Google Pixel 5 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE delivers superior value at a lower price point with a larger 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display boasting 1450 nits brightness and 120Hz refresh rate, compared to Pixel 5's smaller OLED at 700 nits and 90Hz. Camera prowess favors Samsung's 50MP main sensor with Dual Pixel PDAF and optical zoom capabilities versus Pixel 5's computational photography strength with 12.2MP. Battery capacity edges toward Samsung at 4500mAh with faster 25W charging, though Pixel 5 remains more compact at 151g. Processor-wise, Samsung's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 significantly outperforms Pixel 5's aging Snapdragon 765G. Connectivity features tip to Samsung with Wi-Fi 6E and newer Bluetooth 5.3. For buyers prioritizing raw performance, screen quality, and modern internals without premium pricing, Galaxy S23 FE emerges as the stronger recommendation.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 5 if…
- →Compact and lightweight at 151 g
- →90Hz smooth OLED display
- →Excellent camera with Night Sight and astrophotography
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 5
Pros
- Compact and lightweight at 151 g
- 90Hz smooth OLED display
- Excellent camera with Night Sight and astrophotography
- Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging
- IP68 water resistance
Cons
- Mid-range Snapdragon 765G in a $699 phone
- No telephoto camera
- 8 MP selfie camera is dated
- Only 128 GB storage option
- Bio-resin coating scratches easily
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 5 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 11 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 151 g | 209 g |
| Material | Aluminum unibody, bio-resin coating | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 144.7 x 70.4 x 8.0 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@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 16 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 8 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4080 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 12W wireless | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.0 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Type | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 700 | 1450 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz + 1x2.2 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Xclipse 920 / Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | 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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