastScore: Galaxy S9 64.8/100, Pixel 2 XL 64.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S9 and Pixel 2 XL?

Galaxy S9 has a 5.8-inch display and 3000 mAh battery. Pixel 2 XL has a 6-inch display and 3520 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S9 and Pixel 2 XL compare for speed?

Galaxy S9 scores 64/100 for performance; Pixel 2 XL scores 64/100.

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