We Put the Season’s Newest Smartphones Head-to-Head

With so many smartphones on the market, it can be difficult and challenging to figure out which one works best for your personal use. We’ll provide all of the relevant specs for flagship devices from some of the largest manufacturers in the industry, including what the differences are from older editions of similar devices. Which device do you hope to find in your stocking this holiday season?

Here is a deep dive into some of the finer details of the most popular smartphones, including the specs that might prove integral for your decision making.

The New iPhones: 8, 8 Plus, and X
Depending on your specific needs, you'll find that one of the three iPhones might suit your smartphone fancy.  In recent years, previous versions of the iPhone have been made of aluminum. The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus models now have a glass black hiding the aluminum casing. This actually adds significant weight to the device, but offers users the ability for wireless charging. In fact, if you're familiar with the iPhone 6, many reviewers claim that the device feels similar to that..

The difference you want to keep in mind is that the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus don't have quite as impressive a display as the iPhone X. The same can be said for the camera, even though the iPhone 8 Plus’ camera has many of the same specs, the glass used on the iPhone X gives it a best-in-class camera quality. Since the iPhone X is considerably more expensive, it's up to you to determine if it's the right choice over the less expensive iPhone 8 or 8 Plus, as they offer a comparable experience regardless.

Model: iPhone 8
Construction: Front/back glass & aluminum frame
Screen Size: 4.7-inch
Display: LED-backlit IPS LCD, 16M Colors, 1,334 x 759 (~326 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Apple A11 Bionic
CPU-GPU: Hexa-core (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) - Apple GPU
Operating System: iOS 11

Memory

Internal: 64GB or 246 GB models; 2GB of RAM
Expandable: None

Cameras

Primary: 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm, phase detection autofocus, OIS, quad-LED flash
Front-Facing: 7 MP, f/2.2, face detection

Audio: Built-in stereo speakers, No 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging, Qi Wireless charging, Siri commands and dictation, iCloud integration
Battery size-life: 1,821 mAh battery - 66 hours
Available Colors: Silver, Space Grey, Gold
Price: $699.99-to-$899.99

Model: iPhone 8 Plus
Construction: Front/back glass & aluminum frame
Screen Size: 5.5-inch
Display: LED-backlit IPS LCD, 16M Colors, 1920x1080 (~401 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: A11 Bionic
CPU-GPU: Hexa-core (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) - Apple GPU
Operating System: iOS 11

Memory

Internal: 64GB or 246 GB models; 3GB of RAM
Expandable: None

Cameras

Primary: Dual 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm and f/2.8, 56mm) phase detection autofocus, 2x optical zoom, quad-LED flash
Front-Facing: 7 MP, f/2.2, face detection

Audio: Built-in stereo speakers, No 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging, Qi Wireless charging, Siri commands and dictation, iCloud integration
Battery size-life: 2,691 mAh battery - 81 hours
Available Colors: Silver, Space Grey, Gold
Price: $799.99-to-$999.99

Model: Apple iPhone X
Construction: Front/back glass & stainless steel frame
Screen Size: 5.8-inch
Display: Super AMOLED, 16M Colors, 2,436x1,125 ( ~458 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Apple A11 Bionic
CPU-GPU: Hexa-core 2.39 Ghz (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) - Apple GPU
Operating System: iOS 11.1

Memory

Internal: 64 and 256 GB models; 3GB RAM
Expandable: None

Cameras

Primary: Dual 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm and f/2.4, 52mm) phase detection autofocus, 2x optical zoom, quad-LED flash
Front-Facing: 7 MP, f/2.2, face detection

Audio: Built-in stereo speakers, No 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: FaceID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging, Qi Wireless charging, Siri commands and dictation, iCloud integration
Battery size-life: 2,716 mAh battery - 74 hours
Available Colors: Silver, Space Grey
Price: $999.99-to-$1,149.99

Samsung Galaxy s8 and Note 8
We're sure you've asked yourself what the difference is between the Samsung Galaxy line of smartphone devices and the Samsung Note. The most notable is that the Note comes with a stylus and that a bigger screen, but the differences go a bit farther than this. Compared to the iPhones mentioned above, these Samsung devices also feature glass and aluminum-based cases, as well as a solid water resistance.

With that in mind, power users will find that there are considerable differences. The Note 8 offers more in terms of a camera, as well as overall more power at your disposal with 50% more RAM. Plus, the quality of display is better, as the screen is larger and offers more pixel per square inch.

