The common Galaxy S23 is the most cost effective of Samsung’s 2023 flagship telephones.
Regardless of launching nearly eight months later, the Google Pixel 8 is its most evident rival. So, how do these telephones stack up towards one another, and which do you have to purchase?
On this comparability, we cowl all the important thing specs and options that can assist you make an knowledgeable choice.
Variations between Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S23
The Pixel 8 continues with the glossy, minimalist design of current Pixel telephone. It’s comparatively compact by trendy telephone requirements, and weighs simply 187g. However that doesn’t imply it’ll be flimsy, with robust Gorilla Glass Victus on each the back and front.
The Galaxy S23, however, has a barely bigger physique and likewise weighs extra at 196g. However it actually doesn’t really feel cumbersome, and options the much more sturdy Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on either side of the telephone. Nevertheless, each are usually proof against scratches and injury from drops.
Google Pixel 8
The Pixel 8 boasts a 6.2in, 1080×2400 OLED show with an adaptive 120Hz refresh fee, that means the latter can robotically drop right down to 60Hz when not required to preserve battery life. Google claims you’ll be able to stand up to 1400 nits of HDR and 2000 nits of peak brightness, making it among the best smartphone shows round.
In the meantime, the Galaxy S23 has a barely smaller 6.1in show, but additionally a barely decrease 2340×1080 decision. However it’s nonetheless OLED, and nonetheless provides an adaptive 120Hz refresh fee which may go right down to 48Hz right here. HDR help and a peak brightness of 1750 nits are each right here, so there’s little or no distinction between the shows.
Chris Martin
As regards to software program, the Pixel 8 runs Android 14 out of the field. The S23 is more likely to be one of many Samsung gadgets getting the replace “later this 12 months”, however on the time of writing it’s nonetheless Android 13.
All Pixel telephones run what’s also known as ‘inventory’ Android. Given Google makes the software program, that is precisely the way it was meant to work. You may anticipate a clear, easy person interface that focuses on ease of use. There’s additionally no further pre-installed software program, as you’ll get on many different Android telephones.
Google will even provide an industry-leading seven years of each OS updates and safety patches. The corporate has confirmed that this may embrace a theoretical Android 21. New options are often added greater than every year, although.
Google Pixel 8
Whereas the Galaxy S23 runs Android 13 on the time of writing, it’s with Samsung’s One UI 5 pores and skin excessive. When the Android 14 replace arrives, it’ll be branded as One UI 6.
The present iteration is kind of totally different to Pixel telephones, but additionally comparatively straightforward to get the dangle of. The notification shade and Settings menu have been redesigned, however the further pre-installed apps are most likely the principle factor you’ll discover.
A few of these are actually helpful, whether or not it’s Samsung Well being for information from wearables and SmartThings for managing sensible residence gadgets. However many are functionally similar to Google’s model, whereas the likes of Bixby and Samsung Web are usually thought-about inferior to the Google Assistant and Chrome.
Samsung’s replace dedication isn’t fairly as spectacular as Google’s, however you’ll be able to nonetheless anticipate 4 years of OS updates (as much as Android 17) and safety updates till 2028.
Chris Martin
The Pixel 8 is powered by the Google Tensor G3 processor, which is targeted on each efficiency and AI performance. It additionally incorporates a Titan M2 safety chip for enhanced gadget safety.
The Galaxy S23 is supplied with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is understood for its highly effective efficiency and effectivity.
With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in lots of the finest Android telephones of 2023, we already realize it’s one of the succesful chips on any telephone. It’s not fairly clear how the Tensor G3 will evaluate, but it surely’s not more likely to be as highly effective.
However pure efficiency isn’t at all times the highest precedence for Google, and the Pixel 8 continues to be more likely to be loads highly effective sufficient.
Pixel 8
Each the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S23 have two an identical configurations to decide on between: 8GB of RAM with both 128- or 256GB of storage. However with no help for expandable storage on both, it’s possible you’ll must go for the 256GB mannequin if you wish to retailer a number of information and apps on the your telephone.
Each telephones characteristic 5G help and Bluetooth 5.3 for quick connectivity. Additionally they have stereo audio system for an immersive audio expertise, a USB-C port for charging and information switch, and are IP68 score for water and mud resistance. The Pixel 8 provides Wi-Fi 7 in comparison with Wi-Fi 6E on the Galaxy S23, however that’s extra about future proofing.
