Galaxy S23 FE Vs Google Pixel 8 Pro

Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:207.00

Versus €708.98 new

See options
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:293.00

Versus €1,099.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, and the Google Pixel 8 Pro, also launched in October 2023, are contemporary smartphones offering distinct approaches to the Android experience. While both devices provide robust performance and advanced camera systems, they differentiate themselves through their core processing philosophies and software ecosystems. The Galaxy S23 FE integrates Samsung's One UI over Android, while the Pixel 8 Pro offers a pure Android experience with Google's unique AI-driven features.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: Both the Galaxy S23 FE and the Pixel 8 Pro were released in October 2023, making them current-generation devices at the time of their launch.
  • Software Support: The Google Pixel 8 Pro stands out with an industry-leading commitment of seven years of OS, security, and feature updates. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE typically receives four generations of OS updates and five years of security updates.
  • Expected Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software longevity will find the Pixel 8 Pro's update policy beneficial for keeping the device current over a longer period. The Galaxy S23 FE offers a reassuring level of durability with Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, similar to the Pixel 8 Pro.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components and how efficiently they handle various tasks, from everyday applications to demanding games.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 FE is powered by a processor that delivers strong performance for daily use and can handle graphically intensive games smoothly. The Pixel 8 Pro features a processor optimized for artificial intelligence and efficiency, which enhances on-device machine learning and AI features.
  • System Responsiveness: Both devices offer a responsive user experience for general tasks like web browsing and social media. However, some users report that the Pixel 8 Pro can experience throttling under sustained heavy computational loads, leading to occasional frame drops or lags in the user interface. The Galaxy S23 FE, while powerful, has also been noted by some users to get warm during intensive use, such as extended camera usage or gaming.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Pixel 8 Pro typically comes with 12GB of RAM, supporting smooth multitasking, while the Galaxy S23 FE usually features 8GB of RAM. Both offer various storage options, though neither supports expandable storage via a microSD card.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer vibrant and clear viewing experiences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), providing deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Pixel 8 Pro boasts a larger 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with a Quad HD+ resolution (2992 x 1344 pixels), offering a higher level of detail and sharpness.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Pixel 8 Pro's display can reach a peak brightness of up to 2400 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S23 FE's screen offers a peak brightness of 1450 nits. Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Pixel 8 Pro's LTPO technology allows its refresh rate to adapt dynamically from 1Hz to 120Hz, which can contribute to power efficiency.
  • Viewing Experience: The Pixel 8 Pro features a flat display, which some users prefer for usability, while the Galaxy S23 FE also has a flat screen.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1344 x 2992

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though they approach image processing with different philosophies.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 FE includes a triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 8 Pro also features a triple camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The Pixel 8 Pro is highly regarded for its computational photography, producing images with realistic colors and excellent detail, particularly in low-light conditions. The Galaxy S23 FE's camera performs well in bright lighting, with its 3x optical zoom being a notable feature, though some users observe a tendency towards oversaturated colors in Samsung's processing.
  • Video and Audio: The Galaxy S23 FE can record up to 8K video at 24 frames per second (fps) and 4K at 60fps, with good optical image stabilization. The Pixel 8 Pro records videos at up to 4K resolution at 60fps, with improved video quality over previous Pixel generations, and offers good audio recording.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10.5 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity: Both the Galaxy S23 FE and the Pixel 8 Pro support 5G connectivity and current Wi-Fi standards.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both devices feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, but neither includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. For security, both phones utilize in-display fingerprint sensors. The Pixel 8 Pro also offers Face Unlock that meets strong Android biometric standards.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 FE measures 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm and weighs 209g, offering a comfortable feel with a matte aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 5. The Pixel 8 Pro is slightly larger and heavier at 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm and 213g, featuring a polished glass back and satin metal finishes.
  • Unique Features: The Galaxy S23 FE supports Samsung DeX, allowing it to connect to an external display for a desktop-like experience. The Pixel 8 Pro integrates advanced AI features, particularly in its camera and software, such as enhanced speech recognition and on-device generative AI processing.

Weight

209 g

213 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and the Google Pixel 8 Pro each present a compelling package, catering to different user priorities. User sentiment for the Galaxy S23 FE often praises its solid build quality, good cameras, and smooth performance for daily tasks. Some common criticisms include reports of average battery life, especially with the Exynos processor variant, and occasional heating under heavy use.

For the Google Pixel 8 Pro, users frequently highlight its exceptional camera quality, particularly its computational photography and AI capabilities, as well as its long software support commitment. However, some users have noted concerns regarding battery life, slower charging speeds, and occasional performance throttling or UI lags.

Users prioritizing a long-term software commitment and advanced AI-driven features, especially in photography, may find the Google Pixel 8 Pro well-suited to their needs. Those who value a robust, well-rounded Android experience with a strong telephoto camera and the option for a desktop-like environment via DeX might lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

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