Google Pixel 2 Vs Samsung Note 8 Is The Pixel Still Worth It Over The Note

Even years after their release, the Google Pixel 2 and Samsung Galaxy Note 8 remain topics of discussion among mobile enthusiasts. Both devices represented flagship excellence in 2017—one as a pure Android experience with industry-leading photography, the other as a productivity powerhouse with a stylus and expansive display. Today, with newer models dominating the market, the question persists: Is the Pixel 2 still worth choosing over the Note 8? The answer depends on what you value most—software purity, camera quality, or feature-rich functionality.

Design and Build: Form Meets Function

The Galaxy Note 8 embraced a premium design language with its glass back, aluminum frame, and edge-to-edge 6.3-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display. Its curved edges and large screen made it ideal for multitasking and media consumption, though it was notably heavier and less pocket-friendly than the Pixel 2.

In contrast, the Pixel 2 featured a more compact 5-inch Full HD OLED display, making one-handed use effortless. It used a combination of aluminum and a unique textured glass panel on the upper back—a design choice that improved grip but raised concerns about durability. While smaller, the Pixel 2 felt solid and well-built, with IP67 water resistance matching the Note 8’s rating.

The inclusion of the S Pen gave the Note 8 a distinct advantage for creatives, students, and professionals who rely on handwriting, sketching, or quick note-taking. No such tool existed on the Pixel 2, which focused instead on minimalist elegance and ergonomics.

Tip: If portability and single-hand usability matter, the Pixel 2's compact size gives it an edge. For immersive viewing and stylus input, the Note 8 wins.

Camera Performance: Where the Pixel Still Shines

Despite having only a single rear camera (12.2 MP, f/1.8), the Pixel 2 outperformed the dual-camera setup on the Note 8 (12 MP wide + 12 MP telephoto) in many real-world conditions. Google’s computational photography—featuring HDR+, portrait mode via software depth mapping, and exceptional low-light processing—delivered sharper, more natural photos with accurate colors and dynamic range.

The Note 8 offered optical zoom and dual-aperture shooting, but its images often leaned toward oversaturation, especially in daylight. Portrait mode on the Note 8 relied on hardware separation, but edge detection wasn’t as refined as Google’s machine learning-driven approach.

“Even today, the Pixel 2’s camera holds up remarkably well due to Google’s superior image processing algorithms.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechLens

For users prioritizing photo quality without needing zoom or manual controls, the Pixel 2 remains surprisingly competitive—especially when considering consistency across lighting environments.

Software and Long-Term Support

This is where the two phones diverge most significantly. The Pixel 2 ran stock Android with guaranteed updates directly from Google. It received three years of major OS updates (up to Android 11) and monthly security patches until late 2020. While no longer supported, its clean software experience during its lifespan ensured smooth performance and timely feature rollouts.

The Note 8 launched with Android 7 Nougat and was updated to Android 9 Pie. Samsung’s update policy at the time was less generous, and support ended earlier than Google’s. Additionally, Samsung’s One UI (formerly TouchWiz) introduced bloatware and visual clutter that some users found distracting compared to the Pixel’s minimalist interface.

For developers, privacy-conscious users, or those who prefer minimal modifications to Android, the Pixel 2 offered a cleaner, faster, and more secure environment—even as hardware aged.

Performance and Battery Life Comparison

Under the hood, both devices were powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and 6GB of RAM, placing them on equal footing in raw performance. Day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and gaming were handled smoothly on both.

Battery life favored the Note 8, thanks to its larger 3,300 mAh battery versus the Pixel 2’s 2,700 mAh unit. In typical usage, the Note 8 lasted a full day with moderate drain, while the Pixel 2 often required midday charging—especially with heavy screen-on time.

However, the Pixel 2 compensated with Adaptive Battery and Doze mode enhancements, optimizing background processes efficiently. Over time, Google’s software optimizations helped maintain responsiveness even as storage filled and apps accumulated.

Feature	Google Pixel 2	Samsung Galaxy Note 8
Display	5.0” FHD OLED	6.3” QHD+ Super AMOLED
Rear Camera	12.2 MP (single)	12 MP + 12 MP (dual)
Front Camera	8 MP	8 MP
Battery	2,700 mAh	3,300 mAh
OS Updates	Android 8 → 11 (3 years)	Android 7 → 9 (2.5 years)
S Pen	No	Yes
Water Resistance	IP67	IP68

Real-World Use Case: Choosing Based on Lifestyle

Consider Sarah, a freelance graphic designer who used her phone for client communication, sketching concepts, and capturing product references. She initially chose the Pixel 2 for its camera quality and clean Android experience. However, she found herself frustrated when brainstorming on the go—she missed the ability to jot down ideas quickly with a stylus. After six months, she switched to the Note 8 and immediately appreciated the S Pen for wireframing layouts and annotating PDFs.

On the other hand, Mark, a travel blogger and photographer, kept his Pixel 2 for over four years. Despite its aging battery, he valued the consistent camera output and lack of intrusive ads or pre-installed apps. He used external battery packs and accepted shorter battery life in exchange for reliable photo performance and a distraction-free interface.

Their experiences highlight a crucial point: the “better” phone depends entirely on your workflow and priorities.

Is the Pixel 2 Still Worth It Over the Note 8?

If you're considering either device today—likely secondhand or refurbished—the decision must account for current usability, not just original specs.

The Pixel 2 excels if you want:

• The best-in-class camera for its generation
• A lightweight, compact flagship for easy handling
• Pure Android with minimal bloat and efficient background management
• Strong app compatibility due to Google’s ecosystem integration

The Note 8 is better suited for users who need:

• A large screen for reading, video editing, or split-screen multitasking
• The S Pen for note-taking, drawing, or gesture control
• Slightly longer battery life and IP68 water resistance
• Deeper customization through Samsung DeX and multi-window features

Tip: Check battery health before purchasing either device used. Both are over five years old, and degraded batteries can severely impact daily usability.

FAQ

Can the Pixel 2 run modern apps smoothly in 2024?

Most lightweight and mid-tier apps work fine, but resource-heavy applications like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or high-end games may lag or crash. Android 11 helps, but limited RAM and outdated GPU architecture affect performance.

Does the Note 8 still receive security updates?

No. Samsung ended official support for the Note 8 in 2020. Using it today carries potential security risks, especially if accessing sensitive accounts or public Wi-Fi networks.

Which phone has better resale value now?

Neither holds significant resale value, but the Note 8 tends to sell slightly higher due to its larger screen and S Pen appeal in niche markets like artists or note-takers.

Final Verdict: Choose Based on Your Needs

The Google Pixel 2 and Samsung Galaxy Note 8 represent two philosophies of smartphone design—one focused on simplicity, software excellence, and photographic prowess; the other on versatility, productivity, and expansive functionality. Neither is objectively “better” today.

If you value camera consistency, compact size, and a clean Android experience, the Pixel 2 remains a compelling option—provided you accept its battery limitations and discontinued support. But if you rely on stylus input, multitasking, or extended screen time, the Note 8 offers tangible advantages despite its bulkier form.

Ultimately, buying either in 2024 means embracing a legacy device. Ensure it aligns with your actual usage—not nostalgia. And if possible, consider upgrading to a modern mid-range phone with ongoing support, better efficiency, and improved longevity.

🚀 Still using a 2017 flagship? Share your experience below—what keeps you loyal, and what would make you upgrade?