Samsung and Google have consistently wowed the Android market with their flagship models. The comparison between the S23 Ultra vs Pixel 8 Pro is like the proverbial fight between two elephants. Both phones are built with the best chips available today and deliver befitting performances. Their specs will make most regular phones seem inferior.
Overview
The Pixel 8 Pro is the latest flagship Android phone from Google. This model is the most powerful of the Pixel 8 line, and it features an all-new processor chip that facilitates new generative AI capabilities. It is one of the Recommended Android Phones for professional photographers who work with their phones. Furthermore, the phone offers a great camera setup, a large and responsive screen, excellent battery life, and more.Â
Similarly, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a well-rounded smartphone from Samsung's premium S series. The most outstanding feature that comes with this phone is the S Pen. This Stylus Pen makes editing photos and videos quick and easy. You can use it to quickly trim video clips, add filters, touch up faces, and add music.
Considering their performances, comparing the S23 Ultra vs Pixel 8 Pro feels like choosing the ultimate Android phone. Let's compare vital features and see which option comes out at the top.
Pricing and Options
You can get a new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra unit for a starting price of $1200. This price tag is for the base model with 256GB worth of storage. The prices are lowest if you get them from the Samsung Store, and you can pick whatever color option you want. However, Amazon and other retailers sometimes sell at a discounted rate, so you can save some bucks if you're lucky.
On the other hand, the Pixel 8 Pro has four storage options. The pricing ranges between $999 and $1799, depending on the storage option and vendor. You can buy it directly from Google's online store, which gives you access to an installment payment plan. Also, it is available on Amazon, BestBuy, Verizon, and other top mobile providers and retailers. Additionally, while the base model is half the price of the Galaxy, remember you get half the storage as well.
The Pixel 8 Pro is cheaper, but we cannot give it full credit yet. The price tag alone is not sufficient for grading phones. So, let's check other specifications to see which model offers better value for its price.
Camera
Samsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 200MP wide sensor, a 10MP periscope telephoto sensor, a 10MP telephoto sensor, and a 12MP ultrawide sensor in its rear camera system. Across these, you get a host of functional features, including multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, 10x optical zoom, Super Steady video, auto-HDR, panorama, and HDR10+ for Videos.
You do not have to know what they all mean to appreciate the image quality this phone offers. The LED flash at the rear supports the phone's insane low-light imagery. Moreover, at the front, you get a 12MP wide sensor for selfies. It supports dual-pixel PDAF and makes cinematic 4K videos.
On the other hand, the Pixel 8 Pro boasts a tri-camera system at the rear. It comprises a 50MP wide sensor, a 48MP ultrawide sensor with autofocus, and a 48MP telephoto sensor. You also get dual-pixel PDAF, multi-zone Laser AF, 5x optical zoom, panorama, and Ultra HDR support. The phone makes stunning 4K videos thanks to its 10-bit HDR system.
The Pixel 8 Pro's camera system is miles ahead of the S23 Ultra. It captures better images and videos with its dual LED flash to support video making at night. For the selfie cameras, the Pixel 8 Pro sports a 10.5MP wide sensor with Auto-HDR support as well.
In summary, the S23 Ultra vs Pixel 8 Pro favors the latter in terms of imagery. Furthermore, you can take advantage of its crisp screen and Generative AI enhancements to improve your pictures.
Display
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a slightly larger screen with Always-on display support. You get a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display panel with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz and aspect ratio of 19.3:9. The screen resolution is 1440 x 3088 pixels, screen to body ratio is 89.9%, and the maximum brightness level is at 1,750 nits. You're also getting a screen with HDR10+ support and protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.Â
For the Pixel 8 Pro, you get a 6.7-inch Super Actua LPTO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This time, the aspect ratio is 20:9, the screen resolution is 1344 x 2922 pixels, and the peak brightness level is 2,400 nits. The display is excellent and supports HDR10+ as well. You also get an Always-on display with an 87.4% screen-to-body ratio.
In terms of display, the S23 Ultra vs Pixel 8 Pro debate ends as a tie. Both screens are crisp and responsive. The same durable grade of glass protects them, and the fingerprint sensors are reliable.
Hardware and Performance
Samsung ships the Galaxy S23 Ultra with Qualcomm's SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) chip. This processor has eight CPU cores and an Adreno 740 GPU core. It comes with Android 13 (upgradable to 14) and Samsung's One UI 6.1. The processor is augmented by 8GB RAM with 256GB internal storage for the least option. Other models boast 12GB RAM, with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB internal storage options. All trims enjoy the same UFS 4.0 for a smoother 5G experience.
This setup helps the Galaxy run heavy-duty apps and processes smoothly. It facilitates the S Pen Bluetooth integration and grants users access to the Samsung Ecosystem. You get to enjoy all the exciting features that are peculiar to Samsung users. Other impressive features are Samsung DeX (desktop experience) support and 32-bit/384kHz audio—tuned by AKG.
