Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 9
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at
£205.00£605.75 new
Google Pixel 9
Starting at
£314.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S23 FE and Google Pixel 9?
Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 9 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 FE starts at £205, £109 less than the Google Pixel 9. The Google Pixel 9 is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) / Exynos 2200 (4nm) on the Galaxy S23 FE, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9.
- The Google Pixel 9 has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Google Pixel 9 has a bigger battery: 4700 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 9 specs
The Galaxy S23 FE and Google Pixel 9 are both unlocked Android phones with 5G and USB-C connectors, suited for users wanting solid mid-sized devices. The Galaxy S23 FE has a slightly larger screen and 8 GB of RAM, ideal for everyday use and smooth app handling. The Pixel 9 offers 12 GB of RAM and a marginally higher resolution screen, fitting those who want more multitasking capacity and a slightly sharper display. Battery sizes vary modestly, with the Pixel 9 holding 4700 mAh and the Galaxy S23 FE 4500 mAh, so both provide good endurance. The Pixel 9 is lighter and more compact, while the Galaxy S23 FE is wider and heavier, suiting different preferences in hand size and weight. Both phones come in triple camera setups and similar front camera resolutions, with the Pixel 9 having a slight edge in front camera detail.
Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 9 price
Colour
- BeigeStarting at £207.15
- GreyStarting at £205.00
- BlueStarting at £207.15
- OrangeStarting at £205.00
- GreenStarting at £207.15
- PurpleStarting at £218.85
- BlackSold out
- BeigeSold out
- GreenSold out
- PinkSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 9 battery life and software updates
These aspects affect how long the phone lasts daily and over time and how easy it is to maintain or fix.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 9 has a 4700 mAh battery, slightly larger than the Galaxy S23 FE's 4500 mAh. This difference may offer a bit more endurance for heavier users or longer days away from charging.
Repairability
This might matter if you prefer a phone that can be repaired rather than replaced.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 9 performance
Performance covers the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These determine how smoothly the phone handles apps, games, and multitasking.
Chipset Differences
The Galaxy S23 FE uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 chipsets, while the Google Pixel 9 runs on the Google Tensor G4. Each chipset offers solid performance, but the Pixel 9's Tensor G4 is designed by Google, which may provide optimisations specific to Pixel software.
Memory Capacity
The Galaxy S23 FE has 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly for most users. The Pixel 9 offers 12 GB RAM, which is beneficial if you run multiple apps at once or want extra headroom for future multitasking needs.
Storage Options
Both phones are available in 128GB and 256GB storage sizes, providing flexibility depending on the amount of space you need for apps, photos, and media.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 9 screen
Screen quality impacts how you view content like videos, photos, and reading materials. Size, resolution, and screen technology all affect the experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S23 FE has a 6.4 inch screen with 1080 x 2340 resolution, offering a slightly larger viewing area. The Pixel 9's screen is 6.3 inches with a marginally higher resolution of 1080 x 2424, which provides a bit more vertical pixels for sharper detail in apps and text.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S23 FE uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks, making it well suited for media lovers. The Pixel 9's OLED screen also delivers good contrast and colour but with a different panel type that some users may prefer for its natural tones.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 9 camera
Audiovisual features focus on cameras and front-facing camera quality, important for photos, video calls, and selfies.
Camera Setup
Both phones feature triple rear cameras, giving users multiple options for wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto shots. This setup suits photography enthusiasts who want versatility in their shots.
Front Camera Detail
The Galaxy S23 FE has a 10 megapixel front camera, while the Pixel 9 offers a slightly higher 10.5 megapixel front camera. This could offer a small improvement in selfie detail or video call clarity on the Pixel 9.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 9 size and design
Other features include physical dimensions, SIM options, and additional hardware details that influence everyday comfort and connectivity.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S23 FE is taller at 158 mm and wider at 76.5 mm, weighing 209 g. The Pixel 9 is more compact at 152.8 mm tall and 72 mm wide, and lighter at 198 g. Choose the Galaxy if you prefer a larger screen and don't mind extra size. Pick the Pixel for a smaller, lighter phone that fits more easily in one hand.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S23 FE supports dual physical SIM cards alongside eSIM, which is useful if you want two separate physical SIMs for business and personal use. The Pixel 9 offers one physical SIM plus eSIM.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 FE or Google Pixel 9: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 FE if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £205, £109 less than the Google Pixel 9
Buy the Google Pixel 9 if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4700 mAh vs 4500 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (10.5 megapixels vs 10 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S23 FE praise its condition, with many saying it looks brand new and runs smoothly. They find the battery life to be strong and the performance excellent for everyday use and multitasking. Several users mention the phone handles apps well without glitches, and the larger screen size suits media and general use. Some mention the phone can get warm during heavy use and a few note minor refurbishment issues like dust in the charging port but still feel satisfied with the device overall.
Pixel 9 customers highlight the phone's like-new appearance and smooth operation. Users appreciate the battery life and camera quality, with some mentioning the setup process was straightforward even when switching from different platforms. The Pixel 9's size and weight are noted as comfortable and the phone is said to handle browsing and gaming well. Some note occasional performance quirks compared to previous models but overall satisfaction with the device's speed and screen quality is common.
Both phones suit buyers wanting reliable unlocked Android devices with good cameras and solid battery life. The Galaxy S23 FE appeals to those who want a larger screen and dual physical SIM slots while the Pixel 9 is a good fit for users looking for extra RAM and a lighter more compact phone.
Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 9 FAQs
Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 9 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) / Exynos 2200 (4nm) on the Galaxy S23 FE, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9. The Google Pixel 9 has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy S23 FE is cheaper refurbished, from £205 compared with £314 for the Google Pixel 9.
The Google Pixel 9 has a bigger battery: 4700 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 FE gets updates until Oct 2028. The Google Pixel 9 gets updates until Aug 2031.
Both come in 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
