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When choosing an Android phone, the Galaxy S9 may seem like the obvious first choice, but there are actually many more affordable options, including the 2017 Google Pixel 2 and the OnePlus 6 released in May.
Nov 2nd,2026
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When choosing an Android phone, the Galaxy S9 (or S9 Plus) may seem like the obvious first choice.
But there are plenty of other options 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 affordable yet 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 help you decide with ease. We'll pit them head-to-head to see which phone comes out on top, based on their design, camera, software features, and performance. Neither phone stands out in terms of design. Apart from their single color options (the blue Pixel 2 and the white rose gold OnePlus 6), both look rather plain.
But the Pixel 2 is water-resistant. 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 with nearly 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 an IP rating, you can forget about safely submerging it underwater.)
But in other design aspects, the phone takes the lead. It features a larger 6.28-inch screen, ultra-thin bezels, and a headphone jack. The latter is especially a plus for me, because it means I can still use my beloved headphones without having to carry around a dongle.
But there are plenty of other options 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 affordable yet 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 help you decide with ease. We'll pit them head-to-head to see which phone comes out on top, based on their design, camera, software features, and performance. Neither phone stands out in terms of design. Apart from their single color options (the blue Pixel 2 and the white rose gold OnePlus 6), both look rather plain.
But the Pixel 2 is water-resistant. 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 with nearly 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 an IP rating, you can forget about safely submerging it underwater.)
But in other design aspects, the phone takes the lead. It features a larger 6.28-inch screen, ultra-thin bezels, and a headphone jack. The latter is especially a plus for me, because it means I can still use my beloved headphones without having to carry around a dongle.
