Samsung Galaxy Note 9 vs Pixel 3: What We Know So Far

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 release is only a few weeks away followed by Google’s new Pixel 3, and that means potential buyers have some tough choices to make. Buy something like the Galaxy Note 8 now, or wait for new phones from Samsung and Google.

In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about each smartphone. From the release dates, screen sizes, cameras and more. These are two very different phones with their own unique approach, but both are certainly worth considering.

Most of the leaks and rumors suggest Samsung’s Note 9 won’t look too different from previous models, and we’re seeing something similar for the Pixel 3. Basically, both phones look like last years versions, but they’ll be better in every way. You can expect better battery life, the latest software, bigger screens and much more.

There are plenty of excellent Android smartphones available right now. If you can’t wait, choose from devices like the Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S9+ to the LG G7 ThinQ. However, they’re not your only options this year. High-end phones from multiple manufacturers are still coming before the end of 2018.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and Google’s Pixel 3 will likely be two of the best phones released. Well, until new phones arrive in 2019.

Trying to decide which one to buy is no easy task. That said, our information should help you decide if the Pixel 3 XL is even worth the wait. It’ll have a big screen, but that screen has a notch in it. At the same time, the Galaxy Note 9 will likely offer an even bigger screen, making the choice easy for some. Do you want a big screen or need the S-Pen stylus? Do you prefer stock Android? We’ll cover that and more in the slideshow below.

Both phones have pros and cons, and this comes down to what each user needs the most. For now, here’s everything you need to know about these two phones. Keep in mind that this information comes from rumors, leaks, and what we expect from these phones. Basically, details are subject to change when the phones arrive later this year.

Galaxy Note 9 vs Pixel 3 XL: Display

First things first, most potential buyers will consider the screen size first. Then get into other aspects like the camera or battery life.

These days almost everyone expects a big screen, and these two phones deliver exactly that. Both the Galaxy Note 9 and the Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL have great screens. Deciding what size you want or need will be the question.

Google releases two phones, but you’re likely interested in the bigger Pixel 3 XL as a competitor to the Note 9.

The Google Pixel 3 XL will likely come with a bigger 6.2-inch Quad-HD display. It’ll be flat, not curved, and have a notch at the top for the front-facing camera. This big screen will cover almost the entire front of the phone. Similar to the iPhone X design. There’s a small chance Google’s device will be bezel-free, but all leaks point otherwise.

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 9 will be either 6.3 or 6.4-inches, so just a hair or two bigger than the Pixel. It’ll also have curved edges, and probably be the better of the two screens. No one can top Samsung’s AMOLED display technology.

These sound like huge devices, but they won’t be. Thanks to smaller bezels the phones have big screens while still being easy to hold and use. If you still have an original Pixel XL or a Galaxy Note 5, this will be a big upgrade. Don’t worry though, the phone isn’t physically bigger, the bezels just shrunk.

How big of a screen do you need or want? If the Galaxy S9 is too small and the Note 9 is too big, consider the Pixel 3 XL.

Galaxy Note 9 vs Pixel 3: Design

These two phones will likely have similar yet slightly different designs. That’s because both have large screens that take up almost the entire front of the device.

However, they’ll look completely different for a few reasons. Both companies will use a long and skinny screen, metal materials, water-resistance and high-end cameras. The differences are the location of the fingerprint scanner, the curved screen, S-Pen stylus, and the cameras.

All signs point toward Google using a single rear camera again, but that doesn’t mean the dual Galaxy Note 9 will be better. The Galaxy Note 9 finally will have a centered fingerprint scanner, just like Google, making that feature nearly identical on the back.

One thing to keep in mind is the Galaxy Note 9 will feature wireless charging, but that means the back is also made of glass and is more fragile. We doubt the Pixel 3 will have wireless charging, but with the iPhone adding it, Google might too.

Aside from some of those visual differences (and the curved display), the only other big difference is the notch in the screen, and if Google keeps the dual front-facing speakers. We’re not sure yet, but as more leaks arrive we’ll update this post.

Note 9 vs Pixel 3: Specs

Another important aspect for potential buyers is the specs. How much power, storage, and RAM these phones have. Either way, they’ll both be great, but here are the numbers.

