Google Pixel 2 Versus Huawei Mate 10
October 2017, Google released its second generation version of their smartphone, the Google Pixel 2. With its front-facing additions complementing its new hardware, its camera is what the tech community is most fascinated about. Now I get the idea on why Google called it the Pixel series, because they were building the best camera on a phone! DxOMark camera test even awarded the highest score of 98.
With Huawei releasing its Mate 10, the competition has never been this tough. Apart from the dual camera setup, it includes 12-megapixel RGB camera sensor with a 20-megapixel monochrome sensor. The dual sensors on the device give room for a 2x zoom on the device with lossless image quality. Laser auto focus as well as phase detection is also present. That's why Huawei Mate 10 also scored an outstanding 97 from DxOMark, just one notch down from Google Pixel 2.
I got to try using both smartphones through a private hands-on session so let's not jump into conclusions yet and assess as we go along with what these smartphones can offer.
DESIGN & FEATURES
The aesthetic design of Google Pixel 2 makes it likeable although it's lacking a wow factor since it still does not have that all-screen front. Its design is almost similar to the previous Pixel yet it easily fits into one hand and light weight. It is now IP67 waterproof wherein it can survive underwater up to 1m or 3.3ft down for an hour.
The fingerprint scanner is at the textured aluminum portion of the back, while the camera remains on the glass part, and has a protective ring around it now.
Looks like not having a headphone jack is a thing because there's also none on this one. It also doesn't include a USB-C earbuds inside the box and only provided the 3.5mm-to-USB-C adapter which also means that it cannot be charged on a regular power bank as well without the right cable.
Tried listening to music using headphones and through speakers, it sounded great! Its front-firing stereo speakers is unique among smartphones, which usually appears at the bottom of the phone through a single speaker. The speakers might have shrunk the top and bottom space but it's really a functionality upgrade.
The Pixel 2 also has Active Edge squeeze sensor wherein squeezing the phone’s sides launches the Google Assistant. I'm an Apple user and I must say Google Assistant operates faster than Siri and understands my voice and pronunciation clearly without asking me if I can repeat what I just said.
Pixel 2's 5-inch Full HD 1080p screen is bright and colorful. Having an always-on display, which shows the time and date and notification icons is a plus. Double-tapping to wake the screen is also one functionality we were all waiting for.
Not to mention, it is fast-charging and long-lasting with 2,700 mAh battery.
Google Pixel 2 is available in three colors: Kinda Blue, Just Black and Clearly White and has metal unibody build.
If you love taking photos with your smartphone, this is the smartphone for you! Pixel 2's camera will blow your mind and will make you rethink of getting other Android smartphones with dual cameras. In terms of detail and clarity, no phone can top it. There's also no shutter lag and it is quick to launch when taking photos. So impressed with the portrait mode as well since it really distinguishes the background from the person or object you are focusing on without looking too fake. Just look at the results here:
Normal Camera Setting Shots
Portrait Mode Shots
DESIGN & FEATURES
Huawei Mate 10 has units in Black, Champagne Gold and Mocha Brown colors with a front and back glass and aluminum frame. Although the glassy aluminum frame looks sleek and fresh, it has got me OC with fingerprints every time I held it but I must say the champagne gold color is stunning.
I'm so happy to announce that apart from the Dual SD slot, the headphone jack is retained! Mate 10 has a 5.9-inch 1,440 x 2,560 screen with a pixel density of 499 pixels per inch but it doesn't have an OLED screen. Sadly, it is also not yet waterproof.
Interface feels more like an iPhone's user-friendly IOS but it has more wallpaper and icon themes to choose from that are very premium-looking.
Microsoft translator renders other languages better than any other Android phone.
The very first octa-core Kirin 970 chip set with four cores running at 2.36GHz is featured in the Mate 10 for a faster, stronger and seamless smartphone experience. It helps distinguish certain subjects like plants or food and automatically changes its settings to produce the best shot.
You don't have to worry about battery life because its battery life span is at 4000 mAh. However, I noticed the phone heating up right away after I played with the camera. Maybe it's something to consider too.
There's more! The Mate 10 can serve as a desktop computer replacement like Samsung DeX but without the need for a dock, you just need a USB to HDMI cable, a keyboard and mouse just like Samsung DeX on the S8 and Note 8. Having your phone as a track pad also works.
Huawei Mate 10's best asset is the dual camera system partnered with Leica optics, with one color sensor and one monochrome, both with big apertures and optimization at f/1.6 lenses. Its settings work like a mirror less camera! This camera is most fitting for beauty bloggers and those who love to take selfies since it has a beauty level function where you can adjust the smoothness of the photo.
Camera settings is optimized based on scenarios. This time we focused on a plant.
Sample shot when you use the Beauty Level feature of the camera.
With everything that I have just pointed out, what's going to be your verdict? Are you for Google Pixel 2 or Huawei Mate 10? Chat me your answers.
