Samsung Galaxy S23 vs. Google Pixel 7: there’s a transparent winner

With the launch of the brand new Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung has gotten 2023 off to a surprising begin. The corporate has debuted an iterative replace of one of many very best Android phones, refining what was already a profitable formulation with a streamlined design, a brand new processor, a bigger battery, and a more durable physique.

On the similar time, it competes with the Google Pixel 7 which does the identical issues because the Pixel 6, however is just higher all-around. Which one do you have to purchase? Let’s discover out.

Galaxy S23 vs. Pixel 7: specs

Galaxy S23 vs. Pixel 7: design, show, and sturdiness

The Samsung Galaxy S23 encompasses a design that might have been indistinguishable from the Galaxy S22, had it not been for the removing of the digital camera bump, which produces a extra streamlined design. It’s acquired a 6.1-inch show, similar to the iPhone, making it fairly compact within the hand, and it’s fabricated from premium supplies like glass (extra on that later) and aluminum.

Alternatively, there’s the Pixel 7. It appears fairly just like the Pixel 6, preserving the distinctive digital camera bar on the rear and the identical hole-punch design. It’s a bit smaller than the Pixel 6 at 6.3 inches, and the digital camera bar is roofed with metallic and never glass.

Across the entrance, each of those units have easy AMOLED shows. The overwhelming distinction between them comes from how easy their shows are. The S22 already had a greater show than the Pixel 7 at a variable 120Hz refresh price that matches the Pixel 7 Professional’s, and we’re afraid that hole solely grows with the S23. The Galaxy S23 retains all the identical expertise because the S22, besides it’s now additionally brighter. Google’s show is sweet, however it simply doesn’t compete.

Lastly, the S23 comes with that new Gorilla Glass Victus 2, in comparison with the Pixel 7’s Gorilla Glass Victus. Once more, the Pixel isn’t unhealthy, however it’s crushed by the Galaxy S23.

The Pixel’s actual solely standout right here is the design. That digital camera bar is fairly hanging, and Google’s selection of colours — particularly the attractive Lemongrass — make all of the Pixel 7 telephones look concurrently businesslike and playful. The Galaxy S23 colors are good, however nothing actually to jot down dwelling about. Regardless, it’s the S23 that wins this spherical.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23

Galaxy S23 vs. Pixel 7: efficiency, battery life, and charging

The Galaxy S23 is supplied with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This can be a processor that’s the very best and latest you may get on Android telephones, and it’s souped-up for Samsung specifically. With 8GB of RAM, you received’t need for a lot on the S23. The Pixel 7 comes with Google’s Tensor 2 processor. It’s constructed primarily for AI duties, and consequently, it falls behind competing Android telephones in artificial benchmarks. That’s not a flaw; the cellphone remains to be a lot quick to make use of.

Battery-wise, it’s arduous to inform which might be a winner sight unseen. We’re going to tentatively hand it to the Galaxy S23 right here. Google’s Tensor chips have proven an inclination towards overheating and battery drainage, and it’s a flaw that’s crossed generations. Whereas different telephones do nonetheless drain quickly and do nonetheless get sizzling, on steadiness, a Qualcomm cellphone will keep on longer and run cooler than a comparable Pixel cellphone.

When it comes to charging, the Pixel 7 additionally costs slower than the Galaxy S22. Because the S23 makes use of the identical charging know-how because the S22 does, one can surmise that the Pixel 7 takes the loss right here as properly.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23

Galaxy S23 vs. Pixel 7: cameras

Cameras are one other space the place it’s arduous to inform which cellphone is healthier at with out a full overview. The Pixel 7 is a well-regarded cellphone, and its digital camera is genuinely spectacular. It’s the identical dual-camera format with a 50-megapixel important digital camera and a 12MP ultrawide that Google’s used for the reason that Pixel 6. It constantly punches above its value level, in no small half due to software program.

Nevertheless, Samsung simply presents greater than Google right here. The S23’s 50-megapixel important shooter will take photos which might be shut sufficient to Google’s that you just received’t thoughts. Its ultrawide lens will seize wider photos, and Google’s super-res zoom can’t compete with an precise zoom digital camera.

We’re giving the win to Samsung primarily based solely on its technical benefits over the Pixel 7’s digital camera system, however we’ll see how/if that modifications following a full Galaxy S23 overview.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23

Galaxy S23 vs. Pixel 7: software program and options

Each the Galaxy S23 and the Pixel 7 are powered by Android 13. The Pixel runs a Google model of it with very robust Materials You influences current in each facet of the software program, giving it an total polished appear and feel. Samsung’s One UI 5.0 additionally has Materials You themes blended with extra Samsung-centric styling, however it’s additionally very practical and strong. Samsung stuffs its Android overlay with a bunch of apps and options you received’t discover on Google’s, together with well-regarded inventory apps that sync with Home windows variations. Talking of Home windows, it’s also possible to use Samsung’s apps in your PC with the Your Telephone app. Google says it’s engaged on a model for Pixels and Chromebooks with Android 13, however the firm has but to roll that out or announce a timeline.

In relation to updates, the Pixel wins at pace, however underwhelms by way of longevity. A Samsung Galaxy S23 will get 4 Android updates and 5 years of safety updates — assured. Regardless of utilizing its personal chips, Google will solely distribute three Android updates whereas matching Samsung on safety. Which means an S23 can run Android 18 with yet one more 12 months of life, whereas the Pixel 7 will probably be caught at Android 17 and completed.

Google’s Pixel can also be chock-full of useful little particular options together with Now Enjoying for figuring out music throughout you, extra native Google Pockets assist, Google Assistant, and the absolutely realized Materials You design. Nonetheless, Samsung’s cellphone is extra feature-packed. It even helps lock display screen customization in a fashion just like iPhones, and there’s a wider collection of third-party equipment to increase your cellphone’s performance. In different phrases, discovering one thing you want in our roundup of the best Galaxy S23 cases needs to be a chunk of cake.

Google wins on software program options for sure, however Samsung presents a extra broadly full bundle.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23

Galaxy S23 vs. Pixel 7: value and availability

The Pixel 7 is on the market from the Google Retailer for $599. It’s a reasonably low cost cellphone for what it presents. The Samsung Galaxy S23 is on the market for $799 and can go on sale shortly from Samsung’s on-line retailer, Amazon, and primarily all mainline retailers.

On a pure pricing level, the Pixel 7 wins right here. It presents a close-enough bundle to the S23 that the additional $200 in your pocket may purchase you a tissue to wipe your tears away for that little bit the place it falls brief. However, as we’ve seen all through this comparability, the Galaxy S23 makes its greater value price it.

Total winner: Samsung Galaxy S23

Samsung telephones are common for a motive. The corporate has constructed a refined machine that does what anybody would desire a smartphone to do — and it does it whereas wanting positively gorgeous. A raft of circumstances and equipment imply your cellphone may be additional tailor-made to your tastes, whereas the thriving Samsung ecosystem ensures you don’t need to be jealous of your iPhone-toting pals. The Galaxy S23 could also be costly and it might get slower updates than a Pixel, however it’s well-suited to be Android’s iPhone.

Does that imply the Pixel 7 is a nasty cellphone? Actually not — particularly contemplating it leaves $200 of spare change in your pockets. However when it comes all the way down to it, the Galaxy S23 is the higher of the 2 telephones, and it wins this comparability.

At present’s tech information, curated and condensed in your inbox

Test your inbox!

Please present a legitimate e mail deal with to proceed.

This e mail deal with is at the moment on file. If you’re not receiving newsletters, please test your spam folder.

Sorry, an error occurred throughout subscription. Please strive once more later.