Thoughts on a Samsung S8+, Google Pixel 2 XL, or Apple iPhone X for a new phone

Samsung S8+...Google Pixel 2 XL...Apple iPhone X

My current phone is a Samsung S5 that I have had for 3½ years and I would like to upgrade.  I have been mulling an upgrade for about a year but now that the three phones I am most interested in are out and either for sale or about to be I find myself going back and forth among them.  Considering the almost outlandish cost of each of them, I want to make as educated decision as I can.  I have an iMac and two iPads but also have a Chromebook and, of course, the Samsung S5 phone so I am not locked into either the iOS or Android operating systems and enjoy them both.  The ecosystem, then, is secondary to me.  What is important is that the phone be unlocked even though I plan on staying with my current carrier (Verizon).

I like that the Samsung S8+ has expandable memory but worry about the all glass construction.  Someone has already shown me how one drop put a crack on the edge of his.  I would get a case but don't want some humongous Otterbox type bulky thing so have concerns about protection.  Also, while I find the edge to edge display very attractive, I wonder if there are any downsides to that aspect of the phone.

The Google Pixel 2 XL's most attractive features are that it comes with pure Android, no bloatware, and upgrades to the system software would be just about immediate.  It took my Samsung S5 a long time to get new Android updates.

The Apple iPhone would be instantly familiar because of the iPads I have and I am assuming that some of the apps on my iPad could somehow be put on my phone, simple games, e-mail, etc.  I am really not crazy about the e-mail app on my current Samsung phone and actually quite like Apple's take on e-mail.  Again, a big scare for me, like the Samsung S8+ is the almost all glass construction.

Positives for all three seem to be the cameras and the screens.  I have only seen the Samsung S8+ screen and played, briefly, with the camera at a Best Buy store and I was quite impressed with both.  I would imagine the same would be true of the other two phones.  I am also guessing that the clarity of phone calls would be more than acceptable.  (I love the fact that it is a phone but almost no reviews mention that aspect.)

So, do any of you have any long term experience with at least the Samsung S8+ or thoughts on what I have mentioned here and thanks for any help.

Freddy, does screen size matter to you? The Pixel 2 is 5.0 vs. 5.8 for the S8 and IPhone X. I'm an Android guy and prefer stock over the bloated themed OS's for the reasons you mentioned, so I'd personally go with the Pixel 2 over the other two. This link has a nice chart comparing the specs: https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/...comparison

Freddy, does screen size matter to you? The Pixel 2 is 5.0 vs. 5.8 for the S8 and IPhone X. I'm an Android guy and prefer stock over the bloated themed OS's for the reasons you mentioned, so I'd personally go with the Pixel 2 over the other two. This link has a nice chart comparing the specs: https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/...comparison

Thanks, Rob, I had seen this. I've read whatever I could find so I guess I'm looking for a more personal point of view and I appreciate your take. That no bloatware, if I go Android, is sooooo tempting and that, I believe, would also be true with the iPhone X if I decide to go iOS. Also, the Pixel 2 XL doesn't have as much glass on the back. In fact, since it does not have wireless charging I have to wonder why they bothered with the glass at all.

As for the 5.0" vs. 5.8" (up to the 6.2" on the Samsung S8+) I would like the larger screen because these companies have managed to put a bigger screen in a smaller form factor. When I picked up the Samsung S8+ I was surprised at just how comfortable it was in my rather small hands.

I hate the otterbox myself. I have it on my work phone and my wife uses it on her samsung s7...just too bulky for me!

I've been using spigen cases for years and like them a lot: https://www.spigen.com/

I hate the otterbox myself.  I have it on my work phone and my wife uses it on her samsung s7...just too bulky for me!

I've been using spigen cases for years and like them a lot: https://www.spigen.com/

Andrew, how well do you think a thin case, like the spigen, (which I have looked at) would protect an all glass phone like the Apple iPhone X or the Samsung S8+? I realize nothing is 100% but would like something where an accidental drop has a better chance of no damage to the phone than no case at all.

