Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at
£369.24£1,599.00 new
Google Pixel 8
Starting at
£205.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Google Pixel 8?
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 8 starts at £205, £164.24 less than the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 8.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4575 mAh.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 specs
The Galaxy S23 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 are both solid choices from 2023 but suit different needs. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a larger, higher-resolution screen and more RAM, making it well-suited for users who want extra power and a spacious display for media and multitasking. It also offers a bigger battery and a very high-resolution main camera for detailed photos. The Pixel 8 is more compact with a smaller screen and less RAM, running the newer Android 14. Storage options also differ, with the Galaxy offering up to 1TB and the Pixel up to 256GB.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 price
Colour
- BlackStarting at £378.24
- RedStarting at £425.85
- LimeStarting at £369.24
- BeigeStarting at £441.75
- GreenStarting at £369.24
- GreyStarting at £369.24
- BlueStarting at £369.24
- PurpleStarting at £425.85
- BlackSold out
- GreySold out
- Rose GoldSold out
- GreenSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system, and release year. These aspects affect how long you can use the device between charges and the software experience you get.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which provides longer usage time between charges, beneficial if you often use your phone for heavy tasks or media. The Google Pixel 8 has a 4575 mAh battery, which suits users with everyday use needs who prefer a lighter device.
Operating System
The Google Pixel 8 runs Android 14, the latest version, offering the newest features and improvements. The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs Android 13, which is still current and stable but one version behind.
Battery
Fast charging
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. These influence how smoothly apps run, multitasking ability, and how much data you can keep on the device.
Chipset
The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, while the Google Pixel 8 has the Google Tensor G3. Both are modern 4 nm processors suited to current apps and tasks. Choice here depends on preference for Qualcomm or Google hardware.
RAM Capacity
With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is better equipped to keep many apps open and handle demanding multitasking. The Pixel 8 has 8 GB of RAM, sufficient for everyday use and typical app performance.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers storage choices from 256GB up to 1TB, ideal if you store many files, photos, or apps. The Pixel 8 comes with 128GB or 256GB, suitable for users with moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your phone. Size, resolution, and technology influence clarity, colour, and comfort.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 6.8 inch screen, providing a larger viewing area that suits watching videos and multitasking. The Pixel 8's 6.2 inch screen offers a more compact experience, easier to handle with one hand or carry in smaller pockets.
Resolution
The Galaxy S23 Ultra's screen resolution is 1440 x 3088, delivering sharper images and finer detail. The Pixel 8 has a 1080 x 2400 resolution, which still offers clear visuals but with less pixel density. Users who prioritise crispness may prefer the Galaxy.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The Pixel 8 uses an OLED screen, which also provides good colour and contrast. Both have a 120 Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth motion and responsiveness.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 camera
Audiovisual features include cameras that affect photo and video quality. Front and main camera resolutions indicate the level of detail you can capture.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 12 megapixel front camera, suited for sharp selfies and video calls. The Google Pixel 8 has a 10.5 megapixel front camera, which is slightly lower in resolution but still good for everyday use.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out with a 200 megapixel main camera, capturing very detailed photos, ideal if you want highly detailed images or to crop photos without losing quality. The Pixel 8 has a 50 megapixel main camera, which still delivers excellent pictures for most users.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 size and design
Miscellaneous specs include size, weight, SIM options, and connectivity features. These influence portability, network flexibility, and device handling.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S23 Ultra measures 163.4 mm in height and 78.1 mm in width, weighing 234 g, making it a larger and heavier phone suited for those comfortable with bigger devices. The Pixel 8 is smaller at 150.5 mm tall and 70.8 mm wide, weighing 187 g, ideal if you prefer a lighter, more compact phone.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, which is helpful if you use two physical SIMs simultaneously. The Pixel 8 supports one Physical SIM plus eSIM, suitable for users who do not require two physical SIM cards.
Connectivity and Extras
Both phones are unlocked, support 5G, and use USB Type-C connectors. Neither has an SD card slot, so storage depends on internal capacity. Both phones have the same depth at 8.9 mm.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 Ultra or Google Pixel 8: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4575 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.8 inch vs 6.2 inch)
Buy the Google Pixel 8 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £205, £164.24 less than the Galaxy S23 Ultra
- you want longer software support (until Oct 2030 vs until Feb 2028)
- you want a lighter build (187 g vs 234 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy S23 Ultra frequently mention the phone looks and feels like new, with excellent condition and smooth performance. Many praise its large, high-quality screen and the camera's ability to take detailed photos. The battery life is noted as solid, and the device handles multitasking well thanks to its higher RAM. Several customers appreciate the phone's premium feel and the ethical aspect of buying refurbished. Some mention minor marks that are barely noticeable and express satisfaction with the overall value.
Pixel 8 customers highlight the phone's clean, almost-new condition with good battery health. The Pixel 8 is appreciated for its compact size, speed, and camera quality, with many users commenting on the great photos they can take. Some mention setup took a little time, but the experience is generally positive. The smaller screen suits users who prefer a lighter phone. A few customers note minor issues like a less sensitive fingerprint sensor with a screen protector or a non-working NFC chip, but overall satisfaction remains high.
In summary, the Galaxy S23 Ultra suits those who want a larger, powerful device with a very high-resolution camera and more storage. The Pixel 8 appeals to users looking for a compact phone with the latest Android version and solid everyday performance.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 FAQs
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 8. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Google Pixel 8 is cheaper refurbished, from £205 compared with £369.24 for the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4575 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra gets updates until Feb 2028. The Google Pixel 8 gets updates until Oct 2030.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the Google Pixel 8 in 128GB and 256GB.
