Galaxy S23 Vs Google Pixel 7 Pro

Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:£186.84

Versus £1,019.00 new

See options
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£169.75

Versus £899.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23, released in February 2023, and the Google Pixel 7 Pro, launched in October 2022, are both high-end Android smartphones that offer distinct user experiences. While both devices run on the Android operating system, they differ in their approach to design, camera capabilities, and overall software philosophy. The Galaxy S23 emphasizes a compact form factor and a refined user interface, whereas the Pixel 7 Pro focuses on a larger display and advanced computational photography features.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S23 was released in February 2023, making it slightly newer than the Google Pixel 7 Pro, which launched in October 2022. This difference means the Galaxy S23 will generally receive software updates for a few months longer.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung promises four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for the Galaxy S23 series, meaning it is expected to receive updates up to Android 17. The Google Pixel 7 Pro, on the other hand, is guaranteed five years of OS and security updates from its release date. Both devices offer substantial software support, ensuring they remain functional and secure for several years.
  • Repairability: The Samsung Galaxy S23 series has shown improvements in repairability, with some teardowns indicating easier battery replacement and well-labeled internal components. The Google Pixel 7 Pro received a repairability score of 5.5 out of 10 from one source, noting difficulties with battery removal due to strong adhesive and a charging port soldered to the motherboard. Another assessment gave it a 7.0 out of 10, still highlighting challenges with battery and back glass removal.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both smartphones deliver robust performance for everyday tasks and more demanding applications, though they achieve this through different hardware configurations.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Samsung Galaxy S23 is equipped with an optimized current-generation processor, which allows it to handle demanding apps, multitasking, and graphic-intensive games smoothly. The Google Pixel 7 Pro features Google's own current-generation processor, designed to excel in artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks, contributing to its unique software features and overall system responsiveness.
  • System Responsiveness and Multitasking: The Galaxy S23, with 8GB of RAM, offers a responsive experience for daily usage and efficient app switching. The Pixel 7 Pro comes with 12GB of RAM, providing additional headroom for extensive multitasking and keeping more applications active in the background.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage capacities, typically ranging from 128GB to 512GB. It is worth noting that the 128GB variant of the Galaxy S23 uses an older storage format (UFS 3.1) compared to the faster UFS 4.0 found in higher storage options and the Pixel 7 Pro.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is a highlight, with each offering a high-quality display tailored to different preferences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Samsung Galaxy S23 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Google Pixel 7 Pro boasts a larger 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display, providing more screen real estate for content consumption.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Pixel 7 Pro offers a higher QHD+ resolution (3120x1440 pixels) resulting in a sharper image with 512 pixels per inch (ppi). The Galaxy S23 has an FHD+ resolution (2340x1080 pixels) with 422 ppi, which still provides clear visuals for most users.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones feature adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy S23 can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, offering excellent visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The Pixel 7 Pro reaches a peak brightness of 1500 nits, which is also very bright and suitable for outdoor use.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are recognized for their advanced camera systems, each with unique strengths in photography and videography.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy S23 features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Google Pixel 7 Pro also has a triple-camera array, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 delivers consistent image quality across its lenses, with strong performance in various lighting conditions. The Pixel 7 Pro is highly praised for its computational photography, often producing natural-looking photos with excellent detail and dynamic range, particularly in challenging lighting scenarios. Its 5x optical zoom provides greater reach for distant subjects.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy S23 supports video recording up to 8K resolution at 24/30 frames per second, along with 4K at 30/60 frames per second. The Pixel 7 Pro records video up to 4K at 30/60 frames per second. Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption, but neither includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

10.8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily convenience of these devices.

  • Connectivity: Both the Galaxy S23 and Pixel 7 Pro support 5G cellular networks, Wi-Fi 6E, and NFC for contactless payments. The Galaxy S23 uses Bluetooth 5.3, while the Pixel 7 Pro uses Bluetooth 5.2.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both phones utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. For security, both devices feature in-screen fingerprint sensors and face recognition capabilities.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 is a more compact device, measuring 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm and weighing 168g, making it easier for one-handed use. The Pixel 7 Pro is larger and heavier at 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm and 212g, offering a more expansive viewing experience. Both phones feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and are constructed with durable glass (Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for S23, Gorilla Glass Victus for Pixel 7 Pro) and aluminum frames.

Weight

350 g

212 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 and Google Pixel 7 Pro each offer compelling features, catering to different user priorities. Users often praise the Galaxy S23 for its compact design, consistent performance, and vibrant display, making it a strong all-rounder for daily use. Its improved battery life over its predecessor is also a frequent positive point. Some users, however, might find its smaller screen less immersive for media consumption compared to larger phones.

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is frequently lauded for its exceptional camera system, particularly its computational photography and telephoto capabilities, which deliver impressive results in various conditions. Its larger, higher-resolution display is also a significant draw for those who prioritize screen real estate. Criticisms sometimes point to its battery life, which, despite a larger capacity, can drain faster under heavy use or high brightness settings.

Users prioritizing a more compact device with a refined user interface and strong, consistent performance across the board may prefer the Samsung Galaxy S23. Its enhanced repairability also offers a practical advantage for long-term ownership. Conversely, users who value a larger, sharper display and a camera system that excels in computational photography, especially with extended zoom, may lean toward the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Both devices represent excellent choices, and opting for a quality-assured refurbished option can be a sustainable way to enjoy these advanced smartphones.

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