Google Pixel 4 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE dominates this comparison across nearly every dimension despite launching years after Pixel 4. Display quality is substantially superior with Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology delivering 1450 nits brightness versus 600 nits, plus 120Hz refresh rate trounces 90Hz. Camera hardware favors Galaxy S23 FE with a 50MP main sensor, ultrawide, and 3x telephoto versus Pixel 4's older 12.2MP approach, though Pixel 4's computational photography remains competitive. Battery capacity is dramatically better at 4500mAh versus 2800mAh, offering significantly longer endurance. Processing power shifts decisively to Galaxy S23 FE with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 outpacing the dated Snapdragon 855. Connectivity includes 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 compared to Pixel 4's older standards. Galaxy S23 FE also undercuts price at $599 versus $799. Pixel 4 struggles only with battery and screen brightness in practical use. Galaxy S23 FE emerges as the superior choice for almost every user priority.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 4 if…
- →Best-in-class astrophotography mode
- →90Hz smooth OLED display
- →Excellent dual camera with telephoto
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if…
- →Flagship features like 120Hz AMOLED and IP68 at a lower price
- →Bright 1450-nit display for good outdoor visibility
- →3x optical zoom telephoto is rare in this price range
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 4
Pros
- Best-in-class astrophotography mode
- 90Hz smooth OLED display
- Excellent dual camera with telephoto
- Face unlock with 3D face scanning
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Terrible 2800 mAh battery life
- No ultrawide camera
- Large forehead bezel
- No fingerprint scanner
- Only 64 GB base storage
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Pros
- Flagship features like 120Hz AMOLED and IP68 at a lower price
- Bright 1450-nit display for good outdoor visibility
- 3x optical zoom telephoto is rare in this price range
- Four years of OS updates guaranteed
- Wireless charging with reverse wireless PowerShare
Cons
- Exynos 2200 variant has weaker performance and efficiency
- Only 25W wired charging is slow for 2023
- Gorilla Glass 5 is older protection than Victus 2
- 8 MP telephoto resolution is low
- Heavier at 209 g due to older processor thermals
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 4 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 10 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 162 g | 209 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 147.1 x 68.8 x 8.2 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 10 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 16 MP, f/2.4, 2x optical zoom | 8 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2800 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 11W wireless | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 5.7 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Type | P-OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2280 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 600 | 1450 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.78 GHz) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Xclipse 920 / Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 | Samsung Exynos 2200 / Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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