Chris Martin
Google says the Pixel 8’s 4575mAh battery can get you “past 24-hour battery life”. That’s primarily a full day on a single cost, but it surely stays to be seen the way it fares in real-world utilization. With Excessive Battery Saver mode, you’ll be able to supposedly stand up to 72 hours.
Charging continues to be restricted to 30W, with as much as 50% cost in half-hour claimed. There’s additionally help for Qi wi-fi charging and Battery Share reverse wi-fi charging (letting you cost one other telephone utilizing the Pixel 8).
The Galaxy S23’s 3900mAh battery sounds small by comparability, however you’ll be able to nonetheless anticipate all-day battery life. Judging by our assessment, you may get to the tip of a average utilization day with round 10-20% battery left.
There’s solely 25W charging right here, which is properly behind the competitors however not far behind the Pixel 8. There’s additionally 15W Qi wi-fi charging (with a appropriate pad) and 4.5W reverse wi-fi charging.
Google Pixel 8
The Pixel 8 boasts a 50MP essential digital camera with 2x optical zoom and the next high quality Tremendous Res Zoom as much as 8x. You additionally get a 12Mp ultrawide and 10.5Mp selfie lens.
In the meantime, the Galaxy S23 additionally has a 50Mp essential digital camera and 12Mp ultrawide. But additionally a 10Mp telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and 12Mp selfie digital camera.
Whereas we’re nonetheless ready to check the cameras on the Pixel 8, it’s secure to imagine that they gained’t be considerably totally different from these of the Pixel 7. In spite of everything, the smartphones have the identical cameras, however the Tensor 3 may show to be important right here.
Nevertheless, the Galaxy S23 has the benefit of a bigger optical zoom, and we all know it takes superb photographs when the lighting is sweet.
Worth & availability
The Pixel 8 begins at $699/£699. You may pre-order one now from the Google Retailer, forward of its launch on 12 October 2023.
The Galaxy S23 begins at $799/£849. It’s accessible from Samsung US, Samsung UK and plenty of third-party retailers.
Try our round-up of the finest smartphones to see extra choices.
Chris Martin
Verdict
Selecting between the Google Pixel 8 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 finally depends upon your particular preferences and desires. Each telephones provide the likes of stable efficiency, a lovely design and highly effective cameras inside a compact but premium design.
Deciding which to go for will rely in your particular preferences. Need the flexibility of a telephoto lens? Go for the S23. Want a cleaner software program expertise? The Pixel 8 is a greater guess.
But when there’s no particular options which stand out, pricing could also be important. Until yow will discover a deal, the beginning value of the Pixel 8 is $100/£150 lower than the S23.
Specs
Google Pixel 8:
- Full-screen 6.2in Actua show, 20:9 side ratio, (1080 x 2400) OLED at 428 PPI, 60–120 Hz
- Corning Gorilla Glass Victus cowl glass
- At all times-on show with At a Look and Now Enjoying
- As much as 1400 nits (HDR) and as much as 2000 nits (peak brightness)
- >1,000,000:1 distinction ratio
- HDR help
- Full 24-bit depth for 16 million colors
- Google Tensor G3 with Titan M2 safety coprocessor
- 8GB LPDDR5X RAM or 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 storage
- Past 24-hour battery life
- As much as 72-hour battery life with Excessive Battery Saver
- Minimal 4485 mAh, typical 4575 mAh
- Quick charging as much as 50% cost in about half-hour
- Qi-certified
- Quick wi-fi charging
- Battery Share
- Cameras:
- 50 MP Octa PD broad digital camera
- 12 MP ultrawide digital camera with autofocus
- 10.5 MP Twin PD selfie digital camera
- 5.9 peak x 2.8 width x 0.4 depth (inches)
- 187 g
- Colors: Hazel, Rose, and Obsidian
Samsung Galaxy S23:
- 6.1in, 120Hz, FHD+, Dynamic AMOLED show
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
- 8GB RAM
- 128/256GB storage
- Cameras:
- 50Mp f/1.8 essential digital camera
- 12Mp f/2.2 ultrawide digital camera
- 10Mp f/2.4 3x optical telephoto digital camera
- 12Mp f/2.2 entrance going through digital camera
- 5G
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Stereo audio system
- USB-C
- 3900mAh battery
- 45W wired charging
- 15W wi-fi charging
- 4.5W reverse wi-fi charging
- IP68
- Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm
- 196g