Google Pixel 6 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23+
The Verdict
Both flagship phones deliver premium experiences but with different strengths. Google Pixel 6 Pro boasts a larger 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with 1440p resolution and 12GB RAM, excelling in computational photography and software integration with Android 12. Samsung Galaxy S23+ counters with superior hardware specs including Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, brighter 1750-nit display, faster 45W charging, and 8K video recording. Pixel 6 Pro's 5003mAh battery outlasts S23+ Plus's 4700mAh unit, while Samsung's lighter 195g design and thinner profile offer better ergonomics. Camera performance favors Pixel's 50MP main sensor with f/1.85 aperture and superior night mode, though Samsung's 3x telephoto zoom provides useful optical flexibility. At $100 higher, S23+ Plus justifies cost through faster processor and display brightness, yet Pixel 6 Pro remains the smarter choice for photography enthusiasts and those prioritizing software polish over raw specifications.
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+ 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 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+
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 6 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 210 g | 195 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 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 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 48 MP, f/3.5, 4x optical zoom | 10 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 | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5003 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charging | 33W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd gen) | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | LTPO OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 3120 x 1440 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 10-120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1000 | 1750 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP20 | Adreno 740 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| 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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