Google Pixel 5 vs Samsung Galaxy S23+
The Verdict
Google Pixel 5 offers exceptional value at $699 with a compact 6.0-inch OLED display, reliable Snapdragon 765G performance, and Google's renowned computational photography through its 12.2MP main camera. Samsung Galaxy S23+ demands $999 for a larger 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh, significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, superior 50MP camera with telephoto capabilities, and 45W fast charging versus 18W. Performance-wise, the S23+ excels with nearly double the GPU power and 8K video recording. Battery capacity favors Samsung at 4700mAh. However, Pixel 5's lighter build, proven software optimization, and outstanding camera computational features deliver remarkable results for everyday users. Unless you need the absolute latest performance, superior display brightness (1750 nits vs 700), or telephoto zoom, Pixel 5 represents smarter spending. Recommend Pixel 5 for value-conscious buyers seeking flagship photography; S23+ for power users demanding cutting-edge performance and features.
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+ if…
- →Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy delivers top-tier performance
- →Bright 1750-nit display is excellent in direct sunlight
- →4700 mAh battery provides strong all-day endurance
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+
Pros
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy delivers top-tier performance
- Bright 1750-nit display is excellent in direct sunlight
- 4700 mAh battery provides strong all-day endurance
- Four years of OS updates and five years of security patches
- Versatile triple camera with 3x optical zoom
Cons
- Only 8 GB RAM at the $999 price point
- FHD+ resolution instead of QHD+ on the 6.6-inch display
- 45W charging is slower than Chinese competitors
- No expandable storage or microSD slot
- Design is very similar to S22+ with minimal visual changes
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 5 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 11 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 151 g | 195 g |
| Material | Aluminum unibody, bio-resin coating | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 144.7 x 70.4 x 8.0 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 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 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 16 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4080 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 12W wireless | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.0 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 700 | 1750 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz + 1x2.2 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 740 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| 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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