Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9a
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S23
Starting at
£235.29£1,019.00 new
Google Pixel 9a
Starting at
£265.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S23 and Google Pixel 9a?
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9a comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 starts at £235.29, £29.71 less than the Google Pixel 9a. The Google Pixel 9a is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9a.
- The Google Pixel 9a has a bigger battery: 5100 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
- The Google Pixel 9a has a bigger screen: 6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch.
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9a specs
The Galaxy S23 and Google Pixel 9a both run Android and offer unlocked 5G connectivity, but they differ in size, battery capacity, and screen technology. The Galaxy S23 is smaller and lighter with a 6.1 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen and a 3900 mAh battery, suited for those who prefer a compact, agile phone. The Pixel 9a has a larger 6.3 inch P-OLED screen and a bigger 5100 mAh battery, which benefits users valuing a roomier display and longer battery life. Performance and camera setups are similar, with 8 GB of RAM and triple rear cameras, though the Pixel 9a has a slightly higher resolution front camera. Storage options vary, with the Galaxy S23 offering more choices. Each device suits different preferences for size, battery, and screen type.
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9a 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
Storage
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9a battery life and software updates
Durability touches on battery capacity, software updates, and physical design elements.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S23 has a 3900 mAh battery while the Google Pixel 9a offers a larger 5100 mAh battery. If longer battery life between charges is important to you, the Pixel 9a's bigger battery will suit your needs better. The Galaxy S23 still offers a strong daily battery life but may require more frequent charging depending on use.
Software Updates
This means you can expect current software features and security patches on either device, helping keep your phone running smoothly and safely.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9a performance
Performance is shaped by the chipset and RAM. Both phones have 8 GB of RAM, keeping everyday apps running smoothly, but they use different processors.
Processor Choice
The Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset while the Pixel 9a is powered by Google Tensor G4. Both are built on a 4 nm process, offering efficient performance. Your choice will depend on which chipset ecosystem you prefer, as both can handle everyday tasks and apps with ease.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants, providing more flexibility if you need extra space for apps and media. The Pixel 9a is stocked with 128GB, which suits users with moderate storage needs or those who use cloud services.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9a screen
Screen quality influences how you view content and interact with your phone. Both displays share a similar resolution and offer vibrant colours, but there are differences in size and screen technology.
Screen Size and Type
The Pixel 9a has a 6.3 inch P-OLED screen, which gives you a slightly larger viewing area for videos and browsing. The Galaxy S23 has a 6.1 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which is known for deep blacks and vivid colours. If you prefer a bigger screen, the Pixel 9a suits you, while the S23 fits better in one hand.
Screen Resolution
Both phones offer Full HD+ resolutions, with the Galaxy S23 at 1080 x 2340 and the Pixel 9a at 1080 x 2424. The Pixel 9a's slightly taller resolution supports its bigger screen size, providing a bit more vertical space for reading and apps.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9a camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front-facing selfie options. Both phones have triple rear cameras, but the front camera resolution differs slightly.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S23 has a 12 megapixel front camera, delivering clear selfies and video calls. The Pixel 9a offers a 13 megapixel front camera, providing a small boost in resolution which might be appreciated if you take many selfies or use video calling often.
Rear Cameras
Both phones feature triple rear cameras, giving you versatile photography options. While the spec sheet does not detail the exact lenses, either device is suited for capturing a range of scenes and moments.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9a size and design
Miscellaneous specs cover physical size, weight, network features, and connections. These details can affect comfort, handling, and compatibility.
Physical Dimensions
The Galaxy S23 is more compact with dimensions of 146.3 mm height, 70.9 mm width, and 7.6 mm depth, weighing 168 g. The Pixel 9a is taller, wider, and thicker at 154.7 mm height, 73.3 mm width, and 8.9 mm depth, weighing 186 g. If a lighter and smaller phone fits your lifestyle better, the S23 is suitable. The Pixel 9a's size accommodates its bigger screen and battery.
SIM and Network
Both phones support 5G and offer a combination of physical SIM and eSIM, giving you flexibility for mobile plans and travel. They are unlocked, so you can choose your carrier freely.
Connector Type
Both devices use USB-C connectors, standard for charging and data transfer in modern Android phones.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 or Google Pixel 9a: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £235.29, £29.71 less than the Google Pixel 9a
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (168 g vs 185.9 g)
Buy the Google Pixel 9a if
- you want a bigger battery (5100 mAh vs 3900 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy S23 highlight its strong battery life and excellent screen quality. Many are happy with the phone's speed and condition, often noting it feels like new. The phone's compact size suits those who want a device that fits well in the hand or pocket. Users appreciate the phone's reliable performance with travel apps and smooth multitasking thanks to 8 GB of RAM. Several buyers mention that the refurbished S23 feels fast and stylish, making it a good value for those wanting a premium Samsung experience.
Pixel 9a customers praise the phone's battery life and smooth performance. The larger screen and 13 megapixel front camera appeal to those who enjoy media and selfies. Some users mention setup quirks like language settings but overall are satisfied with the phone's condition and features. The Pixel 9a suits people looking for a bigger display and longer battery life, plus the confidence of Google's Tensor G4 chipset. It is also noted for running smoothly and handling calls and apps without lag.
Both phones suit buyers who want dependable refurbished devices with unlocked 5G and the latest Android support. The Galaxy S23 is a well-rounded choice for those preferring a smaller design with multiple storage options, while the Pixel 9a offers a larger screen and bigger battery for everyday use.
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9a FAQs
Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9a comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23, Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) on the Google Pixel 9a. The Google Pixel 9a has a bigger battery: 5100 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 is cheaper refurbished, from £235.29 compared with £265 for the Google Pixel 9a.
The Google Pixel 9a has a bigger battery: 5100 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy S23 gets updates until Feb 2028. The Google Pixel 9a gets updates until Apr 2032.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Google Pixel 9a in 128GB.
