Google Pixel 6 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Verdict
Google Pixel 6 Pro delivers superior camera versatility with its 4x optical zoom telephoto lens and computational photography prowess, paired with a larger 6.7-inch display offering 3120x1440 resolution and 1000 nits peak brightness. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE counters with a brighter 1450-nit display, faster 120Hz refresh rate, and newer Android 13 software, while offering solid performance at a $300 lower price point. Battery capacity favors Pixel 6 Pro's 5003 mAh versus 4500 mAh, though both support wireless charging. Processing power leans toward Pixel 6 Pro's dedicated Tensor chip for AI features, whereas Galaxy S23 FE uses Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon variants depending on region. For photography enthusiasts and those wanting premium features, Pixel 6 Pro justifies its cost. Budget-conscious buyers seeking a capable, modern phone should choose Galaxy S23 FE.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 6 Pro if…
- →First-generation Tensor chip brings impressive AI photography
- →LTPO display with variable refresh rate
- →4x telephoto for versatile zoom range
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 6 Pro
Pros
- First-generation Tensor chip brings impressive AI photography
- LTPO display with variable refresh rate
- 4x telephoto for versatile zoom range
- Large battery with wireless charging
- Distinctive two-tone design
Cons
- First-gen Tensor has thermal management issues
- Software bugs at launch damaged reputation
- Heavy and slippery curved glass back
- Aging chip limits longevity
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 6 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 210 g | 209 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.85, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 11.1 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 48 MP, f/3.5, 4x optical zoom | 8 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2, 114-degree | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5003 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 33W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd gen) | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Type | LTPO OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 3120 x 1440 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 10-120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1000 | 1450 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP20 | Xclipse 920 / Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor | Samsung Exynos 2200 / Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 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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