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

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra & Google Pixel 8 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. 

Why Do I Recommend The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

  • The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 200MP quad-camera system for ultra-high-resolution photography, superior zoom, & versatile shooting options, while the Pixel 8 has 50MP dual-camera system.
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip for faster performance, better gaming, & more efficient multitasking, compared to the Pixel 8’s Google Tensor G3.
  • It has a built-in S Pen for precise note-taking, creative drawing, & enhanced productivity, while the Pixel 8 lacks stylus support.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a larger 6.8″ QHD+ AMOLED display for more immersive media viewing, higher clarity, & professional content creation, compared to the Pixel 8’s smaller 6.2″ FHD+ screen.
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has 10x optical zoom & 100x digital zoom for capturing distant subjects in sharp detail, compared to the Pixel 8’s 8x digital-only zoom.
  • It has a 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging for longer usage & faster recharging, compared to the Pixel 8’s smaller 4575mAh battery with 27W charging.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra supports Samsung DeX for a full desktop experience with keyboard & monitor, while the Pixel 8 lacks a desktop mode.
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra includes Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for precise location tracking & advanced device control, while the Pixel 8 lacks UWB support.

Maybe the Google Pixel 8 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
ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for GalaxyGoogle Tensor G3
GPUAdreno 740Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM Options8GB / 12GB8GB
Storage Options256GB / 512GB / 1TB128GB / 256GB
Rear Cameras200MP (wide), 12MP (ultrawide), 10MP (3x tele), 10MP (10x tele)50MP (wide), 12MP (ultrawide)
Display Size6.8-inch6.2-inch
Display Resolution3088 x 14402400 x 1080
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2X, CurvedActua OLED, Flat
Refresh Rate1–120Hz60–120Hz
Peak Brightness1,750 nits2,000 nits
Stylus SupportBuilt-in S PenNot supported
Optical Zoom3x, 10xNone
Digital Zoom100x Space Zoom8x Super Res Zoom
Front Camera12MP10.5MP
Video RecordingUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 4K@60fps
Audio ZoomSupportedNot supported
Battery Capacity5000mAh4575mAh
Wired Charging45W27W
Wireless Charging15W18W
Fingerprint SensorUltrasonic under-displayOptical under-display
Face UnlockBasic 2DFace Unlock
PriceCheck S23 Ultra PriceCheck Pixel 8 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • 120Hz Refresh Rate: Both smartphones support a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smoother scrolling, gaming, and animations for a highly responsive touch experience.
  • OLED Display Technology: Each device features advanced OLED panel technology, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast ratios for immersive content viewing.
  • HDR10+ Support: Both phones support HDR10+, enhancing video playback with better brightness and contrast on supported streaming platforms and content.
  • Main & Ultrawide Cameras: Both models are equipped with a high-resolution main wide camera and a secondary ultrawide lens, enabling versatile photography from landscapes to portraits.
  • Night Photography Mode: Each phone includes powerful night mode capabilities, using advanced image processing to capture brighter and clearer shots in low-light environments.
  • Front Camera Video Recording (4K@60fps): The Galaxy S23 Ultra and Pixel 8 allow front camera video recording at 4K up to 60fps, making them suitable for high-quality vlogging and video calls.
  • Wireless & Reverse Wireless Charging: Both phones support standard wireless charging as well as reverse wireless charging, allowing you to power up accessories or other phones wirelessly.
  • Fast Charging Support: While their wattages differ, both support fast charging to reduce downtime and keep users powered up efficiently.
  • 5G Connectivity: The S23 Ultra and Pixel 8 both support sub-6 and mmWave 5G networks, enabling ultra-fast data speeds where supported.
  • Wi-Fi 6E & Bluetooth 5.3: Both devices come with the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard for improved bandwidth and connectivity, and Bluetooth 5.3 for better range and power efficiency.
  • IP68 Water & Dust Resistance: With an IP68 rating, both are resistant to dust and submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, enhancing durability.
  • Face Unlock & In-Display Fingerprint Scanner: Each model includes biometric unlocking via facial recognition and an under-display fingerprint sensor for secure access.
  • Gorilla Glass Protection: Both devices are protected with Corning Gorilla Glass on the front and back, improving resistance to drops and scratches.
  • USB-C Port: Each phone uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, supporting fast charging and universal accessory compatibility.
  • No Charging Brick Included: Neither device includes a charger in the box, aligning with the industry’s environmental packaging initiative.

