When the Google Pixel XL and Samsung Galaxy S7 were launched in 2016, both smartphones were very popular in the Android category. Even in 2025, some tech-related channels or blogs still compare these two smartphones, be it their hardware, software, or all their features, such as battery, display, and camera.
So, in this article, we also compare these two popular smartphones. If you want details about both of them, then this article provides a detailed comparison to help you decide.
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Comparison of Google Pixel XL vs Samsung S7
In this guide, we will now compare both mobile phones, so relax and see the complete features of both and decide for yourself which features you need. You can select one of these two mobile phones. Each phone excels in different areas. So let’s talk about the details.
Note: Specifications are based on manufacturer data. Performance may vary with age and usage. Always verify features before purchasing
1. Design and Build Quality
- Google Pixel XL The Google Pixel XL uses minimal aluminium in its design, and has a non-Vision glass panel on the back that feels very solid, with the Google logo above it.
- Samsung S7, The Samsung Galaxy S7 comes with a premium glass and metal design that feels very premium in the hand. It feels more luxurious and is slightly smaller and lighter than the Pixel XL.
Winner: Samsung S7, due to premium feel and compact design.
2. Display Comparison
- Pixel XL: 5.5-inch AMOLED display, resolution 1440 x 2560 pixels, vibrant colours, sharp contrast.
- Galaxy S7: 5.1-inch Super AMOLED screen, also 1440 x 2560 pixels, known for its brightness and saturation.
The display inside both mobile phones is good, which provides an awesome resolution, and the pixels look quite clear, but the Samsung Galaxy is smaller in size, so the pixels on it look a little clearer.
Winner: Here, if we talk about the display, the Samsung Galaxy’s display is brighter, while the Pixel XL offers more accurate colours.
3. Performance and Hardware
- Pixel XL: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, 4GB RAM
- Galaxy S7: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820/Exynos 8890 (region-dependent), 4GB RAM
Both phones are very fast and smooth due to the chipsets and RAM installed inside them, but the Pixel XL has the latest fast chipset from Google, so it provides a little more performance.
Winner: Here, the Pixel XL’s Snapdragon 821 delivers slightly better performance in benchmarks. Because the chipset installed in it is updated, and it is a little smoother.
4. Software Experience
- Pixel XL runs stock Android with no bloatware. Because of this, Google is quick to clean and get updates quickly and updates the software as soon as it goes down a little.
- Samsung S7 shipped with TouchWiz (now One UI in newer devices). Although One UI provides many features that enhance its performance, it also comes with some less commonly used apps that are rarely used.
Here, if we talk about software, Google Pixels are slightly higher than Samsung because it updates the software quickly and provides a completely clean and clear experience with its smoothness and speed. But inside Samsung, as we mentioned, One UI is good, but with it, some applications are not used.
Winner: Pixel XL
5. Camera Quality
- Pixel XL: 12.3 MP rear camera, f/2.0 aperture, no OIS but superb computational photography.
- Galaxy S7: 12 MP rear camera, f/1.7 aperture, with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS)
If we talk about low light and nighttime, the Galaxy S7 provides good performance due to its OIS, but if we talk about daytime, the Google Pixels perform slightly better than the Samsung and provide good dynamic range.
Winner: This depends on what time you are taking the pictures. If you are taking them at night, as we mentioned, the Galaxy S7 performs better in low-light conditions, and if you are taking them during the day, Google Pixels produce clean pictures.
6. Battery Life
- Pixel XL: Google Pixels come with a 3450mAh battery inside.
- Samsung S7: This Samsung model comes with a 3,000mAh battery.
As it is obvious that Google Pixels have a 500mAh battery inside, its timing is slightly better than Samsung’s and due to its software experience.
Winner: Pixel XL
7. Storage Options
- Pixel XL: 32GB/128GB, no SD card support
- Samsung S7: 32GB, but with microsd expansion up to 256GB
Google Pixels have less storage than Samsung because we cannot insert an SD card into it, but Samsung can insert an SD card up to 256 GB, which provides good storage.
Winner: Samsung S7
8. Other Features
- Samsung S7 has wireless charging and IP68 water resistance, missing on the Pixel XL.
- Pixel XL features Google Assistant first, and timely software updates from Google.
Winner: Both of these mobiles have different features that are known for their good performance, so we will keep both of them as winners, Samsung due to their hardware features and Pixel due to their software innovations.
Final Verdict
| Feature | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design | The design feels more premium than the Samsung Galaxy. |
| Display | The display also delivers the Samsung Galaxy’s good performance and provides more resolution and contrast. |
| Performance | But now, when it comes to performance, the Pixel provides better than Samsung. |
| Software | In terms of software, Pixel provides more updates than Samsung. |
| Camera | Talking about the camera, both the mobiles take good pictures. |
| Battery | The Pixel comes out better in a better battery, with 500mAh more. |
| Storage | Talking about storage, the Samsung Galaxy provides more storage, which we can expand up to 250 GB. |
| Extras | Apart from this, if we talk about the other features, it has better performance of Samsung. |
Conclusion:
If you want a mobile with fast software, a clean experience, and good battery life, you can consider choosing the Pixel XL. But if you are looking for a stylish one out of the two that also has wireless charging and water resistance, can expand the storage, and has a better camera, then out of the two, the Samsung Galaxy S7 is a good choice for you.
Tips:
In this article, we have given you a complete guide to this smartphone. You can choose the mobile phones based on the features you want. For the best decision, consider testing both phones if possible. On a practical note and see which one you feel is running smoothly for you. Select the one.
Welcome to TechMalik.com, your ultimate destination for all things tech in Pakistan! My name is Tanveer Abbas, also known as TanimaLik, and I am the founder of this blog. At TechMalik.com, I cover a wide range of topics focused on Pakistan’s technology scene, including telecom updates, internet services and amazing Mobile Apps.