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

As an Apple fanboy (iPad, MacBook, Airport, several iPhones starting with the iPhone 3), I recommend the Pixel 2 XL.

I normally get a new phone every year and my son gets my phone and eBay gets his old phone. Last fall I went from iPhone to Pixel and great decision. Easy transfer and setup. Easy to learn Android and enjoy the back button. The new Pixel 2 has some nice features (squeezable sides, best camera, etc). Pure Android has several advantages. Free cloud storage of photos. My only negative is regarding Android Pay - my credit card and bank do not support.

After many hours of research, I purchased the Essential phone yesterday. I liked the screen and size (marginally smaller than my Pixel and close to screen size of Pixel XL). I had pre-ordered the Pixel 2 and then decided to try a new phone..

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

I have been looking more and more at the Samsung S8+ and the Note 8 and those Spigen cases look really nice.  While it is stupid expensive, I have also been considering something like this, should I go with the Note: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-led...Id=5945605.  I like the idea that the screen is protected but that a call can be made through the closed case.  Also, it's not very thick, overall.  I would consider this if it fits into a belt holster for the Note 8.

As an Apple fanboy (iPad, MacBook, Airport, several iPhones starting with the iPhone 3), I recommend the Pixel 2 XL.

I normally get a new phone every year and my son gets my phone and eBay gets his old phone.  Last fall I went from iPhone to Pixel and great decision.  Easy transfer and setup.  Easy to learn Android and enjoy the back button.  The new Pixel 2 has some nice features (squeezable sides, best camera, etc).   Pure Android has several advantages. Free cloud storage of photos.   My only negative is regarding Android Pay - my credit card and bank do not support.  

After many hours of research, I purchased the Essential phone yesterday.  I liked the screen and size (marginally smaller than my Pixel and close to screen size of Pixel XL).  I had pre-ordered the Pixel 2 and then decided to try a new phone..

The Pixel 2 XL was so high on my wish list.  However, along with the iPhone X, the wait times are so long to get one that by then leaks for the next generation phones are coming out.  I don't want to play the game of waiting until midnight of the day a phone is launched in the hopes of getting one of a limited number released.  I just don't want to play that game.

I've been using a Note 5 for the last two years and I love it. Best phone I've had and after 4-5 years of using Samsungs, I too am a huge fan of the back button. I don't think I could go without it. So if I were you Freddy, I'd go with the Note 8. The stylus is really handy and fun to use.

Freddy - Google Store has unlocked black Pixel 2 XL 64 or 128 shipping in 2-3 weeks. Official release date is Oct 19 or 2 weeks. I do agree the white phones are sold out if that was your preference.

Samsung makes excellent phones and sounds like faster updates promised.

Regarding protecting the phone from damage. You can probably get a rider for the phone with your homeowner's or renters policy. I have one for my Mac and it is very inexpensive.

The phones have become so expensive I would thing you can add them. Regarding the case itself, I have one that is fairly minimal which is what the folks at The Apple Store recommended. It has protected mine nicely and they said they had really good luck with it.

I moved from Apple to Android long ago, mostly Nexus phones. All I would add is that if video matters look at how Google has nailed image stabilization in the Pixel 2. Historically they've been behind both Apple and Samsung, with the Pixel 2 they're stomping on both. Truly amazing.

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