Common Features

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23 UltraGoogle Pixel 8
Display Refresh Rate120Hz120Hz
OLED Display TechnologyDynamic AMOLED 2XActua OLED
HDR SupportHDR10+HDR10+
Main Rear Camera (Wide)YesYes
Ultrawide CameraYesYes
Night Photography ModeYesYes
Front Camera Video4K@60fps4K@60fps
Wireless ChargingYesYes
Reverse Wireless ChargingYesYes
Fast Charging SupportYesYes
5G ConnectivityYesYes
Wi-Fi 6EYesYes
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3
IP68 Dust & Water ResistanceYesYes
Face UnlockYesYes
In-Display Fingerprint SensorYesYes
Gorilla Glass ProtectionVictus 2Victus
USB-C PortYesYes
No Charger in BoxYesYes
Price Check S23 Ultra Price Check Pixel 8 Price

FAQ

Does the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra come with a charger in the box?
No, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra does not include a charger in the box. You need to purchase a compatible USB-C charger separately for fast charging.

Does the Google Pixel 8 support wireless charging?
Yes, the Google Pixel 8 supports wireless charging up to 18W with the Google Pixel Stand (2nd Gen) and standard Qi wireless charging.

Can both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Pixel 8 shoot 4K video?
Yes, both smartphones can record 4K video. The Galaxy S23 Ultra records up to 8K but also supports 4K at 60fps, which is matched by the Pixel 8.

Which phone has better zoom capabilities, Galaxy S23 Ultra or Pixel 8?
The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers superior zoom with up to 10x optical and 100x digital zoom, whereas the Pixel 8 only supports up to 8x digital Super Res Zoom.

Does the Galaxy S23 Ultra come with a stylus?
Yes, the Galaxy S23 Ultra includes a built-in S Pen with Bluetooth functionality and air gestures, making it a productivity-friendly device.

Is the Pixel 8 smaller than the Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Yes, the Pixel 8 is significantly smaller with a 6.2-inch display compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 6.8-inch screen, making it easier for one-handed use.

Which phone offers more years of software updates?
The Pixel 8 provides 7 years of OS and security updates, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra offers 4 years of OS and 5 years of security updates.

Does the Galaxy S23 Ultra support Samsung DeX?
Yes, the Galaxy S23 Ultra supports Samsung DeX, which enables a desktop-like interface when connected to a monitor or PC.

Can both devices survive underwater?
Yes, both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Pixel 8 have an IP68 rating, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.

Which phone has a higher resolution display?
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a higher resolution QHD+ display at 3088 x 1440, whereas the Pixel 8 uses a lower resolution FHD+ display at 2400 x 1080.

Do both phones support 5G networks?
Yes, both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Pixel 8 support 5G connectivity, including sub-6GHz and mmWave bands, depending on the region.

Is there a difference in charging speed between the two phones?
Yes, the Galaxy S23 Ultra supports 45W wired charging, while the Pixel 8 supports up to 27W wired charging, making the Samsung faster to recharge.

Which phone is better for mobile gaming?
The Galaxy S23 Ultra performs better in gaming due to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip and Adreno 740 GPU, offering smoother performance.

Do both phones have face unlock and fingerprint sensors?
Yes, both phones offer face unlock and an under-display fingerprint scanner. The Pixel 8’s face unlock is secure enough for payments; Samsung’s is not.

Is the Pixel 8 more affordable than the Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Yes, the Pixel 8 is priced significantly lower than the Galaxy S23 Ultra, making it a more budget-conscious option with solid performance.

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