I may not be able to give you good advice as I've only ever had iPhones. I can say this though, I know several people who were dedicated Samsungers who for one reason or other switched to iPhones and in every case they said they were blown away and they did not go back to Samsung. I know its anecdotal and for what its worth I should let you know that I've been an Apple shareholder since 1998 so come on man, mama needs a new pair of shoes!

I use a Quad Lock on my S8+. Allows me to use in the car and my bike. Unless you get an enclosed case your really just defending against scratches and corner rash. I use IQ liquid screen protector for the phone as well.

If I didn't have just a few months on the S8+ and got such an awesome trade value for an old phone I'd really look at the Pixel 2. I just like getting Android updates fast. My 6P ruined me in that regard.

All phones going forward for me have to have 4gb of ram as well as USB-C to even be considered.

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I've been using spigen cases for years and like them a lot: https://www.spigen.com/

Andrew, how well do you think a thin case, like the spigen, (which I have looked at) would protect an all glass phone like the Apple iPhone X or the Samsung S8+?  I realize nothing is 100% but would like something where an accidental drop has a better chance of no damage to the phone than no case at all.

+1 on Spigen’s cases — and their tempered glass screen protectors. I recommend tempered glass for the screen, because it will absorb a lot of the energy that any impact would create. I’ve seen pictures of phones where it looks like the screen is shattered, but thankfully, when the tempered glass screen protector is peeled away, it turns out that was the thing that had shattered, not the screen itself.

To me, it’s almost a travesty to hide these well-designed phones in a case (especially a bulky one), but what can you do — phones are expensive and they break easily. For years, I’ve been using a neoprene pouch to carry my phone in (makes it also less protruding in the pocket), but recently got a nice authentic leather shell for my LG G6. Every phone drop is different, so even a thin case will be enough one day, but fail to protect the next time. It all comes down to how much of the risk one is willing to accept.

Good luck with the phone decision, Freddy!

I've been using spigen cases for years and like them a lot: https://www.spigen.com/

Andrew, how well do you think a thin case, like the spigen, (which I have looked at) would protect an all glass phone like the Apple iPhone X or the Samsung S8+?  I realize nothing is 100% but would like something where an accidental drop has a better chance of no damage to the phone than no case at all.

+1 on Spigen’s cases — and their tempered glass screen protectors. I recommend tempered glass for the screen, because it will absorb a lot of the energy that any impact would create. I’ve seen pictures of phones where it looks like the screen is shattered, but thankfully, when the tempered glass screen protector is peeled away, it turns out that was the thing that had shattered, not the screen itself.

To me, it’s almost a travesty to hide these well-designed phones in a case (especially a bulky one), but what can you do — phones are expensive and they break easily. For years, I’ve been using a neoprene pouch to carry my phone in (makes it also less protruding in the pocket), but recently got a nice authentic leather shell for my LG G6. Every phone drop is different, so even a thin case will be enough one day, but fail to protect the next time. It all comes down to how much of the risk one is willing to accept.

Good luck with the phone decision, Freddy!

Thanks, Matt. I am considering a tempered glass screen protector, as well. However, I am useless at putting those things on and usually pay a premium to have the phone store do it. I also use a belt holster because I don't have enough room in my pocket, which is another reason for a thin case.

I hate the otterbox myself.  I have it on my work phone and my wife uses it on her samsung s7...just too bulky for me!

I've been using spigen cases for years and like them a lot: https://www.spigen.com/

Andrew, how well do you think a thin case, like the spigen, (which I have looked at) would protect an all glass phone like the Apple iPhone X or the Samsung S8+?  I realize nothing is 100% but would like something where an accidental drop has a better chance of no damage to the phone than no case at all.

not sure. to be honest. I use one of their thinner cases without any screen protection. the corners of the case help protect the screen when the phone is dropped...of course if you drop it at the right angle, it'll crack the screen.

my suggestion is to find a case you like and see if you can find any reviews on youtube where they do drop tests.

this is the spigen case I use and I quite like it: https://www.spigen.com/collections/galax...rmor-black