Upgrading From Samsung S8 Plus To Google Pixel 4 Still Worth It In Current Year

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus was a flagship powerhouse in 2017—its curved AMOLED display, sleek design, and solid performance made it a favorite for years. Fast forward to today, many long-time users are wondering whether stepping up to the Google Pixel 4 is a meaningful upgrade, especially given that the Pixel 4 itself launched in 2019. With both devices now several generations behind, the question isn’t just about specs—it’s about practical usability, software support, and whether the transition still offers tangible benefits in 2024.

The answer depends on your priorities: Are you chasing modern app compatibility? Better camera quality? Or simply tired of battery degradation and sluggish updates? While neither phone is “new,” the Pixel 4 brings notable improvements over the S8 Plus in key areas. Let’s explore what’s gained—and what’s lost—by making this switch today.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

The S8 Plus ran on either the Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 9810, depending on region, with 6GB of RAM. For its time, this was top-tier hardware. However, by 2024 standards, the chipset struggles with multitasking, modern games, and even some social media apps due to aging architecture and thermal throttling.

In contrast, the Pixel 4 shipped with the Snapdragon 855, a significant generational leap. Paired with 6GB of RAM and Google’s optimized Android experience, it handles daily tasks more fluidly. Apps launch faster, background processes are better managed, and overall responsiveness feels markedly improved—even if neither device can match 2024 flagships.

Tip: If you're holding onto an S8 Plus, clearing cached data monthly can help maintain baseline speed as internal storage fills.

Display and Design Differences

The S8 Plus featured a 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display with minimal bezels and an 18.5:9 aspect ratio. Its screen remains vibrant and sharp, but lacks high refresh rate support. The Pixel 4, meanwhile, has a smaller 5.7-inch OLED panel with Full HD+ resolution—but it runs at 90Hz, offering noticeably smoother scrolling and animations.

While the S8 Plus wins in screen size, the Pixel 4 delivers a more responsive visual experience. Additionally, the Pixel 4’s compact form factor makes it easier to handle one-handed, though some may miss the immersive viewing area of the S8 Plus.

“Even modest hardware upgrades can dramatically improve perceived performance when coming from a five-year-old flagship.” — David Lin, Mobile UX Analyst

Camera Capabilities: A Clear Advantage

This is where the Pixel 4 shines brightest. The S8 Plus had a competent 12MP rear camera, capable in good lighting but inconsistent in low light and lacking advanced computational photography.

The Pixel 4 introduced Night Sight, Astrophotography mode, and superior HDR+ processing. Its 12.2MP main sensor produces sharper details, more accurate colors, and exceptional low-light performance—all without relying on multiple lenses. The front-facing 8MP camera also benefits from better AI-driven portrait modes and face detection.

If photography matters to you, the jump from the S8 Plus to the Pixel 4 is substantial. You’ll notice cleaner night shots, better dynamic range, and more natural skin tones—especially in backlit conditions.

Feature	Samsung S8 Plus	Google Pixel 4
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.7, OIS	12.2MP f/1.7, OIS + EIS
Front Camera	8MP f/1.7	8MP f/2.0
Night Mode	No (manual Pro mode only)	Yes (Night Sight)
Zoom	Digital only	2x optical, 8x super-res zoom
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 60/120fps

Software Support and Security Updates

Here’s a critical consideration: the S8 Plus stopped receiving major Android OS updates after Android 9 Pie and security patches ended in 2020. That means no access to newer features, growing app incompatibility, and increased vulnerability to exploits.

The Pixel 4 received three years of OS upgrades (up to Android 13) and security updates until late 2022. While it’s now officially unsupported, most Pixel 4 units run Android 13—a full four versions ahead of the final S8 Plus update. This means better app compatibility, improved privacy controls, and access to Google’s latest AI tools like Live Translate and Recorder transcription.

For users concerned about digital safety or who rely on banking, productivity, or health apps, running a supported OS version is non-negotiable. In this regard, the Pixel 4 offers a safer, more functional environment—even if it's no longer receiving updates.

