Pixel 2 Vs Galaxy S8 Was Upgrading Really Worth It Or Is The Older Samsung Still Good

In 2017, smartphone buyers faced a pivotal choice: stick with Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S8, a device that redefined design and display quality, or switch to Google’s Pixel 2, a newcomer promising pure Android and best-in-class camera performance. Years later, the question remains relevant—not just for nostalgia, but for anyone weighing value, longevity, and real-world usability in aging smartphones. Was upgrading from the Galaxy S8 to the Pixel 2 truly worth it? Or did the Samsung hold up well enough to skip the upgrade entirely?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as specs suggest. It depends on priorities—software experience, camera preferences, build durability, and long-term support. Let’s break down both devices across key categories to see where each shines and whether the upgrade made practical sense.

Design and Display: A Tale of Two Philosophies

The Galaxy S8 set a new standard for smartphone aesthetics. With its edge-to-edge 5.8-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED display, minimal bezels, and curved glass body, it felt futuristic. The Pixel 2, by contrast, adopted a more conservative design: flat glass, thicker top and bottom bezels, and a smaller 5.0-inch Full HD OLED screen (for the regular model; the Pixel 2 XL had a 6.0-inch P-OLED).

While the Pixel 2’s screen was sharp and color-accurate thanks to Google’s calibration, the S8 offered a more immersive visual experience. Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED panel delivered deeper blacks, higher peak brightness, and superior outdoor visibility. For media consumption and multitasking, the S8 had the edge.

However, build quality diverged. The Pixel 2 used aluminum framing with a glass back—elegant but prone to chipping at the corners. Early Pixel 2 XL units also suffered from screen burn-in and color tint issues. The S8, while fragile due to its glass construction, benefited from IP68 water resistance and a more polished finish.

Tip: If you prioritize screen immersion and sleek design, the Galaxy S8 remains impressive even by today’s standards.

Performance and Software: Stock Android vs Feature-Rich Skin

Both phones ran on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, making them evenly matched in raw processing power. Apps launched quickly, multitasking was smooth, and gaming performance was excellent for their time. But where they differed significantly was in software.

The Pixel 2 shipped with pure Android—clean, fast, and free of bloatware. More importantly, it received guaranteed updates directly from Google. This meant timely security patches and Android version upgrades, including Android 11—the final update before end-of-life in 2020.

The Galaxy S8 launched with Samsung Experience (formerly TouchWiz), which added features like Secure Folder, Always-On Display, and DeX desktop mode. While powerful, the interface was heavier and slower to receive OS updates. Samsung eventually delivered Android 9 Pie, but not until late 2018—two years behind the Pixel 2’s upgrade path.

“Timely software updates are often more valuable than hardware specs when judging long-term phone value.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

For users who valued a seamless, future-proof software experience, the Pixel 2’s upgrade advantage was significant. Those who preferred customization and enterprise-grade features might have found the S8’s ecosystem more compelling.

Camera Comparison: Computational Photography vs Versatility

This is where the Pixel 2 made headlines—and history. Despite having only a single rear camera (12.2MP f/1.8), it consistently outperformed dual-camera flagships in photo quality. Google’s HDR+, advanced noise reduction, and machine learning-powered processing produced stunning dynamic range, accurate colors, and exceptional low-light shots.

The Galaxy S8 also had a strong 12MP f/1.7 rear shooter with Dual Pixel autofocus. Its photos were vibrant and detailed, though sometimes oversaturated. In low light, it struggled more with noise and detail retention compared to the Pixel 2.

Feature	Pixel 2	Galaxy S8
Rear Camera	12.2MP, f/1.8, OIS	12MP, f/1.7, Dual Pixel AF
Front Camera	8MP, f/2.4	8MP, f/1.7
Low-Light Performance	Excellent (Night Sight precursor)	Good, but noisier
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps, steady cam	4K @ 30fps, slight jitter
Portrait Mode	Software-based (single lens)	Simulated via software

In head-to-head comparisons, the Pixel 2 won most photography benchmarks. Its ability to extract detail from shadows and maintain highlight integrity gave it an edge in real-world conditions. However, the S8 offered better front-facing video calls and selfies in dim lighting thanks to its wider-aperture selfie cam.

Longevity and Real-World Usability in 2024

Fast forward to today: neither phone is supported with official updates. But some users still rely on them for daily tasks. How do they hold up?

The Pixel 2 reached end-of-life in October 2020, meaning no further security patches. While it runs Android 11 smoothly, app compatibility has become spotty. Many modern apps either refuse installation or run poorly due to outdated APIs. Similarly, the Galaxy S8 stopped receiving updates after Android 9, limiting its functionality.

Battery degradation affects both equally. After six years, original batteries typically retain only 60–70% capacity. Replacement options exist, but third-party cells vary in quality. The S8’s removable battery variant (in some regions) made swaps easier, whereas the Pixel 2 required professional repair.

Tip: If using either phone today, consider flashing a lightweight custom ROM like LineageOS to improve performance and extend usability.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer in Chicago, used her Galaxy S8 from 2017 to 2019. She loved the screen for editing photos on the go but grew frustrated with sluggish updates and inconsistent camera results in night shoots. In late 2018, she traded up to a used Pixel 2 for $250.

She immediately noticed cleaner software, faster app launches, and dramatically better low-light photos—critical for her event work. “I could finally trust my phone camera in dimly lit venues,” she said. “It wasn’t just about megapixels; it was about intelligence.”

However, she missed the S8’s expandable storage and waterproofing. When her Pixel 2 developed screen flickering in 2021, she replaced it with a newer model. “The upgrade was worth it for two years,” she reflected, “but not forever.”

Checklist: Is Your Old Flagship Still Good Enough?

• ✅ Can it run essential apps (banking, messaging, maps) without crashing?
• ✅ Does the battery last through a normal day with moderate use?
• ✅ Are critical security updates still being provided?
• ✅ Is cloud backup enabled for photos and data?
• ✅ Have you considered privacy risks of using unsupported software?

If three or more apply negatively, it may be time to move on—even if the device feels functional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use a Galaxy S8 or Pixel 2 safely in 2024?

You can, but with caveats. Without security updates, both phones are vulnerable to emerging threats, especially when downloading apps or visiting untrusted sites. Use them as secondary devices or offline tools only.

Which phone had better speaker quality?

The Pixel 2 introduced stereo speakers (front-firing + bottom grill), offering richer, louder audio than the S8’s mono-like setup. Audiophiles generally preferred the Pixel 2’s sound profile.

Did the Pixel 2 fix the S8’s fingerprint sensor issue?

Yes and no. The S8’s rear-mounted fingerprint sensor was awkwardly placed next to the camera. The Pixel 2 improved ergonomics slightly, but neither offered the convenience of modern under-display sensors. Both relied on facial recognition as a secondary option—less secure than today’s implementations.

Conclusion: Weighing Value Beyond the Hype

Was upgrading from the Galaxy S8 to the Pixel 2 worth it? For many, yes—especially those prioritizing camera quality, clean software, and faster updates. The Pixel 2 represented a shift toward computational photography and user-centric design that influenced the entire industry.

But the Galaxy S8 wasn’t obsolete overnight. Its superior display, expandable storage, water resistance, and feature-rich OS gave it staying power. For users already invested in Samsung’s ecosystem, the incentive to switch was weaker.

In hindsight, the decision came down to philosophy: incremental refinement (S8) versus disruptive innovation (Pixel 2). Neither was objectively “better”—only different.

🚀 Still using an older flagship? Share your experience—was the upgrade worth it, or did your old phone surprise you with its longevity? Join the conversation below.