yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Galaxo60:
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:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Duncan1982:
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 :p

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:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] HACK3DANDR0ID:
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...
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] DaReDeViL:
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... ;)
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Goronok:
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.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] DaReDeViL:
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)
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Duncan1982:
Can I test a little bit here, I won't name the device the photo was taken with .....

First one .....
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Duncan1982:
Second one :good:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Duncan1982:
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:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] dmb219:
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.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] jdunker26:
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.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] eduardmc:
Something that people forgot to mention is that android. Is just following what samsung is doing with samsung experience. U can even see this in android p. Dropdown icon color, setting color. For years that have mimic samsung and added features that samsung phones already had for years like multitasking windows.

Pixel 2 xl is more expensive plus u get no headphone jack, expandable storage, 6gb ram, new processor, dual camera for optical zoom. Facial recognition iris scanner, wirelees charging.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] DaReDeViL:
Dex is another great argument ...
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] dmb219:
These are all legitimate advantages, as are many of the other differences. The phone has a lot of features that aren't gimmicks, they are for real. And as far as I can determine it's features work very well. My Pixel 1 and 2 both had issues with bluetooth and Android Auto. The S9+ works with no snags or surprises at least so far. I have AT&T and also have wifi calling now which is a bonus for me. Our summer vaca spot has wifi but is out of cell service in the PA mountains. I like my S9+. I unpacked it very carefully fully expecting that I would be packing it back up to return but I think I'll keep it for a while.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] x111:
Google's phones is a dead project, last good phone was nexus 6.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] eduardmc:
I sold my pixel xl (1) for the bluetooth and heat. The heat problem it was manageable since u could use a cover but this phone metal body would heat up like a toaster. The bluetooth part was annoying it would never work right. Streaming music with my car. Or using bluetooth headphone at the gym was a mess.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] dieselhazza:
I had the Note 8 and it lagged with 6GB ram and obviously a samsung thing the battery life was **** too. So switched to a Pixel 2 XL and wooow what a difference. Amazingg is an understatement
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Galaxo60:
+1000000

Exactly my same feelings, this is a real world user review.

:cowboy:

I agree with the camera, the Pixel's 2 camera is overrated no matter what; I have done a lot of pics in the last days, also in low light, and I can say that S9+ takes the same or better quality pics than the Pixel 2, and this is even more noticeable in low light, where the Pixel 2 puts a lot of noise and grain in all the scene. In daylight, dynamic range in the Pixel 2 is really nice and also stabilization in videos, but otherwise, is not something you can't manage to get with other flagship camera.

;)

This is an issue that has been reported, but is just a matter of calibration. Honestly, I don't mind that much in order to return my device and still there are workarounds to fix it.

;)

So funny, because my S9+ is even faster and smoother than my previous Pixel 2 XL.

:cyclops:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] jamgam:
Man tough decision. On my desk in front of me I've got a

S9+

P2XL

Note 8

iPhoneX

yes I have a problem and yes at least 2 need to be sold. Right off the bat I'd say they're all great phones but I'm having a tough time deciding between the P2XL and S9+. I like a lot of things about both phones.

I love the stock smoothness of Android on the P2XL. I like the fast updates and I like the native integration of google stuff and the free full res storage on google photos isn't bad (even though I use smugmug and back up there also). Biggest thing I miss about the P2XL is the headphone jack to be honest. Also as a random side note I like the dialer on the P2Xl a lot more than Samsungs.

Negatives on P2XL I guess I'd have to say screen, it's not bad but mine does have a little blue shift which I don't notice but once you see the sammy screen becomes more apparent and the bluetooth is a little wonky still (Same on OG PIxel). Works fine in my car and with headphones etc but other "bluetooth gadgets" like GameGolf and stuff are flakey. Probably wouldn't matter to 99% of the world

S9+... man what a screen. Beautiful. Headphone jack is now a lovely bonus. Fast, smooth (I'm not getting any jittery). I like the size of the S9+ better than the S8+ or the Note 8. The Camera has been very good and I've been happy with it (much happier than Note 8). The microphone when recording video is better on the s9+.