Model: Samsung Galaxy s8
Construction: Front/back glass (Gorilla Glass 5) & aluminum frame.
Screen Size: 5.8-inch
Display: Super AMOLED, 16M Colors, 2,960 x 1,440 (~570 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.35 GHz & 4 x 1.9 GHz Kyro) - Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 7.0, Touchwiz

Memory

Internal: 64 GB, 4 GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256)

Cameras

Primary: 12 MP, f/1.7, 26mm, OIS, LED flash
Front-Facing: 8 MP, f/1.7

Audio: Dual stereo speakers, 3.5 mm headphone jack
Sensors: Iris scanner, fingerprint reader, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2
Features: Samsung DeX, Fast battery charging, Qi/PMA wireless charging
Battery size-life: 3,000 mAh - 84 hours
Available Colors: Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver, Coral Blue, Maple Gold
Price: $725.99-to-$825.99

Model: Samsung Galaxy s8 Plus
Construction: Front/back glass (Gorilla Glass 5) & aluminum frame.
Screen Size: 6.2-inch
Display: Super AMOLED, 16M Colors, 2,960 x 1,440 (~529 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.35 GHz & 4 x 1.9 GHz Kryo) - Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 7.0

Memory

Internal: 64 GB, 4 GB RAM or 128 GB, 6 GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256)

Cameras

Primary: 12 MP, f/1.7, 26mm, OIS, LED flash
Front-Facing: 8 MP, f/1.7

Audio: Dual stereo speakers, 3.5 mm headphone jack
Sensors: Iris scanner, fingerprint reader, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2
Features: Samsung DeX, Fast battery charging, Qi/PMA wireless charging
Battery size-life: 3,000 mAh - 84 hours
Available Colors: Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver, Coral Blue, Maple Gold
Price: $799.99-to-$899.99

Model: Samsung Galaxy Note 8
Construction: Front/back glass (Gorilla Glass 5) & aluminum frame
Screen Size: 6.3-inch
Display: Super AMOLED, 16m colors, 2,960 x 1,440 (~521 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.34 GHz Kryo & 4 x 1.9 GHz Kryo)
Operating System: Android 7.1.1

Memory

Internal: 64, 128, 256 GB options, 6GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256GB)

Cameras

Primary: Dual 12 MP (26mm, f/1.7, PDAF & 52mm, f/2.4, AF) OIS, autofocus, 2x options zoom, LED flash.
Front-Facing: 8 MP, f/1.7, face detection

Audio: Dual stereo speakers, 3.5 mm
Sensors: Iris scanner, fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2
Features: Samsung Desktop Experience, Fast battery charging, Qi/PMA wireless charging, s-Pen integration
Battery size-life: 3,500 mAh battery - 88 hours
Available Colors: Midnight Black, Maple Gold, Orchid Grey, Deep Sea Blue
Price: $ 949.99-to-$1149.99

Google Pixel and Pixel XL 2
Google's (almost) brand-new smartphone line, the Pixel, came out last year in 2017, and it has made a splash in the smartphone market for the better. It has quite impressive features and specs, particularly the Snapdragon processors which provide a powerful engine to run off of. The Pixel 2 has even stronger processors behind it compared to the original device.

If you're wondering if you should purchase the Pixel or Pixel 2, it's safe to say that the Pixel 2 is the better option—at least, in most instances. The Pixel 2 doesn't have a headphone jack, but it does offer additional front-loaded speakers which might make the lack slightly less annoying. Plus, Google has promised to support the Pixel 2 for three whole years, meaning that the operating system will be solid for a relatively long time—long enough for you to consider upgrading to the latest version of the smartphone, anyway.

Model: Google Pixel 2
Construction: Aluminum unibody with hybrid coating, Gorilla Glass 5
Screen Size: 5.0-inches
Display: AMOLED, 16m, 1,920 x 1.080 (~441 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.35 GHz Kryo, 4 x 1.9 GHZ Kryo) - Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 8.0

Memory

Internal: 64 and 128 GB options, 4GB RAM
Expandable: None

Cameras

Primary: 12.2 MP, f/1.8, laser autofocus, dual-LED flash
Front-Facing: 8 MP, f/2.4

Audio: Dual stereo speakers, no 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging
Battery size-life: 2,700 mAh - 75 hours
Available Colors: Kinda Blue, Just Back, Clearly White
Price: $649.99-to-$749.99

