Galaxy S23+ Vs Google Pixel 6A

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:300.00

Versus €1,337.64 new

See options
Google Pixel 6A
Google Pixel 6A
Starting at

Refurbished price:144.00

Versus €459.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, and the Google Pixel 6A, launched in July 2022, represent distinct approaches to the smartphone experience. While both operate on the Android platform, the Galaxy S23 Plus offers a more premium, feature-rich experience with a focus on advanced hardware, whereas the Pixel 6A emphasizes a streamlined software experience and computational photography capabilities. These differences cater to varying user priorities, from raw performance to camera intelligence and overall device size.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical resilience. These two devices offer different expectations in these areas.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy S23 Plus launched with Android 13 and is expected to receive four major Android OS updates, extending its support until Android 17, along with five years of security updates, potentially until 2028. The Pixel 6A, released with Android 12, is slated to receive OS updates until at least July 2025 and security updates until at least July 2027.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S23 Plus features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back, paired with an Armor Aluminum frame, and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating robust protection against environmental elements. The Pixel 6A uses Gorilla Glass 3 for its display, has a plastic back, and an aluminum frame, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
  • Repairability: The Pixel 6A has been noted for its relatively good repairability, scoring 7 out of 10 in some assessments, with components like the battery being more accessible compared to some other models.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles demanding tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a current-generation processor, designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. The Pixel 6A features Google's Tensor chip, which is optimized for efficient AI and machine learning tasks, contributing to a responsive everyday user experience.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM and offers storage options of 256GB or 512GB, providing ample space and memory for extensive multitasking and large files. The Pixel 6A includes 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which is suitable for typical daily usage and app management.
  • Real-World Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy S23 Plus generally experience fluid navigation and quick app loading, even with graphically intensive games or multiple applications open simultaneously. The Pixel 6A provides a smooth experience for most common tasks, benefiting from its software optimizations for daily interactions.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is the primary interface for user interaction, and differences in screen technology and specifications can significantly affect the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a larger viewing area. The Pixel 6A has a 6.1-inch OLED display, providing a more compact form factor.
  • Resolution and Refresh Rate: Both devices offer Full HD+ resolution, ensuring clear visuals for content consumption. The Galaxy S23 Plus boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The Pixel 6A features a 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 Plus can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The Pixel 6A offers a peak brightness of 1100 nits, providing good clarity in most lighting environments.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both smartphones offer distinct strengths in their imaging systems.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 6A utilizes a dual-camera system with a 12.2-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, relying heavily on computational photography for image enhancement.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 Plus delivers detailed photos with natural color reproduction and improved zoom capabilities. The Pixel 6A is widely recognized for its exceptional computational photography, producing consistent image quality, accurate exposure, and good detail, even in challenging lighting conditions, thanks to features like Night Sight.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S23 Plus supports 8K video recording and features a 12-megapixel front camera, offering good quality for selfies and video calls. The Pixel 6A can record 4K video at 30 or 60 frames per second and has an 8-megapixel front camera that benefits from Google's processing for solid results.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12.2 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily usability of a smartphone.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless internet. The Galaxy S23 Plus features Bluetooth 5.3, while the Pixel 6A uses Bluetooth 5.2. Both smartphones utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and the Pixel 6A incorporate in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S23 Plus also offers face recognition as an additional biometric option.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 Plus measures 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g, offering a larger screen and a more substantial feel. The Pixel 6A is more compact at 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm and lighter at 178g, which can make it easier for one-handed use and pocketability. The Galaxy S23 Plus uses premium materials like Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an Armor Aluminum frame, while the Pixel 6A combines a Gorilla Glass 3 front with a plastic back.

Weight

196 g

178 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and Google Pixel 6A cater to different user priorities, reflecting their respective positions in the smartphone market. Users often praise the Galaxy S23 Plus for its robust performance, extended battery life, and versatile camera system, particularly the inclusion of a telephoto lens and its bright, high refresh rate display. Some common criticisms might revolve around its larger size for those preferring a more compact device. The Pixel 6A is frequently lauded for its exceptional computational photography, delivering impressive photos despite its hardware specifications, and its clean software experience. However, some users have noted concerns regarding its 60Hz display, and there have been reports of inconsistent fingerprint scanner performance and battery life for heavy users.

Users prioritizing advanced hardware, a larger, brighter, and smoother display, and a comprehensive camera system with optical zoom may find the Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a highly intelligent camera that excels in computational photography, a streamlined software experience, and a more compact device may lean toward the Pixel 6A. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make an informed and sustainable choice.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons