Pixel 8 Pro vs S23 Ultra – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra & Google Pixel 8 Pro share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra rather than the Google Pixel 8 Pro. 

Why Do I Recommend The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

  • The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip for faster processing, smoother gaming, & more efficient multitasking, while the Pixel 8 Pro has Tensor G3.
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 200MP primary camera with dual 3× and 10× optical zoom for sharper detail, better long-range photography, & more versatility, compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s 50MP main and single 5× zoom.
  • It has a larger 6.8″ QHD+ display for more immersive content viewing, better multitasking, & enhanced S Pen usage, compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s slightly smaller 6.7″ display.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra supports 8K video recording at 30fps for ultra-high-definition video capture & futureproof content creation, while the Pixel 8 Pro has 4K max resolution.
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra includes a built-in S Pen for precise note-taking, drawing, & remote control functions, while the Pixel 8 Pro lacks stylus support.
  • It uses UFS 4.0 storage (on 512GB and 1TB variants) for significantly faster app loading & file transfers, compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s UFS 3.1 storage.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features 45W wired charging for faster top-ups & reduced downtime, compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s slower 30W wired charging speed.
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for faster, more secure, & reliable unlocking in varied conditions, compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s optical scanner.

Maybe the Google Pixel 8 Pro price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23 UltraGoogle Pixel 8 Pro
Operating System at LaunchAndroid 13, One UI 5.1Android 14, Pixel UI
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for GalaxyGoogle Tensor G3
GPUAdreno 740Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM Options8 GB / 12 GB12 GB only
Storage TypesUFS 4.0UFS 3.1
Storage Variants256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
Display Size6.8 inches6.7 inches
Display Resolution3088 × 1440 (QHD+)2992 × 1344 (QHD+)
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XLTPO OLED
Peak Brightness1750 nits2400 nits
Rear Main Camera200 MP, f/1.750 MP, f/1.68
Telephoto Cameras10 MP 3× + 10 MP 10× optical zoom48 MP 5× optical zoom
Ultrawide Camera12 MP, f/2.248 MP, f/1.95
Front Camera12 MP, f/2.210.5 MP, f/2.2
Video RecordingUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 4K@60fps
Battery Capacity5000 mAh5050 mAh
Wired Charging45W USB-C30W USB-C
Wireless Charging15W Qi + Wireless PowerShare23W Qi wireless charging
Fingerprint SensorUltrasonic in-displayOptical in-display
S Pen SupportYesNo
Software Support4 Android OS + 5 years security7 Android OS + 7 years security
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (mm)163.4 × 78.1 × 8.9162.6 × 76.5 × 8.8
Weight234 grams213 grams
Build MaterialsArmor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2Polished aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2
IP RatingIP68IP68
StylusBuilt-in S PenNot supported
PriceCheck S23 Ultra PriceCheck Pixel 8 Pro Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • 120Hz Adaptive Display: Both phones use an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate that scales down to 1Hz to conserve battery while ensuring smooth scrolling and visuals.
  • QHD+ AMOLED/OLED Panels: Their screens are QHD+ and offer deep contrast, vivid colors, and strong HDR performance thanks to AMOLED (S23 Ultra) and LTPO OLED (Pixel 8 Pro) technologies.
  • Gorilla Glass Victus 2: Both feature top-tier screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front (and back), improving durability.
  • IP68 Rating: They are dust and water-resistant under IP68, protecting against submersion in water up to 1.5m for 30 minutes.
  • 5G and Wi-Fi 6E: Both support modern connectivity standards, including 5G networks and Wi-Fi 6E or newer for faster, lower-latency wireless internet.
  • Bluetooth 5.3: The latest Bluetooth version allows improved connectivity and energy efficiency for wearables and audio devices.
  • USB Type-C Ports: Each device includes USB-C for charging and data transfer, supporting fast charging and accessories.
  • ~5000 mAh Battery: They have large batteries (S23 Ultra 5000 mAh, Pixel 8 Pro 5050 mAh), ensuring all-day use for power users.
  • Wireless & Reverse Charging: Both support wireless charging and can reverse-charge accessories like earbuds or smartwatches.
  • In-Display Fingerprint Sensors: Both use fingerprint sensors beneath the display for secure biometric authentication.
  • 4K Video Recording: Each phone supports high-quality 4K video capture at 60 fps on both front and rear cameras.
  • Android Ecosystem: Though Samsung uses One UI and Google uses Pixel UI, both run on Android and offer core Android features, like Material You theming and Google services.
  • Premium Design: Crafted from aluminum and glass, both have a luxury-grade finish and feel solid in hand.
  • Stereo Audio: They each deliver loud, clear stereo sound using dual speaker systems, suitable for multimedia consumption.

Common Features

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23 UltraGoogle Pixel 8 Pro
Display Refresh Rate1Hz–120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate1Hz–120Hz LTPO Adaptive Refresh Rate
Display Resolution ClassQHD+QHD+
Front Glass ProtectionGorilla Glass Victus 2Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Water & Dust ResistanceIP68 CertifiedIP68 Certified
5G ConnectivityYesYes
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6E and higherWi-Fi 6E and higher
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3
USB PortUSB Type-CUSB Type-C
Battery Size~5000 mAh~5000 mAh
Reverse Wireless ChargingYesYes
Fast Wireless ChargingYesYes
In-Display FingerprintYesYes
Video Recording Quality4K@60fps supported on front & rear4K@60fps supported on front & rear
Operating System BaseAndroidAndroid
Material QualityPremium Aluminum Frame + GlassPremium Aluminum Frame + Glass
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
Price Check S23 Ultra Price Check Pixel 8 Pro Price

FAQ

Which phone is faster in everyday performance and gaming?

Thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, the Galaxy S23 Ultra generally delivers higher frame rates in games and quicker app load times than the Pixel 8 Pro’s Tensor G3, though both remain smooth for typical daily tasks.

Does either device come with a charger in the box?

Neither phone ships with a power adapter; you must buy a compatible USB-C charger separately to reach their 45 W (Samsung) or 30 W (Google) wired speeds.

How many years of software updates will each phone receive?

Google promises seven years of Android OS and security patches for the Pixel 8 Pro, while Samsung guarantees four OS upgrades and five years of security updates for the S23 Ultra.

Which camera system is better for zoom photography?

The S23 Ultra’s dual telephoto lenses (3× and 10× optical) provide sharper long-range shots than the single 5× optical zoom on the Pixel 8 Pro.

Is there a stylus option?

Only the Galaxy S23 Ultra includes a built-in S Pen for note-taking, sketching, and remote camera control, whereas the Pixel 8 Pro has no native stylus support.

Do both phones support 8K video recording?

The Galaxy S23 Ultra can capture up to 8K at 30 fps, while the Pixel 8 Pro tops out at 4K at 60 fps on both front and rear cameras.

Which handset charges more quickly over a cable?

Using Samsung’s 45 W Super Fast Charger, the S23 Ultra reaches roughly 65 % in 30 minutes; the Pixel 8 Pro, at 30 W, hits about 50 % in the same timeframe.

How bright do the displays get outdoors?

The Pixel 8 Pro peaks around 2400 nits in High Brightness Mode, outshining the S23 Ultra’s approximately 1750 nits, making the Pixel panel easier to read in direct sunlight.

Is there face recognition on either device?

The Pixel 8 Pro offers secure Face Unlock that can authorize payments; the S23 Ultra relies on its ultrasonic fingerprint reader and basic 2D face unlock for non-secure tasks.

What unique sensors do they include?

The Pixel 8 Pro adds an on-device temperature sensor that lets you scan objects or skin, while the S23 Ultra features an embedded S Pen Air Command sensor suite.

How do their batteries compare in real-world use?

With near-identical capacities (~5000 mAh), both comfortably last a full day, but the S23 Ultra often ekes out an extra hour or two of screen-on time thanks to its more efficient chipset.

Do both support Wi-Fi 7?

Only the Pixel 8 Pro adopts Wi-Fi 7 for multi-link throughput; the Galaxy S23 Ultra tops out at Wi-Fi 6E, which is still plentiful for most networks.

Are the phones equally durable?

Each sports Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back with an IP68 rating, so both can survive accidental drops and submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Can either device wirelessly charge accessories?

Yes, both support reverse wireless charging for earbuds and smartwatches, though Samsung brands it Wireless PowerShare and Google labels it Battery Share.

Which model feels lighter in hand?

The Pixel 8 Pro weighs about 213 g, noticeably less than the 234 g Galaxy S23 Ultra, making Google’s flagship a bit easier to wield one-handed for extended periods.

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