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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 8
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the premium option here, but the Google Pixel 8 brings some serious flagship features. What matters most here is the Pixel 8's incredible 7-year OS and security update promise, a game-changer for long-term users. In real-world use, the S23 FE packs a powerful 50MP main camera with a dedicated 3x optical zoom, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8's Actua display hits a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, perfect for outdoor use, especially on sunny days. Choose wisely based on your priorities!
📱 Display: 6.4" vs 6.2"🔋 Battery: 4500 mAh vs 4575 mAh⚖️ Weight: 7.37 oz vs 6.60 oz
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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 8
★4.6
(1,129)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
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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 8
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.4"Winner
Google Pixel 8
6.2"
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)
Google Pixel 8
60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Google Pixel 8
Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
8GB
Google Pixel 8
8GB LPDDR5X
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Google Pixel 8
128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Google Pixel 8
50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Google Pixel 8
12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
4,500mAh (Typical)
Google Pixel 8
4,575mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Google Pixel 8
18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
7.37 oz (209 g)
Google Pixel 8
6.60 oz (187 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 8
5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
Google Pixel 8
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), 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 8
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8(13)Best Buy
Google Pixel 8
★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Google Pixel 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(13)Best Buy | ★4.6(1,129)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates | 7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific* | Google Tensor G3 (4nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 730 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
RAM | 8GB | 8GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion) | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 |
Display Size | 6.4" | 6.2" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak) | Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive) | 60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS) |
Peak Brightness | 1,450 nits (Peak) | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF | 50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV | 12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus) |
Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps | 4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser |
Front Camera | 10MP, f/2.4 | 10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps |
Battery | 4,500mAh (Typical) | 4,575mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) | 27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | 15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse) | 18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | USB Type-C 3.2 |
Durability | IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm) | 5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 7.37 oz (209 g) | 6.60 oz (187 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible) |
Extras | Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox | VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8) |
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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 8
Rating:★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Display Size:6.2"
Screen Type:Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi
Refresh Rate:60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser
Front Camera:10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps
Battery:4,575mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately)
Wireless Charging:18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back)
Dimensions:5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.60 oz (187 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible)
Extras:VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8)
✓ Pros:
- • Unprecedented 7 years of full OS and security updates
- • Actua display is exceptionally bright (2,000 nits) and sharp
- • Face Unlock is now secure enough for banking/payments (Class 3)
- • Compact form factor with premium satin metal and glass finish
- • Smartest software features in class (Call Screen, Magic Editor)
✗ Cons:
- • Storage uses older UFS 3.1 standard (competitors use faster UFS 4.0)
- • Tensor G3 chip trails Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 in raw power and efficiency
- • Optical fingerprint sensor is slower/less reliable than ultrasonic rivals
- • Charging speed (27W) is relatively slow
- • Ultrawide camera lacks the higher resolution (48MP) found on the Pro model
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 8 is the better buy for most people - its 7 years of updates crushes the S23 FE's 4 years.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if: you need a dedicated 3x optical zoom for photography, prefer a larger display at 6.4", or want a robust build with IP68 certification.
Choose the Google Pixel 8 if: you value long-term software updates, want an exceptionally bright screen (2,000 nits), or enjoy smart software features like Call Screen and Magic Editor.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
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 8 is better if you prioritize unprecedented 7 years of full os and security updates. 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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