Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: A 7-Round Face-Off
The Google Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are two of the top Android phones on the market. Choosing between the two can be a difficult decision, but we’re here to help guide your choice. The Pixel 8 Pro is the newer and more affordable option, offering unique AI and software features. On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a versatile camera system, superior processor, and battery. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll evaluate the specs, design, display, performance, cameras, and more to determine the ultimate winner.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Specs
Price:
– Pixel 8 Pro: $999 / £999 / A$1,699
– Galaxy S23 Ultra: $1,199 / £1,249 / A$1,949
Display:
– Pixel 8 Pro: 6.7-inch Super Actua Display (OLED)
– Galaxy S23 Ultra: 6.8-inch QHD AMOLED
– Resolution:
– Pixel 8 Pro: 2,992 x 1,344
– Galaxy S23 Ultra: 3,088 x 1,440
– Refresh rate: 1 – 120Hz adaptive
Rear cameras:
– Pixel 8 Pro: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP 5x telephoto
– Galaxy S23 Ultra: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 10MP 10x telephoto
Front camera:
– Pixel 8 Pro: 10.5MP selfie
– Galaxy S23 Ultra: 12MP selfie
Chipset:
– Pixel 8 Pro: Google Tensor G3
– Galaxy S23 Ultra: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM:
– Pixel 8 Pro: 12GB
– Galaxy S23 Ultra: 8GB/12GB
Storage:
– Pixel 8 Pro: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
– Galaxy S23 Ultra: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Battery:
– Pixel 8 Pro: 5,050 mAh
– Galaxy S23 Ultra: 5,000 mAh
Charging:
– Pixel 8 Pro: 30W wired / 23W wireless (with Pixel Stand)
– Galaxy S23 Ultra: 45W wired / 10W wireless
Water/dust resistance:
– Pixel 8 Pro: IP68
– Galaxy S23 Ultra: IP68
Size:
– Pixel 8 Pro: 6.4 x 3.0 x 0.3 inches (162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8mm)
– Galaxy S23 Ultra: 6.4 x 3.0 x 0.35 inches (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9mm)
Weight:
– Pixel 8 Pro: 7.5 ounces (213g)
– Galaxy S23 Ultra: 8.2 ounces (233g)
Colors:
– Pixel 8 Pro: Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay
– Galaxy S23 Ultra: Phantom Black, Cotton Flower, Botanic Green, Mystic Lilac
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Price and Availability
The Google Pixel 8 Pro was launched in October 2023, making it the newer option of the two. It starts at $999 / £999 / A$1,699, which is still a reasonable price for a flagship Android phone. On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 Ultra has been available since February 2023 and is priced at $1,199 / £1,249 / A$1,949 for its basic specification. Despite the Pixel 8 Pro’s price increase from previous models, it remains more affordable than the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Winner: Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Design
Both the Pixel 8 Pro and Galaxy S23 Ultra have unique and distinct designs. While they share similarities from the front, the back designs differ significantly. The Galaxy S23 Ultra features individual metal-ringed lenses for its cameras, while the Pixel 8 Pro combines them into a horizontal camera bar. Additionally, the Pixel 8 Pro has rounded corners, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra has sharp right-angled ones. In terms of size, both phones are 6.7 inches, making them relatively large.
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
One important difference is the display. The Pixel 8 Pro has a flat display, which is preferred by most users. On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a subtly curved screen, which some users may not prefer due to increased risk of mis-taps.
Winner: Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Display
The Pixel 8 Pro features a 6.7-inch Super Actua OLED display, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a slightly larger 6.8-inch AMOLED panel. Both displays have an OLED base with 1 – 120Hz adaptive refresh rates. However, the Galaxy S23 Ultra outperforms the Pixel 8 Pro in several areas. It has a higher brightness level of 1,526 nits for HDR content compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s 1,444 nits. The Galaxy S23 Ultra also offers better color gamut coverage in both Natural and Vivid modes. Furthermore, it achieves a better Delta-E color accuracy score of 0.25 compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s 0.37.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Cameras
The Pixel 8 Pro is equipped with a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide camera, and 48MP 5x telephoto camera on the back, along with a 10.5MP selfie camera on the front. On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a 200MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide camera, and two 10MP telephoto cameras that cover both 3x and 10x magnification with dedicated optical lenses. It also features a 12MP front camera.
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Based on comparisons, the Pixel 8 Pro takes photos with more accuracy and consistency. The Galaxy S23 Ultra, however, offers versatility with its additional telephoto camera and can produce striking images in the right conditions. With that said, this category is a draw as both phones excel in different aspects of photography.
Winner: Draw
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Performance
The Pixel 8 Pro’s Google Tensor G3 chipset focuses on AI rather than raw power, resulting in lower benchmark scores compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Geekbench 5 (single-core / multi-core score):
– Pixel 8 Pro: 1,163 / 2,745
– Galaxy S23 Ultra: 1,578 / 5,081
3DMark Wild Life Extreme Unlimited (score / fps):
– Pixel 8 Pro: 2,250 / 13 fps
– Galaxy S23 Ultra: 3,788 / 22 fps
Adobe Premiere transcoding test (mins:secs):
– Pixel 8 Pro: 0:46
– Galaxy S23 Ultra: 0:39
The Galaxy S23 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, outperforms the Pixel 8 Pro in all benchmark tests, showcasing its superior CPU and GPU power. The S23 Ultra is among the most powerful phones on the market. Additionally, the Galaxy S23 Ultra offers higher default storage of 256GB compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s 128GB. However, the Pixel 8 Pro features 12GB of RAM by default, while the basic model of the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with 8GB.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Battery and Charging
Both phones have excellent battery capacities, with the Pixel 8 Pro housing a 5,050 mAh battery and the Galaxy S23 Ultra with a 5,000 mAh battery. In terms of charging, the Pixel 8 Pro supports 30W wired charging and 23W wireless charging with the Pixel Stand. On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 Ultra offers faster wired charging at 45W and 10W wireless charging.
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Conclusion
After evaluating the specs, design, display, performance, cameras, battery, and charging, both the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stand out as excellent options for Android users. The Pixel 8 Pro offers unique AI and software features, an affordable price point, and a more comfortable flat display. On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 Ultra excels in camera versatility, raw performance power, and faster wired charging. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences and priorities.
Overall Winner: Draw
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