Samsung Pay is the bomb, works pretty much everywhere. Excellent technology

Negatives on the S9+ .. Bixby, bloatware (i have samsung unlocked version and why is Facebook baked in??) even though it's not as noticable as it used to be and for AT&T here in Atlanta I think the P2XL has better LTE service. No formal testing there just my own 2 eyes and experiece. Seems P2XL has better cell signal

They're both great phones (even iPhoneX is really good) and I think you'd probably be happier either way. I don't get all excited about wireless charging. It's slow. I like to charge on the way to work and I'm done for the day so I prefer fast cable charger

Well there's my semi-incoherent ramblings on the subject
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] taiseer999:
I owned a Goole Pixel 2xl and currently using a S9+, both phones are great, pros & cons of each phone are already mentioned everywhere, Samsung popularity in our region is wider while Google's is none in terms of sales points, repair centers and accessories.

Another determining factor IMHO is the design of the S9+ although its a S8+ enhanced version, yet it outweighs the Pixel in features and looks.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mahst68:
Hard Decision!

As most have pointed out, it is a hard decision. It would be very easy if the Pixel 2 XL was still priced at its normal amount but getting it for $200 off makes it tougher for sure. :confused:

Everyone has some strong opinions too on the S9+ and the Pixel 2 XL. I can say at least for 1 month; I'll be able to judge both together... however by April 15th, I'll be able to get rid of the S9+ if I want. :D

From the posts, everyone made valid points on both. There is definitely things I like about my S9+. Samsung Pay, wireless charging, camera to name a few. I just cannot get over the scrolling issues it has. I know I'm not being fair to Samsung who will probably have a patch or something out quickly to fix it.... It just bothers me that a phone with those specs would even have an issue. :crying:

I bought a Pixel 2 XL and will do my side by side. At $200 off, even if I don't like it, I could return it or sell it and still make out ok. I think what I can't escape is the ability to receive updates quickly. I change from Apple & Android phones quite frequently. And for what it is worth, hate Apple but they definitely got the update thing down-pat. 6 months after a new operating system has been out and not even 1 year old phones still don't have updates to Oreo or may never get them. Yeah, I know. I don't even keep a phone for a whole year... It just bothers me. Same goes with security updates, a month or 2 behind the patches? :eek:

Continue to post your feelings. I will probably add a real world review of both. A real VS. in the next week. Thanks for all the comments. Good strong open discussion was much appreciated and definitely helped. Now it time for me to figure out what to do after I have both in hand.... decisions, decisions, decisions......
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Galaxo60:
I don't have any scrolls issues, and yes, is kind of unfair the comparison with a phone that has been in the market for 6 months and another one that is just 1 week old.

For me, the decision was clear for the S9+ because as long as we have a good hardware, things can improve a lot through software; but software can't fix the poor hardware in the Pixel 2 XL.

Pixel 2 XL is already half time of its life span, while with S9+ you are getting the latest and greatest of everything. Besides this, I don't think updates will be a problem with Project Treble, and moreover, we already have the first AOSP ROM for the S9 thanks to this.

Is more a decision about hardware vs software. Which side are you?.

:highfive:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] tiliarou:
I like the maturity of this thread.

Just my 2 cent: wouldn't it be worth to wait for 1 or 2 months and see how samsung correct the software flaws of the s9/s9+ ? Pixel is more mature in terms of software so maybe with time and annoying scroll/battery issues solved you would keep your S9+ ?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] mahst68:
I would but the google pixel 2 XL offer ends March 31st for the $200 off so it was a "do-it" or "loose-it" situation. Not that cost is the great driving factor in this but it does have a small percentage of consideration. My carrier bill is out-of-control and I acknowledge that, so to have a phone that is not under their financing thumb is also a little bit of a decision maker also.

