Samsung Galaxy S7 edge vs Google Pixel XL: Handsets neck-to-neck with top-quality specs & features

Google unveiled its first Google-made phablet, Google Pixel and Pixel XL, recently and since then various reports have pointed out how it fares against other top smartphones such as Apple iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, Nexus 6P etc. It will be interesting to see if the pixel phone is able to surpass Samsung Galaxy S7 edge in terms of specs and features.

As New Atlas reports, the Google Pixel XL is about four percent wider and three percent taller than the Galaxy S7 edge. Pixel XL is heavier too, at least 11 grams heavier than the Samsung handset. In terms of design, the Galaxy S7 edge may have an edge over the Pixel XL. Perfect rounded edges and streamlined aluminium frame give it a premium feel.

The Google Pixel XL does not have a water-resistance certification but the S7 has. Both the phones have a 5.5-inch display and identical Quad HD resolution and pixel density. Both Samsung and Google have chosen to go with AMOLED displays rather than IPS Displays. The physical Home button is absent in the Pixel XL.

In terms of camera, the Google Pixel XL packs more punch with its front camera. While both offer 12MP primary cameras, Samsung has a 5MP front camera and Pixel XL an 8MP selfie camera. However, the optical image stabilisation (OIS) feature is absent in Pixel XL, writes GSMArena.

Both the Samsung and Pixel handsets have enough battery capacity to keep the devices going. The Pixel XL phone has a reversible USB-C port whereas Galaxy S7 edge has an older microUSB charger. The fast charging function is enabled in both devices though the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge can be wirelessly charged too.

The Google Pixel XL uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chipset resulting in a 10 percent performance increase over Galaxy S7 edge’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset. The two have 4GB RAM capacity. Both come with VR compatibility, headphone jack, fingerprint sensor and virtual assistants.

The Google Pixel XL will accommodate all the greatest and latest software with the company guaranteeing all privacy updates for three years and software updates for two years. It runs on latest Android Nougat OS whereas the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge has Android Marshmallow.

The Google Pixel XL is cheaper than the Galaxy S7 edge by $21. Although both are neck-to-neck in terms of specs and features, the Pixel XL has a better camera, better OS and a better virtual assistant.