Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Google Pixel 8a - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date February 17, 2023 May 14, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 91.39 cm³ 98.41 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.37 "/g 3.24 "/g
Weight 196 g 188 g
Height 157.8 mm 152.1 mm
Width 76.2 mm 72.7 mm
Thickness 7.6 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Lime
  • Obsidian
  • Porcelain
  • Bay
  • Aloe

Display

Screen Size 6.6 " 6.1 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88.9 % 81.2 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 430 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1200 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1750 nits 2000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 107.90 mAh/in² 120.72 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.43 mAh/cm³ 45.64 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4700 mAh 4492 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 740 Immortalis-G715s MC10

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 3.2
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, OTG USB Type-C 3.2

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 14
Maximum OS Version 17 21

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23+Google Pixel 8aPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9Pixel 8a is slightly smaller and thicker. S23+ might feel more premium due to slimmer profile.
Weight (g)196188Pixel 8a is noticeably lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
Display
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XOLEDS23+ likely offers more vibrant colors and deeper blacks due to AMOLED technology.
Display Size (inches)6.66.1S23+ provides a larger screen for media consumption and multitasking. Pixel 8a is more pocketable.
Resolution1080 x 23401080 x 2400Comparable sharpness despite slight difference in aspect ratio. Pixel 8a has marginally higher pixel density.
Refresh Rate (Hz)120120Both offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Peak Brightness (nits)1750Not specifiedS23+ confirmed higher peak brightness, ensuring better visibility in direct sunlight. Missing Pixel 8a data limits comparison.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Google Tensor G3Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 generally benchmarks higher in raw performance. Tensor G3 is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks.
CPUOcta-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & ...)Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & ...)Both are high-performance CPUs, but architectural differences make direct comparison difficult without benchmarks.
GPUAdreno 740Immortalis-G715s MC10Adreno 740 generally performs better in graphically demanding tasks.
RAM (GB)88Equivalent RAM capacity should provide similar multitasking capabilities.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)5064Pixel 8a has higher resolution, but sensor size and processing are crucial for image quality.
Ultrawide (MP)12.213Similar ultrawide capabilities.
Telephoto (MP)10 (3x optical zoom)NoneS23+ offers optical zoom for better image quality at longer distances, a significant advantage.
DXOMARK Score133136Pixel 8a scores higher overall, particularly in photo and video, suggesting superior image quality.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)47004500S23+ has a slightly larger battery, potentially leading to longer battery life.
Fast Charging (W)4518S23+ offers significantly faster charging.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23+ Advantages:

  • Brighter Display: Superior visibility outdoors.
  • Faster Charging: Significantly reduces downtime.
  • Optical Zoom: Enables clear zoomed-in shots without digital degradation.
  • Potentially Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity suggests longer usage.

Google Pixel 8a Advantages:

  • Higher DXOMARK Score: Suggests superior overall camera performance, particularly in still photography and videography.
  • Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use.
  • Lower Price: Offers competitive features at a potentially lower price point.
  • Longer Software Support: Pixel phones generally receive longer OS and security updates.

Trade-offs:

  • S23+: Higher price for premium features like faster charging, optical zoom, and a brighter display.
  • Pixel 8a: Lacks optical zoom and has slower charging. Display brightness is unknown but could be lower.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23+: Users who prioritize a bright, vibrant display, fast charging, optical zoom for photography, and potentially longer battery life. Ideal for power users, content creators, and those who consume a lot of media on their phones.

Google Pixel 8a: Users who prioritize camera quality, software updates, and a lighter, more compact design. Ideal for photography enthusiasts, casual users, and those seeking a balance between performance and affordability.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. How important is camera quality? If top-tier camera performance is paramount, the Pixel 8a's higher DXOMARK score and Google's computational photography prowess are compelling.
  2. What is your budget? The Pixel 8a offers excellent value for its price, while the S23+ commands a premium for its additional features.
  3. What are your daily usage patterns? Power users might prefer the S23+'s larger battery, faster charging, and brighter display, while casual users might find the Pixel 8a's compact size and lighter weight more appealing.

My Choice: Google Pixel 8a

While the S23+ boasts impressive hardware, the Pixel 8a's superior camera performance, longer software support commitment from Google, and lower price are the deciding factors for me. I value consistent image quality and the assurance of timely updates. The S23+'s advantages, while significant, don't outweigh these factors for my personal needs. The slightly smaller display and slower charging are acceptable trade-offs considering the overall package the Pixel 8a offers. I heavily prioritize camera performance and software updates, and the Pixel 8a delivers exceptionally well in these areas. The price difference further solidifies the Pixel 8a as the better value proposition for me.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.