Google Pixel 7a vs Samsung Galaxy S23+
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S23+ commands a significant premium over Pixel 7a, doubling the price at $999 versus $499. Display quality favors Samsung with its 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen achieving 1750 nits brightness and 120Hz refresh rate, compared to Pixel's 6.1-inch OLED at 90Hz and 1400 nits. Camera systems differ strategically: Samsung adds a 10MP 3x telephoto lens and shoots 8K video, while Pixel 7a excels with computational photography and its proven HDR+ processing. Performance heavily advantages Samsung's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset over Google's Tensor G2, delivering noticeably faster gaming and multitasking. Battery capacity tips toward Samsung at 4700mAh with 45W charging versus Pixel's 4385mAh and 18W charging. Pixel 7a remains exceptional value for everyday photography and pure Android experience. Samsung justifies premium pricing only for users prioritizing telephoto capabilities, high refresh displays, and raw processing power. Most consumers find Pixel 7a's $499 price point offers superior value.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 7a if…
- →Flagship Tensor G2 chip at mid-range price
- →64 MP main camera greatly improved over Pixel 6a
- →Five years of OS and 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 7a
Pros
- Flagship Tensor G2 chip at mid-range price
- 64 MP main camera greatly improved over Pixel 6a
- Five years of OS and security updates
- Wireless charging added vs previous generation
- Compact and easy to use one-handed
Cons
- Only one storage option (128 GB)
- Slow 18W wired charging
- Plastic back feels less premium than glass
- No telephoto camera
- 90Hz capped (not adaptive)
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 7a | Samsung Galaxy S23+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 193.5 g | 195 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 152.4 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 64 MP, f/1.89, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP, f/2.2, 120-degree | 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 | 4385 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W (Qi) | 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 | 90Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1400 | 1750 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Mali-G710 MP7 | Adreno 740 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G2 | 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 | 5.3 | 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.
Explore more in phones, see all Google products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Google Pixel 7a or the Samsung Galaxy S23+.