Google Pixel 2 Vs Samsung S9 Was Upgrading Really Worth It 2

In 2018, smartphone buyers faced a pivotal decision: stick with Google’s pure Android promise on the Pixel 2 or embrace Samsung’s feature-packed Galaxy S9. Both phones launched within months of each other, targeting premium users who valued performance, camera quality, and long-term usability. But for those already using a Pixel 2, was upgrading to the S9 actually worth it? The answer depends on priorities—whether you value raw specs, display brilliance, or clean software and long-term updates.

Design and Build: Premium Materials, Different Philosophies

The Galaxy S9 and Pixel 2 represent two distinct design philosophies. The S9 features a sleek glass body with an aluminum frame, curved edges, and an elegant Infinity Display. Its symmetrical front and slim bezels give it a modern, high-end look. In contrast, the Pixel 2 opts for a more utilitarian design with a two-tone back—glass on top for wireless charging, plastic underneath—and a metal side frame. While functional, it lacks the visual flair of the S9.

Despite its premium feel, the S9 is more fragile. Its curved screen increases the risk of accidental drops, and both front and back are made of glass, making it prone to cracking. The Pixel 2, while less flashy, has a slightly more rugged build with Gorilla Glass 5 and water resistance rated at IP67—same as the S9. However, Samsung includes an IP68 rating on paper (though not officially certified), suggesting marginally better water protection.

Tip: If you prioritize durability over aesthetics, consider using a case—especially on the S9, where screen repairs are notoriously expensive.

Display and Visual Experience

This is where the S9 pulls ahead decisively. Its 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED panel delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility. With a resolution of 2960 x 1440, it offers sharper detail than the Pixel 2’s 5-inch Full HD P-OLED display (1920 x 1080). For media consumption, gaming, or reading in sunlight, the S9 provides a noticeably superior visual experience.

However, the higher resolution comes at a cost: battery drain. The Pixel 2’s lower-resolution screen contributes to more efficient power usage, helping it last longer despite a smaller 2,700mAh battery compared to the S9’s 3,000mAh unit.

“Samsung’s display engineering in 2018 set the benchmark for color accuracy and brightness—no other phone matched its consistency across viewing angles.” — David Kim, Display Analyst at MobileTech Review

Performance and Software: Stock Android vs Feature-Rich Skins

Under the hood, both devices used the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset (or Exynos 9810 in some regions for the S9), so raw performance was nearly identical. Apps launched quickly, multitasking was smooth, and both handled demanding games without stuttering. Real-world benchmarks showed only minor differences—usually within margin of error.

Where they diverged significantly was software. The Pixel 2 ran pure Android with immediate access to monthly security patches and major OS updates directly from Google. It received three years of guaranteed updates—a rarity at the time. The S9, running Samsung’s Experience UI (formerly TouchWiz), came with bloatware, delayed updates, and a more complex interface.

For users who preferred simplicity, faster updates, and seamless Google integration (like unlimited original-quality photo backups at the time), the Pixel 2 had a clear edge. But Samsung offered unique features like DeX desktop mode, iris scanning, and advanced camera settings that appealed to power users.

Feature	Google Pixel 2	Samsung Galaxy S9
Operating System	Pure Android 8.0 (Oreo)	Samsung Experience 9.0 (Android 8.0)
Update Support	3 years (until Android 11)	2 major OS updates + 3 years security
Bloatware	Minimal (only Google apps)	Pre-installed Samsung & carrier apps
Launch Features	Active Edge, Portrait Mode (AI-based)	AR Emoji, Super Slow-mo, Dual Aperture Camera
Storage Expansion	No microSD support	Yes, up to 400GB via microSD

Camera Comparison: One Great Sensor vs Multiple Tricks

The camera debate was intense in 2018. The Pixel 2 featured a single 12.2MP rear sensor but leveraged Google’s computational photography to deliver stunning results—especially in low light. Its HDR+ processing, noise reduction, and autofocus were class-leading. Reviews consistently ranked it as the best smartphone camera of its time, even beating phones with dual lenses.

The S9 introduced a dual-aperture lens (f/1.5 and f/2.4) that adjusted based on lighting conditions—an innovative feature. In theory, this gave it an advantage in dark environments. In practice, while the hardware was impressive, Google’s software algorithms often produced more natural-looking photos with better dynamic range and color balance.

The S9 also offered 960fps super slow-motion video—a fun party trick—but limited to short clips and lower resolution. The Pixel 2 lacked this feature entirely, focusing instead on reliable video stabilization and audio recording.

Tip: If you take most of your photos in varied lighting conditions and value consistent results over gimmicks, the Pixel 2's camera remains surprisingly competitive even today.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had been using a Pixel 2 since its launch. She loved the clean interface, timely updates, and excellent camera. But after seeing friends use the S9’s AR emojis and slow-motion videos, she wondered if she was missing out. She upgraded temporarily through a carrier deal.

She appreciated the S9’s larger, brighter screen and expandable storage—she added a 256GB card for her travel photos. However, she grew frustrated with pre-installed apps she couldn’t remove and waited six weeks for a critical security patch. After four months, she switched back to a refurbished Pixel 2 XL. “The S9 looked nicer,” she said, “but the Pixel just worked better for me.”

Step-by-Step: Should You Upgrade?

Here’s how to decide whether moving from a Pixel 2 to an S9 makes sense for your needs:

1. Evaluate Your Priorities: Do you want cutting-edge display tech and extra features? Or do you prefer reliability, fast updates, and clean software?
2. Test the Devices: Visit a store and hold both. Notice weight, screen size, and button placement. The S9 is taller and curvier; the Pixel 2 is more compact.
3. Check Update Status: By 2021, both phones lost official support. If you’re buying secondhand now, neither will receive updates—but the Pixel’s cleaner OS may run smoother longer.
4. Assess Battery Life: Use them for a day. The S9’s higher-res screen drains faster unless adaptive brightness is enabled.
5. Consider Long-Term Value: If you plan to keep the phone beyond two years, the Pixel’s simpler software may age better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Galaxy S9 have better battery life than the Pixel 2?

Not significantly. Despite a larger battery, the S9’s higher-resolution screen and background processes often resulted in similar or slightly worse endurance. Real-world usage showed both lasting about a day with moderate use.

Was the S9’s dual aperture camera a game-changer?

Technically impressive, yes—but practically, the difference in low-light photos wasn’t dramatic enough to surpass the Pixel 2’s software-enhanced shots. Most reviewers found the Pixel still captured more balanced exposures.

Could the Pixel 2 compete with flagship specs using just one rear camera?

Absolutely. The Pixel 2 proved that software optimization could outperform hardware complexity. Its single-lens setup consistently beat multi-camera rivals in photo quality, setting a precedent for future AI-driven imaging.

Final Verdict: Was Upgrading Worth It?

For most Pixel 2 owners, upgrading to the Galaxy S9 was not clearly worth it. The improvements—larger screen, fancy camera modes, expandable storage—were appealing on paper, but came with trade-offs: heavier software, slower updates, and fragility. Meanwhile, the core strengths of the Pixel 2—clean Android, superior camera processing, and update reliability—remained unmatched.

If you craved multimedia immersion and liked Samsung’s ecosystem, the S9 was a compelling upgrade. But if you valued efficiency, longevity, and a seamless digital experience, staying with the Pixel 2—or waiting for the Pixel 3—was the smarter move.

🚀 Still debating between stock purity and feature richness? Reflect on what truly enhances your daily use—not just specs, but peace of mind. Share your own upgrade story in the comments below.