Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy S23+
The Verdict
Google Pixel 8a delivers exceptional value at $499, featuring Google's renowned Tensor G3 processing with superior computational photography, a bright 2000-nit Actua OLED display, and reliable 64MP main camera with OIS. Samsung Galaxy S23+ ($999) justifies its premium with a larger 6.6-inch display, significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance, 8K video recording, 3x optical zoom telephoto lens, and substantially faster 45W charging versus 18W. For photography purists and budget-conscious buyers, Pixel 8a's AI-enhanced imaging and cleaner Android 14 experience offer remarkable bang-for-buck. Professionals needing raw performance, zoom flexibility, and premium materials should choose S23+. Pixel 8a wins for value, S23+ for capability.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 8a if…
- →Flagship-grade Tensor G3 chip at mid-range price
- →Seven years of software updates (rare at this price)
- →Excellent main camera for the class
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 8a
Pros
- Flagship-grade Tensor G3 chip at mid-range price
- Seven years of software updates (rare at this price)
- Excellent main camera for the class
- Bright 120Hz OLED display
- Wireless charging support
Cons
- Slow 18W wired charging
- Smaller battery than competitors
- Plastic back instead of glass
- No telephoto camera
- Bezels are thicker than the flagship Pixels
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 8a | Samsung Galaxy S23+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 188 g | 195 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3 | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 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 | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4492 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 | 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 3.0 | 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.
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