With Google having released its next major smartphone, now is the ideal time to make the iPhone 8 vs Pixel 2 comparison. The Google handset is intended to provide a serious rival to the iconic Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) device, but has the mega-corporation been successful?
Design
Although Google has attempted to produce an attractive smartphone with the Pixel 2, and for that matter the entire Pixel series, there is no doubt that the iPhone remains iconic, instantly recognizable, and aesthetically superior to virtually everything else on the market. Unfortunately, the Pixel 2 just doesn’t match up in this area.
Size
In the iPhone 8 vs Pixel 2 comparison, size is clearly of critical importance, and it is interesting to report that the iPhone 8 is significantly smaller. Certainly traditionally Apple has always favored more compact mobile devices, even if it is moving away from this ideal recently. But the iPhone 8 definitely delivers the more compact package here.
The iPhone 8 measures 38.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm (5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in), while the dimensions of the Google Pixel 2 are 145.7 x 69.7 x 7.8 mm (5.74 x 2.74 x 0.31 in). While the Google device does accommodate a larger display, this is still a significant enough difference to suggest that the iPhone 8 is superior practically and aesthetically.
Weight
Despite the iPhone 8 being significantly smaller than the Google Pixel 2, the former is still slightly heavier. Weighing in at 148g, this handset is a mere 5g heavier than the Google Pixel 2. Although this makes almost no difference whatsoever in practical terms, it is perhaps slightly surprising that the smaller unit is heavier.
Display
In the iPhone 8 vs Pixel 2 comparison, the displays of the two devices is obviously of critical importance. Consumers expect smartphone screens to be of outstanding quality nowadays, and there is almost a maniacal obsession among manufacturers to deliver ever larger screens.
Thus, it is interesting to note that the Apple iPhone 8 features a 4.7-inch display that is starting to look a little dated. Although Apple founder Steve Jobs favored smaller smartphone displays, this clearly doesn’t mesh with the desires of the contemporary market, and the five-inch screen of the Google Pixel 2 certainly seems slightly more suitable.
Resolution
Another key area in the iPhone 8 vs Pixel 2 battle is the resolution of the two devices, and Apple continues to lag behind in this area. The iPhone X is definitely a step in the right direction, but when comparing the iPhone 8 and Google Pixel 2, it is clear that the latter has a significantly superior display.
While the Pixel 2 delivers full HD resolution (~441 ppi density), the iPhone 8 is only capable of displaying 750 x 1,334 pixels (~326 ppi density). This certainly means that the Google handset is superior in this department.
Camera
Photographic capabilities is another vital front in the iPhone 8 vs Pixel 2 war, and it is informative to look at the actual specifications of the two devices in this department.
iPhone 8 – 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm, phase detection autofocus, OIS, quad-LED (dual tone) flash
Google Pixel 2 – 12.2 MP, f/1.8, OIS, phase detection & laser autofocus, dual-LED flash
Certainly the qualities of the two cameras are extremely similar, but it has been suggested that the Google Pixel 2 snapper works better in darker conditions. Considering that this is a perennial bugbear of smartphone cameras in general, this is certainly a worthwhile advantage for the Google device.
Processor
The iPhone 8 is based on a hexa-core (2 x Monsoon + 4 x Mistral) processor which has been clocked at 2.2 GHz. While Apple has always relied on its combination of proprietary hardware and software, it can still be reported that the Google Pixel 2 seems to have the superior processor. The Google device is driven by an octa-core unit (4 x 2.35 GHz Kryo & 4 x 1.9 GHz Kryo), which is clearly superior to the Apple processor.
Memory
With Apple freezing the memory in the iPhone 8 at 2GB, Google can boast a memory quantity in the Pixel 2 which is double that of the iconic Apple smartphone. With the Pixel 2 being armed with 4GB of memory, it is really competitive with the highest quantities in the industry, being equal to the flagship Galaxy S8 smartphone of Samsung.
Storage
Apple offers consumers 64 and 256GB options with the iPhone 8, with this being one area where it does outrank the Google Pixel 2. While the Pixel 2 does provide a 64GB version, the maximum quantity available is 128GB, and Google has decided against embracing micro SD, as opposed to the approach of Samsung.
Battery
The iPhone 8 features a 1,821 mAh battery, while the Google Pixel 2 has a much larger 2,700 mAh cell included. Apple really does need to give more attention to the battery cells included in even its entry-level devices, as the relatively paltry battery life of its devices is frequently criticized.
Price
Price is obviously a key area of the iPhone 8 vs Pixel 2 comparison, and it must be said that the Google Pixel 2 is competitively priced. Considering that the specifications of the device outrank the iPhone 8 in most departments, it is also $50 cheaper, at $649 as opposed to the $699 recommended retail price of the iPhone 8.
Conclusion of iPhone 8 vs Pixel 2 comparison
When making the iPhone 8 vs Pixel 2 comparison, it is notable that the Pixel 2 outperforms the Apple device in almost every department. This is perhaps understandable to some extent, as the iPhone 8 has become an entry-level smartphone; one of three in a series. By contrast, there is only the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL in the Google range; this perhaps partially explains why the smartphone outperforms its Apple counterpart.
But there is little explanation for why the Google Pixel 2 is also cheaper, and it certainly Seems to offer the better value for money overall. Of course, with the iPhone you get the classic Apple design and kudos that this attracts.
