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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 7a
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra wins this matchup, especially for photography lovers, with a staggering 200MP camera compared to the Google Pixel 7a's 64MP. If you're into high-quality photos and gaming, the S23 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip offers performance that crushes the mid-range competition. The decision comes down to what you value most—ultimate performance and camera quality or a more budget-friendly option.
📱 Display: 6.8" vs 6.1"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4385 mAh
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
★4.4
(1,332)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 740
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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 Ultra
Google Pixel 7a
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
6.1"
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
1–120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
90Hz (Smooth Display)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Google Pixel 7a
Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5XWinner
Google Pixel 7a
8GB LPDDR5
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
200MP Wide (f/1.7, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OISWinner
Google Pixel 7a
64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Google Pixel 7a
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
5,000 mAh (Typical)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
4,385mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Google Pixel 7a
7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
8.25 oz (234 g)
Google Pixel 7a
6.83 oz (193.5 g)Winner
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 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 Ultra
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB
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 Ultra vs Google Pixel 7a
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
★4.4(1,332)Best Buy
Google Pixel 7a
★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Google Pixel 7a |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,332)Best Buy | ★4.5(1,343)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates | 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 740 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X | 8GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.1" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | OLED, 90Hz, HDR |
Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 90Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 1,750 nits (Peak) | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 200MP Wide (f/1.7, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS | 64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 100x Space Zoom | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps | 4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Typical) | 4,385mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately) | 18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB | 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 resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm) | 6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm) |
Weight | 8.25 oz (234 g) | 6.83 oz (193.5 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox | Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One |
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Rating:★4.4(1,332)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 740
RAM:8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X
Storage:256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)
Display Size:6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display
Resolution:3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,750 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:200MP Wide (f/1.7, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS
Optical Zoom:3x, 10x Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 100x Space Zoom
Video Recording:8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps
Front Camera:12MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF
Battery:5,000 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Dimensions:6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:8.25 oz (234 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition
Extras:Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom
- • Custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy provides top-tier performance
- • Excellent battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
- • Integrated S Pen adds unique productivity features
- • Premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP68 rating
✗ Cons:
- • Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors
- • Large and heavy (8.25 oz) form factor is difficult for one-handed use
- • Expensive starting price
- • No microSD card slot for expandable storage
- • Included USB cable is only USB 2.0 despite port supporting 3.2
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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 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 200MP camera crushes the Pixel 7a's 64MP. That said, grab the Pixel 7a if you want to save money and still get solid performance - it's lighter at 6.83oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if: you need a top-tier camera for photography, you often play graphics-intensive games, or you want a long-lasting battery for heavy use. (6.8" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Choose the Google Pixel 7a if: you want a compact phone that still excels at photography, you need a reliable device for everyday tasks, or you're looking to save money without sacrificing too much performance. (6.1" display, 90 Hz refresh)
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 Ultra excels if you value class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom. 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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