Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at
£369.24£1,599.00 new
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Starting at
£400.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at £369.24, £30.76 less than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
- The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has more RAM: 16 GB vs 12 GB.
- Battery: 5000 mAh on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, 5060 mAh on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL specs
The Galaxy S23 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL both offer large 6.8 inch screens with smooth 120 Hz refresh rates, but differ in screen technology and resolution. The S23 Ultra features a higher resolution Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL has an LTPO OLED panel. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with 12 GB RAM, suitable for heavy multitasking, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers 16 GB RAM and a Google Tensor G4 chipset, favouring users who prioritise memory for apps. The S23 Ultra has an extremely high 200 megapixel main camera, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL uses a 50 megapixel main sensor and a notably higher resolution 42 megapixel front camera. Battery capacity and connectivity options are very similar. Overall, the Galaxy S23 Ultra suits those who want a sharper screen and a higher megapixel main camera, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL suits those who want more RAM and a higher resolution front camera.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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
- 512GBSold out
- 1TBSold out
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL battery life and software updates
Battery life and operating system matter for everyday use and dependability. Both phones offer solid battery capacity and are unlocked with 5G support, but their software and battery sizes have slight differences.
Battery Size
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's battery is slightly larger at 5060 mAh. This small difference may offer the Pixel a bit more stamina between charges, which could appeal to users who need extra endurance for long days without access to charging.
Operating System
The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs Android 13, offering a mature and stable software experience. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL performance
Performance depends on chipset power and RAM. Both phones use modern 4 nm chipsets but differ in brand and RAM capacity, which affects multitasking and app management.
Chipset
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a high-end chipset known for fast processing and graphics performance. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses Google's own Tensor G4 chipset, which balances efficiency with AI and machine learning features. The choice depends on whether you prefer Snapdragon's established performance or Google's tailored chipset.
RAM Capacity
With 12 GB RAM, the Galaxy S23 Ultra handles most intensive apps and multitasking smoothly. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers 16 GB RAM, which keeps more apps open simultaneously and benefits users who run multiple demanding applications or workflows in parallel.
Storage Options
Both phones offer large storage capacities up to 1TB, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL starts from 128GB whereas the Galaxy S23 Ultra starts from 256GB. This means the Pixel can be a lower priced option with less storage, which may suit users who do not need as much onboard space.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL screen
Both phones have large 6.8 inch screens with smooth 120 Hz refresh rates ideal for video and scrolling. Differences in resolution and screen technology affect sharpness and panel characteristics.
Screen Resolution
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a sharper 1440 x 3088 resolution, which provides more detail and clarity, especially noticeable when watching high definition videos or viewing fine text. The Pixel 9 Pro XL's 1344 x 2992 resolution is slightly lower but still offers clear and vibrant visuals.
Screen Type
Samsung uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology in the Galaxy S23 Ultra, known for vivid colours and deep blacks. The Pixel 9 Pro XL uses LTPO OLED, which typically allows variable refresh rates for better power efficiency. Users who value brightness and colour accuracy may prefer the S23 Ultra, while those wanting efficient battery use with smooth display may prefer the Pixel.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL camera
Camera quality is important for photo and video enthusiasts. The two phones differ notably in main and front camera megapixels, which affects image detail capture.
Main Camera Megapixels
The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a very high resolution 200 megapixel main camera, ideal for capturing extremely detailed photos and cropping without loss of clarity. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 50 megapixel main camera, which still delivers high quality images but with fewer pixels.
Front Camera Megapixels
For selfies and video calls, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 42 megapixel front camera, which provides very high detail for self-portraits and video content. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a 12 megapixel front camera, sufficient for excellent quality but with less detail than the Pixel.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL size and design
Physical dimensions, SIM options, and other features influence how the phone feels and fits into your daily life. Both phones share many traits but differ in size, weight, and SIM card options.
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. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is slightly smaller and lighter at 162.8 mm height, 76.6 mm width, 8.5 mm depth, and 221 g weight. The Pixel may feel a bit easier to hold and pocket.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, allowing two physical SIM cards alongside an eSIM for flexible carrier use. The Pixel 9 Pro XL supports one Physical SIM plus eSIM, which suits users who do not need two physical SIM slots.
Connector Type
Both phones use USB Type-C connectors, a common standard for charging and data transfer.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 Ultra or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £369.24, £30.76 less than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels)
Buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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 Aug 2031 vs until Feb 2028)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S23 Ultra often praise its condition, noting it looks and works like new even when purchased in fair condition. Many highlight the smooth performance of the Snapdragon processor and the excellent cameras, especially the 200MP main sensor. The large, sharp screen and solid battery life receive positive remarks. Several customers appreciate the sustainable aspect of buying refurbished and say the phone feels like a good upgrade.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL buyers report satisfaction with the phone's condition, often describing it as looking like new with minor cosmetic marks disappearing under screen protectors. The camera and speed are frequently praised, with users appreciating the high resolution front camera and smooth performance. Battery health is noted as good for a refurbished device, and the software experience is described as fast and reliable.
Both phones suit different buyers well: the Galaxy S23 Ultra appeals to those wanting a high-resolution screen and very detailed main camera, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL suits those who want more RAM and a standout front camera with a lighter, slightly smaller device.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL FAQs
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has more RAM: 16 GB vs 12 GB.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £369.24 compared with £400 for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has 5000 mAh and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has 5060 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 XL gets updates until Aug 2031.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
