Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S23
Starting at
£235.29£1,019.00 new
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Starting at
£400.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S23 and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 starts at £235.29, £164.71 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 size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
- The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a bigger battery: 5060 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL specs
The Galaxy S23 and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL cater to different needs based on screen size, memory, battery capacity, and camera detail. The Galaxy S23 is more compact and lighter, with 8 GB of RAM suited for everyday use and a battery capacity of 3900 mAh. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a larger 6.8 inch screen with higher resolution and 16 GB of RAM, appealing to users who want more screen space and multitasking ability. It also has a bigger 5060 mAh battery and a front camera with higher megapixels for detailed selfies. Both run Android with unlocked 5G connectivity and USB-C charging, making either a solid choice depending on your priorities.
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 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
- BeigeSold out
- GreySold out
- PinkSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
- 1TBSold out
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and build features.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S23 has a 3900 mAh battery, which suits users who require reliable daily use with moderate power needs. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a larger 5060 mAh battery, making it better suited for those who want longer battery life between charges, especially with its larger screen size.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both phones offer unlocked configurations and come with multiple storage sizes, but their memory and processors differ.
Memory
The Galaxy S23 offers 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and suits typical smartphone use. The Pixel 9 Pro XL doubles this with 16 GB of RAM, allowing more apps to stay open simultaneously and benefiting users who multitask or use demanding applications.
Chipset
The Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) chipset, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL runs on the Google Tensor G4 (4 nm). Both are modern 4 nm processors designed for strong performance, but the choice may appeal to those preferring Qualcomm or Google's own hardware.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S23 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers these same sizes plus a larger 1TB option, which suits users who need extensive space for files, apps, or media.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL screen
Screen quality differs in size, resolution, and display technology. Both phones provide smooth experiences with 120 Hz refresh rates but vary in screen dimensions and clarity.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S23 has a 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340, making it compact and easy to use with one hand. The Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a larger 6.8 inch display with a higher resolution of 1344 x 2992, providing more viewing space and finer detail for video, gaming, or multitasking.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S23 features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The Pixel 9 Pro XL uses an LTPO OLED display, which can adjust its refresh rate dynamically to save battery life during less demanding tasks.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL camera
Audiovisual features include camera setups and front camera resolution, impacting photography and video calls.
Camera Systems
Both phones have triple main cameras with 50 megapixels each, offering detailed photos and versatile shooting options. This makes either device suitable for capturing high-quality images.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S23 has a 12 megapixel front camera, good for clear selfies and video calls. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 42 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail and appealing to those who prioritise high-resolution self-portraits or video quality.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL size and design
Other factors like size, weight, connectivity, and physical design affect daily handling and compatibility.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S23 is smaller and lighter, measuring 146.3 mm in height, 70.9 mm in width, 7.6 mm in depth, and weighing 168 g. This suits users who prefer a compact device that fits easily in pockets and hands. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is larger at 162.8 mm tall, 76.6 mm wide, 8.5 mm deep, and heavier at 221 g, fitting users who want a bigger phone to hold or use for media.
Connectivity and SIM
Both phones support 5G networks and come unlocked with physical SIM and eSIM options, offering flexible carrier choices and faster mobile internet.
Ports and Expandability
Both devices use USB-C connectors for charging and data transfer. Neither phone includes an SD card slot, so storage relies on internal capacity.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £235.29, £164.71 less than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- you want a lighter build (168 g vs 221 g)
Buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5060 mAh vs 3900 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.8 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers purchasing the Galaxy S23 appreciate its strong battery life and reliable performance for everyday use. Many mention the phone looking and feeling almost new, with clear screens and good speed. The S23 suits those who want a compact phone that runs travel apps and handles daily tasks smoothly. Users find it a good value choice for refurbished devices, enjoying its balance of size, speed, and quality without paying new phone prices.
Owners of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL enjoy its large screen, fast operation, and excellent camera performance. Many note the phone looks like new with minimal signs of wear, and the battery health is generally good for a refurbished model. The Pixel 9 Pro XL suits users who prioritise a bigger display and front camera with high megapixels, alongside the benefit of 16 GB RAM for multitasking. This phone appeals to those who want a flagship Pixel experience with room for apps and media.
Both phones receive praise for their condition and performance as refurbished devices. The Galaxy S23 fits buyers wanting a lighter, more compact phone for everyday tasks, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL is ideal for users who want a larger screen and more memory for heavier use.
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL FAQs
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy S23 is cheaper refurbished, from £235.29 compared with £400 for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a bigger battery: 5060 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy S23 gets updates until Feb 2028. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL gets updates until Aug 2031.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
