Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S23
Starting at
£235.29£1,019.00 new
Google Pixel 8
Starting at
£205.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S23 and Google Pixel 8?
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 8 starts at £205, £30.29 less than the Galaxy S23.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23, Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 8.
- The Google Pixel 8 has a bigger battery: 4575 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
- Screen size: 6.1 inch on the Galaxy S23, 6.2 inch on the Google Pixel 8.
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8 specs
The Galaxy S23 and Google Pixel 8 both offer solid performance and features in compact packages released in 2023. The Galaxy S23 suits you if you prefer a slightly smaller and lighter phone with a dynamic AMOLED screen and a strong 12 megapixel front camera. Both phones have 8 GB RAM and 50 megapixel main cameras, so they handle everyday tasks and photography well. Storage options differ slightly, with the Galaxy S23 available up to 512GB and the Pixel 8 up to 256GB, which may matter if you keep lots of files on your phone.
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8 price
Colour
- BlackStarting at £250.85
- BeigeStarting at £241.85
- LimeStarting at £250.85
- GreyStarting at £250.85
- GreenStarting at £235.29
- PurpleStarting at £241.85
- BlackSold out
- GreySold out
- Rose GoldSold out
- GreenSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity, operating system version and release year all play a role in the durability and daily reliability of a phone. Here the Galaxy S23 and Google Pixel 8 have some clear differences to consider.
Battery Size
The Google Pixel 8 has a larger 4575 mAh battery, which means longer usage between charges. This suits you if you need your phone to last through busy days or heavy use without reaching for a charger. The Galaxy S23 has a 3900 mAh battery, which still provides a solid day of use but may need topping up sooner if you use power-hungry apps or services more frequently.
Operating System
If having the most current Android experience is important to you, the Pixel 8 fits well. The Galaxy S23 uses Android, offering a strong and familiar platform. Either device supports a wide range of apps and services.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8 performance
Performance depends on chipset power, RAM, and storage options. Both phones offer solid multitasking and app handling, but their hardware differs in ways that may affect your choice.
Chipset Type
The Galaxy S23 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset built on 4 nm technology. This chipset is designed to deliver high performance and efficiency. The Google Pixel 8 uses the Google Tensor G3 chipset, also built on 4 nm, which focuses on AI and machine learning features. Your choice depends on whether you prefer Snapdragon's broad performance track record or the Pixel's tailored optimisations.
RAM Capacity
Both phones have 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and supports multitasking with multiple apps open. This amount of RAM suits most users who use social media, web browsing, streaming and typical productivity apps.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S23 offers three storage capacities: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. This wider range suits you if you want more space for apps, media and files, especially with the 512GB option. The Google Pixel 8 comes in 128GB and 256GB models, which is ideal for users who store a moderate amount of data and prefer a simpler choice.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8 screen
Screen size, resolution, refresh rate and display technology affect how you experience visuals on a phone. Both devices provide smooth and clear viewing, but with subtle differences to match your preferences.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Google Pixel 8 has a slightly larger 6.2 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. This gives you a bit more room for watching videos and reading text. The Galaxy S23 has a 6.1 inch screen at 1080 x 2340 pixels, which is compact and still sharp. If you want a phone that fits more easily in one hand, the Galaxy S23 is suitable. For a roomier display experience, the Pixel 8 is better.
Display Technology
The Galaxy S23 uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, known for vibrant colours and deep contrast, which benefits viewing in bright conditions or for media consumption. The Google Pixel 8 has an OLED screen, which also delivers excellent colour and contrast but may have different visual characteristics. Your choice depends on whether you prefer Samsung's AMOLED experience or the Pixel's OLED.
Refresh Rate
Both phones offer a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means smooth scrolling, animations and gaming visuals. This suits users who value responsiveness and fluidity in their screen experience.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8 camera
Camera quality matters for capturing photos and video calls. Both phones have the same main camera resolution, but their front cameras differ slightly.
Main Camera
Both devices have a 50 megapixel main camera, allowing you to take detailed photos in a variety of conditions. This resolution supports quality images whether you are shooting landscapes, portraits or everyday moments.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S23 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which is suited to sharp selfies and clear video calls. The Google Pixel 8 has a slightly lower 10.5 megapixel front camera, still capable of good quality self-portraits and video chats. If front camera detail is a priority, the Galaxy S23 may appeal more.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8 size and design
Other important factors include physical size, weight, connectors and network compatibility. These affect comfort, convenience and day-to-day use.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S23 is more compact and lighter, measuring 146.3 mm tall, 70.9 mm wide, and 7.6 mm deep, weighing 168 g. This makes it easier to hold and carry if you prefer smaller phones. The Google Pixel 8 is larger and heavier at 150.5 mm tall, 70.8 mm wide, 8.9 mm deep, and 187 g weight, which suits users who want a bigger device for media and typing comfort.
Carrier and SIM Options
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, so you can use them with a range of UK carriers. They both accept a physical SIM card plus an eSIM, giving you flexibility for dual SIM use or switching providers.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S23 comes with a USB-C connector, and the Google Pixel 8 uses a USB Type-C connector. Both support standard charging and data transfer options common in modern phones.
No SD Card Slot
Neither device includes an SD card slot, so storage capacity depends on the internal options you choose. This makes picking the right storage size upfront important.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 or Google Pixel 8: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 if
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 10.5 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (168 g vs 187 g)
Buy the Google Pixel 8 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £205, £30.29 less than the Galaxy S23
- you want a bigger battery (4575 mAh vs 3900 mAh)
- you want longer software support (until Oct 2030 vs until Feb 2028)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S23 praise its value and performance, often noting the phone looks and feels like new. Many appreciate the strong battery life and clear screen, with several mentioning smooth multitasking and fast processing for their apps. Buyers say the Galaxy S23 runs travel and daily apps perfectly, and some highlight how it feels fast and stylish. The phone's compact size and good condition, even in fair grades, receive positive comments. Users also like the camera quality and report a straightforward setup.
Google Pixel 8 customers describe the phone as looking and feeling almost new, with several emphasising the excellent camera and overall performance. Users find the Pixel 8 fast and enjoy the size and format for everyday use. Battery life and screen quality are mentioned as good, with some users noting it holds a charge well. A few mention minor issues like fingerprint sensor sensitivity with screen protectors or initial setup time, but overall satisfaction is high. The latest Android 14 and Google's Tensor G3 chipset contribute to a smooth experience.
Both phones suit buyers looking for reliable refurbished smartphones with good cameras and smooth performance. The Galaxy S23 is preferred by those wanting a lighter, more compact device with a vibrant AMOLED screen and a higher front camera resolution. The Google Pixel 8 appeals to users who want a larger screen, a bigger battery, and the latest Android version for their daily smartphone needs.
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8 FAQs
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23, Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 8. The Google Pixel 8 has a bigger battery: 4575 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
The Google Pixel 8 is cheaper refurbished, from £205 compared with £235.29 for the Galaxy S23.
The Google Pixel 8 has a bigger battery: 4575 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy S23 gets updates until Feb 2028. The Google Pixel 8 gets updates until Oct 2030.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Google Pixel 8 in 128GB and 256GB.