In the case of the Google Pixel 8 Pro, Google launched an all-new Tensor G3 (4nm) processor. The notable advantage of this chip is that it doesn't run hot like some rivals and is the backbone of the new Generative AI. You get nine CPU cores with the Immortalis-G715s MC10 GPU core. This setup guarantees performance and power efficiency so you can run most energy-demanding apps seamlessly.
The Pixel 8 Pro's Generative AI lets you erase unwanted objects from photos, replace photo backgrounds, remove background audio from videos, spellcheck more efficiently, and craft entire paragraphs with just a few prompts. The phone comes with 12GB of RAM space with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB UFS 3.1 internal storage options. Also, the Pixel 8 Pro ships with Android 14.
Performance Verdict
The two phones come without a headphone jack and Micro SD slot, so you cannot expand the storage. They both support Bluetooth 5.3, USB Type-C 3.2, NFC, and WiFi 802.11. Additionally, you get stereo speakers, Ultra Wideband (UWB) support, and a host of other impressive sensors to enjoy.
Regarding hardware and performance, the S23 Ultra outclasses the Pixel 8 Pro despite the latter's Generative AI feature. So, if you're looking for processing power, reliability, speed, and the ability to take on heavy tasks, the Galaxy is ideal for you.
Build and Design
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is designed to be boxy with quite sharp edges for a more industrial style. It has an Aluminum frame holding the front and back Corning glass screens. The volume and power buttons, loudspeakers, mic, and charging port are along the frame. While the selfie camera and hands-free speaker are on the front.
The Galaxy phone uses an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor that is accessed on the display. Armor Aluminum is used for the frame, making it tougher and adds scratch resistance. The water and dust resistance rating for this phone is IP68. Samsung advertises that it can remain unharmed in a 1.5m deep waterbody for up to 30 minutes.
For the Pixel 8 Pro, you get the same slab-shaped phone but with more rounded edges. Many will appreciate the better feel in the hand and the slightly less rigid look. It has glass screens at the front and back, bounded by an Aluminum frame. You get the same properties along the frame, and like the S23 Ultra, the fingerprint scanner is under the display. However, this phone uses an optical fingerprint sensor. The water and dust resistance rating on the phone is also IP68. So, it can stay in 1.5m of water for up to 30 minutes.
The S23 Ultra is offered in a wide range of colors, from cream, green, lavender, and Phantom Black to Samsung-exclusive colors, such as lime, graphite, sky blue, and red. Meanwhile, the available color options for the Pixel 8 Pro are Obsidian, Porcelain, and Bay. They may look fairly sleek. However, they rhyme with the phone's classic build.
Regarding build, the only difference between these two phones is that the S23 Ultra has an S Pen and more colors to choose from. Both phones are well-built, lightweight, and have good water and dust resistance ratings. In this case, the choice to stick with comes down to the user's aesthetic preference.
Dimensions and Weight
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra measures 6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 inches. It weighs 234 grams. Meanwhile, the Google Pixel 8 Pro has a dimension of 6.40 x 3.01 x 0.35 inches. It is built with the same Corning-made Glass and Aluminum frame as the S23 Ultra but weighs less at 213 grams.
Dimensions are about the same for both phones. However, the S23 Ultra weighs more and is slightly bigger. The extra weight can be attributed to the included S Pen, which is excellent for taking notes or doodling.
Battery Life and Charging Options
The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers great battery life. You can go 36 hours before having to charge your S23 Ultra. A Li-Ion 5000 mAh, non-removable battery powers this phone and gives you up to 18 hours of video playback. The charging options are 45W wired, 15W Qi wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. Although the 45W is quite fast, it is slow compared to top rivals offering 60W and 80W charging support. The wired charging can power the battery from zero to 65% in 30 minutes.
The Pixel 8 Pro can go for 13 hours on video playback. Its on-screen time depends on what you are working on. For instance, the Magic Editor kills the battery faster than when you’re randomly surfing the internet. This phone relies on a Li-Ion 5,050 mAh non-removable battery. It supports 30W wired charging and 23W wireless. The option utilizes the USB Type-C port and goes from zero to 50% in 30 minutes.
While the Pixel 8 isn't terrible when it comes to battery life, the S23 Ultra wins this aspect. So, if battery life is important to you, you should choose the Galaxy.
To sum it all…
The S23 Ultra vs Pixel 8 Pro debate is a fierce competition between two fantastic Android phones. It is tough to decide which option to go with. Moreover, we have explored all there is to know about both phones and decided that the Samsung S23 Ultra is the better choice overall. It costs about $200 more but outperforms the Pixel 8 Pro in most crucial aspects.
If you are willing to spend big on the Galaxy, you will enjoy better screen clarity, battery life, processing power, and overall user experience. Lastly, although the Pixel phone boasts a better camera setup, you will be better off editing your videos using the Galaxy. Also, the Pixel 8 Pro doesn't have any major flaws. It performs excellently, but not as well as the S23 Ultra.
