Galaxy S23+ Vs Google Pixel 8

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:290.00

Versus €1,019.00 new

See options
Google Pixel 8
Google Pixel 8
Starting at

Refurbished price:264.00

Versus €819.97 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, and the Google Pixel 8, launched in October 2023, are both prominent Android smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S23 Plus provides a comprehensive flagship package with a focus on hardware versatility and a larger display, the Pixel 8 distinguishes itself with advanced computational photography and an industry-leading software support commitment. Both devices operate on the Android platform, delivering a modern smartphone experience.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its software support, physical durability, and ease of repair. These aspects determine how long a device remains functional and secure for daily use.

  • Software Support: The Google Pixel 8 offers an extended commitment of seven years of OS and security updates, ensuring support until October 2030. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus typically receives four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its release date.
  • Repairability: The Pixel 8 generally receives moderate repairability scores, with some assessments placing it around 6-7 out of 10, indicating that self-repairs are possible for those with some technical skill. The Galaxy S23 Plus, while built with durable materials, is often considered less straightforward to repair, with some evaluations giving it a lower score.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust construction. The Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back panels, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, and carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Pixel 8 also uses Gorilla Glass Victus for its display and back, an aluminum frame, and has an IP68 rating.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Evaluating performance involves looking beyond raw specifications to understand how each device handles daily tasks, demanding applications, and power management.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Plus delivers very smooth performance, handling demanding applications and multitasking with ease, making it well-suited for intensive gaming and productivity. The Pixel 8 also provides a fluid user experience, efficiently managing everyday tasks and leveraging its internal components for advanced AI-driven features.
  • Battery Endurance: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a 4700mAh battery, often noted for its extended endurance, with some users reporting up to two days of usage or over 11 hours of screen-on time in tests. The Pixel 8 features a 4575mAh battery, typically providing all-day power for mixed usage, though some users have observed faster battery drain when relying heavily on mobile data.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy S23 Plus is available with 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, paired with 8GB of RAM, supporting efficient multitasking. The Pixel 8 offers 128GB or 256GB storage options, also with 8GB of RAM, providing ample space and smooth operation for most users.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices 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, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks with a resolution of 2340x1080 pixels. The Pixel 8 comes with a 6.2-inch Actua OLED display, offering sharp visuals and excellent contrast at a resolution of 2400x1080 pixels.
  • Brightness Levels: The Galaxy S23 Plus can achieve a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions, including bright outdoor environments. The Pixel 8 is advertised with a peak brightness of 2000 nits and has been tested to reach up to 1600 nits for full-screen content, providing exceptional brightness for outdoor use.
  • Refresh Rate and Size: Both phones feature an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The Galaxy S23 Plus's refresh rate can scale down to 48Hz to conserve battery. The Pixel 8's refresh rate can also adapt, going down to 60Hz. The larger 6.6-inch screen of the S23 Plus offers a more expansive viewing area, while the 6.2-inch display of the Pixel 8 provides a more compact and manageable form factor.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

OLED

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and the Pixel 8 offer advanced camera systems, each with strengths in capturing photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 8 is equipped with a dual-camera system, comprising a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens that also supports macro photography through autofocus.
  • Photography Performance: Both devices excel in everyday photography, producing detailed images with good color reproduction. The Pixel 8 is particularly noted for its computational photography capabilities and AI-driven features, which enhance image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions and with features like Magic Eraser. The Galaxy S23 Plus also delivers strong low-light performance and vibrant photos, with its telephoto lens offering greater zoom flexibility.
  • Video and Audio: The Galaxy S23 Plus supports 8K video recording at 30 frames per second and features improved video stabilization. The Pixel 8 records 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, offering strong stabilization and AI-enhanced audio features like Audio Magic Eraser to reduce background noise in videos. Both phones provide clear microphone quality for calls and recording, and deliver a good media consumption experience through their stereo speakers.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

10.5 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily convenience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and the Pixel 8 support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S23 Plus includes Wi-Fi 6E, while the Pixel 8 features the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard, offering potentially faster and more efficient wireless connections. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: For secure access, both smartphones incorporate an in-display fingerprint sensor. The Pixel 8 also offers Face Unlock as an additional biometric authentication method.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 Plus is the larger device, measuring approximately 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighing around 195 grams, offering a substantial feel and a larger screen. The Pixel 8 is more compact and lighter, with dimensions of approximately 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm and a weight of 187 grams, making it easier for one-handed use.

Weight

168 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.2

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and Google Pixel 8 each present compelling options for Android users, catering to slightly different priorities. User feedback often praises the Galaxy S23 Plus for its robust battery life, balanced performance across various tasks, and a versatile camera system that includes a dedicated telephoto lens. Some users appreciate its larger display for media consumption and productivity. Criticisms, when present, sometimes point to its software update policy being less aggressive than Google's, or a design that, while refined, might be seen as less innovative compared to its Ultra sibling.

The Google Pixel 8, on the other hand, frequently receives acclaim for its exceptional computational photography, with AI-driven features that enhance photos and videos significantly. Its commitment to seven years of software updates is a major draw for users seeking long-term device support and the latest Android features. Users also value its more compact form factor. However, some discussions highlight concerns regarding battery life, particularly when using mobile data, and the efficiency of its modem.

Users prioritizing a larger display, a dedicated telephoto camera for zoom capabilities, and a consistently strong, all-around performance might find the Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who place a premium on extended software longevity, cutting-edge AI camera features, and a more compact design will likely lean towards the Google Pixel 8. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make informed and sustainable choices.