Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23+
The Verdict
Both phones deliver flagship performance at the same $999 price point, but with different strengths. Pixel 8 Pro features a superior 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 2400 nits peak brightness and 1-120Hz adaptive refresh, paired with Google's Tensor G3 and exceptional computational photography through 12GB RAM. Its camera system excels with a 50MP main sensor (f/1.68 OIS), 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and 48MP ultrawide. Samsung Galaxy S23+ counters with a snappier Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, lighter 195g build, and faster 45W charging versus Pixel's 30W. However, S23+ offers smaller 6.6-inch display with lower 1750 nits brightness and weaker 3x telephoto zoom. Battery capacity favors Pixel at 5050mAh versus 4700mAh. For camera and display quality, choose Pixel 8 Pro. For raw performance and charge speed, Galaxy S23+ edges ahead. Pixel 8 Pro provides better long-term software support and AI features.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 8 Pro if…
- →Outstanding camera system with 5x telephoto
- →Seven years of OS and security updates
- →Bright 2400-nit Super Actua display
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 8 Pro
Pros
- Outstanding camera system with 5x telephoto
- Seven years of OS and security updates
- Bright 2400-nit Super Actua display
- Built-in temperature sensor
- On-device AI features
Cons
- Tensor G3 prone to thermal throttling
- Slow 30W wired charging
- Heavy at 213 g
- Expensive at launch
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 8 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 213 g | 195 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.68, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 10.5 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 48 MP, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom | 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP, f/1.95, 125.5-degree | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5050 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charging | 30W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 23W (Pixel Stand) | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | LTPO OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2992 x 1344 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 1-120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2400 | 1750 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Adreno 740 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | 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 8 Pro or the Samsung Galaxy S23+.