Model: Google Pixel 2 Plus
Construction: Aluminum unibody with hybrid coating, Gorilla Glass 5
Screen Size: 6.0-inch
Display: P-OLED, 16m colors, 2,880 x 1,440 (~538 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core *4 x 2.35 GHz Kryo & 4 x 1.9 GHz Kryo) - Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 8.0

Memory

Internal: 64GB and 128 GB options, 4GB RAM
Expandable: None

Cameras

Primary: 12.2 MP, f/1.8, OIS, phase detection & laser autofocus, dual-LED flash
Front-Facing: 8 MP, f/2.4

Audio: Dual stereo speakers, no 3.5 mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging
Battery size-life: 3,520 mAh battery - 88 hours
Available Colors: Just Black, Black & White
Price: $849.99-to- $949.99

If these major smartphone manufacturers haven’t hooked you, perhaps some of the other flagship smartphones might be able to provide an adequate solution to your needs.

Model: Motorola Z2 Force
Construction: front plastic w/ Moto Shattershield, back plastic
Screen Size: 5.5-inch
Display: P-OLED, 16M colors, 2,560 x 1,440 (~534 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM 8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.35 MHz Kyro & 4 x 1.9 GHz Kryo) - Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 7.1.1

Memory

Internal: 128 GB, 6 GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256 GB)

Cameras

Primary: Dual 12 MP, f/2.0, laser autofocus, dual-LED flash
Front-Facing: 5 MP, f/2.2, dual LED flash

Audio: One front-facing speaker, no 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging, Motorola Mods (insta-share projector, 360 camera, gamepad, JBL SoundBoost 2, turbopower pack, style shell w/ wireless charging, power pack, Hasselblad True Zoom, vehicle dock)
Battery size-life: 2,730 mAh battery - 69 hours
Available Colors: Super Black, Fine Gold, Lunar Grey
Price: $720.00

Model: LG V30
Construction: front/back glass, aluminum frame
Screen Size: 6.0-inch
Display: P-OLED, 16M colors, 2,880 x 1,440 (~537 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.45 GHz Kyro & 4 1.9 GHz Kyro) - Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 7.1.2

Memory

Internal: 64 or 128 GB options, 4 GB RAM
Expandable: microsSD (Up to 256 GB)

Cameras

Primary: Dual 16 MP (f/1.6, OIS, 3-axis, laser & phase detection autofocus) _ 13 MP (g/1.9) LED flash
Front-Facing: 5 MP, f/2.2

Audio: Dual speaker stereo, 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, color spectrum
Features: Fast charging, wireless charging
Battery size-life: 3,300 mAh - 87 hours
Available Colors: Aurora Black, Cloud Silver, Moroccan Blue, Lavender Violet
Price: $819.99-to-$929.99

Model: BlackBerry KEYone
Construction: Aluminum, Gorilla Glass 4, with soft-touch plastic, physical keyboard
Screen Size: 4.5-inch
Display: IPS LCD, 16m colors, 1,620 x 1,080 (~433 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625
CPU-GPU: Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
Operating System: Android 7.1

Memory

Internal: 32 GB with 3 GB RAM or 64 GB with 4 GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256 GB)

Cameras

Primary: 12 MP, f/2.0, phase detection autofocus, dual-LED flash
Front-Facing:8 MP, f/2.2

Audio: Dual speaker stereo
Sensors: Fingerprint, Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Features: Full programmable keyboard, fast charging
Battery size-life: 3,505 mAh - 107 hours
Available Colors: Black & Silver, Black
Price: $499.99-to-$559.99

Model: Nokia 8
Construction: Glass Aluminum
Screen Size: 5.3-inch
Display: IPS LCD, 16m colors, 2,560 x 1,440 (~554 ppi)
SIM: Nano-SIM
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU-GPU: Octa-core (4 x 2.5 GHz Kyro & 4 x 1.8 GHz Kyro) - Adreno 540
Operating System: Android 7.1.1

Memory

Internal: 64 GB, 4 GB RAM or 128 GB, 6 GB RAM
Expandable: microSD (up to 256 GB)

Cameras

Primary: Dual 13 MP, f/2/0, laser and phase detection autofocus, Carl Zeiss optics, OIS, LED flash
Front-Facing: 13 MP, f/2.0, phase detection autofocus

Audio: Two-speaker stereo, 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Features: Fast charging
Battery size-life: 3,090 mAh - 78 hours
Available Colors:Tempered Blue, Polished Blue, Steel, Polished Copper
Price: $479.99-to-$559.99

Which smartphones are you hoping to receive this holiday season? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to subscribe for more information about the latest and greatest in business technology.