Galaxy Note 9 Specs (Rumored)

6.3-inch Quad-HD Curved Infinity AMOLED Display (or 6.4-inch)
Snapdragon 845 Processor or Samsung Exynos 9810 with 6-8GB of RAM
64/128/256GB storage options (256 is only a rumor)
Android 8.1 Oreo or Android 9.0 P with Samsung UX
Dual 12MP Rear Cameras with variable aperture, IOS, 960 FPS Slow-mo, more
8MP Front Selfie Camera with Portrait Mode & Improved AR Emoji
Stereo Speaker tuned by AKG
3,850 mAh or 4,000 mAh battery with fast and wireless charging (exciting rumor)
IP68 Dust & Water-resistance
USB Type-C, Bixby 2.0, Bixby AI, 3.5mm headphone jack
Heart-rate sensor, Face Unlock, Iris Scanning
S-Pen with Bluetooth, New Features, etc
and more

As you can see, the Note 9 tops the charts in almost every single category. That said, Google’s will offer a similar experience for buyers.

Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL Specs (Rumored)

5.3 and 6.2-inch Quad-HD AMOLED Displays (XL will have a notch in the screen)
8-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Processor with 4-6GB of RAM (Same as Galaxy S9, Note 9, etc)
64 and 128GB storage configurations, no microSD expansion
Android 9.0 P Software (Popsicle, Pancake, Peanut Butter)
Improved 12.3 Megapixel Rear AI Camera with f/1.7 aperture, tons of software tricks
Dual 8MP Front-facing cameras for Portrait selfies, emoji and more
Dual Front-Facing Boomsound Stereo Speakers
3,000 mAh and 3,520 mAh Battery with fast and wireless charging
IP68 Dust & Water Resistant
USB Type-C, Google Assistant, Face Unlock technology, no 3.5mm headphone jack
more

These phones are a lot closer than most people think. It’s more of a personal preference around the software more than anything else. Both phones are fast, powerful, and highly capable devices.

It’s worth mentioning that countless rumors believe the Note 9 will pack a big 4,000 mAh battery inside. If so, it’s the biggest battery we’ve seen from Samsung and will give the Note 9 a leg-up on Google’s phones.

However, the Pixel 3 and 3 XL will run stock Android 9.0 P, and likely last a full day even with the 3,500 mAh battery. It’s a tough choice.

Galaxy Note 9 vs Pixel 3: Cameras

Both of these phones have powerful cameras on the back, but how they work is very different. That’s because Samsung’s brought something completely new to the table in 2018.

Samsung introduced an all-new variable aperture camera on the S9, and now the Note 9. What that means is the aperture can change from f/1.5 to f/2.4 apertures for the best possible photo in any situation, speed, or lighting. Just like how the human eye adapts to its surroundings, Samsung’s camera can do the same thing. Basically, letting in more light for better photos.

If it doesn’t need a lot of light it uses a faster aperture for crisp, clear photos. As a comparison, the Pixel 3 will probably only be f/1.7 and it can’t change.

That said, Google’s Pixel 2 can take amazing photos. Some of which are better than what the Galaxy S9+ or iPhone X need two cameras to achieve. Google’s machine learning and AI makes it take great photos. Basically, both of these phones will have the two best smartphone cameras of 2018, so buy either one and enjoy the results.

If you want a second zoom lens, choose the Galaxy Note 9.

Note 9 vs Pixel 3: Release Date & Price

And finally, we’re to the million dollar questions. When can you buy one of these phones and how much will they cost?

Well, the Galaxy Note 9 will officially get announced in New York City on August 9th, in just a few weeks. Then, we believe it’ll be released a few weeks later on August 24th. Meaning you’ll be able to buy one in just over a month.

Google’s Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL likely won’t arrive until October, so you’ll have to wait a little longer for those phones.

The Galaxy Note 9 will likely cost around $949 if not more, and be one of Samsung’s most expensive phones to date. We believe Google’s Pixel 3 XL will cost $849 or $869, and be a little more affordable than the Note 9.

Hopefully this helps you decide if one of these phones is worth waiting for, which one you want, and any other questions you had.

(gottabemobile.com, http://bit.ly/2L5FXkk)