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

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date February 17, 2023 August 22, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 78.83 cm³ 106 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.08 "/g
Weight 168 g 221 g
Height 146.3 mm 162.8 mm
Width 70.9 mm 76.6 mm
Thickness 7.6 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Lime
  • Obsidian
  • Hazel
  • Porcelain
  • Rose Quartz

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1344 x 2992
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88.1 % 89.4 %
Pixel Density 425 PPI 486 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1200 nits 2000 nits
Peak Brightness 1750 nits 3000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 104.81 mAh/in² 109.43 mAh/in²
Battery Density 49.47 mAh/cm³ 47.74 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3900 mAh 5060 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 S23Google Pixel 9 Pro XLPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5Pixel 9 Pro XL is significantly larger and heavier. S23 is more pocketable and easier for one-handed use.
Weight (g)168221Noticeable weight difference; Pixel 9 Pro XL may feel bulky for some.
Display
Size (inches)6.16.8Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a much larger screen for media consumption and multitasking.
Resolution (pixels)1080 x 23401344 x 2992Both are sharp, but Pixel 9 Pro XL has a slightly higher pixel density due to its larger size.
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XLTPO OLEDBoth offer excellent color accuracy and deep blacks. LTPO allows for variable refresh rate, potentially saving battery on the Pixel.
Peak Brightness (nits)17503000Pixel 9 Pro XL is significantly brighter, improving outdoor visibility.
Refresh Rate (Hz)120120Both offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Google Tensor G4Both are high-end chipsets. Real-world performance differences may be subtle for average users, but benchmarks should be consulted for specific tasks like gaming.
CPUOcta-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)Core configurations differ, but practical performance depends on optimization. Tensor G4 is known for AI and machine learning capabilities.
RAM (GB)816Pixel 9 Pro XL has double the RAM, enabling better multitasking and app switching, especially beneficial for power users.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)5050Megapixel count is similar, but sensor size, aperture, and processing play a larger role in image quality.
Ultrawide (MP)12.248Pixel has a significantly higher resolution ultrawide, capturing more detail.
Telephoto (MP)1048Pixel's higher resolution telephoto offers greater zoom capabilities and detail.
DXOMARK Score133158Pixel 9 Pro XL scores significantly higher in DXOMARK, suggesting superior overall camera performance.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)39005060Pixel 9 Pro XL has a much larger battery, likely resulting in significantly longer battery life.
Fast Charging (W)2537Pixel 9 Pro XL charges faster.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23 Advantages:

  • More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and carry.
  • Potentially Lower Price: Positioned in a lower price bracket.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Advantages:

  • Larger Display: Better for media consumption and multitasking.
  • Significantly Brighter Display: Superior outdoor visibility.
  • More RAM: Smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps.
  • Larger Battery: Longer battery life.
  • Faster Charging: Less downtime.
  • Higher-Resolution Ultrawide and Telephoto Cameras: More detailed and versatile photography.
  • Higher DXOMARK Score: Indicates superior camera performance overall.
  • Longer Software Support: Expected to receive more OS updates than the S23.

Trade-offs:

  • Size and Weight: Pixel 9 Pro XL's larger size and weight may be less comfortable for some users.
  • Price: Pixel 9 Pro XL is significantly more expensive.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23:

  • Ideal User: Users who prioritize a compact, lightweight phone with good performance and a reasonable price. Those who don't heavily rely on multitasking or extended battery life.
  • Use Cases: Everyday tasks, social media, web browsing, light gaming, casual photography.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL:

  • Ideal User: Users who prioritize a large, high-quality display, excellent camera performance, long battery life, and top-tier performance. Power users, content creators, and mobile photographers.
  • Use Cases: Demanding tasks, multitasking, media consumption, mobile gaming, professional photography and videography.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The Pixel 9 Pro XL commands a premium price.
  2. How important is portability and one-handed use? The S23 is significantly smaller and lighter.
  3. What are your primary use cases? Consider whether you need the extra performance, battery life, and camera capabilities of the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Limited Budget: Samsung Galaxy S23
  • Power User/Content Creator: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
  • Emphasis on Portability: Samsung Galaxy S23
  • Emphasis on Camera Quality: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
  • Emphasis on Battery Life: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

My Choice: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

While the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a compelling device, I would choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The significantly larger battery, brighter display, superior camera system (especially the telephoto and ultrawide lenses), and more RAM are crucial for my usage. I prioritize having a device that can handle demanding tasks, capture high-quality photos and videos, and last a full day on a single charge. While the larger size and higher price are trade-offs, I find them acceptable for the significant gains in functionality and user experience. The longer software support commitment from Google is also a significant factor 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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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.