← Back to Smartphones
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Google Pixel 8a is the smarter buy for most users, especially with its unmatched 7 years of software support. In real-world use, that means you'll get the latest features and security updates longer than with the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, which only promises 4 years. What matters most here is the camera capability: the Pixel 8a features a dual camera setup but lacks any optical zoom, while the S23 FE packs a dedicated 3x optical zoom, making it a better choice for photography enthusiasts. If you're looking for versatility in your shots, this difference is key, especially since the S23 FE has a 50MP main sensor that produces stunning images even in low light.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.4"🔋 Battery: 4492 mAh vs 4500 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.63 oz vs 7.37 oz
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4
(1,570)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
Check Amazon Price→
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8
(13)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Graphics:Adreno 730
Check Amazon Price→
Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Google Pixel 8a
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 8a
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.4"Winner
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 8a
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 8a
Google Tensor G3
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
RAMKey
Google Pixel 8a
8GB LPDDR5X
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
8GB
Storage
Google Pixel 8a
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 8a
64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OISWinner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 8a
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 8a
4,492 mAh (Typical)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
4,500mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 8a
Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 8a
6.6 oz (188 g)Winner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
7.37 oz (209 g)
Dimensions
Google Pixel 8a
6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 8a
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8(13)Best Buy
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,570)Amazon | ★4.8(13)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates | 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific* |
Graphics | Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Adreno 730 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 8GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion) |
Display Size | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.4" |
Screen Type | Actua OLED Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) | 60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | 8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom |
Optical Zoom | N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop) | 3x Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom | Up to 30x |
Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus | 10MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 4,492 mAh (Typical) | 4,500mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately) | 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W) | 15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
Durability | IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame | IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm) | 6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 6.6 oz (188 g) | 7.37 oz (209 g) |
Biometrics | Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser | Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Google Pixel 8a
Rating:★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Actua OLED Display
Resolution:1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi
Refresh Rate:60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus
Battery:4,492 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame
Dimensions:6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.6 oz (188 g)
Biometrics:Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock
Extras:VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser
✓ Pros:
- • Unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment
- • Bright 120Hz Actua OLED display (2,000 nits peak)
- • Flagship-grade Tensor G3 processor brings premium AI features (Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser)
- • Compact and comfortable design with a durable matte finish
- • Includes wireless charging (rare at this price point)
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Large bezels surround the display, looking dated compared to the Pixel 8
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower than ultrasonic alternatives
- • Gets warm under heavy load due to Tensor G3 efficiency
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Rating:★4.8(13)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Graphics:Adreno 730
RAM:8GB
Storage:128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Display Size:6.4"
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak)
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,450 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom
Optical Zoom:3x Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x
Video Recording:8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:10MP, f/2.4
Battery:4,500mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back)
Dimensions:6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:7.37 oz (209 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox
✓ Pros:
- • Dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens (rare in this price bracket)
- • Premium build with IP68 rating and aluminum frame
- • Bright 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (1,450 nits)
- • Full flagship software experience including Samsung DeX
- • Guaranteed long-term software support (4 OS updates)
✗ Cons:
- • Significantly thicker bezels compared to standard S23
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 5 (vs. Victus 2 on S23)
- • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset can be less power-efficient than Gen 2
- • Optical fingerprint sensor is slower than the Ultrasonic sensor on S23
- • Charging speed capped at 25W
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the better buy for most people - its dedicated 3x optical zoom crushes the Google Pixel 8a's camera versatility.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if: you want 7 years of software updates, prefer a compact design at 6.1 inches, or value a vibrant display at 2,000 nits peak brightness.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if: you shoot a lot of photos, need a premium build with IP68 rating, or want faster charging at 25W.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 8a excels if you value unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is better if you prioritize dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens (rare in this price bracket). Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.