Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8a
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S23
Starting at
£235.29£1,019.00 new
Google Pixel 8a
Starting at
£189.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S23 and Google Pixel 8a?
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8a comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 8a starts at £189, £46.29 less than the Galaxy S23. The Google Pixel 8a is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen type
Main camera
Front camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23, Google Tensor G3 on the Google Pixel 8a.
- The Google Pixel 8a has a bigger battery: 4492 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
- Screen type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X on the Galaxy S23, OLED on the Google Pixel 8a.
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8a specs
The Galaxy S23 and Google Pixel 8a both run Android and support 5G, but they differ in several key areas. The Pixel 8a has a larger battery capacity which suits users who prioritise longer battery life. Galaxy S23 offers a variety of storage options up to 512GB, ideal if you need more space. The S23's screen uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, while the Pixel 8a uses OLED with slightly higher resolution, making both good for vibrant displays but with subtle differences. The Pixel 8a has higher megapixel counts on both front and main cameras, which benefits those who want more detailed photos. The Galaxy S23 is more compact and lighter, which suits those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone. Each device suits different needs depending on your priorities for battery, storage, camera, and size.
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8a 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
- BlueSold out
- BeigeSold out
- GreenSold out
Storage
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8a battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software updates affect how long a phone lasts in daily use.
Battery Capacity
The Google Pixel 8a has a larger 4492 mAh battery, which suits users who need longer usage between charges. The Galaxy S23's 3900 mAh battery offers solid performance but may require more frequent charging if you use your phone heavily throughout the day.
Software Updates
This means you can expect current software features and security for both devices, which is important for ongoing reliability.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8a performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both phones have 8 GB RAM, keeping everyday apps running smoothly, but their processors and storage choices differ.
Processor Differences
The Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which is a high-performance chip. The Pixel 8a features the Google Tensor G3 processor, designed for efficiency and AI features. Your choice depends on whether you prefer Qualcomm's chip or Google's Tensor for your typical use.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S23 is available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage, offering more space for apps, photos, and files. The Pixel 8a comes with 128GB storage, suitable for everyday use and lighter storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8a screen
Screen quality affects how you view videos, photos, and apps. Both phones share some features but differ in screen technology and resolution.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S23 features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which generally provides bright colours and deep blacks. The Pixel 8a uses an OLED screen, which also delivers strong colour and contrast but may differ slightly in brightness or colour tone.
Resolution and Size
Both phones have a 6.1 inch screen size, offering a comfortable balance of display area and portability. The Pixel 8a has a slightly higher resolution at 1080 x 2400 pixels compared to the Galaxy S23's 1080 x 2340 pixels, providing a touch more detail for watching videos or reading text.
Refresh Rate
Both devices offer a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means smoother scrolling and better responsiveness for gaming or navigating apps.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8a camera
Camera quality is key if you take photos or video often. The front and main cameras differ in megapixels, affecting the level of detail captured.
Front Camera
The Pixel 8a has a 13 megapixel front camera, which may capture more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the Galaxy S23's 12 megapixels.
Main Camera
The Pixel 8a offers a 64 megapixel main camera, suited for capturing higher resolution photos with more detail. The Galaxy S23's 50 megapixel main camera still delivers strong image quality but with fewer megapixels.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8a size and design
Size, weight, and connectivity influence daily comfort and convenience. Both phones support 5G and use USB-C connectors, but they differ in dimensions and weight.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S23 is smaller and lighter, measuring 146.3 mm tall, 70.9 mm wide, and weighing 168 g. The Pixel 8a is taller and wider at 152.1 mm by 72.7 mm, and heavier at 188 g. The Galaxy S23 suits those who want a compact and lighter phone, while the Pixel 8a may feel more substantial in hand.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 or Google Pixel 8a: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 if
- you want a lighter build (168 g vs 189 g)
Buy the Google Pixel 8a if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £189, £46.29 less than the Galaxy S23
- you want a bigger battery (4492 mAh vs 3900 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (64 megapixels vs 50 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who have bought the Galaxy S23 often praise its strong battery life, fast performance, and excellent screen quality. Many highlight that the phone looks and feels almost new, with good value found in the refurbished option. The S23's size and speed suit users who want a reliable and compact phone that handles everyday apps and travel needs well. Some find it a good choice for upgrading without paying full price for a new model.
Pixel 8a customers appreciate the phone's high-quality condition and battery life, often noting that it feels like a new phone despite being refurbished. The Pixel 8a is popular among those switching from other brands and users who want a straightforward, easy-to-use device with a bright screen and detailed cameras. Battery performance and photo quality stand out for many, making it a strong choice for everyday use and capturing moments.
Both phones suit buyers who want a refurbished device that looks and works like new. The Galaxy S23 fits those who want more storage options and a smaller, lighter device. The Pixel 8a is for users who prioritise battery capacity and camera detail in a slightly larger phone.
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8a FAQs
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8a comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23, Google Tensor G3 on the Google Pixel 8a. The Google Pixel 8a has a bigger battery: 4492 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
The Google Pixel 8a is cheaper refurbished, from £189 compared with £235.29 for the Galaxy S23.
The Google Pixel 8a has a bigger battery: 4492 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
The Google Pixel 8a has a higher-resolution main camera: 64 megapixels vs 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy S23 gets updates until Feb 2028. The Google Pixel 8a gets updates until May 2031.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Google Pixel 8a in 128GB.









