Google Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S23+
The Verdict
Google Pixel 8 delivers exceptional value at $699, featuring Google's powerful Tensor G3 processor, stunning 2000-nit Actua OLED display, and industry-leading computational photography with Magic Eraser and Best Take. Samsung Galaxy S23+ costs $300 more but offers a larger 6.6-inch screen, faster 45W charging, dedicated 3x telephoto lens, and superior 8K video recording with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Pixel 8 excels in software integration, night mode, and everyday usability. Galaxy S23+ justifies premium pricing through optical zoom versatility and raw hardware performance. For most users prioritizing camera intelligence and affordability, Pixel 8 is the smarter choice. Professionals needing telephoto flexibility and faster charging may prefer Galaxy S23+.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 8 if…
- →Compact and comfortable design
- →Seven years of updates
- →Excellent main camera
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
Pros
- Compact and comfortable design
- Seven years of updates
- Excellent main camera
- Bright Actua OLED display
- On-device AI features
Cons
- No telephoto lens
- Tensor G3 thermals can be inconsistent
- Only 8 GB RAM
- Slow charging vs rivals
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 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 187 g | 195 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 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 |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2, 125.8-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 | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4575 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 18W (Pixel Stand) | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.2 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | Actua OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 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.
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