Pixel 8 Pro vs S23 Plus: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many fantastic options available. The market is packed with incredible devices, and two phones consistently top the lists: the Google Pixel 8 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus. Both offer premium features and top-tier performance, but which one is the ultimate champion?
This comparison dives deep into the core aspects of these two smartphones, helping you decide which device best fits your needs and preferences. We’ll explore everything from the camera capabilities and processing power to the display quality and battery life. Get ready to discover which phone comes out on top in the battle of the Pixel 8 Pro vs S23 Plus.
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a power user, or simply seeking a reliable and feature-rich daily driver, this comparison will provide valuable insights. We’ll break down the strengths and weaknesses of each device, so you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect smartphone for you.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Pixel 8 Pro | S23 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Display Technology | LTPO OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1344 x 2992 pixels | 1080 x 2340 pixels |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP + 48MP + 48MP | 50MP + 12MP + 10MP |
| Front Camera | 10.5MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 5050 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 30W Wired, 23W Wireless | 45W Wired, 15W Wireless |
| Operating System | Android 14 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Pixel 8 Pro: Features a 6.7-inch Super Actua display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2400 nits peak brightness. It offers vibrant colors and exceptional outdoor visibility. A potential downside is the curved display edges, which some users dislike.
- S23 Plus: Boasts a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals and excellent color accuracy. It offers great brightness, although not quite as high as the Pixel 8 Pro. Some users may prefer the flat screen design.
- Winner: pixel 8 pro
Processor
- Pixel 8 Pro: Powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, optimized for AI and machine learning tasks. Performance is generally smooth, though it may not match the raw power of some competitors. AI features are a key advantage.
- S23 Plus: Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, offering top-tier performance and excellent efficiency. It excels in gaming and demanding tasks.
- Winner: s23 plus
Cameras
- Pixel 8 Pro: Features a versatile triple-camera system with a 50MP main lens, ultrawide, and telephoto. Known for its exceptional image processing and computational photography capabilities, including Magic Editor and Best Take.
- S23 Plus: Includes a 50MP main lens, ultrawide, and telephoto lens. Offers excellent image quality, particularly in well-lit conditions. Samsung’s image processing can sometimes oversaturate colors.
- Winner: pixel 8 pro
Battery Life
- Pixel 8 Pro: Equipped with a 5050mAh battery. Provides all-day battery life for most users.
- S23 Plus: Features a 4700mAh battery. Offers solid battery life, potentially lasting a full day depending on usage.
- Winner: pixel 8 pro
Software & Updates
- Pixel 8 Pro: Runs on a clean, stock Android experience with guaranteed seven years of software updates. Google’s software is known for its simplicity and timely updates.
- S23 Plus: Runs on Samsung’s One UI, built on Android, offering a feature-rich experience. Samsung offers a good track record for software updates, but not as long as Google.
- Winner: pixel 8 pro
Design & Build Quality
- Pixel 8 Pro: Features a premium design with a matte glass back and a polished aluminum frame. The camera bar design is distinctive, and the phone is IP68 water and dust resistant.
- S23 Plus: Boasts a sleek design with a glass back and a metal frame. It’s also IP68 rated for water and dust resistance.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Pixel 8 Pro: Generally has a higher starting price compared to the S23 Plus.
- S23 Plus: Usually comes at a more affordable price point.
- Winner: s23 plus
Special Features
- Pixel 8 Pro: Offers unique Google-centric features like Magic Editor, Best Take, and Call Screen. Tensor G3 chip is optimized for AI.
- S23 Plus: Features Samsung-specific software enhancements and integrations, such as DeX and Samsung Pay.
- Winner: pixel 8 pro
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Camera | Pixel 8 Pro |
| Display | Pixel 8 Pro |
| Performance | S23 Plus |
| Battery Life | Pixel 8 Pro |
| Software Updates | Pixel 8 Pro |
| Charging Speed | S23 Plus |
What They Have in Common
- Water Resistance: Both the Pixel 8 Pro and the S23 Plus boast an IP68 rating, offering excellent protection against dust and water submersion. This means users can be confident using their phones in various environments.
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones support 5G networks, ensuring fast data speeds and low latency for streaming, gaming, and browsing. This is a standard feature for modern flagship phones.
- High-Quality Displays: Both devices feature vibrant and sharp displays, providing an immersive viewing experience for media consumption and everyday use. The displays are optimized for both brightness and color accuracy.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing a convenient way to top up the battery without the need for cables. This feature adds to the overall user experience.
- Fast Performance: Both phones deliver smooth and responsive performance thanks to their powerful processors and ample RAM. This ensures a lag-free experience for multitasking and demanding applications.
Pixel 8 Pro Vs S23 Plus Buying Guide
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 8 Pro boasts a versatile camera system with impressive computational photography capabilities. Its Super Res Zoom and Magic Eraser features are standout performers. The S23 Plus offers excellent image quality as well, particularly in well-lit conditions. However, it sometimes struggles with the same level of detail in challenging lighting as the Pixel 8 Pro. The S23 Plus’s telephoto lens is a good addition, but the Pixel’s processing often yields more pleasing results overall, especially for portraits and low-light shots. Both phones capture fantastic photos, but the Pixel 8 Pro has a slight edge.
