The Google Pixel 2 at Rs 39,999 is a Better Option than Apple iPhone 8 in the Compact Flagship Category

Homegrown online retailer Flipkart kicked off its 2018 Mobile Bonanza sale today which last tills January 5. Flipkart is offering huge discounts on a wide array of smartphones from flagships to many budget and entry-level devices. These include Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Samsung Galaxy S7, Xiaomi Mi A1, Moto G5 Plus and many others.

Google’s current flagship smartphone, the Pixel 2 is available for a price as low as Rs 39999 and Pixel 2 XL for Rs 52,999. Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL receive a flat price cut of Rs 13,001 and Rs 8,001 respectively. There’s extra Rs 8000 cashback on for buyers who purchase with HDFC Bank credit cards. The Pixel 2 (64GB) was initially launched at Rs 61,000, while the Pixel 2 XL price started at Rs 73,000.

Apple’s latest iPhone 8 model is also discounted in the sale. The iPhone 8 64GB model comes at a discounted price of Rs 54,999, down from its original price of Rs 64,000, while the 256GB model has come down to Rs 69499, down from Rs 77000.

Apple’s iPhone 8 and Google Pixel 2 belong in the upper ranks of any top smartphone list. Both devices come with top-of-the-line processors, cameras and are also most comfortable phones made to hold in hand. But with similar features, which compact smartphone is the best to buy?

Design wise both smartphones come with the similar form factor, but iPhone 8’s glass sandwich design looks a whole lot sleeker than Pixel 2’s aluminium back. In terms of screen size, Google Pixel 2, however, packs a larger 5-inch display against iPhone’s 4.7-inch screen. The Pixel 2 also offers higher FHD resolution at 1920 x 1080 pixels along with OLED technology for improved colours and contrast. The iPhone 8 uses older LCD technology and has even fewer pixels at 1334 x 750 resolution.

In terms of performance, Apple packs new A11 Bionic chipset while the Pixel 2 comes with Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset. However, Apple’s A11 Bionic processor beats Snapdragon 835 across all benchmark tests. This doesn’t mean Pixel 2 doesn’t perform well. In fact, both smartphones deliver consistent performance whether it comes to launching apps, browsing the internet or multitasking.

As for optics, though both devices come equipped with 12MP single-lens rear cameras, Pixel 2’s camera is ranked one of the best in smartphone industry by DxOMark. The camera comes with OIS, improved autofocus, and a new type of portrait mode making it a great phone for low light photography or taking bokeh selfies. The iPhone 8 camera module also comes with OIS, 5X digital zoom, but isn’t as great as that of Pixel 2.

Battery life is something which lets the Pixel 2 down by a massive margin. The Pixel 2 doesn’t deliver a day’s worth of battery life, which is underwhelming considering what you’re paying. The Apple iPhone 8 offers additional features such as wireless charging, which the Pixel 2 lacks.

Overall, both Pixel 2 and iPhone 8 are equally matching smartphones. If you seek to set your device apart with Apple’s iOS platform, you should get iPhone 8. On the other hand, if you want a high-end camera device along with OLED screen, the Pixel 2 should be your choice.