Galaxy S23 Vs Google Pixel 7

Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:£189.00

Versus £831.51 new

See options
Google Pixel 7
Google Pixel 7
Starting at

Refurbished price:£144.00

Versus £756.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23, released in February 2023, and the Google Pixel 7, launched in October 2022, are both prominent Android smartphones. While the Galaxy S23 offers a refined hardware experience with a focus on a comprehensive camera system, the Pixel 7 emphasizes a streamlined software experience and advanced computational photography. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but they present distinct approaches to user interface and feature sets.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their expected practical lifespan, including their release timelines, software support, and repairability.

  • Release Timeline: The Google Pixel 7 was released in October 2022, making it slightly older than the Samsung Galaxy S23, which launched in February 2023. This difference in release date means the Galaxy S23 may receive software updates for a slightly longer period.
  • OS Support: Samsung typically provides four years of operating system updates and five years of security updates for the Galaxy S23, with support expected to continue until at least 2028. Google generally offers three years of major Android version updates and five years of security updates for its Pixel devices, including the Pixel 7.
  • Repairability: The Samsung Galaxy S23 series has shown improvements in repairability, with some reports indicating easier battery replacement due to design changes. The standard Galaxy S23 received a repairability score of 8.2 out of 10 under French environmental legislation. Google also supports the repair ecosystem by providing repair manuals for its Pixel devices.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating applications to engaging in demanding activities like gaming. Both the Galaxy S23 and Pixel 7 offer capable performance, though their underlying architectures differ.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S23 provides a very fluid and responsive user experience, handling demanding applications and multitasking with ease. This is supported by its efficient processing unit. The Pixel 7 also offers smooth performance for everyday use and app navigation, benefiting from its integrated hardware and software optimization.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 features a 3900 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor, generally provides reliable battery life for a full day of moderate to heavy use. The Pixel 7 comes with a larger 4355 mAh battery and an adaptive battery feature designed to optimize power consumption, with users reporting it can last over 24 hours, and up to 72 hours with extreme battery saver modes.
  • Storage and Multitasking: Both devices offer 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for smooth multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously. The Galaxy S23 is available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage, with faster UFS 4.0 storage in higher capacities. The Pixel 7 offers 128GB or 256GB storage options.

Memory

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S23 and Pixel 7 offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The Pixel 7 has a slightly larger 6.3-inch AMOLED display, also providing rich colors and good clarity for typical viewing.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23's display can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. It also features an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, contributing to smooth scrolling and animations. The Pixel 7 offers a peak brightness of up to 1400 nits, though real-world measurements may be slightly lower, and it has a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth experience for most users.
  • Screen Protection: The Galaxy S23 is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, offering enhanced durability against drops and scratches. The Pixel 7 uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for its display protection.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems, but they approach photography with different hardware configurations and software philosophies.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, allowing for detailed zoomed-in shots. The Pixel 7 comes with a dual-camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. It relies on advanced computational photography for zoom capabilities, without a dedicated telephoto lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 delivers strong performance in various lighting conditions, with its optical zoom providing clear results for distant subjects. The Pixel 7 is highly regarded for its computational photography, excelling in areas like low-light performance and features such as Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur, which enhance images post-capture.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video. The Galaxy S23 supports 8K video recording at 24/30fps, alongside 4K at 30/60fps. The Pixel 7 records 4K video at up to 60fps. Both phones feature a 12MP front camera for the S23 and a 10.8MP front camera for the Pixel 7, suitable for high-quality selfies and video calls.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

10.8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S23 and Pixel 7 support 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless internet. The Galaxy S23 features Bluetooth 5.3, while the Pixel 7 uses Bluetooth 5.2. Both devices utilize a USB-C 3.2 port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Security and Sensors: For biometric security, both phones offer under-display fingerprint sensors and face recognition. The Galaxy S23 uses an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, while the Pixel 7 employs an optical one. Both devices also include standard sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and compasses.
  • 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 comfortable for one-handed use. The Pixel 7 is slightly larger and heavier at 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm and 197g. Both phones feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating good protection against environmental elements.

Weight

167 g

197 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.3

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S23 often highlights its balanced performance, compact design, and reliable camera system, particularly praising its consistent image quality and the utility of the telephoto lens. Some users appreciate the improved battery life compared to its predecessor. Criticisms are less frequent but sometimes point to its design being a subtle evolution rather than a significant overhaul.

The Google Pixel 7 receives frequent praise for its exceptional computational photography, delivering impressive photos even without a dedicated telephoto lens, and its clean Android experience. Features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur are often cited as significant advantages. Common criticisms sometimes revolve around its battery life not always meeting expectations for heavy users, and its display brightness in direct sunlight compared to some competitors. The optical fingerprint sensor has also been a point of discussion for some users.

Users prioritizing a compact form factor, a dedicated optical zoom camera, and a highly refined overall hardware experience may find the Samsung Galaxy S23 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a pure Android software experience, cutting-edge computational photography features, and a slightly larger display might lean towards the Google Pixel 7. Both devices offer robust performance and durability, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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