Galaxy S23+ Vs Google Pixel 7

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£257.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

See options
Google Pixel 7
Google Pixel 7
Starting at

Refurbished price:£134.00

Versus £729.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, and the Google Pixel 7, launched in October 2022, are both Android smartphones offering distinct approaches to the user experience. While the Galaxy S23 Plus emphasizes a refined hardware design and a versatile camera system, the Pixel 7 focuses on advanced computational photography and a streamlined software experience. Both devices run on the Android operating system, with each manufacturer providing their own unique interface and feature sets.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Google Pixel 7 was released in October 2022, making it slightly older than the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, which launched in February 2023. This difference in release date means the Galaxy S23 Plus will generally receive software updates for a longer period.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for the Galaxy S23 Plus. The Google Pixel 7 is expected to receive three years of OS upgrades and five years of security patches. This suggests the Galaxy S23 Plus may offer an additional year of major Android version updates.
  • Build and Repairability: Both devices feature robust builds with Gorilla Glass Victus protection on the front and back, along with aluminum frames and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. While specific repairability scores can vary, both are designed with durability in mind for practical everyday use.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone impacts everything from app loading to multitasking and gaming. Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and Pixel 7 offer capable performance for daily tasks.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a current-generation processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience. The Google Pixel 7 features a processor designed by Google, which also delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and is optimized for the device's advanced computational features.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices come with 8GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking and keeps multiple applications running in the background without significant slowdowns. Storage options for the Galaxy S23 Plus include 256GB and 512GB, while the Pixel 7 offers 128GB and 256GB.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus houses a 4700 mAh battery, which often translates to extended usage times, with many users reporting it can last through a full day or even two of moderate use. The Pixel 7 has a 4355 mAh battery, and while it can last a full day for many users, heavy usage might require more frequent charging.

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 some key differences.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Google Pixel 7 comes with a slightly smaller 6.3-inch AMOLED display, also with a 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution, providing clear visuals.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23 Plus boasts a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions, and features an adaptive refresh rate that can go up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and animations. The Pixel 7 offers a peak brightness of 1400 nits and a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and bright viewing experience for most scenarios.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger screen of the Galaxy S23 Plus may offer a more expansive viewing area for media consumption and productivity, while the Pixel 7's slightly more compact size could appeal to users preferring a smaller device for one-handed use.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are known for their camera capabilities, though they approach photography with different strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 7 has a dual-camera system, including a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 Plus delivers detailed and vibrant photos across various lighting conditions, with its dedicated telephoto lens providing clear zoomed-in shots. The Pixel 7 excels in computational photography, offering features like Photo Unblur and Magic Eraser, and is particularly noted for its natural color reproduction and strong low-light performance even without a dedicated telephoto lens.
  • Video and Front Camera: Both devices support 4K video recording. For selfies, the Galaxy S23 Plus has a 12MP front camera, while the Pixel 7 features a 10.8MP front camera. Both provide clear and capable front-facing photography.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

10.8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and Pixel 7 support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth, ensuring fast and reliable wireless communication. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S23 Plus features an under-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Pixel 7 also includes an under-display optical fingerprint scanner and adds Face Unlock for convenient access.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S23 Plus measures 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196 grams. The Pixel 7 is slightly more compact at 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm and weighs 197 grams. The Pixel 7 is marginally thicker but has a smaller footprint, which might affect handling preferences.

Weight

196 g

197 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.3

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

Users often praise the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus for its robust battery life, vibrant display, and versatile camera system, particularly appreciating the inclusion of a telephoto lens. Some common feedback notes its consistent performance across various tasks. The Google Pixel 7 frequently receives acclaim for its exceptional computational photography features, delivering impressive image quality, especially in challenging conditions, and its clean, user-friendly Android experience. However, some users have noted that its battery life, while generally sufficient, might not match the endurance of some competitors under heavy use.

Users prioritizing extended battery life, a slightly larger display, and a dedicated optical zoom lens in their camera system may find the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its refined design and comprehensive feature set cater to those seeking a premium Android experience with broad capabilities. Conversely, individuals who value cutting-edge computational photography, a streamlined software experience with timely updates, and a slightly more compact form factor might lean towards the Google Pixel 7. Its focus on intelligent software features provides a distinct advantage for those who want their phone to enhance their photos with minimal effort. Both devices represent solid choices within the Android ecosystem, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for making an informed choice.

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