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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 7a
Get the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE unless you need a more budget-friendly alternative. The numbers tell the story: a 6.4" display with a stunning 120Hz refresh rate vs the Pixel 7a's 6.1" at 90Hz. The Pixel 7a, while impressive with its 64MP camera, falls short with just an 18W charging speed. If you're looking for premium features, the S23 FE is worth the upgrade for its superior camera setup and display quality.
📱 Display: 6.4" vs 6.1"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 4500 mAh vs 4385 mAh
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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
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Google Pixel 7a
★4.5
(1,343)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Google Pixel 7a
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.4"Winner
Google Pixel 7a
6.1"
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
90Hz (Smooth Display)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Google Pixel 7a
Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
8GB
Google Pixel 7a
8GB LPDDR5
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Google Pixel 7a
128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Google Pixel 7a
64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8xWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Google Pixel 7a
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
4,500mAh (Typical)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
4,385mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Google Pixel 7a
7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
7.37 oz (209 g)
Google Pixel 7a
6.83 oz (193.5 g)Winner
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm)
Google Pixel 7a
6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
Google Pixel 7a
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), 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: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 7a
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8(13)Best Buy
Google Pixel 7a
★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Google Pixel 7a |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(13)Best Buy | ★4.5(1,343)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates | 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific* | Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor |
Graphics | Adreno 730 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
RAM | 8GB | 8GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion) | 128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.4" | 6.1" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak) | OLED, 90Hz, HDR |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive) | 90Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 1,450 nits (Peak) | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF | 64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps | 4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 10MP, f/2.4 | 13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps |
Battery | 4,500mAh (Typical) | 4,385mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) | 18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included) |
Wireless Charging | 15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse) | 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
Durability | IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm) | 6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm) |
Weight | 7.37 oz (209 g) | 6.83 oz (193.5 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox | Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One |
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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
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Google Pixel 7a
Rating:★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
RAM:8GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Display Size:6.1"
Screen Type:OLED, 90Hz, HDR
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi
Refresh Rate:90Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps
Battery:4,385mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included)
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions:6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Weight:6.83 oz (193.5 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading still photography with 64MP sensor and Google computational magic
- • Tensor G2 chip brings flagship-level AI features (Voice Typing, Magic Eraser) to mid-range
- • 90Hz OLED display is a significant upgrade over previous A-series 60Hz panels
- • Includes wireless charging (7.5W), a rarity in this price segment
- • Compact, ergonomic size with IP67 water/dust resistance
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower/less reliable than ultrasonic ones
- • Battery life is average; Tensor G2 can run warm under load
- • Large bezels relative to screen size compared to the Pixel 8a or Galaxy S23 FE
- • Only one storage option (128GB) with no microSD expansion
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Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the better buy for most people - its 6.4" 120Hz display crushes the 6.1" 90Hz on the Pixel 7a.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if: you want a larger 6.4" display, need a dedicated 3x optical zoom for photography, or require faster 25W charging.
Choose the Google Pixel 7a if: you take lots of photos with its 64MP camera, want a compact size for easy handling, or are looking to save money without sacrificing quality.
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?
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE excels if you value dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens (rare in this price bracket). Google Pixel 7a is better if you prioritize class-leading still photography with 64mp sensor and google computational magic. 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.
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