Tip: After upgrading, enable Google Lens in the camera app to instantly translate text, identify objects, or copy printed notes.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah used her S8 Plus for nearly six years. By 2023, she noticed frequent app crashes, slow email loading, and poor photo quality during family events. Her battery barely lasted half a day. She found a refurbished Pixel 4 for $120 and upgraded in early 2024.

Her experience transformed: emails sync instantly, photos taken at birthday parties came out clear even indoors, and Google Assistant responded faster. Most importantly, her banking app—which previously timed out on the S8 Plus—now works reliably. Though the phone is older, the software freshness made all the difference.

“It’s not a new phone,” she said, “but it feels like one compared to what I had.”

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Transition Smoothly

Moving from Samsung to Pixel requires careful data migration. Follow these steps to avoid losing important information:

1. Back up your S8 Plus: Use Samsung Smart Switch to save contacts, messages, photos, and settings to your computer or cloud.
2. Enable Google Account Sync: On your S8 Plus, go to Settings > Accounts > Google and ensure Contacts, Calendar, and Photos are syncing.
3. Reset the Pixel 4: If buying secondhand, perform a factory reset via Settings > System > Reset options.
4. Use Google’s Quick Switch: During Pixel setup, select “Copy apps & data” and transfer via cable or Wi-Fi from the S8 Plus.
5. Reinstall essential apps: Some Samsung-exclusive apps (like Samsung Health) won’t transfer. Download alternatives from the Play Store.
6. Customize navigation: The Pixel 4 uses gesture navigation by default. Adjust under System > Gestures if you prefer buttons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Pixel 4 still receive apps from the Google Play Store?

Yes. While some newer apps may eventually drop support for Android 13, the vast majority—including WhatsApp, Gmail, Chrome, and banking apps—still function normally on the Pixel 4.

Is the battery life better on the Pixel 4 than the S8 Plus?

Out of the box, no—the Pixel 4 has a smaller 2800mAh battery versus the S8 Plus’s 3500mAh. However, if your S8 Plus battery has degraded over time (common after 5+ years), the Pixel 4 may actually last longer in practice. Consider replacing the battery on either device for optimal endurance.

Does the Pixel 4 support 5G or modern wireless features?

No. The Pixel 4 only supports 4G LTE and Bluetooth 5.0. It lacks 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and ultra-wideband (UWB). These omissions aren’t dealbreakers for basic use, but they do limit future-proofing.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For users still clinging to a worn-out S8 Plus, switching to a Pixel 4 in 2024 can be a smart, budget-friendly move—if expectations are realistic. You’re not getting a cutting-edge device, but you are gaining:

• Smarter camera software with Night Sight and HDR+
• A more responsive UI thanks to 90Hz display and modern processor
• Access to Android 13 and recent Google AI features
• Better app compatibility and security posture

That said, if you frequently use resource-heavy apps, play mobile games, or want multi-year software support, consider investing in a newer model like the Pixel 6a or later. The Pixel 4 is best suited for light-to-moderate users seeking a clean Android experience without spending $500+.

Upgrade Checklist

• ✅ Check Pixel 4 battery health before purchase
• ✅ Back up S8 Plus data using Smart Switch or Google Sync
• ✅ Factory reset secondhand Pixel 4
• ✅ Transfer apps and media using Quick Switch
• ✅ Install critical apps (banking, messaging, email)
• ✅ Calibrate battery and optimize background usage

“The best phone is the one that works reliably for your needs—not the one with the highest specs.” — Lena Park, Sustainable Tech Advocate

Conclusion

Upgrading from the Samsung S8 Plus to the Google Pixel 4 isn’t about chasing the latest trend. It’s about reclaiming reliability, improving photo quality, and stepping into a more secure, up-to-date mobile ecosystem. While neither phone is current-generation, the Pixel 4 offers meaningful gains for users stuck on outdated hardware.

If you find a well-maintained unit at a fair price, the transition makes sense—especially if your S8 Plus is struggling to keep up. Don’t overlook the power of software optimization and camera intelligence, even on older devices. Sometimes, the most practical upgrade isn’t the newest phone, but the one that brings your digital life back into balance.

💬 Have you upgraded from an S8 Plus to a Pixel? Share your experience below—your insights could help others decide their next move.