Pixel 2 Vs Galaxy S8 Why Are People Still Debating This In Current Year 2

It’s 2025. Flagship smartphones now come with AI processors, foldable displays, and camera systems that rival professional DSLRs. Yet, somewhere in online forums, Reddit threads, and niche tech communities, a surprising debate persists: Google Pixel 2 versus Samsung Galaxy S8. At first glance, it seems absurd. Both phones launched in 2017—seven years ago. They run on outdated hardware, lack modern software support, and wouldn’t pass basic performance tests by today’s standards. So why does this comparison still spark passionate arguments?

The answer isn’t about specs or speed. It’s about legacy, user experience, and a turning point in smartphone history when two very different philosophies collided—and left a lasting impression.

A Clash of Design Philosophies

The Galaxy S8 and Pixel 2 represented two divergent visions for what a flagship phone should be. The S8 was a bold leap into the future. With its nearly bezel-less Infinity Display, curved glass body, and sleek minimalism, it redefined aesthetics in 2017. It felt like holding a piece of sci-fi cinema. Samsung pushed hardware boundaries, integrating iris scanning, IP68 water resistance, and a vibrant AMOLED screen that set industry benchmarks.

In contrast, the Pixel 2 took a restrained approach. Its design was functional, even conservative—flat aluminum sides, a compact form factor, and a smaller 5-inch Full HD display. But where it lacked flash, it made up in refinement. The build quality was precise, the ergonomics intuitive, and the software experience pure Android at its cleanest.

This fundamental contrast—Samsung’s innovation-driven hardware ambition versus Google’s software-first, minimalist philosophy—created a divide that still resonates. Fans of the S8 praise its forward-thinking design; Pixel 2 loyalists value its simplicity and long-term reliability.

“Sometimes the most impactful devices aren’t the ones with the most features, but the ones that get the fundamentals right.” — David Liu, Mobile Industry Analyst at TechTrends

Software Longevity and User Experience

One reason these phones remain in conversation is their software legacy. The Pixel 2 was the first Pixel to receive three years of guaranteed Android updates—a big deal at the time. For users who valued staying current with OS releases, security patches, and Google’s AI-powered features (like Night Sight, introduced later), the Pixel series became synonymous with longevity and trust.

The Galaxy S8, while initially running a heavily customized version of Android (TouchWiz, later rebranded as Samsung Experience), received significant update delays. Many users waited months for major Android versions, and security patches were inconsistent. This frustrated enthusiasts who wanted timely access to new features.

But here’s the twist: despite slower updates, the S8’s powerful Snapdragon 835 and ample RAM allowed it to remain usable longer than expected. Some users report still booting up their S8s for secondary tasks as late as 2024. That durability—both physical and functional—has earned it a cult following.

Tip: If you're using older devices, disable animations and background processes to extend usability beyond official support.

Camera Performance: The Benchmark That Lasted

No discussion of the Pixel 2 is complete without mentioning its camera. In 2017, it outperformed every smartphone in DxOMark’s rankings—not because of megapixels or multiple lenses, but due to computational photography. Google leveraged machine learning and HDR+ to produce stunning dynamic range, accurate colors, and exceptional low-light performance.

The Galaxy S8, while competent, relied more on optical quality and traditional processing. Its photos looked polished but often over-sharpened or oversaturated. In side-by-side comparisons, especially in challenging lighting, the Pixel 2 consistently delivered more natural results.

Even today, some amateur photographers keep a Pixel 2 as a backup device for casual shooting. Why? Because its camera algorithm was so well-tuned that later models didn’t drastically improve upon it until the Pixel 3. That consistency built immense brand trust.

Feature	Pixel 2	Galaxy S8
Processor	Snapdragon 835	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 9810
RAM	4GB	4GB
Rear Camera	12.2MP (f/1.8)	12MP Dual Pixel (f/1.7)
Software Updates	3 years (Android 10)	2 major updates (Android 9)
Water Resistance	IP67	IP68
Battery	2700mAh	3000mAh
Charging	Fast charging only	Fast + Wireless charging

Nostalgia and the “Last Good Phone” Myth

Human memory plays a powerful role in tech nostalgia. Many users remember the Pixel 2 and S8 not just as devices, but as symbols of a simpler era—when phones fit in pockets, apps were less intrusive, and bloatware wasn’t standard. The idea that “phones were better back then” isn’t entirely factual, but it’s emotionally real.

