The iPhone X is the latest high-end phone to feature water resistance. But there are others that are just as splash-friendly. Here are CNET’s takes on the iPhone X and three of its moisture-impervious colleagues.
———
Apple iPhone X
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/apple-iphone-x/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: A great blend of handheld comfort and a big, gorgeous OLED screen. Rear telephoto camera outshoots the 8 Plus in low light, and the front camera snaps impressive portrait selfies. Face ID generally works fine.
The bad: New interface and no home button mean major adjustments, and key features such as the Control Center are harder to reach and use. It’ll take time for most apps to be optimized for notched screen. The phone is hella expensive.
The cost: $999.00 to $999.99
The bottom line: iPhone X is an overdue and winning evolution of the iPhone, but you’ll need to leave your comfort zone to make a jump into the face-recognizing future.
———
Samsung Galaxy Note 8
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-galaxy-note-8/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: The Galaxy Note 8 tops Samsung’s already excellent S8 and S8 Plus with dual cameras and a boatload of stylus tricks. It’s the most feature-rich Android phone you can buy.
The bad: An expensive phone, the Note 8 has more features than most people will need. Samsung’s portrait mode can be finicky. The poorly placed fingerprint reader repeats the Galaxy S8’s worst design flaw.
The cost: $820.00 to $949.99
The bottom line: The Galaxy Note 8 retakes the throne as the ultimate Android phone for now, but some intense competition is just over the horizon.
———
Apple iPhone 8 Plus
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/apple-iphone-8-plus/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: Fantastic dual-lens camera shoots better than ever with improved portrait mode. Adds wireless charging. Lightning-fast speed. Starts at 64GB.
The bad: Dated design. Most competing Android phones have even larger screens. iPhone X could be a more compelling choice.
The cost: $799.00 to $980.00
The bottom line: The iPhone 8 Plus is a superlative phone with a spectacular camera, however the iPhone X folds all of the key features of the 8 Plus into a smaller, sexier package.
———
Google Pixel 2
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/news/google-pixel-2-review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: Google’s Pixel 2 has a superb camera with OIS and excellent low-light shooting. It’s water-resistant and Google Lens calls up a trove of information to help you explore your surroundings.
The bad: The phone’s battery doesn’t keep pace with the Pixel’s competitors and its Portrait Mode isn’t as smooth on dual-camera phones. Its design feels dated and it doesn’t have wireless charging or a headphone jack.
The cost: $649.99
The bottom line: Buy the Pixel 2 for the best camera on any Android phone and fast Google updates, but skip it if you can’t live without a headphone jack or a standout design.
———
The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Section Editor Jessica Dolcourt, Senior Editor Lynn La, Senior Editor Scott Stein and Senior Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
