Pixel Vs Galaxy S8 Was Ditching Samsung For Google Worth It

In 2017, the smartphone landscape shifted dramatically when Google launched its first truly competitive flagship: the Pixel. For years, Samsung had dominated the Android space with its Galaxy series, and the Galaxy S8 stood as a paragon of design, hardware, and polish. But Google’s entry promised something different—stock Android, guaranteed updates, and what many considered the best camera on any phone at the time. So, for users considering a switch from Samsung to Google, the question became: was ditching the Galaxy S8 for the Pixel actually worth it?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about daily usability, ecosystem loyalty, update reliability, and long-term satisfaction. Based on real-world usage, user feedback, and technical analysis, let’s break down whether making the leap from Samsung to Google paid off.

Design and Build: Premium vs Purposeful

The Galaxy S8 set a new standard for smartphone aesthetics in 2017. With its edge-to-edge “Infinity Display,” curved glass, and aluminum frame, it felt like a device from the future. The slim bezels and seamless symmetry made it not only visually stunning but also comfortable to hold despite its large screen.

In contrast, the original Pixel adopted a more utilitarian approach. Its design featured a two-tone back—glass on top, plastic below—with a metal band around the edges. While solidly built, it lacked the visual flair of the S8. Some praised its grip and reduced fingerprint smudging; others missed the elegance of Samsung’s craftsmanship.

But build quality isn’t everything. The S8’s curved screen posed challenges for screen protectors and accidental touches. Meanwhile, the Pixel’s flat display offered better practicality and compatibility with accessories.

“Samsung prioritized beauty; Google focused on functionality. Neither is wrong—but your preference depends on how you use your phone.” — David Lin, Mobile Tech Analyst at Android Authority

Tip: If you value sleek design and immersive visuals, the S8 remains appealing. If you prefer durability and ease of repair, the Pixel’s simpler construction wins.

Software Experience: Stock Android vs Feature-Rich Skins

This is where the fundamental difference lies. The Pixel runs pure Android—the way Google intended. No bloatware, no redundant apps, no delays in OS updates. When Android 8.0 Oreo or 8.1 rolled out, Pixel users got it first. Security patches arrived monthly, often within days of release.

Samsung’s Galaxy S8, while powerful, ran TouchWiz (later rebranded as One UI), a heavily customized skin atop Android. It came with extra features: split-screen multitasking, always-on display, Bixby, and DeX support. However, these enhancements added complexity and delayed updates. The S8 received Android 8.0 months after the Pixel did—and even then, rollout was staggered across regions and carriers.

For power users who wanted control and speed, stock Android was liberating. No pre-installed Facebook, no duplicate calendar apps, no forced cloud services. Everything worked smoothly, consistently, and predictably.

Update Timeline Comparison (2017–2019)

Milestone	Google Pixel	Samsung Galaxy S8
Android 8.0 Release	August 2017	December 2017
Android 8.1 Release	December 2017	March 2018
Security Patch (Jan 2018)	January 5, 2018	February 1, 2018
Total Major Updates	2 (up to Android 10)	2 (up to Android 9)

While both phones eventually stopped receiving major updates after two years, the Pixel maintained faster, more reliable patch delivery throughout its lifecycle.

Camera Performance: The Game Changer

If there was one reason people switched from the S8 to the Pixel, it was the camera. Despite using a single rear sensor (while the S8 also had one), the Pixel consistently outperformed its rivals in photo quality thanks to Google’s computational photography.

Night Sight wasn’t available yet, but HDR+ processing delivered exceptional dynamic range, accurate colors, and remarkable low-light performance. Photos taken on the Pixel often looked sharper and more natural than those from the S8—even though the S8 had higher megapixel counts and optical image stabilization.

Versus the S8, the Pixel excelled in challenging lighting. Backlit scenes? Better exposure. Indoor shots? Less noise. Portrait mode? More accurate edge detection and background blur, all without a second lens.

“The Pixel proved that hardware matters less than software intelligence. It redefined what a smartphone camera could do.” — Marques Brownlee, Tech Reviewer

Real-World Example: Travel Photography

Consider Sarah, a frequent traveler who owned an S8 before upgrading to a Pixel. On a trip to Morocco, she noticed a stark difference: her S8 struggled with bright sunlight reflecting off white-washed buildings, blowing out highlights. The Pixel automatically balanced exposure, preserving detail in shadows and skies. Indoors, in dimly lit markets, the Pixel captured vibrant colors without flash, while the S8 produced grainy, underexposed images. Over time, she found herself reaching for her phone instead of her DSLR—something she never did with the S8.

Battery Life and Daily Usability

The Galaxy S8 had a 3000mAh battery; the Pixel had 2770mAh. On paper, Samsung should have lasted longer. In practice, results were mixed.

The S8’s larger battery was offset by its power-hungry Quad HD+ display and background processes from Samsung’s software suite. Many users reported needing to charge by late afternoon under moderate use.

The Pixel, with its smaller Full HD screen and optimized Android, often matched or slightly exceeded the S8 in real-world endurance. Additionally, the Pixel supported fast charging out of the box (with the proper charger), while Samsung limited fast charging to select models and accessories.

However, the S8 had one advantage: wireless charging and IP68 water resistance—features absent on the original Pixel. That mattered for users with active lifestyles or concerns about spills and weather.

Tip: If you rely on wireless charging or take your phone near water, the S8 still holds advantages. If you prioritize consistent performance and efficient battery management, the Pixel delivers.

Should You Have Switched? A Decision Checklist

Switching ecosystems is never trivial. Here’s a checklist to evaluate whether moving from Galaxy S8 to Pixel made sense for your needs:

• ✅ Do you value timely software updates and clean Android?
• ✅ Is camera quality your top priority, especially in low light?
• ✅ Do you dislike bloatware and prefer a minimalist interface?
• ❌ Do you rely on Samsung-specific features like DeX, Secure Folder, or Bixby Routines?
• ❌ Are wireless charging and water resistance essential to you?
• ✅ Are you willing to sacrifice some design flair for better long-term support?

If three or more checkmarks align with the “✅” items, the switch likely made sense. If the “❌” factors matter more, sticking with Samsung was the smarter move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Pixel have better call quality than the S8?

Call quality was generally comparable, though some users noted the Pixel had slightly clearer audio in noisy environments due to superior noise cancellation algorithms. However, Samsung’s speakerphone was louder and more balanced.

Could the Pixel replace Samsung’s productivity tools?

Not entirely. Features like Samsung DeX (desktop mode) and multi-window tasking gave the S8 an edge for business users. The Pixel relied more on third-party apps or cloud integration, which worked well but required adaptation.

Is the Pixel still usable today?

As of 2024, neither phone receives official updates. However, the Pixel can run custom ROMs like LineageOS, extending its life. The S8, due to its broader hardware support, also has active modding communities, but security risks increase over time.

Final Verdict: Was It Worth It?

For tech enthusiasts, early adopters, and photography-focused users, switching from the Galaxy S8 to the Pixel was absolutely worth it. Google offered a compelling alternative: a phone that didn’t win on specs but triumphed through intelligence, consistency, and long-term software care.

The S8 remained a beautifully engineered device with strong multimedia capabilities and ecosystem integration. But the Pixel represented a shift—a vision of Android that prioritized user experience over gimmicks, updates over flashy features, and software mastery over hardware excess.

In hindsight, the Pixel didn’t just compete with Samsung—it challenged the entire industry to rethink what a flagship phone should be. And for many, that made the switch not just worthwhile, but necessary.

💬 Have you made the jump from Samsung to Pixel—or vice versa? Share your experience, lessons learned, and whether you’d do it again in the comments below.