Originally Posted by
Mitsu3000gt
The Pixel XL 2 is what you would compare to the S8, the Pixel 2 isn't meant to compete with it. You're comparing a 5" 1080P display to a 5.8" 1440P display so the S8 will always look better. The S8 was also a more expensive phone.
The camera is much, much, better than my old Galaxy S6 and also my iPhone 8, but I guess some of that is still subjective. Where you will notice it the most is in challenging situations, particularly with how it deals with noise in low light and high contrast situations - that is where it really stands out thanks to Google's processing. Video stabilization also is unrivaled, and portrait mode seems to deal with hair the best and have the most natural look if you're into that sort of thing. If you're just taking pictures of nice evenly-lit things in the daylight, there isn't a lot to differentiate any camera made in the last few years. Android 8.1 will be out by the end of the year as well which will enable Google's custom image processing core. You also get free unlimited original quality photo and video storage on the Pixels which adds more value.
Most companies claim the lack of the headphone jack allows things like the dual stereo speakers, bigger batteries, and better waterproofing. How much truth there is to all those things I don't know. The first time I took my XL2 to the gym I forgot the dongle haha, so I am not a huge fan of that either, but it seems to be the new normal.
If you're comparing it to an S8, maybe exchange it for the Pixel 2 XL? It is a much closer competitor from a build, size, screen, bezels, and hardware perspective.