Pixel 2 Xl Vs Galaxy S5 Was Upgrading Really Worth It

In 2014, the Samsung Galaxy S5 was a flagship powerhouse—water-resistant, packed with sensors, and leading the Android pack. Fast forward to 2017, and Google’s Pixel 2 XL arrived as a premium contender promising top-tier photography and pure Android experience. For users who made the jump from the S5 to the Pixel 2 XL, the upgrade seemed inevitable. But was it truly worth it?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It's about real-world usage, longevity, user satisfaction, and whether the technological leap justified the cost and change in ecosystem. Let’s break down the transition across key areas: hardware, software, camera, battery life, and overall user experience.

Hardware Evolution: From Plastic to Premium Glass

The Galaxy S5 featured a polycarbonate body with a textured back, IP67 water resistance, and a 5.1-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display. At the time, its design was functional but polarizing—many criticized the \"hole-punched\" back and plasticky feel.

The Pixel 2 XL, by contrast, embraced a sleek, minimalist design with a stainless steel frame and glossy glass back. Its 6.0-inch P-OLED display offered edge-to-edge visuals with slimmer bezels and a taller 18:9 aspect ratio. The screen quality was a significant improvement in color accuracy and viewing angles, though early units suffered from issues like blue tint and low brightness at default settings.

Under the hood, the S5 ran on either Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 801 or Exynos 5422 depending on region, paired with 2GB of RAM. The Pixel 2 XL upgraded to the Snapdragon 835 with 4GB of RAM—double the memory and a much more efficient architecture. This translated into smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better thermal management.

Tip: When upgrading from older devices, consider how much real-world performance matters versus raw specs—smooth UI response often impacts daily use more than benchmark scores.

Software Experience: Pure Android vs Heavily Skinned OS

The Galaxy S5 shipped with Android 4.4 KitKat overlaid with Samsung’s TouchWiz—a feature-rich but notoriously bloated interface. Over time, updates slowed, and by 2017, official support had ended. Many users were stuck on Android 5.0 or 6.0 unless they rooted their device.

The Pixel 2 XL launched with Android 8.0 Oreo and guaranteed timely updates directly from Google for three years. The stock Android experience meant faster navigation, fewer pre-installed apps, and seamless integration with Google services like Assistant, Photos, and Messages.

For long-term usability, this difference was profound. Pixel owners received security patches monthly and major OS upgrades promptly. In contrast, S5 users faced declining app compatibility and increasing security risks over time.

“Moving from an aging Samsung flagship to a Pixel isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a reset. You go from fighting bloatware to enjoying a clean, fast, future-proof system.” — Adrian Liu, Mobile Tech Analyst at Android Authority

Camera Comparison: The Rise of Computational Photography

The Galaxy S5 had a competent 16MP rear camera with f/2.2 aperture, optical image stabilization, and real-time HDR. In good light, it produced solid results, but low-light performance was noisy and autofocus could be sluggish.

The Pixel 2 XL changed the game with a single 12.2MP sensor—no dual cameras, no optical zoom. Instead, Google leaned heavily into computational photography. Features like HDR+, Portrait Mode (via software), and advanced noise reduction delivered consistently excellent photos, often outperforming even higher-spec competitors.

In side-by-side tests, the Pixel 2 XL excelled in dynamic range, color reproduction, and especially low-light clarity. Night shots that looked grainy on the S5 came through sharp and balanced on the Pixel, thanks to multi-frame processing.

Feature	Galaxy S5	Pixel 2 XL
Rear Camera	16MP, f/2.2, OIS	12.2MP, f/1.8, EIS
Front Camera	2.1MP	8MP, f/2.4
Video Recording	1080p @ 30fps	4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 120fps
Low-Light Performance	Poor, high noise	Excellent with HDR+
Portrait Mode	No	Yes (software-based)

Battery Life and Charging: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

The Galaxy S5 packed a 2800mAh battery, which in 2014 provided around one day of moderate use. With lighter software demands and smaller screens, this was acceptable. However, heavy users needed daily charging, and battery degradation over time was common.

The Pixel 2 XL increased capacity to 3520mAh, yet due to the larger OLED display and power-hungry SoC, real-world endurance was only slightly better. Many reviewers noted that the phone struggled to last a full day under heavy use. Additionally, lack of fast charging in the box (only supported via USB-PD with separate purchase) frustrated some users.

On the flip side, the Pixel introduced adaptive features like Doze mode enhancements and background app restrictions, which helped extend standby time significantly compared to the S5.

Tip: If you're upgrading from an older device, prioritize software efficiency and battery optimization features—not just mAh ratings.

Real-World Upgrade Experience: A Mini Case Study

Consider Mark, a long-time Galaxy user who held onto his S5 from 2014 until late 2017. By then, the phone felt sluggish: apps crashed frequently, the camera couldn’t keep up with social media standards, and Android updates had stopped.

He upgraded to the Pixel 2 XL primarily for the camera and promise of long-term updates. His first week was transformative—photos looked professional, voice search via Google Assistant worked seamlessly, and the phone didn’t freeze when switching between Chrome tabs.

But there were trade-offs. The curved edges made accidental touches common, and the speaker quality was noticeably worse than the S5’s dual front-firing setup. Also, he missed expandable storage; the S5 supported microSD, while the Pixel did not.

Despite these quirks, Mark found the upgrade worthwhile within two months. The combination of reliable performance, superior camera, and peace of mind from ongoing updates outweighed the drawbacks.

Was the Upgrade Worth It? A Step-by-Step Evaluation

To determine if moving from the Galaxy S5 to the Pixel 2 XL was justified, consider this decision timeline:

1. Assess Your Current Device (S5): Is it still receiving updates? Does it run modern apps smoothly? If not, an upgrade is likely overdue.
2. Identify Pain Points: Was the camera lacking? Was the interface slow? Did multitasking fail? These help prioritize what matters in a new phone.
3. Evaluate New Device Strengths (Pixel 2 XL): Focus on long-term benefits—software support, camera quality, build materials—not just immediate novelty.
4. Test Real-World Usability: Try the phone for at least two weeks. Note responsiveness, comfort, and daily reliability.
5. Weigh Trade-Offs: Accept that some features may be lost (e.g., SD card, replaceable battery) while others improve dramatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Pixel 2 XL fix the Galaxy S5’s outdated software issues?

Absolutely. The S5 stopped receiving major updates after Android 6.0, leaving it vulnerable and incompatible with newer apps. The Pixel 2 XL received three years of OS updates and continuous security patches, ensuring longevity and safety.

Can a single-lens camera really beat a higher-resolution sensor?

Yes—especially when backed by strong software. The Pixel 2 XL used machine learning and HDR+ processing to produce better dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light detail than the S5’s 16MP shooter, despite fewer megapixels.

Was the price jump justified?

The Galaxy S5 launched at $649; the Pixel 2 XL started at $849. While more expensive, the latter offered a longer usable lifespan, better resale value, and access to exclusive Google features—making the investment reasonable for tech-conscious users.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Upgrade Was Worth It

Moving from the Galaxy S5 to the Pixel 2 XL wasn’t just a hardware refresh—it was a generational leap in mobile computing. Users gained access to smarter software, vastly improved photography, and a cleaner, more secure Android experience.

While the Pixel 2 XL had its flaws—questionable display quality at launch, average speakers, and no expandable storage—the core experience was undeniably more modern and sustainable. For anyone still clinging to a 2014-era flagship in 2017, the upgrade represented not just new features, but renewed relevance in a rapidly evolving digital world.

💬 Upgraded from an older Samsung to a Pixel? Share your story below. Help others decide whether the switch is right for them!