The Google Pixel XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge pits two of the best smartphones in the market with powerful specs in processor power, graphics and RAM that are evenly matched. However, the Google Pixel XL may have a better advantage to Samsung because of its exclusive software features like the Pixel Launcher and the Google Assistant.

For this review, the Google Pixel XL takes on the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge with a look under the hood starting with the processor where Google has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 to Samsung's 820, a minimal difference. Both device also has the Adveno 530 GPU with 4GB RAM, enabling both device to run at 60 frames per second with animations and transitions flowing smoothly.

Moreover, the native Vulkan support in both the Google Pixel XL and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge provide the best graphics including gameplay with Vulkan support, Know Your Mobile has learned. In hardware, both the Google Pixel XL and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge have fingerprint scanners with the former located at the back while the latter is embedded in its tactile home button located in front.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge also received an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance while the Google Pixel XL is only at IP53, meaning the device is only safe from splashes. In the camera section, Google put in a 12.3MP main camera while only 12MP for Samsung.

However, the Google Pixel XL has camera issues called the "halo effect" where images are highlighted and no evident noise reduction functionality as opposed to Samsung's aggressive noise reduction in the S7 Edge. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge also outranks the Google Pixel XL in the storage capacity with its expandable storage via microSD card up to 256GB while Google can only go for 128GB according to Android Authority.

Moreover, the Google Pixel XL only has a 3,450mAh battery capacity as compared with Samsung's 3,600mAh. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge also has wireless charging that together with its beautiful design and powerful specs make it a huge contender for the top post.

Nonetheless, the Google Pixel XL makes up for its lack of aesthetics appeal through its software, the Android 7.1 Nougat with exclusive features like the Pixel Launcher and Google Assistant that outperforms Siri in many aspects. For gadget geeks, the Google Pixel XL features powerful specs, excellent hardware and the best in exclusive software features with always on time updates that its rival, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge cannot compete.