Performance and Processing Power
The Pixel 8 Pro is powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, optimized for machine learning tasks and AI-driven features. The S23 Plus utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a powerhouse of processing speed and graphics performance. In day-to-day tasks, both phones offer a fluid and responsive experience. However, the S23 Plus generally demonstrates slightly faster performance in benchmark tests and demanding applications like gaming. The Pixel 8 Pro excels in AI-related tasks. The choice depends on priorities: raw speed or AI capabilities.
Display and Design
The Pixel 8 Pro features a vibrant and bright display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The S23 Plus also has a beautiful display, with similar refresh rate and impressive color accuracy. Both phones offer sleek designs and premium build quality. The Pixel 8 Pro offers a flat display, while S23 Plus has a curved display which may appeal to different users. The choice boils down to personal preference for screen shape and overall design aesthetics. Both offer excellent viewing experiences.
Battery Life and Charging
The S23 Plus generally offers slightly better battery life compared to the Pixel 8 Pro, often lasting a full day with moderate to heavy usage. The Pixel 8 Pro’s battery life is still respectable, but it might require charging before the end of the day for some users. Both phones support fast charging, but the S23 Plus often charges faster. Wireless charging is available on both devices. Battery life will fluctuate based on usage patterns, but the S23 Plus has a slight advantage in this category.
Software and User Experience
The Pixel 8 Pro runs on a clean, stock version of Android, known for its simplicity and timely updates. It offers exclusive features like Magic Eraser and Call Screen. The S23 Plus runs One UI, Samsung’s custom Android skin, which provides extensive customization options and features. Both offer a smooth and responsive software experience. The Pixel 8 Pro prioritizes a clean and intuitive experience, while the S23 Plus provides more customization options and features. Software preference is subjective.
Price and Value
The initial price of both phones is comparable, but prices may vary based on storage configurations and retailer promotions. Consider the features, performance, and overall user experience to determine the best value. The Pixel 8 Pro’s focus on AI and software features may appeal to certain users, while the S23 Plus’s strong performance and excellent display may be more attractive to others. Research current prices and compare the specifications to make an informed decision based on your budget and needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Pixel 8 Pro If…
- You prioritize the best possible camera experience with advanced features and Google’s image processing.
- You want the latest Android updates and features directly from Google.
- You desire a larger display and a more premium design.
- You prefer a phone with a unique design and a focus on software integration.
Buy S23 Plus If…
- You prefer a more refined and established user interface.
- You want a phone with a slightly more compact design and potentially better one-handed usability.
- You value fast wired charging speeds.
- You prefer a wider availability of accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main camera differences?
The Pixel 8 Pro excels in computational photography, offering features like Magic Eraser. The S23 Plus captures excellent images, but its processing might not be as refined in challenging lighting. The Pixel 8 Pro also boasts a telephoto lens that the S23 Plus does not have. Both are high quality, but the Pixel 8 Pro’s software provides more unique features and better image processing in some scenarios.
Which phone has better performance?
The S23 Plus, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, generally offers slightly faster performance in benchmark tests and demanding applications. It handles intensive tasks and gaming more efficiently. The Pixel 8 Pro’s Tensor G3 chip is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks. Though both perform well, the S23 Plus has a slight edge in raw processing speed.
How does battery life compare?
The S23 Plus often offers slightly better battery life than the Pixel 8 Pro, typically lasting a full day with moderate to heavy usage. Battery life varies with usage, but the S23 Plus generally has the upper hand. Both support fast charging. The Pixel 8 Pro’s battery life is still respectable. The S23 Plus gives users more power to use all day.
What about software updates?
The Pixel 8 Pro receives timely Android updates directly from Google, ensuring the latest features and security patches. The S23 Plus also receives updates, but they are typically released after the Pixel, as Samsung’s One UI skin is included. Google’s updates generally offer a cleaner, more stock Android experience, while Samsung provides more customization options. Both phones are well supported.
Which phone has a better display?
Both phones feature excellent displays. The Pixel 8 Pro has a flat display, while the S23 Plus has a slightly curved display. Both offer vibrant colors, high refresh rates (120Hz), and excellent brightness. The choice between them comes down to personal preference regarding screen shape. Both provide an immersive viewing experience, making it difficult to choose.
What are the design differences?
Both phones feature premium build quality. The Pixel 8 Pro has a flat display and a unique camera bar design on the back. The S23 Plus has a slightly curved display with a more traditional camera layout. Design is mostly a matter of taste. Both look and feel premium in the hand. They are both excellent choices for design.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The S23 Plus, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, offers slightly better performance in demanding games. This results in smoother frame rates and quicker loading times. While the Pixel 8 Pro can handle gaming, the S23 Plus provides a more optimized gaming experience. Gamers will likely prefer the S23 Plus due to its superior processing capabilities.
Final Verdict
The Pixel 8 Pro stands out with its exceptional camera capabilities and unique software features. The S23 Plus offers superior raw processing power and slightly better battery life. While both phones are excellent, the Pixel 8 Pro’s camera and software experience provide a more compelling overall package for many users. The S23 Plus remains a strong contender for users prioritizing performance and battery life.
Winner: Pixel 8 Pro