Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date February 17, 2023 September 4, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 91.39 cm³ 118.89 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.37 "/g 3.11 "/g
Weight 196 g 257 g
Height 157.8 mm 155.2 mm
Width 76.2 mm 150.2 mm
Thickness 7.6 mm 5.1 mm
Foldable Design No Yes
Available Colors
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Lime
  • Obsidian
  • Porcelain

Display

Screen Size 6.6 " 8 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 2076 x 2152
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 16:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88.9 % 88.5 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 373 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1200 nits 1600 nits
Peak Brightness 1750 nits 2700 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 107.90 mAh/in² 72.66 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.43 mAh/cm³ 39.11 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4700 mAh 4650 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Google Tensor G4 (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) Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Adreno 740 Mali-G715 MC7

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 9 Pro FoldPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1Pixel 9 Pro Fold is significantly wider due to its foldable design, making one-handed use challenging but offering a larger screen when unfolded. S23+ is slimmer and easier to pocket.
Weight (g)196257Pixel 9 Pro Fold is noticeably heavier, potentially impacting comfort during extended use.
FoldableNoYesPixel's foldable design allows for a larger screen in a pocketable device, while the S23+ offers a more traditional smartphone experience.
Display
Size (inches)6.68Larger display on Pixel provides more immersive content consumption but impacts portability.
Resolution (px)1080 x 23402076 x 2152Pixel boasts a higher resolution, leading to sharper text and images, especially beneficial on the larger unfolded screen.
TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XFoldable LTPO OLEDBoth offer excellent color accuracy and deep blacks. LTPO on Pixel could potentially lead to better power efficiency due to variable refresh rate, though specific LTPO implementation details are missing.
Refresh Rate (Hz)120120Both displays offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Google Tensor G4Both are high-end chipsets, but Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 generally benchmarks higher in raw performance. Tensor G4 may excel in AI-specific tasks.
CPUOcta-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & ...)Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & ...)Both CPUs are powerful; differences in core configuration might lead to slight variations in sustained performance and efficiency, but real-world impact likely minimal for average users.
RAM (GB)816Pixel's doubled RAM allows for more apps to run in the background without reloading, improving multitasking.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)5048Megapixel count is similar. Image quality depends more on sensor size, processing, and other factors not fully detailed here.
Other Cameras12MP Wide, 10MP Telephoto10.5MP Wide, 10.8MP TelephotoBoth phones offer versatile camera systems. Specific sensor details are missing for a detailed comparison.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)47004650Similar battery capacities. Real-world battery life depends heavily on usage patterns and software optimization.
Fast Charging (W)4527S23+ offers significantly faster charging, minimizing downtime.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23+ Advantages:

  • Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging speeds compared to the Pixel.
  • More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and carry for extended periods.
  • Potentially Wider App Availability: Snapdragon chipsets often have better compatibility with certain apps and games.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Advantages:

  • Larger Display: Foldable design offers a larger screen for immersive experiences.
  • Higher RAM: Enables superior multitasking capabilities.
  • Longer Software Support: Pixel phones typically receive longer OS and security updates.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23+: Ideal for users who prioritize a traditional smartphone experience with a slim design, fast charging, and a reliable performance. Suitable for everyday tasks, gaming, and content consumption.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Best suited for users who value a large screen for productivity and media consumption and are willing to compromise on portability and price. Ideal for multitasking, content creation, and enjoying media on the go.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. How important is portability and one-handed usability? S23+ is more pocketable and easier to use with one hand.
  2. Is a larger screen for productivity and entertainment a priority? Pixel 9 Pro Fold's foldable screen offers a significant size advantage.
  3. What is your budget? The Pixel 9 Pro Fold falls into a higher price bracket.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Frequent Traveler: S23+ for its portability and faster charging.
  • Multitasking Power User: Pixel 9 Pro Fold for its larger screen and higher RAM.
  • Budget-Conscious User: S23+ offers better value for its price.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23+

While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's larger screen and innovative design are tempting, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ better suits my needs. I prioritize a slim and lightweight phone for comfortable everyday use. The significantly faster charging is a major plus, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2's performance is proven. The price difference is also substantial. While I appreciate the foldable technology, the added bulk and higher price of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold don't outweigh the benefits of the S23+ for my personal use case. The S23+ provides a great balance of performance, features, usability, and price.

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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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.