Galaxy S23+ Vs Google Pixel 7 Pro

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£257.00

Versus £1,199.99 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 Plus, released in February 2023, and the Google Pixel 7 Pro, launched in October 2022, are both prominent Android smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While both devices operate on the Android platform, they differentiate themselves through their underlying hardware philosophies and software approaches. The Galaxy S23 Plus emphasizes a refined hardware package and a comprehensive ecosystem, whereas the Pixel 7 Pro focuses on advanced computational photography and a streamlined software experience.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its build quality, software support, and repairability. Both devices offer robust construction and receive regular software updates, contributing to a practical lifespan of several years.

  • Software Support: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is guaranteed to receive four major Android operating system updates and five years of security updates from its release, extending its software relevance until approximately Android 17. The Google Pixel 7 Pro, while released slightly earlier, also offers a strong commitment with five years of both OS and security updates from its launch, meaning it will receive updates until Android 18.
  • Physical Durability: Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and the Pixel 7 Pro feature IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion. The S23 Plus incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back, paired with an Armor Aluminum frame, designed for enhanced drop and scratch resistance. The Pixel 7 Pro uses Gorilla Glass Victus for its display and back, encased in a frame made from 100% recycled aluminum.
  • Expected Lifespan: Given their premium build materials and extended software support policies, both devices are designed to remain functional and secure for an extended period, making them suitable for users seeking a long-term investment.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in modern smartphones extends beyond raw processing power, encompassing how smoothly applications run, how efficiently the battery is managed, and the overall responsiveness of the system. Both devices are equipped with capable processors designed for demanding tasks.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a current-generation processor optimized for its ecosystem, providing smooth operation for demanding applications and multitasking. Users report consistent performance without significant overheating during extended use. The Pixel 7 Pro is powered by a processor designed by Google, which excels in machine learning tasks, enabling advanced AI features and efficient handling of complex computational photography.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM, facilitating efficient multitasking and quick app switching. The Pixel 7 Pro offers 12GB of RAM, providing additional headroom for heavy multitasking and resource-intensive applications. Both phones offer responsive interfaces, with users noting a fast and fluid experience.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus houses a 4700 mAh battery, which users generally report as providing excellent battery life, often lasting through a full day of heavy use. The Pixel 7 Pro is equipped with a larger 5000 mAh battery. However, user experiences regarding its battery life vary, with some finding it adequate for a full day, while others note more frequent charging for heavy usage, potentially due to its higher-resolution display and processor demands.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S23 Plus and Pixel 7 Pro 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 with a Full HD+ resolution (1080x2340 pixels), delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a slightly larger 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3120x1440 pixels), offering a sharper and more detailed visual experience.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S23 Plus achieves a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Its adaptive refresh rate ranges from 48Hz to 120Hz, balancing smooth scrolling with power efficiency. The Pixel 7 Pro offers a peak brightness of 1500 nits and a more dynamic LTPO adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 10Hz to 120Hz, contributing to both smoothness and battery optimization.
  • Viewing Experience: Users of the S23 Plus appreciate its vibrant and punchy display, suitable for media consumption. The Pixel 7 Pro's higher resolution provides a crisper image, which can be particularly noticeable when viewing detailed content or text. Both displays offer excellent color reproduction and contrast.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and the Pixel 7 Pro are equipped with advanced camera systems, each with its strengths in capturing photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. It offers improved low-light performance (Nightography) and enhanced autofocus. The Pixel 7 Pro also has a triple-camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens with autofocus, and a 48MP telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom and up to 30x Super Res Zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The Pixel 7 Pro is highly regarded for its computational photography, producing detailed and color-accurate stills, especially in challenging lighting conditions, and features like Real Tone for accurate skin tones. The S23 Plus delivers consistently good pictures with vibrant colors and improved sharpness, particularly with its main camera.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The S23 Plus supports video recording up to 8K at 30fps, with good stabilization. The Pixel 7 Pro offers 10-bit HDR video and cinematic stabilization, though some users note inconsistencies in video quality, such as choppy zoom transitions and exposure shifts. Both devices feature stereo speakers, providing a good audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

10.8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, including connectivity, physical design, and security features.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless internet. The Galaxy S23 Plus features Bluetooth 5.3, while the Pixel 7 Pro uses Bluetooth 5.2. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, with the S23 Plus supporting USB 3.2 and the Pixel 7 Pro supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2.
  • Biometrics and Security: The Galaxy S23 Plus offers an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor and 2D face unlock. The Pixel 7 Pro includes an optical in-display fingerprint scanner and 2D face unlock, which is a welcome addition for convenience.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 Plus measures 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196g, offering a balanced feel. The Pixel 7 Pro is slightly larger and heavier at 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm and 212g, which might impact one-handed use for some users. Both phones feature premium build materials, with the S23 Plus having an Armor Aluminum frame and the Pixel 7 Pro an aluminum frame.

Weight

196 g

212 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and Google Pixel 7 Pro each present a compelling package, catering to different user priorities. Users often praise the Galaxy S23 Plus for its consistent performance, excellent battery life, and vibrant display. Some criticisms include its video camera performance, which some users feel could be improved, and its display resolution being lower than some competitors. The Pixel 7 Pro is frequently lauded for its exceptional camera system, particularly its computational photography capabilities and unique AI-driven features. However, some users have noted that its battery life can be inconsistent for heavy use, and video recording, while capable, may not always match the consistency of its still photography.

For individuals who prioritize a long-lasting battery, a bright and colorful display, and a refined overall hardware experience, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus may be a more suitable choice. Its consistent performance and robust build make it a reliable daily driver. Conversely, users who place a premium on advanced camera features, especially for still photography, and a streamlined software experience with unique AI capabilities, will likely find the Google Pixel 7 Pro to be an excellent fit. Its strengths lie in delivering a distinct Google-centric smartphone experience.

Both devices represent quality options in the Android smartphone market, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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