Google Pixel 8 Pro vs S23 Ultra: Which Phone Reigns?
Choosing a new smartphone can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re deciding between two titans of the industry. The Google Pixel 8 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra both boast impressive features and top-tier performance, making the decision a tough one for consumers. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to help you determine which phone best suits your needs.
We’ll explore everything from camera capabilities and display quality to processing power and battery life. The Google Pixel 8 Pro continues Google’s tradition of exceptional computational photography and a clean Android experience. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, on the other hand, impresses with its versatile camera system, integrated S Pen, and stunning display.
Get ready to discover the strengths and weaknesses of each device as we pit the Google Pixel 8 Pro against the Samsung S23 Ultra in a head-to-head battle. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of which phone comes out on top for your individual preferences and usage habits.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Pixel 8 Pro | S23 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Display Type | LTPO OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB/12GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Main Camera | 50MP Wide + 48MP Ultrawide + 48MP Telephoto | 200MP Wide + 12MP Ultrawide + 10MP Telephoto + 10MP Telephoto |
| Front Camera | 10.5MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps | 8K @ 24/30fps |
| Battery | 5050 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 23W Wired, Wireless Charging | 45W Wired, Wireless Charging |
| Operating System | Android 14 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Google Pixel 8 Pro: Features a 6.7-inch Super Actua display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2400 nits peak brightness. Offers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling but may have some glare in direct sunlight.
- S23 Ultra: Boasts a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a variable 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness. Provides excellent clarity and color accuracy, and is known for its impressive outdoor visibility.
- Winner: s23 ultra
Camera System
- Google Pixel 8 Pro: Equipped with a versatile triple-lens system with a 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto lens. Known for its excellent image processing and AI-powered features, but can sometimes over-process images.
- S23 Ultra: Features a quad-camera setup with a 200MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x), and 10MP telephoto (10x). Offers incredible zoom capabilities and detailed images but the software can be too heavy handed.
- Winner: s23 ultra
Performance
- Google Pixel 8 Pro: Powered by the Google Tensor G3 chip, offering smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming. Benefits from Google’s software optimization.
- S23 Ultra: Uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, delivering exceptional speed and responsiveness. Handles demanding games and multitasking with ease.
- Winner: s23 ultra
Battery Life
- Google Pixel 8 Pro: Provides all-day battery life with its 5,050mAh battery. Charging speeds are average.
- S23 Ultra: Offers excellent battery life with its 5,000mAh battery, often lasting beyond a full day. Supports fast charging.
- Winner: s23 ultra
Software & Updates
- Google Pixel 8 Pro: Runs on a clean Android experience with guaranteed long-term software updates and exclusive Pixel features. Known for its quick updates.
- S23 Ultra: Runs on One UI based on Android, offering a feature-rich experience. Provides timely software updates, though sometimes slower than Pixel.
- Winner: google pixel 8 pro
Design & Build Quality
- Google Pixel 8 Pro: Features a sleek design with a matte glass back and a polished aluminum frame. Offers a premium feel and durable build quality.
- S23 Ultra: Presents a more boxy design with a built-in S Pen stylus and a glossy glass back. Offers a premium and distinctive look.
- Winner: Tie
Special Features
- Google Pixel 8 Pro: Includes unique features like Magic Eraser, Best Take, and other AI-powered photo and video editing tools.
- S23 Ultra: Features the S Pen stylus for note-taking, drawing, and remote control capabilities. Also has extensive customization options.
- Winner: s23 ultra
Price
- Google Pixel 8 Pro: Generally has a lower starting price than the S23 Ultra, making it a more accessible option.
- S23 Ultra: Typically has a higher starting price, reflecting its premium features and specifications.
- Winner: google pixel 8 pro
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | S23 Ultra |
| Performance | S23 Ultra |
| Camera Versatility | S23 Ultra |
| Software Experience | Pixel 8 Pro |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Value | Pixel 8 Pro |
| Design | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Water Resistance: Both phones are rated IP68, offering excellent protection against dust and water submersion.
- Display Quality: Both devices feature high-quality displays with vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and high refresh rates for smooth scrolling and animations.
- 5g Connectivity: Both the Pixel 8 Pro and the S23 Ultra support 5G connectivity for fast download and upload speeds.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options without the need for cables.
- Large Batteries: Both phones have large battery capacities, ensuring all-day battery life for most users.
- High-Quality Build: Both devices are built with premium materials, providing a durable and premium feel.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Vs S23 Ultra Buying Guide
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 8 Pro and the S23 Ultra both boast exceptional camera systems, but they approach image processing differently. The Pixel 8 Pro emphasizes computational photography, utilizing its Tensor G3 chip to enhance details, colors, and dynamic range. Expect natural-looking images with excellent low-light performance. The S23 Ultra, on the other hand, provides a versatile setup with multiple lenses, including a powerful telephoto zoom. This allows for greater flexibility in capturing various shots, from wide landscapes to distant subjects, offering more creative control.