For some, the Pixel 2 was their first clean Android experience—free from carrier skins and pre-installed junk. For others, the S8 was their introduction to edge-to-edge displays and facial recognition. These weren’t just upgrades; they were revelations.

This emotional attachment fuels ongoing debates. People aren’t arguing over benchmark scores anymore—they’re defending memories, experiences, and a sense of authenticity they feel has been lost in today’s bloated, subscription-laden ecosystem.

Mini Case Study: The Reseller Who Still Buys Pixels

Jamal Reed runs a small electronics refurbishment shop in Portland. Since 2019, he’s noticed an unusual trend: demand for used Pixel 2 XL units hasn’t dropped to zero, even as newer models flood the market. “I get customers asking specifically for Pixels,” he says. “Not the latest one—sometimes the second or third gen. They want something simple, reliable, and not full of ads.”

One customer, a retired teacher, bought a refurbished Pixel 2 in 2022 and used it daily until early 2024. “She didn’t need 5G or a folding screen,” Jamal explains. “She just wanted to take good photos of her garden and read news without pop-ups. The Pixel did that perfectly.”

Stories like this highlight a growing counter-movement: digital minimalism. As smartphones become more complex, some users actively seek older, simpler devices. The Pixel 2 and S8 represent accessible entry points into that world.

Why the Debate Still Matters

The continued discussion around the Pixel 2 and Galaxy S8 reflects deeper concerns in the tech community:

• Sustainability: How long should phones last? Both devices exceeded typical lifecycle expectations, raising questions about planned obsolescence.
• User Control: The Pixel offered near-stock Android, giving users more control. The S8, while customizable, came with Samsung’s ecosystem lock-ins.
• Value Perception: At launch, both cost over $700. Today, their enduring usability challenges the notion that premium price equals premium lifespan.

These issues are more relevant now than ever. With increasing scrutiny on e-waste, repairability, and software support timelines, revisiting older flagships helps frame what consumers truly need—not just what companies sell.

Checklist: What Made These Phones Stand the Test of Time

1. ✅ Solid build quality with durable materials
2. ✅ Timely (or sufficient) software updates for their era
3. ✅ Strong single-lens camera performance through software optimization
4. ✅ Compact size and one-handed usability
5. ✅ Active developer and modding community support post-EOL
6. ✅ Reliable battery management with replaceable units (in some variants)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Pixel 2 or Galaxy S8 still be used in 2025?

Technically, yes—but with serious limitations. Neither receives security updates, making them vulnerable to modern threats. Basic functions like calling, messaging, and offline media playback work, but web browsing and app usage are hindered by compatibility issues. They’re best suited for offline use or as retro collectibles.

Which phone had better long-term support?

The Pixel 2 had superior software support, receiving updates up to Android 10 and security patches until early 2020. The Galaxy S8 got Android 9 and sporadic security updates until late 2020, but rollout times varied significantly by region and carrier.

Is there any reason to buy either phone today?

Only for specific purposes: as a lightweight secondary device, for app development testing, or for collectors interested in smartphone evolution. For daily use, even budget 2025 phones outperform both in speed, security, and efficiency.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Throwback

The debate between the Pixel 2 and Galaxy S8 isn’t really about which phone was better in 2017. It’s a reflection of what users miss in today’s smartphone landscape: intentionality, durability, and meaningful innovation. While newer devices offer incredible power, they often sacrifice simplicity and longevity.

By remembering phones like the Pixel 2 and S8, we hold manufacturers accountable. We remind them that excellence isn’t just about adding features—it’s about refining the experience. Whether you favored stock Android or curved glass, this debate keeps alive a crucial conversation: what should a smartphone *feel* like to use?

🚀 Still using an old favorite phone? Or do you think we’ve moved past the golden era of smartphones? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.