To be perfectly honest, neither phone is a "knock it out of the park, slam dunk" for me, but hardly anything actual is... I will probably ditch both, either one, whatever and get the U12+ when it comes out. Yeah, I know I have weird preferences but I do still like HTC phones, its hard to explain... hahaha :silly:

I mean I got the iPhone X the first day it was out... loved it, but it is a boring phone... all apple phones are boring phones. I have one for work as well. I could easily go back to Apple after the next phone comes out. I just hate missing out on Android Phones and falling behind in my tech knowledge. I have always been the nerdy friend everyone asks "what do you think of this piece of technology...?" and I never want to be an Apple snob or a Fanboy. People have preferences. Some people can hold onto a phone for 2 years and not need an upgrade... my wife is definitely one of those people. I on the other hand am like "They have that coming out??? ...just take my money!!!" :D

Contentment for a couple months is all I can hope for! Thanks for the question!
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] geoff5093:
If the Pixel 2 XL had bands 71 and 14 then it would be more competitive.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] jdunker26:
Mirrors my feelings exactly. I do think the speakers on the S9+ are better than the 2XL. I wish someone could make a phone with the best of both the S9 and the 2XL. Hey Google, are you listening?
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] DaReDeViL:
I forgot to mention that while on pixel2 xl I wasn't able to manage 2 phone calls at the same time as it was ending one of them with an error. Now with the S9+ I can easily switch between 2 phone calls without losing any one of them.
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] jazzespresso:
Many of issue with Pixel 2 XL (and so was previous Pixel phones, I know because I had one), don't take me wrong, I love Pixel 2 XL, but all the bugs (small or big), screen's blue tint (did you check swappa, buyers asking manufacture date of the phone, looks like depends on when phone made and from where..etc)...it is a shame for Google, but you can't fully blame Google since they are still new to "hardware". You have to ask yourself, that both phone charging premium price so you dont want to deal with bugs...many say that Pixel 2 XL screen not that all bad, it is actually piece of sh....t, no matter what other says...

Samsung S9+ is not bad, actually it is very impressive, but if you are coming from S8/S8+, you should not see big differences...i myself debating weather I dump my lovely Note 5 (this phone never disappointed me even if it is several years old) and move on to Samsung S9+ or wait for something better...
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] Galaxo60:
I strongly disagree with you, because indeed is Google's fault, and moreover, we can't excuse the fails in the Pixel 2 XL because they are not the ones making the phone. We need to remember that is LG the one who is manufacturing the phone.

Google has many years of history working with different manufacturers, and this is time enough to know what it should and what it shouldn't happen, and moreover if they pretend to charge you a premium price for the phone. Quality control in this device was a truly legendary fail, even some phones shipping without OS, what kind of joke is this?.

Pixel 2 XL is the most overrated phone I have seen in many years (besides iPhones), and I think Google needs to put its **** together if they plan to have a space in the market in the following years.

Regarding the S9+, is the best all rounder phone I have ever had, and even when is my first Samsung (never liked Samsung), I can honestly say is a MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR WIN, even after having Mate 9 Pro, Pixel 2 XL and U11+ in the last couple of months. Get one, you won't be disappointed at all.

:good:
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] DaReDeViL:
I also forgot to mention MTP transfer speed which was really slow on pixel2 xl and really fast on S9+.

Last argument which made me switch to S9+ was project treble support. I was sooo happy to see that the S9+ got its first test build way faster than any other phone. I am sure we'll see more development soon ...
[Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers] MHB1638:
Another thing to mention-Samsung theme engine versus a quite extensive work around to get Subtratum working.

But in reality, IMO I think the Pixel 2XL should have priced to compete with OnePlus. Google went too high on this phone (and yes I own one). Comparing software alone, Samsung at least delivers for the price it wants. Lot of little 'extra's that Samsung gives in their software. And one last note...Bluetook actually works with my Ram's Uconnect (shows on the screen). Pixel never did.