Understanding LED Ratings

When choosing an Android phone, it seems the first choice is the Galaxy S9 (or S9 Plus).

But there are many other products at lower prices, including the 2017 Google Pixel 2 and the OnePlus 6 released in May. The Pixel 2 is Google's iconic phone, starting at $649, £629, and AU$1,079 for the 64GB version. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 6 is significantly cheaper at $529, £469, and AU$702, and is made by a dark horse company whose cheap and powerful phones have a loyal fan base.

Both are top-tier phones, but each has its pros and cons.

If you're torn between the two, we'll make it easy for you. We'll have them go head-to-head to see which phone is better, based on their design, camera, software features, and performance. Neither phone stands out in design. Except for their single color versions (blue Pixel 2 and white rose gold OnePlus 6), both look plain.

But the Pixel 2 is waterproof. Similar to what Apple did with its flagship, the Pixel 2's water resistance not only makes it truly competitive with top-tier phones, but also more durable for users. Google pixel-2-0476-024 OnePlus 6 has a large screen and almost invisible bezels. Josh Miller/CNET I wish the OnePlus 6 would follow suit. (OnePlus does claim the OnePlus 6 is more water-resistant than previous versions, but without IP certification, you can forget safely submerging it underwater.)

But in other design aspects, the phone takes the lead. It has a larger 6.28-inch screen, ultra-thin bezels, and a headphone jack. The latter is especially beneficial to me because it means I can still use my beloved earphones without having to carry a dongle.