Google Pixel 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S23+
The Verdict
Google Pixel 9 delivers superior value at $799, featuring the cutting-edge Tensor G4 chip, brighter Actua OLED display (2700 nits peak), and more versatile camera system with 48MP ultrawide and advanced computational photography. Samsung Galaxy S23+ costs $200 more yet uses older Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and includes less RAM (8GB vs 12GB), though it offers 8K video recording, telephoto lens, and faster 45W charging. Pixel 9's software optimization, AI integration, and exceptional display quality edge out the S23+ in everyday performance. Battery capacity matches at 4700mAh. For most users seeking the best overall experience without premium pricing, Pixel 9 wins decisively.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 9 if…
- →Excellent main and ultrawide cameras
- →Seven years of OS updates
- →Premium flat-edge design
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 9
Pros
- Excellent main and ultrawide cameras
- Seven years of OS updates
- Premium flat-edge design
- 12 GB RAM is generous for the price
- Bright 2700-nit display
Cons
- No telephoto lens
- Slower charging than competitors
- Tensor G4 not a benchmark leader
- Only two storage options
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 9 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 198 g | 195 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 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 | 48 MP, f/1.7, 123-degree | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 12 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4700 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 45W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W (Qi) | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.3 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | Actua OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2424 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60-120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2700 | 1750 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520) | Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Mali-G715 MC7 | Adreno 740 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 | 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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