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Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy S23

Google's Pixel 9a delivers exceptional value at $499, featuring a larger 6.3-inch OLED display with superior 2700-nit brightness, the latest Tensor G4 chipset, and a bigger 5000mAh battery with faster 23W charging. Samsung's Galaxy S23 commands a $300 premium, offering a more compact 6.1-inch design, the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and a telephoto lens absent from the Pixel. Display quality heavily favors Pixel 9a's OLED technology and brightness levels, while Samsung excels in overall processing power and optical zoom capabilities. Battery endurance goes to Pixel 9a thanks to its larger capacity; both shoot excellent video at 4K/60fps. For most users seeking outstanding performance, superior display tech, and impressive longevity without premium pricing, Pixel 9a is the smarter choice. Samsung suits photographers prioritizing zoom and those valuing compact ergonomics despite diminished battery life.

Google Pixel 9a
Google
Google Pixel 9a
$499
8.6/10
Winner
VS
Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S23
$800
8.1/10

Full Specifications

SpecGoogle Pixel 9aSamsung Galaxy S23
SoftwareAndroid 15Android 13, One UI 5.1
Body
Weight186 g168 g
MaterialAluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 3Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2
IP ratingIP68IP68
Dimensions154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm
Camera
Main camera48 MP, f/1.7, OIS50 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Front camera13 MP, f/2.212 MP, f/2.2
Video4K@60fps4K@60fps
Ultrawide13 MP, f/2.2, 120-degree12 MP, f/2.2
Telephoto10 MP 3x optical
Memory
RAM8 GB8 GB
Storage options128 GB, 256 GB128 GB, 256 GB
Battery
Capacity5000 mAh3900 mAh
Charging23W wired25W wired
Wireless chargingQi wireless15W
Display
Size6.3 inches6.1 inches
TypeOLEDDynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution2424 x 10802340 x 1080
Refresh rate120Hz120Hz
Brightness (nits)27001750
Processor
CPUOcta-coreOcta-core (1x3.36 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz)
GPUMali-G715Adreno 740
ChipsetGoogle Tensor G4Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Connectivity
5G
NFC
USBUSB-C 3.2USB-C 3.2
Wi-FiWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth5.35.3

Category Scores

Google Pixel 9a
Samsung Galaxy S23
Value
0
0
Camera
0
0
Battery
0
0
Display
0
0
Performance
0
0

Pros & Cons

Google Pixel 9a

Pros

  • Tensor G4 brings flagship AI features to a mid-range price
  • Seven years of OS and security updates
  • Excellent computational photography with Real Tone and Magic Eraser
  • Bright 120Hz OLED display with 2700 nits peak brightness
  • Clean Android experience with Google AI features built in

Cons

  • Slow 23W charging compared to Chinese mid-range rivals
  • No telephoto camera lens
  • Tensor G4 still trails Snapdragon in raw GPU performance
  • Limited to two storage options

Samsung Galaxy S23

Pros

  • Compact 6.1-inch size is rare in flagship phones
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagship performance
  • Lightweight at 168 g for comfortable one-handed use
  • IP68 water and dust resistance
  • Four years of OS and five years of security updates

Cons

  • Small 3900 mAh battery limits all-day endurance
  • Slow 25W charging with no charger in box
  • Only 8 GB RAM
  • No 4K@60fps ultrawide video recording

Explore more in phones, see all Google products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Google Pixel 9a or the Samsung Galaxy S23.