Galaxy S23+ Vs Google Pixel 6

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£257.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

See options
Google Pixel 6
Google Pixel 6
Starting at

Refurbished price:£101.00

Versus £649.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, and the Google Pixel 6, launched in October 2021, are both Android smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S23 Plus focuses on refined hardware and a powerful, custom-tuned processor, the Pixel 6 emphasizes Google's advanced computational photography and a streamlined software experience. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but they offer different interpretations of the Android ecosystem, catering to varied user preferences.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S23 Plus, being a newer device, benefits from a longer period of major Android operating system updates and security patches compared to the Pixel 6. Samsung typically provides four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security updates for its flagship devices, meaning the S23 Plus will receive support until Android 17 and security updates until early 2028. The Pixel 6, launched earlier, was guaranteed three major OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its support until Android 15 and security updates until late 2026.
  • Physical Durability: Both smartphones feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, offering enhanced resistance against scratches and drops. The Pixel 6 uses Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and Gorilla Glass 6 on the back, with an aluminum frame, though some reports indicate a plastic top edge.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users can expect both devices to remain functional for several years, but the Galaxy S23 Plus offers a slightly extended period of official software support, which can be a deciding factor for those prioritizing the latest features and security. The availability of quality-assured refurbished options for both models also extends their practical lifespan, offering a sustainable choice for consumers.

Year of Release

2023

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games and multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a current-generation processor specifically optimized for Samsung's devices, which translates to exceptionally smooth performance across all applications and demanding games. This optimization allows for faster video export speeds and overall snappier responsiveness. The Pixel 6 features Google's first-generation custom processor, designed to excel in artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks, contributing to its renowned camera processing and smart features. While capable for everyday use, its raw processing power is generally less than the S23 Plus for intensive computational tasks.
  • Battery Endurance: The Galaxy S23 Plus houses a 4700 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor and adaptive display, provides excellent battery life, often lasting through a full day of heavy use and outperforming many competitors in video playback tests. The Pixel 6 has a 4614 mAh battery, and while it supports fast charging and wireless charging, user experiences regarding its battery life have been mixed, with some reporting the need for more frequent charging under heavy usage.
  • System Responsiveness and Storage: Both devices offer ample RAM for smooth multitasking, with the Galaxy S23 Plus typically featuring 8GB of RAM and storage options up to 512GB using faster UFS 4.0 technology. The Pixel 6 also comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options up to 256GB. The faster storage in the S23 Plus can contribute to quicker app loading and file transfer speeds.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both models offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Its FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels) ensures sharp images and text. The Pixel 6 comes with a 6.4-inch AMOLED display, also offering rich colors and good clarity with an FHD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels).
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23 Plus boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. It also features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which can scale down to 1Hz for power efficiency or up to 120Hz for incredibly smooth scrolling and animations. The Pixel 6 has a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth experience, and a peak brightness of around 800 nits, which is sufficient for most indoor and outdoor scenarios but less intense than the S23 Plus.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger and brighter display of the Galaxy S23 Plus offers a more expansive and immersive viewing experience, particularly beneficial for media consumption and gaming. The adaptive refresh rate also contributes to a more fluid user interface. The Pixel 6's display, while smaller, still delivers a quality viewing experience, especially for users who prefer a slightly more compact device.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and the Pixel 6 are capable photography tools, each with its strengths in image capture and processing.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for a wide range of photographic options, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots. The Pixel 6 sports a dual-camera system with a 50MP main sensor (OIS) and a 12MP ultrawide lens. It lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, relying on digital zoom for distant subjects.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 Plus delivers clear and vibrant photos in various lighting conditions, with improved video stabilization for smoother footage. Its telephoto lens provides genuine optical zoom capabilities. The Pixel 6 is renowned for its computational photography, which excels in producing natural-looking images, particularly in challenging lighting and with features like Night Sight and Live HDR+. Users often praise the Pixel's ability to capture realistic skin tones and consistent image quality.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The Galaxy S23 Plus includes a 12MP front camera, offering detailed selfies and improved object identification for optimized images. The Pixel 6 has an 8MP front camera, which, combined with Google's processing, still produces quality self-portraits. Both devices offer good microphone quality for calls and recording, and their stereo speakers provide a decent audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S23 Plus supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, offering faster and more stable wireless connections, alongside 5G capabilities. It features a USB-C 3.2 port for data transfer and charging. The Pixel 6 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, also providing robust wireless connectivity and 5G. It uses a USB-C 3.1 port.
  • Biometric Security: Both phones incorporate in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S23 Plus uses an ultrasonic sensor, while the Pixel 6 uses an optical sensor. Both also offer face recognition for convenience.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 Plus measures 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g, presenting a sleek and relatively lightweight profile. The Pixel 6 is slightly thicker and heavier at 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm and 207g, with a distinctive camera bar design across its back. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference for design aesthetics and in-hand feel.

Weight

196 g

207 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.4

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User sentiment for the Galaxy S23 Plus often highlights its exceptional battery life and powerful, consistent performance, making it a reliable daily driver for demanding users. Some users appreciate its refined design and bright display. Criticisms are less frequent but sometimes point to its iterative camera hardware compared to the Ultra model. The Google Pixel 6 is widely praised for its outstanding camera capabilities, particularly its computational photography features that produce impressive and natural-looking photos. Its clean Android experience and unique design are also frequently mentioned positives. However, some users have expressed mixed opinions on its battery life and the performance of its in-display fingerprint sensor.

Users prioritizing a device with a longer software support window, superior raw performance for intensive applications, and extended battery life may find the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus to be a more suitable option. Its brighter, more adaptive display also caters well to those who consume a lot of media or use their phone outdoors frequently. Conversely, individuals who value a pure Android experience, cutting-edge computational photography, and a device that excels in AI-driven features will likely lean towards the Google Pixel 6. Its camera system, despite lacking a dedicated telephoto lens, is a strong contender for those who want excellent point-and-shoot results. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make an informed and sustainable choice.

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