Performance and Processing
The Pixel 8 Pro is powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, optimized for AI and machine learning tasks. This results in smooth performance for everyday tasks and advanced features like Magic Editor. The S23 Ultra features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a highly efficient and powerful processor. It excels in gaming and demanding applications, offering consistently high frame rates and responsiveness. Both phones deliver flagship-level performance, but the S23 Ultra may have a slight edge in raw power for graphically intensive tasks.
Display Quality
Both phones feature stunning displays, but they have distinct strengths. The Pixel 8 Pro offers a vibrant OLED screen with excellent color accuracy and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The display is bright and easily viewable outdoors. The S23 Ultra has a slightly larger and brighter Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also with a 120Hz refresh rate, known for its exceptional contrast and peak brightness. It provides an immersive viewing experience, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. The choice depends on personal preference.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial consideration. The S23 Ultra, with its larger battery capacity, generally provides longer battery life than the Pixel 8 Pro. It can easily last a full day of heavy use. The Pixel 8 Pro offers all-day battery life for most users, but heavy users might need to recharge before the end of the day. Both phones support fast charging, although the S23 Ultra tends to charge slightly faster. Consider your usage patterns when deciding.
Software and User Experience
The Pixel 8 Pro runs on a clean and intuitive version of Android, with Google’s unique features, such as Call Screen and Magic Eraser, deeply integrated. Software updates are guaranteed for several years. The S23 Ultra features Samsung’s One UI, which offers extensive customization options and features. It provides a rich user experience, but it can be more complex to navigate. Both phones offer excellent software, but the preference depends on your preferred UI style.
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel 8 Pro and S23 Ultra both boast premium designs. The Pixel 8 Pro features a sleek, minimalist design with a matte glass back and a polished aluminum frame. The S23 Ultra has a more boxy design with a built-in S Pen stylus, offering a unique functionality. It has a durable Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Both phones are water-resistant. The choice here depends on your aesthetic preferences and the value you place on the S Pen.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy google pixel 8 pro If…
- You prioritize a clean, bloatware-free Android experience with timely software updates.
- You value Google’s AI-powered features and camera software.
- You prefer a more streamlined and user-friendly interface.
- You want a phone with excellent image processing and computational photography.
Buy s23 ultra If…
- You want the best possible zoom capabilities and versatility in the camera system.
- You need a phone with a built-in S Pen stylus for note-taking and productivity.
- You prefer a larger display and a more feature-rich experience.
- You want faster wired charging speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has the better camera?
Both phones have excellent cameras. The Pixel 8 Pro excels with computational photography, while the S23 Ultra provides more versatility with its multiple lenses and zoom capabilities. The “better” camera depends on your preferred shooting style and the features you value most. The S23 Ultra excels at zoom shots, while the Pixel shines in low light.
Which phone is faster?
The S23 Ultra, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, typically offers slightly faster performance, especially in graphically intensive tasks like gaming. However, the Pixel 8 Pro’s Tensor G3 chip is optimized for AI and machine learning, which translates to smooth performance in many common tasks. Both are very fast.
What about battery life?
The S23 Ultra generally provides longer battery life due to its larger battery capacity. It can easily last a full day of heavy use. The Pixel 8 Pro offers all-day battery life for most users, but heavy users might need to recharge before the end of the day. Charging speeds are comparable.
Which phone has the better display?
Both phones have excellent displays. The S23 Ultra’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is slightly brighter and offers exceptional contrast, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. The Pixel 8 Pro’s OLED display is vibrant and has excellent color accuracy. Personal preference plays a big role in this choice.
What are the software differences?
The Pixel 8 Pro runs on a clean Android experience with Google’s unique features. The S23 Ultra uses Samsung’s One UI, offering more customization options and features. Both phones offer long-term software support. The Pixel is known for its pure Android experience, while the S23 Ultra is known for its features.
Does the S23 Ultra have a stylus?
Yes, the S23 Ultra includes a built-in S Pen stylus. This stylus allows for precise drawing, note-taking, and navigation. The S Pen adds a unique functionality that the Pixel 8 Pro does not offer. It is a key differentiator for the S23 Ultra.
Which phone is more durable?
Both phones are durable, but the S23 Ultra has an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, making it slightly more resistant to drops and scratches. Both phones are water-resistant. The S23 Ultra’s design is more rugged, though both phones are built well.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Google Pixel 8 Pro and the Samsung S23 Ultra depends on your priorities. The Pixel 8 Pro excels with its clean software, computational photography, and AI capabilities. The S23 Ultra offers a versatile camera system, a powerful processor, a larger display, and the S Pen. The S23 Ultra is the winner in this comparison.
Winner: Samsung S23 Ultra