Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at
£369.24£1,599.00 new
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Starting at
£443.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro?
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at £369.24, £73.76 less than the Google Pixel 9 Pro. The Google Pixel 9 Pro is the newer model, released in 2024.
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 G4 on the Google Pixel 9 Pro.
- The Google Pixel 9 Pro has more RAM: 16 GB vs 12 GB.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4700 mAh.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro specs
The Galaxy S23 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro differ in screen size, camera detail, memory, and battery capacity. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a larger 6.8 inch screen with higher resolution and more RAM options, making it suited for those who want a spacious display and plenty of multitasking power. The Pixel 9 Pro has a smaller 6.3 inch screen and a front camera with a higher megapixel count, ideal for users prioritising detailed selfies. The S23 Ultra's battery is larger, while the Pixel 9 Pro provides a newer chipset and Android without a specified version. Storage options range higher on the S23 Ultra. These differences suit users with varying preferences for screen size, camera detail, and memory capacity.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro 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
- BeigeSold out
- GreySold out
- PinkSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and operating systems influence how long the phones last on a charge and their software experience. The devices differ in battery size and OS details.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which generally supports longer use between charges. The Google Pixel 9 Pro has a 4700 mAh battery, still substantial but slightly smaller. If longer battery life is your priority, the S23 Ultra's larger capacity may suit you better.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro performance
Processor speed and memory determine how smoothly a phone handles apps and multitasking. These two devices differ notably in RAM and chipset, which affects who they suit best.
Chipset Types
The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses a Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset built on a 4 nm process, which is known for strong performance. The Google Pixel 9 Pro uses the Google Tensor G4 chipset. Each chipset suits different user preferences for processing and software optimisation.
RAM Amount
The Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with 12 GB of RAM, which is ample for most multitasking needs. The Pixel 9 Pro has 16 GB of RAM, offering more memory to keep multiple apps open simultaneously, which is ideal if you often switch between demanding apps or large workflows.
Storage Options
Storage for the Galaxy S23 Ultra ranges from 256GB to 1TB, providing choices for heavy media storage or app collections. The Pixel 9 Pro offers 128GB and 256GB options, suitable for everyday use and moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro screen
Screen size, resolution, and display technology impact your viewing experience. Both phones support 120 Hz refresh rates but differ in size, resolution, and panel type.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 6.8 inch display with a resolution of 1440 x 3088, providing a larger and sharper canvas for watching videos or working on documents. The Pixel 9 Pro features a 6.3 inch screen with 1280 x 2856 resolution, making it more compact and easier to use one-handed.
Screen Type
Samsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, known for vivid colours and deep contrast. The Pixel 9 Pro uses an LTPO OLED screen, which typically balances good colour accuracy with power efficiency. Both support a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and animations.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro camera
Camera specifications affect photo and video quality, particularly for selfies and main shots. The two phones have very different camera megapixel counts, which influences image detail.
Front Camera
The Google Pixel 9 Pro has a 42 megapixel front camera, which is well suited for detailed selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S23 Ultra's front camera is 12 megapixels, providing reliable quality for everyday use and video chats.
Main Camera
Samsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a 200 megapixel main camera, offering very high detail for photos and videos. The Pixel 9 Pro features a 50 megapixel main camera, which captures sharp images but with fewer pixels than the S23 Ultra, favouring users who value extremely high resolution.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro size and design
Other practical features include size, weight, SIM card options, and connectivity. These affect comfort, network use, and compatibility with accessories.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S23 Ultra measures 163.4 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, and 8.9 mm in depth, weighing 234 g. It is larger and heavier, suited to those who prefer a big screen and don't mind extra heft. The Pixel 9 Pro is smaller at 152 mm height, 72 mm width, and 80 mm depth with a weight of 199 g, making it easier to handle and pocket.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, allowing you to use two physical SIMs alongside a digital eSIM. The Pixel 9 Pro offers a Physical SIM plus eSIM, which suits users who need one physical SIM and digital SIM flexibility.
Network and Connectivity
Both phones support 5G mobile networks and come unlocked for use on any compatible carrier. Each uses a USB Type-C connector, standard for charging and accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 Ultra or Google Pixel 9 Pro: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £369.24, £73.76 less than the Google Pixel 9 Pro
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4700 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.8 inch vs 6.3 inch)
Buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro if
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 12 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (42 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (until Sep 2031 vs until Feb 2028)
What our customers say
Customers who choose the Galaxy S23 Ultra often highlight its condition looking like new, smooth and fast performance, and excellent cameras. Many praise the phone's large screen and battery life, describing it as a top-rated device that feels like a good upgrade. The 200 megapixel main camera and 12 GB RAM are noted for delivering high-quality photos and smooth multitasking. Reviewers appreciate the refurbished quality, with several saying it looks pristine and works perfectly even when bought in fair or gently used condition.
Google Pixel 9 Pro customers report receiving devices in excellent condition, often describing them as feeling like new with full battery health. The 42 megapixel front camera and fast performance stand out, with users noting the phone's speed and screen quality. Some customers mention minor screen scratches or initial faults but replacements and fixes generally restore satisfaction. The Pixel 9 Pro appeals to buyers who want a high-quality refurbished phone with a strong selfie camera and good battery life.
Both devices attract users who value refurbished phones that look and perform like new. The Galaxy S23 Ultra suits those who want a larger screen, more RAM, and very high resolution main camera. The Pixel 9 Pro is for those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone with a very detailed front camera and strong overall performance.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro FAQs
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro 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 G4 on the Google Pixel 9 Pro. The Google Pixel 9 Pro has more RAM: 16 GB vs 12 GB.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £369.24 compared with £443 for the Google Pixel 9 Pro.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4700 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 9 Pro gets updates until Sep 2031.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro in 128GB and 256GB.
