Samsung S23 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro represent two of the top flagship Android phones as of early 2023. With premium specs and cameras, these devices appeal to shoppers who want the best possible mobile experience.
This in-depth comparison examines how the S23 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro stack up across critical categories from design and display to performance and camera capabilities. We’ll help you decide which high-end phone is the better choice.
Design and Display Comparison
The S23 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro showcase excellent craftsmanship and screens. Here’s how they differ:
Size and Ergonomics
With its larger dimensions, the S23 Ultra is noticeably bigger than the Pixel 8 Pro:
- S23 Ultra: 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm, 234g
- Pixel 8 Pro: 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm, 212g
The Ultra’s curved sides help, but its heft makes it unwieldy for some. The Pixel 8 Pro’s lighter body aids comfort during long-term use.
Display Quality
Both smartphones boast brilliant OLED displays with dynamic 120Hz refresh rates:
- S23 Ultra: 6.8″ 1440p Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Pixel 8 Pro: 6.7″ 1440p LTPO OLED
For immersive viewing, you can expect incredible brightness, contrast, and HDR on both devices.
Durability
The S23 Ultra uses tougher Gorilla Glass Victus 2 versus Victus on the Pixel 8 Pro. But neither phone has official IP ratings for dust and water resistance this generation.
Camera Capabilities Comparison
The camera tech is where these flagships really differentiate themselves:
Rear Camera Arrays
- S23 Ultra: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 10MP 10x telephoto
- Pixel 8 Pro: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto
The S23 Ultra’s huge 200MP sensor and dual telephoto lenses enable powerful 10x optical zoom possibilities. But megapixels aren’t everything.
Zoom Capabilities
- S23 Ultra: 10x optical zoom, 100x Space Zoom Digital
- Pixel 8 Pro: 5x optical Super Res Zoom, 30x digital zoom
For getting up close on distant subjects, Samsung’s optical zoom technology gives it a leg up. However, usability suffers at extreme digital zoom levels.
Low Light Photography
Google’s Night Sight reliably produces better low light shots than Samsung’s equivalent Nightography mode, thanks to advanced processing. The Pixel remains low light king.
Video Recording
Samsung enabled up to 8K video capture on the S23 Ultra. But the Pixel 8 Pro’s clever HDR algorithms and steady cam-like action shots have greater real-world value for most users.
Front Cameras
Both phones take great selfies. But in testing, the Pixel 8 Pro’s front camera tends to produce more natural skin tones compared to the S23 Ultra’s 40MP front sensor.
Camera App Interface
Samsung’s camera app provides more controls and tweaks. But Google’s app offers a simpler, more intuitive interface for casual users.
Overall Camera Winner
Thanks to computational photography advancements, the Pixel 8 Pro still delivers the best overall camera experience. But the S23 Ultra offers greater flexibility and zoom capabilities.
Performance and Battery Life
The latest silicon powers at incredible speeds:
- S23 Ultra: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 8GB/12GB RAM
- Pixel 8 Pro: Google Tensor G2, 12GB RAM
While the S23 Ultra benchmarks faster with its Snapdragon chip, real-world speed differences are marginal. Both phones feel extremely quick.
Battery life is solid, though not game-changing:
- S23 Ultra: 5000mAh, 45W charging
- Pixel 8 Pro: 5000mAh, 30W charging
You’ll get around a full day’s use from either device. The S23 Ultra’s 45W charging provides an edge for quick top-ups.
Software and Special Features
As Google’s phone, the Pixel 8 Pro runs a clean Android build with AI enhancements:
- Pixel 8 Pro: Latest Android updates, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Real Tone, Google Assistant
Samsung loads the S23 Ultra with its software additions:
- S23 Ultra: S Pen support, Samsung DeX, Knox security
Preferred software experience depends on your habits and needs. Both provide improvements over stock Android.
Pricing and Value Comparison
The S23 Ultra commands a premium price:
- Samsung S23 Ultra: Starts at $1,199
Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro costs several hundred dollars less:
- Google Pixel 8 Pro: Starts at $899
For most buyers, the Pixel 8 Pro provides better value and a complete flagship experience at a lower cost. But some will still happily pay more for the S23 Ultra.
Which Flagship Is the Better Choice?
For its stellar cameras, streamlined Android experience, and lower price, the Google Pixel 8 Pro gets the nod for being the best overall value and providing the software/camera capabilities most users want from a premium phone.
But the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra remains an excellent choice for shoppers who prioritize maximum screen space, telephoto zoom power, and top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking. You can go right either way techyvine – it just comes down to your individual needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much more significant is the S23 Ultra compared to the Pixel 8 Pro?
The S23 Ultra is noticeably larger at 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm versus 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm for the Pixel 8 Pro. It’s both wider and taller.
Which phone has the better camera, the S23 Ultra or Pixel 8 Pro?
Overall, the Pixel 8 Pro captures better-looking images thanks to Google’s advanced image processing and low-light capabilities. But the S23 Ultra provides more zoom flexibility.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: Which phone has a longer battery life?
Battery life is similar on both phones, lasting a full day comfortably. The S23 Ultra charges faster at 45W wired. But the Pixel 8 Pro charges faster wirelessly.
Which phone gives you more value for money?
At $300 less, the Pixel 8 Pro provides a fully loaded flagship experience at a lower cost than the premium-priced S23 Ultra.
