Google Pixel 6 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Verdict
Both phones share a $599 price point and similar core specifications, but each excels in different areas. Pixel 6 features Google's custom Tensor chip, which delivers superior computational photography and AI-driven features like Magic Eraser and Face Unblur. Its 90Hz AMOLED display and 50MP main camera with f/1.85 aperture are solid, though the 4614mAh battery edges ahead with faster 30W charging. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE counters with a brighter 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display at 1450 nits, making it superior for outdoor visibility and scrolling smoothness. The added 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom provides versatile zooming capabilities that Pixel 6 lacks. However, S23 FE's slightly smaller 4500mAh battery and slower 25W charging are notable drawbacks. For pure computational photography and software polish, Pixel 6 edges ahead. For display quality and zoom flexibility, S23 FE takes the lead. Choose Pixel 6 if computational features matter most; select S23 FE for superior display performance and telephoto range.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 6 if…
- →First Tensor chip with incredible AI photography
- →Magic Eraser and Real Tone features
- →Excellent value at $599 for flagship specs
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
Pros
- First Tensor chip with incredible AI photography
- Magic Eraser and Real Tone features
- Excellent value at $599 for flagship specs
- Five years of security updates
- Clean Android 12 Material You experience
Cons
- Tensor chip runs warm under sustained load
- In-display fingerprint scanner was slow
- No telephoto camera
- 8 MP selfie camera is below average
- Thick camera bar protrudes significantly
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 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 207 g | 209 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 6 | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 158.6 x 74.8 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 10 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 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, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4614 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 30W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 21W wireless | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.4 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 800 | 1450 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz + 2x2.25 GHz + 4x1.80 GHz) | 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 3.1 | 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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