Google Pixel 6a vs Samsung Galaxy S23+
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S23+ dominates across nearly every hardware metric compared to the Pixel 6a. Its 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1750 nits brightness vastly outshines the Pixel's 6.1-inch 60Hz OLED panel. Camera capabilities heavily favor Samsung: the 50MP main sensor with Dual Pixel PDAF, 8K video recording, and 3x optical telephoto zoom outclass Pixel 6a's simpler 12.2MP setup. Performance advantage goes to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 over Google Tensor, while battery capacity (4700mAh vs 4410mAh) and charging speeds (45W vs 18W) further separate these phones. Samsung includes wireless charging and PowerShare, features absent from Pixel 6a. However, Pixel 6a excels in computational photography and software optimization, offering exceptional value at half the S23+ price. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing everyday usability and AI features, Pixel 6a remains compelling. Premium users wanting cutting-edge hardware should choose Samsung Galaxy S23+.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 6a if…
- →Same Tensor chip as Pixel 6 at $449
- →Excellent computational photography
- →Five years of security updates
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 6a
Pros
- Same Tensor chip as Pixel 6 at $449
- Excellent computational photography
- Five years of security updates
- Compact and lightweight design
- Clean stock Android experience
Cons
- 60Hz display feels dated
- Slow 18W charging
- No wireless charging
- Only 128 GB storage option
- 12.2 MP camera hardware behind Pixel 6
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 6a | Samsung Galaxy S23+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 12 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 178 g | 195 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 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 | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4410 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | No | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 800 | 1750 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz + 2x2.25 GHz + 4x1.80 GHz) | 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 3.1 | 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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